Phlorotannin production and lipid oxidation as a potential protective function against high photosynthetically active and UV radiation in gametophytes of Alaria esculenta (Alariales, Phaeophyceae)

Radiation damage can inter alia result in lipid peroxidation of macroalgal cell membranes. To prevent photo-oxidation within the cells, photoprotective substances such as phlorotannins are synthesized. In the present study, changes in total fatty acids (FA), FA composition and intra/extracellular phlorotannin contents were determined by gas chromatography and the Folin-Ciocalteu method to investigate the photoprotective potential of phlorotannins to prevent lipid peroxidation. Alaria esculenta juveniles (Phaeophyceae) were exposed over 20 days to high/low photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in combination with UV radiation (UVR) in the treatments: PAB (low/high PAR + UV-B + UV-A), PA (low/high PAR + UV-A) or low/high PAR only. While extracellular phlorotannins increased after 10 days, intracellular phlorotannins increased with exposure time and PA and decreased under PAB. Interactive effects of time:radiation wavebands, time:PAR dose as well as radiation wavebands:PAR dose were observed. Low FA contents were detected in the PA and PAB treatments; interactive effects were observed between time:high PAR and PAB:high PAR. Total FA contents were correlated to extra/intracellular phlorotannin contents. Our results suggest that phlorotannins might play a role in intra/extracellular protection by absorption and oxidation processes. Changes in FA content/composition upon UVR and high PAR might be considered as an adaptive mechanism of the A. esculenta juveniles subjected to variations in solar irradiance.     

Antioxidative Responses of Two Marine Microalgae During Acclimation to Static and Fluctuating Natural UV Radiation

Photoacclimation properties were investigated in two marine microalgae exposed to four ambient irradiance conditions: static photosynthetically active radiation (PAR: 400–700 nm), static PAR + UVR (280–700 nm), dynamic PAR and dynamic PAR + UVR. High light acclimated cultures of Thalassiosira weissflogii and Dunaliella tertiolecta were exposed outdoors for a maximum of 7 days. Dynamic irradiance was established by computer controlled vertical movement of 2 L bottles in a water filled basin. Immediate (<24 h), short-term (1–3 days) and long-term (4–7 days) photoacclimation was followed for antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione cycling), growth and pigment pools. Changes in UVR sensitivity during photoacclimation were monitored by measuring UVR-induced inhibition of carbon assimilation under standardized UV conditions using an indoor solar simulator. Both species showed immediate antioxidant responses due to their transfer to the outdoor conditions. Furthermore, upon outdoor exposure, carbon assimilation and growth rates were reduced in both species compared with initial conditions; however, these effects were most pronounced in D. tertiolecta . Outdoor UV exposure did not alter antioxidant levels when compared with PAR-only controls in both species. In contrast, growth was significantly affected in the static UVR cultures, concurrent with significantly enhanced UVR resistance. We conclude that antioxidants play a minor role in the reinforcement of natural UVR resistance in T. weissflogii and D. tertiolecta .     

UV Sensitivity of Vegetative and Reproductive Tissues of Two Antarctic Brown Algae is Related to Differential Allocation of Phenolic Substances

UV sensitivity of the vegetative and reproductive tissues of two Antarctic brown macroalgae was compared. Photosynthesis as well as the content and localization of phenolic substances were determined. Responses to UV radiation were quantified as chlorophyll fluorescence (F_v/F_m). Ascoseira mirabilis showed high UV tolerance, while in Cystosphaera jacquinotii F_v/F_m decreased by 15–21%, the receptacles being more tolerant than the vegetative blades. The phlorotannin contents showed an opposite pattern: the soluble fraction dominated in C. jacquinotii while in A. mirabilis the insoluble fraction was more abundant. Soluble phlorotannins were higher in the reproductive than in vegetative tissues in both species. Images of tissue cross‐sections under violet‐blue light excitation confirmed a high allocation of phenolic compounds (as blue autofluorescence) in C. jacquinotii, both in reproductive and vegetative blades. The allocation and proportions of the soluble and insoluble phlorotannins could be related with the observed UV tolerance of the vegetative and reproductive tissues.     

Stress Tolerance of the Endemic Antarctic Brown Alga Desmarestia anceps to UV Radiation and Temperature is Mediated by High Concentrations of Phlorotannins

The endemic Antarctic brown macroalga Desmarestia anceps is strongly shade‐adapted, but shows also a high capacity to cope with different environmental stressors, e.g. UV radiation and temperature. Therefore, this species colonizes wide depth gradients, which are characterized by changing environmental conditions. In this study, we examine whether the different physiological abilities allowing D. anceps to grow across a wide depth range is determined by high levels of phlorotannins. Photosynthesis, measured by PAM‐fluorometry, the contents of soluble phlorotannins, antioxidant capacities of field grown were analyzed in response to different conditions of radiation (PAR and PAR + UV) and temperature (2, 7 and 12°C). The results show that maximal quantum of fluorescence (F_v/F_m) decreased with increasing doses of UV radiation, but remained unaffected by temperature. High levels of soluble phlorotannins were detected and confirmed by microscopic observation revealing the abundance of large physodes. Exposure to UV radiation and elevated temperature showed that phlorotannins were not inducible by UV but increased at 12°C. ROS scavenging capacity was positively correlated with the contents of phlorotannins. In general, highest contents of phlorotannins were correlated with the lowest inhibition of F_v/F_m in all experimental treatments, highlighting the UV‐protective role of these compounds in D. anceps.     

Induction of Phlorotannins During UV Exposure Mitigates Inhibition of Photosynthesis and DNA Damage in the Kelp Lessonia nigrescens

Phlorotannins of brown algae are multifunctional compounds with putative roles in herbivore deterrence, antioxidation and as primary cell wall components. Due to their peripheral localization and absorption at short wavelengths, a photoprotective role is suggested. We examined the induction of phlorotannins by artificial UV radiation in the intertidal kelp Lessonia nigrescens and whether they attenuate the inhibition of photosynthesis and DNA damage, two major detrimental effects of UV. The soluble and cell wall-bound fractions of phlorotannins were quantified in blades collected in summer and winter. Major findings were that (1) the synthesis of phlorotannins (both forms) was induced by UV only in summer; (2) the induction was fast (within 3 days); and (3) there was a positive relationship between of the contents of insoluble phlorotannins and the suppression of photoinhibition and DNA damage, measured as formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and 6-4 photoproducts. Overall, the photoprotective role of phlorotannins appears to respond to an interplay between the external UV stimulus, seasonal acclimation and intrinsic morpho-functional processes. In summer, when algae are naturally exposed to high UV irradiances, soluble phlorotannins are induced, while their transition to insoluble phlorotannins could be related with the growth requirements, as active blade elongation occurs during this season.     

Phlorotannin and antioxidant responses upon short-term exposure to UV radiation and elevated temperature in three south Pacific kelps

Rapid adjustments of the photosynthetic machinery and efficient antioxidant mechanisms to scavenge harmful ROS are physiologic adaptions exhibited by intertidal seaweeds to persist in temperate regions. This study examines short-term (3 h) responses of three large kelps from the cold-temperate coast of Chile, normally adapted to water temperatures <16°C, but exposed abruptly to simultaneous high temperatures and UV radiation during low tide in summer. The kelps were exposed in the laboratory to three temperatures (10, 20 and 28°C) with and without UV radiation, and photochemical reactions, concentration of phlorotannins and antioxidant activity were examined. The exposure to elevated temperature (slightly exacerbated by the presence of UV radiation) decreased photochemical processes (measured as fluorescence kinetics) in the three studied species and increased lipid peroxidation in two of them. The concentration of total soluble phlorotannins was variable and correlated with the antioxidant activity in the presence of UV radiation. Insoluble phlorotannins did not change during the exposure. In all, the downregulation of the photochemical machinery, which was expressed as dynamic photoinhibition, and the rapid induction of soluble phlorotannins triggered by UV radiation minimized the effects of oxidative stress and maintained the operation of photochemical processes during short-term thermal stress.     

THE WAVELENGTH DEPENDENCE OF 8-METHOXYPSORALEN PHOTOSENSITIZATION OF HOST CAPACITY INACTIVATION IN A MAMMALIAN CELL-VIRUS SYSTEM

Abstract— The addition of 8-methoxypsoralen to cultures of African green monkey cells (CV-I) sensitized the inactivation by near UV radiation (302–370 nm) of the ability of the cells to host herpes simplex virus. No sensitizing effect by drug addition was noted for far UV radiation (232–297 nm). An action spectrum for the photosensitized inactivation of this cellular parameter was obtained. This action spectrum is consistent with the absorption spectrum of 8-methoxypsoralen.     

Effects of PAR and UV‐B Radiation on Herbal Yield,Bioactive Compounds and Their Antioxidant Capacity of Some Medicinal Plants Under Controlled Environmental Conditions

Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and Ultraviolet B (UV‐B) radiation are among the main environmental factors acting on herbal yield and biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of biologically effective UV‐B light (280–315 nm) and PAR (400–700 nm) on herbal yield, content and composition, as well as antioxidant capacity of essential oils and polyphenols of lemon catmint (Nepeta cataria L. f. citriodora), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L.) under controlled greenhouse cultivation. Intensive UV‐B radiation (2.5 kJ m^?2 d^?1) influenced positively the herbal yield. The essential oil content and composition of studied herbs were mainly affected by PAR and UV‐B radiation. In general, additional low‐dose UV‐B radiation (1 kJ m^?2d^?1) was most effective for biosynthesis of polyphenols in herbs. Analysis of major polyphenolic compounds provided differences in sensitivity of main polyphenols to PAR and UV‐B radiation. Essential oils and polyphenol‐rich extracts of radiated herbs showed essential differences in antioxidant capacity by the ABTS system. Information from this study can be useful for herbal biomass and secondary metabolite production with superior quality under controlled environment conditions.     

PHOTOREACTIVATION OF ICR 2A FROG CELLS AFTER EXPOSURE TO MONOCHROMATIC ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION IN THE 252–313 nm RANGE

Abstract— Exposure of ICR 2A frog cells to photoreactivating light after treatment with monochromatic ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the 252–313 nm range resulted in an increase in survival with similar photoreactivable sectors for each of the wavelengths tested. As photoreactivating enzyme is specific for the repair of pyrimidine dimers in DNA, these findings support the hypothesis that these are critical lesions responsible for killing of cells exposed to UV radiation in this wavelength range. The action spectra for cell killing and production of UV-endonuclease sensitive sites were similar to the DNA absorption spectrum though not identical. Because the number of endonuclease sensitive sites is a reflection of the yield of pyrimidine dimers, these data also suggest that the induction of dimers in DNA by UV radiation in the 252–313 nm range is the principal event leading to cell death.     

Causes of Cell Death Following Ultraviolet B and C Exposures and the Role of Carotenes

Abstract— Ultraviolet B radiation (wavelength 290–310 nm) does not induce any specific lethal effects in the fungus Phy-comyces blakesleeanus , according to a heterokaryon test that responds to the nature of the lethal damage. This agent is about 10 times less lethal than UVC radiation from germicidal lamps (254 nm), but it kills cells through the same photoreactivable lesions, due to the UV absorption of DNA. Carotenes do not protect Phycomyces against UV damage, either B or C, lethal or not. This was shown by Darwinian competition experiments between strains containing very different carotene concentrations and between strains containing similar concentrations of different carotenes (phytoene, lycopene, β-car-otene). A shading effect of carotenes against UV radiation is likely, but it was insignificant under the conditions of the experiments.     

MULTIPLE EFFECTS OF UV RADIATION (265–330 NM) ON FUNGAL SPORE EMERGENCE

We have investigated the influence of narrow-band UV radiation, 265–330 nm. on germination of spores of the fungus Cladosporium cucumerinum Ellis and Arth., using a Xe arc lamp and filters. Reciprocity of time and dose rate was demonstrated when fungal spores were subjected to UV radiation at 325 nm but failed to hold at 265 nm. Based on these findings, data on fluence response, and partial action spectra, we propose that there are two biologically active sites in this organism that are affected by radiation between 265 and 330 nm and that might be influenced by changes in the stratospheric ozone layer: a short-wave-sensitive site (265–295 nm) and a long-wave-sensitive site (300–330 nm). Data obtained with narrow-band interference filters confirmed previous reports of damage to nucleic acid from UV at 265–295 nm and in addition demonstrated significant inhibition by UV at 300–320 nm. Further studies of the 300 330 nm portion of the spectrum, using combinations of plastic and glass filters, showed that the influence of UV radiation in this region was primarily to produce a non-photoreactivable delay in germ-tube emergence.     

Changes induced by ultraviolet light in fluorescence of collagen in the presence of β-carotene

The influence of UV radiation (253.7 nm) on collagen fluorescence in the absence, and presence, of β-carotene was investigated. It was found that UV radiation of 253.7 nm causes irreversible destruction of tyrosyl and phenylalanyl residues. The fluorescence of collagen (excitation at 275 nm, emission at 305 nm) decreased rapidly during irradiation and a new fluorescence large band at 400–500 nm formed under UV radiation. Smaller changes in the fluorescence of collagen in the presence of β-carotene suggest that it makes collagen less sensitive to the action of UV radiation.     

THE WAVELENGTH DEPENDENCE OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS INACTIVATION BY ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

The effect of different wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on Herpes simplex virus when assayed on mammalian cells (measured by plaque forming ability) was investigated. The wavelength dependence of viral inactivation was obtained for 11 different wavelengths over the region 238–297 nm. The resulting action spectrum does not closely follow the absorption spectrum of either nucleic acid or protein. The most effective wavelengths for viral inactivation are over the region 260–280 nm.     

Inactivation of Bacteriophage Infecting Bacteroides Strain GB124 Using UV‐B Radiation

Ultraviolet‐B radiation (280–320 nm) has long been associated with the inactivation of microorganisms in the natural environment. Determination of the environmental inactivation kinetics of specific indicator organisms [used as tools in the field of microbial source tracking (MST)] is fundamental to their successful deployment, particularly in geographic regions subject to high levels of solar radiation. Phage infecting Bacteroides fragilis host strain GB124 (B124 phage) have been demonstrated to be highly specific indicators of human fecal contamination, but to date, little is known about their susceptibility to UV‐B radiation. Therefore, B124 phage (n = 7) isolated from municipal wastewater effluent, were irradiated in a controlled laboratory environment using UV‐B collimated beam experiments. All B124 phage suspensions possessed highly similar first order log‐linear inactivation profiles and the mean fluence required to inactivate phage by 4 ? log¹⁰ was 320 mJ cm^?2. These findings suggest that phage infecting GB124 are likely to be inactivated when exposed to the levels of UV‐B solar radiation experienced in a variety of environmental settings. As such, this may limit the utility of such methods for determining more remote inputs of fecal contamination in areas subject to high levels of solar radiation.     

Synthesis and properties of polyfluorene copolymers bearing thiophene and porphyrin

To search for more wider absorption and higher charge carriers mobilities materials of polymer solar cell, a series of soluble alternating polyfluorene copolymers were synthesized by palladium-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction. Their structures were determined by 1H NMR, IR and UV-vis. And their UV-vis absorption spectra indicated that they had strong absorption over 600 nm spectral range and nearly cover 400-700 nm visible region. The band gaps of copolymers calculated according to cyclic voltammetry （CV） were between 1.96 and 2.03 eV. Polymer：TiO2 bulk-heterojunction films were made from mixtures of polymer and titanium isopropoxide, a precursor for TiO2, via hydrolysis in air overnight. The photoluminescence at 380-800 nm of the blend film of PT-TPP20 （5 mg/mL）：Ti（OC3H7）4 （80 μL/mL） （20% volume fraction） was significantly quenched in the 50% Ti（OC3H7）4 blend film, indicating that rapid and efficient separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs.     

UV-INDUCED DAMAGE OF PHOTORECEPTOR PROTEINS IN THE PARAFLAGELLAR BODY OF Euglena gracilis

Abstract— The paraflagellar body (PFB), the putative photoreceptor for phototaxis in the flagellate Euglena gracilis , was isolated still attached to the flagellum. After solubilization the proteins were separated and analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. To discriminate the PFB-specific proteins from the flagella proteins, flagella without PFB were analyzed, isolated from the flagellate Astasia longa (a chlorophyll-free relative of E. gracilis ), which has no PFB and lacks phototaxis. The absorption spectra of solubilized PFB samples showed a maximum at 415 nm, two shoulders around 380 and 410 nm and two additional small peaks at 515 and 540 nm not present in the control sample without PFB. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed eight PFB-specific proteins with molecular masses in the range of 25000–45000 and isoelectric points in the range of pH 3.5–7. Ultraviolet radiation strongly affects some of these PFB-specific proteins, but also flagella proteins are damaged by UV treatment. There is also a drastic decrease in the PFB-specific absorption maxima after UV irradiation.     

Identification of the Flavonoid Glycosides that Accumulate in Brassica napus L. cv. Topas Specifically in Response to Ultraviolet B Radiation

We have shown in previous work that Brassica napus synthesizes epidermal flavonoids in response to UVB radiation (290–320 nm) and that these compounds are effective at screening the leaf mesophyll from UVB (Wilson and Greenberg, Photochem. Photobiol . 57, 556–563, 1993). This route of acclimation is common to many plant species. However, flavonoids are a highly diverse group of compounds that vary greatly from species to species, and little is known about the specific flavonoids synthesized in response to UVB. To address this, we extracted flavonoids from the leaves of B. napus plants exposed to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR: 400–700 nm), PAR + UVA (320–400 nm) and PAR + UVA + UVB. The compounds were resolved by HPLC and their structures were elucidated. Twelve distinct flavonoid glucosides with quercetin and kaempferol backbones were found. In some cases, a hydroxycinnamic acid moiety was linked via an ester bridge to a glucose. Of the 12 compounds identified, the leaf concentrations of 6 increased in response to UVB: kaempferol-3- O -sophoroside (K2), kaempferol-3- O -sophoroside-7- O -glucoside (Q3), quercetin-3- O -sophoroside (Q2), quercetin-3- O -sophoroside-7- O -glucoside (Q3), K3-coumaroyl ester and Q3-caffeoyl ester. Of these six compounds, K2, K3, Q2 and Q3 accumulated to high enough concentrations to contribute to UVB screening. Interestingly, the extractable amounts of the other six compounds identified were lower in the plants exposed to UVA or UVA + UVB compared to plants exposed only to PAR. Thus, in B. napus UV exposure seems to cause a shift in the population of flavonoid glycosides, with four of the UVB-induced flavonoids being generated in high concentrations.     

ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLEX BAND SPECTRUM OF P700 BASED ON PHOTOSELECTION STUDIES WITH PHOTOSYSTEM I PARTICLES

Abstract— The linear dichroism of the flash induced absorption changes of immobilized photosystem I reaction center particles from spinach chloroplasts has been investigated by means of the photoselection technique. Under flash excitation of predominantly β-carotenes at 500 nm, the photoinduced linear dichroism of the absorption changes has been measured in the spectral region from 620–720 nm. The most prominent feature in the spectrum of the dichroic ratio is the symmetrical pole at 687 nm. In parallel to all photoselection experiments, we recorded the light induced absorption changes of P700 under saturating flash excitation. A Gaussian deconvolution of this well-known difference spectrum of P700 has been attempted taking the additional features of the linear dichroism spectrum into account. From 670-720 nm, the best fit for both spectra was obtained by the following components:

• (1) 

  a disappearing wide band at 695.5 nm (σ= 200.0 cm⁻¹) attributed to the reduced special pair of chlorophyll a (Ch1- a );
• (2) 

  an appearing narrower band at 690 nm (σ= 120.0 cm⁻¹) with half the oscillatory strength of the former tentatively attributed to the non-oxidized moiety in the special pair; and
• (3) 

  a bathochromic bandshift centered at 688.4 nm attributed to the local electrochromic response of certain antennae Ch1- a molecules close to the primary electron donor.

The linear dichroism gives no evidence for any substructure within the absorption band of the reduced special pair.     

Reconstruction of Solar Spectral Surface UV Irradiances Using Radiative Transfer Simulations

UV radiation exerts several effects concerning life on Earth, and spectral information on the prevailing UV radiation conditions is needed in order to study each of these effects. In this paper, we present a method for reconstruction of solar spectral UV irradiances at the Earth's surface. The method, which is a further development of an earlier published method for reconstruction of erythemally weighted UV, relies on radiative transfer simulations, and takes as input (1) the effective cloud optical depth as inferred from pyranometer measurements of global radiation (300–3000 nm); (2) the total ozone column; (3) the surface albedo as estimated from measurements of snow depth; (4) the total water vapor column; and (5) the altitude of the location. Reconstructed daily cumulative spectral irradiances at Jokioinen and Sodankylä in Finland are, in general, in good agreement with measurements. The mean percentage difference, for instance, is mostly within ±8%, and the root mean square of the percentage difference is around 10% or below for wavelengths over 310 nm and daily minimum solar zenith angles (SZA) less than 70°. In this study, we used pseudospherical radiative transfer simulations, which were shown to improve the performance of our method under large SZA (low Sun).     

LONG WAVELENGTH UV RADIATION AFFECTS CHEMILUMINESCENCE OF HUMAN POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUCOCYTES

Abstract— Luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence in suspensions of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes stimulated with the chemotactic oligopeptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine was increased by exposure of the cells to long wavelength UV radiation (mainly320–400 nm). Leucocytes treated with 0.3 × 10⁴ J m^-2 of UV responded with doubled peak values, and 4 × 10⁴ J m^-2 lead to a five-fold increase in peak chemiluminescence, as compared with non-exposed cells. Supernatants isolated from irradiated leucocytes contained increased amounts of both myeloperoxidase and lactate dehydrogenase and showed higher chemiluminescence values, when compared with supernatants from sham-irradiated cells. The results suggest that leucocyte degranulation contributes to the inflammatory properties of long wavelength UV.