Effect of platelet-rich plasma on angiogenic and regenerative properties in patients with critical limb ischemia

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising regenerative therapy due to its simplicity, clinical application, safety, and ability to promote angiogenesis. It utilizes various angiogenic growth factors in platelets, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF), which are integral to the tissue repair. Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a major symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and PRP therapy aims to improve blood circulation to the distal limb through the development of blood vessels. This review focuses on the extensive research on the molecular mechanisms of PRPs in treating CLI. A comprehensive search was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus to find studies published during PRP therapy in critical limb ischemia up to June 2024. Current studies reveal that PRP composition varies by case, affecting preparation methods, storage duration, storage methods, and interaction with other materials. PRP-derived growth factors have shown promising results in treating CLI, but well-controlled human research is scarce despite positive animal studies.

The effect of silver nitrate on the alkaline phosphatase activity, TNF and IL-10 gene expression; Experimental and computational studies

The present study examines the effects of silver nitrate on the activity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and its regulatory influence on inflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). These parameters are critical for elucidating the biochemical and immunological responses associated with metal exposure. The research employed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques to quantify IL-10 and TNF-α levels using serum assay kits. Additionally, gel filtration chromatography with Sephacryl S300 demonstrated that serum from silver nitrate-treated groups exhibited a significantly elevated concentration of high molecular weight alkaline phosphatase compared to control groups. In the TNF-α ELISA assay, no significant differences were observed between the control and treatment groups 15 days post-injection of silver nitrate. However, a statistically significant alteration was detected in both groups 45 days post-injection (P < 0.005). Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the optimal binding pose for ALP, based on the docking score, was -5.28 kcal/mol, with a re-ranking score of -7.43 kcal/mol. Collectively, the findings indicate that silver nitrate exerts a significant impact on ALP activity, leading to a sustained increase in TNF-α levels over time, while IL-10 levels remain unaffected.

Deciphering the conformational changes induced by high-risk nsSNPs in β-lactoglobulin

Whey protein from bovine milk is highly valued in the food and pharmaceutical industries because of its high protein content and abundance of essential amino acids. The relationship between whey protein and the β-lactoglobulin (BLG) gene has been extensively discussed because BLG is the most abundant whey protein, making up approximately 50 % of the total whey protein in bovine milk. In recent years, researchers have been interested in this gene because of its critical role in healthy milk production, and any genetic polymorphism in this gene may deteriorate the milk quality. In the current study, we identified several deleterious and damaging non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in BLG and analyzed their destabilizing effects using different computational algorithms. Cumulative results from all tools and evolutionary conservation profiles of BLG suggested that four nsSNPs, G17A, W19C, F136S, and C119R, were the most deleterious and could affect the structural integrity of the protein. Detailed molecular dynamics simulation analysis revealed that all variants induced major structural alterations, that affected the ability of the protein to interact with natural and synthetic ligands. Particularly, the G17A, F136S, and C119R variants induced large conformational changes in the EF loop and main α-helix of BLG, which may affect the access of natural and synthetic ligands to the central calyx of BLG. We hope that the suggested nsSNPs will guide future studies and assist researchers in improving the quality of bovine milk.

Key target genes related to anti-breast cancer activity of ATRA: A network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental investigation

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has promising activity against breast cancer. However, the exact mechanisms of ATRA's anticancer effects remain complex and not fully understood. In this study, a network pharmacology and molecular docking approach was applied to identify key target genes related to ATRA's anti-breast cancer activity. Gene/disease enrichment analysis for predicted ATRA targets was performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), and the Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCA) database. Protein-Protein Interaction Network (PPIN) generation and analysis was conducted via Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) and cytoscape, respectively. Cancer-associated genes were evaluated using MyGeneVenn from the CTD. Differential expression analysis was conducted using the Tumor, Normal, and Metastatic (TNM) Plot tool and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). The Glide docking program was used to predict ligand-protein binding. Treatment response predication and clinical profile assessment were performed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Plotter and OncoDB databases, respectively. Cytotoxicity and gene expression were measured using MTT/fluorescent assays and Real-Time PCR, respectively. Molecular functions of ATRA targets (n = 209) included eicosanoid receptor activity and transcription factor activity. Some enriched pathways included inclusion body myositis and nuclear receptors pathways. Network analysis revealed 35 hub genes contributing to 3 modules, with 16 of them were associated with breast cancer. These genes were involved in apoptosis, cell cycle, androgen receptor pathway, and ESR-mediated signaling, among others. CCND1, ESR1, MMP9, MDM2, NCOA3, and RARA were significantly overexpressed in tumor samples. ATRA showed a high affinity towards CCND1/CDK4 and MMP9. CCND1, ESR1, and MDM2 were associated with poor treatment response and were downregulated after treatment of the breast cancer cell line with ATRA. CCND1 and ESR1 exhibited differential expression across breast cancer stages. Therefore, some part of ATRA's anti-breast cancer activity may be exerted through the CCND1/CDK4 complex.

Pro-inflammatory responses after peptide-based cancer immunotherapy

Therapeutic vaccinations are designed to prevent cancer by inducing immune responses against tumor antigens. in cancer cells, tumor-associated antigens (TAA) or tumor-specific (mutated) derived peptides are presented within the clefts of main histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or class II molecules, they either activate cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs), CD4+ T or CD8+ T lymphocytes, which release cytokines that can suppress tumor cells growth. In cancer immunotherapies, CD8+ T lymphocytes are a major mediator of tumor repression. The effect of peptide-based vaccinations on cytokines in the activating CD8+ T cell against targeted tumor antigens is the subject of this review. It is believed that peptide-based vaccines increased IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12, secreting CTL line by interacting with dendritic cell (DC), supposed to stimulate immune system. Additionally, mechanisms of CTL activation and dysfunction were also studied. According to most of the data resulted from in vivo and in vitro research works, it is assumed that peptide-based vaccines increased IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12.

TH1/TH2 Cytokine Profile and Their Relationship with Hematological Parameters in Patients with Acute Limb Ischemia

Background

The progression of acute limb ischemia (ALI) is being significantly influenced by changes in immune system function. The study aimed to determine the dominant immune cell responses (Th1 or Th2) in ALI patients by measuring serum levels of IL-4, IL-12, and IFN-γ. Previous studies indicate altered cytokine levels in cerebral ischemia, but there is no prior research on these cytokines in ALI patients.

Methods

This study involved 34 patients with ALI and 34 healthy controls. Blood samples were analyzed for hematological factors such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, platelet (Plt) count, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT). The levels of serum cytokines IL-4, IL-12, and IFN-γ were measured in both patients and control subjects using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS and GraphPad Prism.

Results

The results showed that serum levels of IL-4 in ALI patients did not significantly differ from those in control groups. Acute limb ischemia exhibited significantly elevated levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ compared to healthy individuals. In addition, no correlation between the production of cytokines and the hematological parameters was found.

Conclusions

Th1 responses are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of ALI, but further research is needed to fully understand their exact role.

Key biomarkers in cerebral arteriovenous malformations: Updated review

The formation of vascular networks consisting of arteries, capillaries, and veins is vital in embryogenesis. It is also crucial in adulthood for the formation of a functional vasculature. Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs) are linked with a remarkable risk of intracerebral hemorrhage because arterial blood is directly shunted into the veins before the arterial blood pressure is dissipated. The underlying mechanisms responsible for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) growth, progression, and rupture are not fully known, yet the critical role of inflammation in AVM pathogenesis has been noted. The proinflammatory cytokines are upregulated in CAVM, which stimulates overexpression of cell adhesion molecules in endothelial cells (ECs), leading to improved leukocyte recruitment. It is well-known that metalloproteinase-9 secretion by leukocytes disrupts CAVM walls resulting in rupture. Moreover, inflammation alters the angioarchitecture of CAVMs by upregulating angiogenic factors impacting the apoptosis, migration, and proliferation of ECs. A better understanding of the molecular signature of CAVM might allow us to identify biomarkers predicting this complication, acting as a goal for further investigations that may be potentially targeted in gene therapy. The present review is focused on the numerous studies conducted on the molecular signature of CAVM and the associated hemorrhage. The association of numerous molecular signatures with a higher risk of CAVM rupture is shown through inducing proinflammatory mediators, as well as growth factors signaling, Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and NOTCH pathways, which are accompanied by cellular level inflammation and endothelial alterations resulting in vascular wall instability. According to the studies, it is assumed that matrix metalloproteinase, interleukin-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor are the biomarkers most associated with CAVM and the rate of hemorrhage, as well as diagnostic methods, with respect to enhancing the patient-specific risk estimation and improving treatment choices.

BBOX1-AS1: A novel oncogenic long non-coding RNA in human cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts that contain more than 200 nucleotides. Despite the fact that they cannot encode proteins, many studies have identified roles they play in human cancers through diverse mechanisms. BBOX1-AS1, an oncogenic lncRNA, has recently been demonstrated to participate in tumorigenesis and progression of numerous cancers. Experimental evidence has determined that it participates in diverse biological process, including cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. The dysregulation of BBOX1-AS1 exerts its oncogenicity by acting as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) or by directly impacting downstream molecules and signaling pathways. Here we summarize the current understanding of the biological functions and clinical significance of BBOX1-AS1 for human cancers.

In silico design and identification of new peptides for mitigating hIAPP aggregation in type 2 diabetes

The aberrant misfolding and self-aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP or amylin) into cytotoxic aggregates are implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Among various inhibitors, short peptides derived from the amyloidogenic regions of hIAPP have been employed as hIAPP aggregation inhibitors due to their low immunogenicity, biocompatibility, and high chemical diversity. Recently, hIAPP fragment HSSNN18-22 was identified as an amyloidogenic sequence and displayed higher antiproliferative activity to RIN-5F cells. Various hIAPP aggregation inhibitors have been designed by chemical modifications of the highly amyloidogenic sequence (NFGAIL) of hIAPP. In this work, a library of pentapeptides based on fragment HSSNN18-22 was designed and assessed for their efficacy in blocking hIAPP aggregation using an integrated computational screening approach. The binding free energy calculations by molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method identified HSSQN and HSSNQ that bind to hIAPP monomer with a binding affinity of -21.25 ± 4.90 and -19.73 ± 3.10 kcal/mol, respectively, which is notably higher as compared to HSSNN (-11.90 ± 4.12 kcal/mol). The sampling of the non aggregation-prone helical conformation was notably increased from 23.5 ± 3.0 in the hIAPP monomer to 38.1 ± 3.6, and 33.8 ± 3.0% on the incorporation of HSSQN, and HSSNQ, respectively, which indicate reduced aggregation propensity of hIAPP monomer. The pentapeptides, HSSQN and HSSNQ, identified as hIAPP aggregation inhibitors in this work can be further conjugated with various metal chelating peptides to yield more efficacious and clinically relevant multifunctional modulators for targeting various pathological hallmarks of T2D.

Mutations Status of NOTCH Signaling Pathway Predict Prognosis of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer

Purpose

In recent years, tumour immunotherapy has ushered in a new era of oncology treatment. However, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of CRC remains limited. There is an urgent clinical need for precise biomarkers that can aid in the screening and treatment of CRC subtypes. Therefore, we focused on the NOTCH pathway mutation status and conducted a systematic analysis for its predictive value of ICI therapy efficacy.

Methods

We collected mutational and clinical data from cohorts of CRC patients treated with ICIs. The relationship between NOTCH pathway mutations (NOTCH-MT) and CRC immunotherapy prognosis was analysed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. CRC cohort data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were combined to obtain a comprehensive overview of immunogenicity and tumour microenvironment (TME) differences among different NOTCH pathway mutation statuses.

Results

We observed greater infiltration of M1 macrophages, CD8+ T cells, neutrophils, and activated natural killer (NK) cells with NOTCH-MT status. Immunogenicity was also significantly higher in patients with NOTCH-MT, as were tumour mutational burden (TMB), neoantigen load (NAL), and the number of mutations in DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways.

Conclusion

NOTCH-MT status was strongly associated with the prognosis of CRC patients treated with ICIs and is expected to serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.

Nanoparticles Containing Oxaliplatin and the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly widespread malignancy and ranks as the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality.

OBJECTIVE

Cancer patients, including those with CRC, who undergo chemotherapy, are often treated with platinum- based anticancer drugs such as oxaliplatin (OXA). Nevertheless, the administration of OXA is associated with a range of gastrointestinal problems, neuropathy, and respiratory tract infections. Hence, it is necessary to devise a potential strategy that can effectively tackle these aforementioned challenges. The use of nanocarriers has shown great potential in cancer treatment due to their ability to minimize side effects, target drugs directly to cancer cells, and improve drug efficacy. Furthermore, numerous studies have been published regarding the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles in the management of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

In this review, we present the most relevant nanostructures used for OXA encapsulation in recent years, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, polysaccharides, proteins, silica nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, and synthetic polymer-carriers. Additionally, the paper provides a summary of the disadvantages and limits associated with nanoparticles.

RESULTS

The use of different carriers for the delivery of oxaliplatin increased the efficiency and reduced the side effects of the drug. It has been observed that the majority of research investigations have focused on liposomes and polysaccharides.

CONCLUSION

This potentially auspicious method has the potential to enhance results and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, additional investigation is required to ascertain the most suitable medium for the transportation of oxaliplatin and to assess its efficacy through clinical trials.

A Novel Hyperthermostable Recombinant Protein Nanocage

Background

Background: Ferritin has an important role in iron storage in the cells, and due to its nanocage structure and self-assembly properties, it has wide application prospects in nanobiotechnology.

Methods

Methods: The maize (Zea mays) ferritin gene ZmFer1 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for the first time. Change in macromolecular structure of ZmFer1 ferritin due to heat treatment was investigated using native PAGE electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Change in the secondary structures of the protein was evaluated using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Moreover, alteration in the conformation of the protein was evaluated using UV-absorption spectra and intrinsic fluorescence spectra. The melting temperature (Tm) of ZmFer1 was obtained using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Finally, the effect of heat on the function of ZmFer1 was assessed by iron loading ability.

Results

Results: The purified ZmFer1 protein showed a homopolymer nanocage structure. The results of native PAGE electrophoresis, DLS, and TEM techniques showed that ZmFer1 protein nanocage is stable to heat treatment up to 90 °C, and some of the protein nanocages retain their macromolecular structures even at 100 °C in liquid aqueous solution. Based on the DSC results, ZmFer1 protein nanocage had a Tm of 81.9 °C. After treatment at 100 °C, stable ZmFer1 protein nanocages were able to store iron atoms.

Conclusion

Conclusion: Recombinant ZmFer1 ferritin with a Tm > 80°C is a hyperthermostable protein nanocage. The results of this study are beneficial for the development of protein nanocages that are stable under extreme temperature conditions, as well as application of ZmFer1 in nanobiotechnology, biomaterials, and biomedical fields.

Zwitterionic polymer coated sorafenib-loaded Fe3O4 composite nanoparticles induced ferroptosis for cancer therapy

Ferroptosis, as a form of cell death different from apoptosis, is very promising for the treatment of cancer in nonapoptotic systems. Since iron is a key component in the induction of ferroptosis in cells, the use of iron-based nanomaterials in treating cancer through ferroptosis is of great significance. Therefore, in this study, magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) were coated with the zwitterionic polymer poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC), and then loaded with sorafenib (SRF) to obtain drug-loaded composite nanoparticles MNP@PMPC-SRF. Fe₃O₄ provided a large number of ferric/ferrous ions as an iron source, releasing Fe²⁺ for the regulation of the ferroptosis process and enhancing the effect of the induced cellular ferroptosis on the treatment of colon cancer with SRF. The zwitterionic polymer PMPC effectively extended the blood circulation time, resulting in an enhanced tumor accumulation of the nanodrug. MNP@PMPC-SRF exhibited good biocompatibility for in vivo application and showed an excellent tumor inhibitory effect on HCT116 tumor-bearing nude mice.

The Use of Molecular Docking and Spectroscopic Methods for Investigation of The Interaction Between Regorafenib with Human Serum Albumin (HSA) and Calf Thymus DNA (Ct-DNA) In The Presence Of Different Site Markers

BACKGROUND

Interactions of drugs with DNA and proteins may modify their biological activities and conformations, which effect transport and biological metabolism of drugs.

OBJECTIVE

In this study the interaction of anticancer drug regorafenib (REG) with calf thymus-DNA (ct-DNA) and human serum albumin (HSA) has been investigated Methods: Hence, for the first time, it was discovered interaction between REG with DNA and HSA using multi-spectroscopic, zeta potential measurements and molecular docking method.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

DNA displacement studies showed that REG does not have any effect on acridine orange and methylene blue bound DNA, though it was substantiated by displacement studies with Hoechst (as groove binder). Furthermore, the different concentrations of REG induce slight changes in the viscosity of ct-DNA. Zeta potential parameters indicated that hydrophobic interaction plays a major role in the DNA-REG complex. Results obtained from molecular docking demonstrate that the REG prefers to bind on the minor groove of DNAs than that of the major groove. Binding properties of HSA reveal that intrinsic fluorescence of HSA could be quenched by REG in a static mode. The competitive experiments in the presence of warfarin and ibuprofen (as site markers) suggested that the binding site of REG to HSA was most probably located in the subdomain IIA. Measurements of the zeta potential indicated that REG bound to HSA mainly by both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. It was found on docking procedures that REG could fit well into HSA subdomain IIA, which confirmed the experimental results.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, REG can be delivered by HSA in a circulatory system and affect DNA as potential target.

Pegylation of phenothiazine – A synthetic route towards potent anticancer drugs

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Antitumor activity of two PEGylated phenotiazines was investigated

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The compounds showed cytotoxic activity against six tumor lines

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They inhibited the tumor growth in experimental mice

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The PEGylation improved the phenothiazine biocompatibility

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A synergistic effect of PEG and phenothiazine toward properties improvement was proved

Introduction

Cancer is a big challenge of the 21 century, whose defeat requires efficient antitumor drugs.

Objectives

The paper aims to investigate the synergistic effect of two structural building blocks, phenothiazine and poly(ethylene glycol), towards efficient antitumor drugs.

Methods

Two PEGylated phenothiazine derivatives were synthetized by attaching poly(ethylene glycol) of 550 Da to the nitrogen atom of phenothiazine by ether or ester linkage. Their antitumor activity has been investigated on five human tumour lines and a mouse tumor line as well, by determination of IC50. The in vivo toxicity was determined by measuring the LD50 in BALB/c mice by the sequential method and the in vivo antitumor potential was measured by the tumours growth test. The antitumor mechanism was investigated by complexation studies of zinc and magnesium ions characteristic to the farnesyltransferase enzyme, by studies of self-aggregation in the cells proximity and by investigation of the antitumor properties of the acid species resulted by enzymatic cleavage of the PEGylated derivatives.

Results

The two compounds showed antitumor activity, with IC50 against mouse colon carcinoma cell line comparable with that of the traditional antitumor drugs 5-Fluorouracil and doxorubicin. The phenothiazine PEGylation resulted in a significant toxicity diminishing, the LD50 in BALB/c mice increasing from 952.38 up to 1450 mg/kg, in phenothiazine equivalents. Both compounds inflicted a 92% inhibition of the tumour growth for doses much smaller than LD50. The investigation of the possible tumour inhibition mechanism suggested the nanoaggregate formation and the cleavage of ester bonds as key factors for the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and biocompatibility improvement.

Conclusion

Phenothiazine and PEG building blocks have a synergetic effect working for both tumour growth inhibition and biocompatibility improvement. All these findings recommend the PEGylated phenothiazine derivatives as a valuable workbench for a next generation of antitumor drugs.