Tetrazolium salts and formazan products in Cell Biology: Viability assessment, fluorescence imaging, and labeling perspectives

In vitro investigation of epigenetic regulators related to chemo-resistance and stemness of CD133+VE cells sorted from U87MG cell line

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant adult primary brain tumor with frequent relapse and resistance to therapies. Glioma stem cells, a rare population, is thought to be the reason behind the treatment's failure. It is imperative to investigate the disease mechanisms and identify the biomarkers by which glioma stem cells would contribute to treatment relapse and resistance to already available chemotherapeutic agents. The CD133+VE cells were isolated from U87MG cell line and characterized by morphological features, cell viability, self-renewal efficiency, migration potential and karyotyping. Doxorubicin Cisplatin, Irinotecan, Etoposide and Temozolomide were used to determine the anti-proliferative effect on CD133+VE cells. Confocal microcopy was used to localize the chemotherapeutic agents in the CD133+VE cells. In quest of epigenetic biomarkers, RNA sequencing was performed to find the role of lncRNAs in stemness and resistance to therapies. U87cell line and CD133-VE cells were kept as controls for all the experiments. It was found that CD133+VEcells were highly proliferative with increased migration potential, elevated IC50 values against chemotherapeutic agents and showed distinct karyotyping related to pluripotency. Chemotherapeutic agent such as Doxorubicin was localized outside the nucleus revealing the drug resistance as evident by confocal microscopy. RNA sequencing revealed 126 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) in CD133+VEcells among which lncRNA LOXL1-AS1 was highly upregulated and lncRNA PAX8-AS1 was significantly downregulated. These lncRNAs has been reported to be related to drug resistance, migration and epithelial- to- mesenchymal transmission (EMT), self-renewal and stemness properties contributing to poor prognosis and disease relapse.

Effect of direct arginine supplementation on growth of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to examine the effect of direct arginine (Arg) supplementation on Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LRG) growth.

METHODS

The probiotic LRG ATCC 53103 was routinely cultured in MRS broth and adjusted to 107 CFU/ml. L-Arg at 0.25% and 0.5% w/v. was directly supplemented to MRS broth containing LRG. Then, LRG with/without supplemented Arg was characterised to determine growth curves for 72 h under a CO2-driven, environment-controlled spectrophotometer. Whereas, end-point McFarland spectrophotometric, metabolic assays (XTT and WST-8), colony forming units (CFU) assessment, live/dead bacterial confocal imaging, and viable DNA quantification were undertaken after 24 h CO2 incubation to determine LRG growth with/without supplemented Arg.

RESULTS

Growth curve analysis revealed similar absorbance profiles with LRG and LRG+0.25% Arg with no overlaps to LRG+0.5% Arg; with a similar trend observed as per end-point McFarland spectrophotometric assessment. The % viability estimated by metabolic assays with LRG and LRG+0.25% Arg was significantly lower than LRG+0.5% Arg (p<0.05). As per CFU assessment, CFU/ml for LRG+0.25% Arg and LRG+0.5% Arg was significantly higher than LRG control (p<0.05). LRG live-dead proportions determined using confocal imaging denote no differences between the groups (p>0.05), with live cell proportions significantly higher than the dead cells (p<0.05). However, LRG cellular density appeared to increase with increasing concentrations of Arg. Additionally, the viable cells quantified with PMA-qPCR significantly increased with increasing concentrations of Arg (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Direct supplementation of 0.5% Arg to LRG enhances LRG growth, demonstrating a promising synbiotic potential. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE (48 WORDS): Primary caries prevention is initiated at biofilms using biotic strategies that modulate the microbiome matrix to maintain ecological homeostasis. The results of the present study establish a deliverable synbiotic of Arg and probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, demonstrating a promising synergism between interventions in the milieu targeted for high caries-risk individuals.

Isoxazolyl steroid blocks the Shh signaling pathway and the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cervical carcinoma cell lines

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 play a leading role in the processes of invasion and metastasis in cervical cancer. Research on the development of MMP inhibitors not yielded the expected results due to their serious side effects. Study of signaling pathways involved in regulation of MMPs expression is of great importance for search of new classes of therapeutic drugs. Aberrant activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is associated with increased MMPs in many types of human cancer. This study investigated the inhibitory action of 17β-((3-butylisoxazol-5-yl)methyl)-androst-5-en-3β-ol on the Shh signaling pathway key genes (Ptch, Smo, Gli) expression and MMP-2, MMP-9 genes expression in human cervical carcinoma cell lines (SiHa and CaSki) and keratinocytes (HaCaT). Cyclopamine was used for comparative analysis. Gene expression analysis was performed using real-time PCR; the effects on survival and cell cycle were studied using the MTT test and flow cytometry method. 17β-((3-butylisoxazol-5-yl)methyl)-androst-5-en-3β-ol had higher cytotoxicity and more effectively blocked the Shh signaling pathway genes and MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes compared to cyclopamine in all cell lines. The results obtained demonstrate potential of 17β-((3-butylisoxazol-5-yl)methyl)-androst-5-en-3β-ol as the anticancer drug that simultaneously block the Shh signaling pathway and MMP expression. We are confident that the search for substances capable of simultaneously affecting several key components involved in tumor progression is of great importance for the creation of next-generation therapeutic agents.

Anticoagulant potential of sulfated galactofucan from Turbinaria ornata: Targeting coagulation pathways and thrombin signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Dysregulation of blood coagulation can result in thrombosis, highlighting the importance of anticoagulants that target both the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of fibrin clot formation. This study explores anticoagulant effects of TOSP-3, a sulfated polysaccharide characterized as [→3)-4-O-SO₃-α-Fucp-(1 → 3)-4-O-SO₃-β-Galp-(1→] from the brown seaweed Turbinaria ornata, composed of sulfated α-(1 → 3)-fucopyranose (Fucp) and β-(1 → 3)-galactopyranose (Galp) units. In vitro analysis revealed that TOSP-3 (25 μg/mL) markedly extended activated partial thromboplastin time (100.49 s) and prothrombin time (77.57 s), highlighting its regulation on both intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation cascades. TOSP-3 induced a substantial reduction in coagulation factor Xa (FXa) expression (89 %) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. It further exhibited a substantial five-fold inhibition of thrombin-catalyzed fibrin polymerization and reduced platelet aggregation by approximately 87 %, compared to the negative control (10 μM ADP). TOSP-3 attenuated thrombin-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization (∼33 %), while concurrently diminishing total thrombin production (33 %), thereby highlighting its inhibitory effects on thrombin-mediated signaling pathways. The sulfate content, structural patterns, and linkage characteristics of TOSP-3 may enable it to inhibit FXa expression and suppress thrombin-catalyzed fibrin polymerization through electrostatic interactions, potentially offering more effective modulation of the coagulation cascade than heparin. These findings highlight the potential of TOSP-3 as a natural anticoagulant for attenuating thrombotic disorders.

A HClO-activated BODIPY based ratiometric fluorescent probe with dual near-infrared channels for differentiating cancerous cells from normal cells and surgical guidance of tumor resection

Cancer (malignant tumor), a serious disease with a high mortality rate, early-stage diagnosis and treatment are very important for cancer therapy. The average concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells is ten times higher than in normal cells, and the overexpression of hypochlorous acid (HClO) is closely associated with cancer progression. Herein, a novel near-infrared (NIR) Golgi apparatus-targetable (GA) fluorescent probe GA-BOD-S was synthesized using the BODIPY and phenothiazine as the basic fluorescence framework for HClO monitoring. GA-BOD-S exhibited a colorimetric and ratiometric dual-mode recognition for HClO with the excellent merits including low detection limit (35 nM), fast response time (within 13 s), and exceptional GA targeting capability (Pearson's coefficient 0.98). Notably, both fluorescence emission wavelengths of GA-BOD-S before and after reaction with HClO are located in the NIR region, significantly enhancing the quality of fluorescence imaging in vivo. Cellular experiments revealed that GA-BOD-S can effectively visualize both endogenous and exogenous HClO within cells and living zebrafish. GA-BOD-S was successfully employed for high-contrast imaging of cancer cells and normal cells based on the differences in intracellular ROS levels, and achieved in-situ imaging of tumors in vivo. Furthermore, the precision of tumor resection surgery was significantly improved under the guidance of fluorescence probe GA-BOD-S, which provided a new perspective for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer disease.

Unveiling the Role of Intracellular Dissolution Equilibria in the Antioxidant Mechanism of Ceria Nanoparticles

It is well-known that ceria nanoparticles (CNPs) exhibit significant antioxidant activity, offering potential applications in the treatment of ROS-related pathologies. This activity of CNPs as a nanozyme is typically interpreted by considering Ce(III)/Ce(IV) equilibria on the nanoparticles' surface. However, the validity of this mechanism has never been directly proven in a biological context. Furthermore, it is often overlooked that after endocytosis, CNPs are compartmentalized within endolysosomes, while ROS are primarily located in the cytoplasm, making their direct interaction difficult. This study presents chemical and biological evidence supporting an alternative mechanism of action. By utilizing synchrotron μXRF and μXANES analysis on individual cells, the study shows that the amount of Ce(III), the species responsible for the antioxidant activity, increases linearly with time within the endolysosomes, where CNPs are accumulated, and in their vicinity. Such an increase can be explained by the release of Ce3+ ions resulting from a partial reductive dissolution of CNPs in the acidic environment of the endolysosomes. The Ce3+ ions can then cross the endolysosomal membrane, reaching the cytosol, where they can exert their reducing activity on ROS. In fact, neutralizing the acidic endolysosomal pH results in a complete inhibition of the CNP activity. Consequently, CNP antioxidant activity should be regarded as the result of redox processes that extend beyond the nanoparticles surface but involve complex dissolution equilibria.

Microfluidic chip systems for color-based antimicrobial susceptibility test a review

Clinical bacteria pose a significant public health threat, underscoring the need for reliable and rapid diagnostic methods for early disease detection, which can facilitate patient recovery. Current diagnostic methods for rapid pathogen detection often take hours to days and require numerous reagents and lengthy protocols. Microfluidic chip system offers a promising solution for clinical microbiology detection by reducing detection time with minimal setup and providing a point-of-care solution for patients. These systems are also easier to handle and, with advancements in technology, offer more conclusive observations. This review focuses on recent developments in microfluidic chip-based systems that use colored fluorescent and non-fluorescent dyes for phenotypic tests in clinical pathogen detection. Recent advancements in non-conventional observation methods, such as smartphones and software combined with microscopy, are paving the way for microfluidic systems to revolutionize point-of-care devices. Significant challenges for these systems include antimicrobial susceptibility testing protocols, which depend on color formation, observation methods, and reducing detection time. In the future, working with live cultures remains a major hurdle in developing efficient and accurate microfluidic diagnostic systems for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Siamese crocodile serum hydrolysate peptides: Potent tyrosinase inhibitors and melanogenesis regulators for hyperpigmentation

Melanin safeguards cells from UV radiation, while also giving them colour (pigmentation). However, excessive melanin production (hyperpigmentation) can cause unwanted side effects such as skin freckles and food browning. As a result, there is a desire to control and in particular reduce melanin production. This study aims to identify bioactive peptides derived from Crocodylus siamensis serum that inhibit tyrosinase, which is a key enzyme in melanin production. We demonstrate hydrolysis of Crocodylus siamensis serum produces peptides that are potent inhibitors of tyrosinase. We demonstrate that alkaline hydrolysis is the most effective method (IC50 = 0.4323 ± 0.049 μg/μL) and use peptidomic analysis to identify two peptides, HG8 (HIVGRGAG) and RI10 (RNIKASHILI), that are as effective alone as the serum hydrolysate. Our results show that both peptides could inhibit cellular tyrosinase activity and reduce melanin accumulation by down-regulating the expression levels of MITF, TYR, TRP1 and TRP2, which are key regulators of melanogenesis. The peptides also reduce the expression levels of Rab27A, MLPH, Myosin Va, Rab17 and gp100, suggesting they suppress melanosome maturation and transport. Furthermore, both peptides show antioxidant properties in B16F10 cells. These findings hold significant promise for the development of tyrosinase inhibitory peptides as therapeutic agents for hyperpigmentation.

The Role of WNT5a and TGF-β1 in Airway Remodelling and Severe Asthma

BACKGROUND

Airway remodelling is a feature of severe asthma with airway epithelial damage observed frequently. We evaluated the role of WNT5a and TGF-β1 in asthmatic airway biopsies and in sputum and bronchial brushings assessed their role in remodelling.

METHODS

WNT5a and TGF-β1 protein expression were assessed in the lamina propria epithelium of people with asthma (GINA 1-3, n-8 and GINA 4-5, n-14) and healthy subjects (n-9), alongside relevant remodelling markers. The effects of WNT5a and TGF-β1 on BEAS-2B epithelial cell wound healing and differentiation were assessed in vitro. Replication was performed in the Unbiased Biomarkers for the Prediction of Respiratory Disease Outcomes (U-BIOPRED) study in sputum (n = 120) and bronchial brushes (n = 147).

RESULTS

WNT5a and TGF-β1 protein expression were significantly increased in the airway epithelium and lamina propria in asthma patients with concurrent airflow limitation or severe disease. Furthermore, WNT5a protein expression in the lamina propria correlated with tissue eosinophils and vascular remodelling. Airway epithelial WNT5a was co-localised predominantly to airway basal cells and correlated with Th17 gene expression (r = 0.40, p = 0.025) and both the % intact (rs = 0.54, p = 0.001) and % denuded epithelium (rs = -0.39, p = 0.003). Experiments in BEAS-2B cells confirmed that WNT5a at maximal physiological concentrations (1 μg/mL), promoted epithelial wound healing, independently of TGF-β1, as well as induction of EMT-like morphology. WNT5a mRNA was associated with severe asthma, airflow limitation, sputum eosinophilia and Th2, and Th17 and neutrophil activation transcriptomes in sputum in U-BIOPRED.

CONCLUSION

WNT5a is associated with both airway remodelling and severe asthma.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01982162.

Efficient synthesis and evaluation of therapeutic potential of fluorine containing 2-arylchromen-4-ones

A large series of 2-arylchromen-4-ones containing from 1 to 3 fluorine atoms or a trifluoromethyl group in the structure was synthesized by condensation of fluorinated 2-hydroxyacetophenones with benzaldehydes in an alkaline medium and subsequent oxidative cyclization of the resulting 2'-hydroxychalcones by action of I2 in DMSO. The cytotoxicity of the obtained compounds was studied in glioblastoma cell line, SNB19, and in a monkey-derived normal kidney epithelium cell line, Vero. In addition, antiglycation activity of the obtained compounds was evaluated. The inhibitory activity of some fluorinated 2-arylchromen-4-ones against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and carboxylesterase as well their primary antioxidant activity in ABTS and FRAP tests were investigated. Screening of the synthesized compounds for their inhibitory activity against influenza A virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) in the MDCK cell culture revealed that fluorinated compounds 32, 31 and 39 showed manifest antiviral effects (with IS = 57, 38 and 25 correspondingly) that makes this series of new biologically attractive fluorinated heterocycles promising for further development and in-depth study.

Necroptotic Suppression of Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration: A Comprehensive In Vitro and In Silico Study to Determine New Molecular Targets for Pexidartinib

In this study, the cytotoxic effects of pexidartinib (PLX), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for tenosynovial giant cell tumor through inhibition of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), against A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells and Beas-2B healthy bronchial cells were investigated by in detailed in-vitro and in-silico studies. Through MTT assays, PLX demonstrated significant inhibition of A549 cell viability with IC50 values of 2.15 and 1.3 µM at 24 and 48 h, respectively, while having minimal effects on Beas-2B cells, with IC50 values of 36.2 and 9.3 µM. The high selectivity index indicates PLX's preferential action against cancerous cells. The mechanism of cell death induced by PLX was further explored using Annexin V/PI staining and flow cytometry, revealing that PLX primarily induces necrosis in A549 cells, with an increase in necrotic cell populations and reduced efficacy at higher concentrations. Western blot analysis showed an upregulation of necroptosis markers (RIP3 and pMLKL) in A549 cells, while apoptotic markers like Caspase-3 remained unchanged. In addition, wound healing assays demonstrated that PLX significantly inhibits A549 cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking studies identified key amino acids involved in PLX binding interactions with target proteins. RIPK1 showed the strongest binding affinity. MD simulations revealed that the PLX-VEGFR2 complex was the most stable. As conclusion, PLX, although approved for tenosynovial giant cell tumors, shows promising potential for lung adenocarcinoma treatment. It selectively inhibits cancer cell viability, induces necroptosis, and reduces cell migration. Its stronger binding to RIPK1 and VEGFR2 more than CSF1R.

Strategic base modifications refine RNA function and reduce CRISPR-Cas9 off-targets

In contrast to traditional RNA regulatory approaches that modify the 2'-OH group, this study explores strategic base modifications using 5-carboxylcytosine (ca5C). We developed a technique where ca5C is transformed into dihydrouracil via treatment with borane-pyridine complex or 2-picoline borane complex, leading to base mutations that directly impact RNA functionality. This innovative strategy effectively manages CRISPR-Cas9 system activities, significantly minimizing off-target effects. Our approach not only demonstrates a significant advancement in RNA manipulation but also offers a new method for the precise control of gene editing technologies, showcasing its potential for broad application in chemical biology.

Modulation of Mitochondria-Endoplasmic Reticulum Contacts (MERCs) by Small Molecules as a New Strategy for Restoring Lipid Metabolism in an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Model

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease without effective treatment. The progressive motoneuron death in ALS is associated with alterations in lipid metabolism. As its regulation occurs in mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAMs), modulation of mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs) is emerging as a crucial factor in MAM formation and lipid metabolism control. Using the MERLIN biosensor in a high-throughput screening within the EU-OPENSCREEN ERIC, we discovered small molecules that increase MERCs in HCT116 cells, enhancing their ability to uptake cholesterol. We demonstrated that cholesterol trafficking is decreased in an ALS patient-derived cell model, and this trafficking is restored after treatment with the discovered MERC modulator 24. Electron microscopy revealed that treatment with compound 24 increases MERCs, promotes lipid droplet formation, and restores mitochondrial cristae. Overall, the brain-permeable MERC modulator, compound 24, may serve as a valuable pharmacological tool for studying MAM function and holds potential for in vivo studies in ALS and other MAM dysfunction diseases.

Influence of stromal neural crest progenitor cells on neuroblastoma radioresistance

PURPOSE

A substantial proportion of children with high risk Neuroblastoma die within the first 5 years post-diagnosis despite the complex treatment applied. In the recent years, tumor environment has been revealed as key factor for cancer treatment efficacy. In this sense, non-tumorigenic Neural Crest progenitor cells from high risk patients, have been described as part of Neuroblastoma stroma, promoting tumor growth and contributing to mesenchyme formation. In this paper we wanted to study the radiobiological behavior of these cells (NB14t) and how they influence the growth of tumorigenic neuroblasts after radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To achieve our aim, we employed a wide list of methods either using NB14t cells as well as commercial NB cells. We have analyzed viability, survival, cell cyle profiles and differentiation. In addition, cocultured experiments were performed to monitor the influence of stroma cells to tumorigenic neuroblasts.

RESULTS

We found that stromal progenitor cells showed an extraordinary radio-resistance either cultured in attached or suspension conditions. In good agreement, we found an enhanced repair of irradiation-induced DNA lesions as compared with commercial cell lines. In addition, according to our data these cells differentiate into a Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs)-like phenotype, hence contributing to the formation of mesenchymal stroma enhancing the growth of tumor cells after irradiation.

CONCLUSION

Our data show that neural progenitor cells from high risk NB stroma are radio-resistant and promote cancer growth after irradiation. This paper can help to understand the complex cell relationships within a tumor that will determine patient prognosis after radiotherapy.

Effect of cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis plant derivative, against Candida albicans growth and biofilm formation

HIGHLIGHTS

Cannabidiol (CBD) decreases the growth of C. albicans. CBD inhibits the yeast-to-hyphae transition. CBD reduces biofilm formation by C. albicans. CBD induces C. albicans death through necrosis.

Development of peptone-based serum-free media to support Vero CCL-81 cell proliferation and optimize SARS-CoV2 viral production

BACKGROUND

Developing an optimal media for Vero cell lines is crucial as it directly influences cell survival, proliferation, and virus production. The use of serum in cell culture raises safety concerns in biological production. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency have implemented stricter regulations on the use of animal-derived components in commercial protein manufacturing to ensure patient safety.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop new chemically defined media using peptone hydrolysate as a serum-free alternative.

METHODS

A rational experimental design was employed to screen and optimize potential serum substitutes. Six types of peptones were tested at varying concentrations to determine the top three candidates. These candidates were subsequently combined into five mixtures to identify the two most effective serum-free media for Vero CCL-81 cells. The evaluation criteria included morphology observation and proliferation assay. The two most promising serum-free formulations were further evaluated for their ability to support virus production and using TCID50 and absolute quantification by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

The results of this study indicate that Mixture 4, consisting of 0.5 g/L Phytone™ Peptone, 0.5 g/L Difco™ Soytone, and 2 g/L Bacto™ Malt, significantly enhanced Vero CCL-81 cell proliferation and produced high viral titers. The developed medium demonstrated comparable performance to commercially available serum-free media.

CONCLUSION

Peptone-based serum-free media provide a robust alternative for supporting Vero CCL-81 cell growth and are suitable for virus production.

Licochalcone A-Inspired Chalcones: Synthesis and Their Antiproliferative Potential in Prostate Cancer Cells

Prostate cancer remains a significant global health concern, prompting ongoing exploration of novel therapeutic agents. Licochalcone A, a natural product in the chalcone family isolated from licorice root, is characterized by its enone structure and demonstrates antiproliferative activity in the micromolar range across various cell lines, including prostate cancer. Building on our prior success in enhancing curcumin's antiproliferative potency by replacing the substituted phenol with a 1-alkyl-1H-imizadol-2-yl moiety, we applied a similar approach to design a new class of licochalcone A-inspired chalcones. The synthesis of these target chalcones involved key [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of aryl prenyl ethers and Claisen-Schmidt condensations, yielding three derivative series. These compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative activity in both androgen receptor (AR)-positive and AR-null prostate cancer cell models using WST-1 cell proliferation assay. Systematic evaluation of licochalcone A across four prostate cancer cell lines indicated a modest advantage over enzalutamide, an FDA-approved AR antagonist, in suppressing 22Rv1 cell proliferation. Interestingly, three ester derivatives by replacing the phenol next to the carbonyl with an alkoxide demonstrated similar antiproliferative potency to licochalcone A in both AR-positive and AR-negative prostate cancer cell lines. This suggests that the phenol moiety on licochalcone A may be a promising site for chemical manipulations to enhance anti-prostate cancer activity. Among the synthesized chalcones, nine derivatives showed improved selectivity for AR-positive LNCaP and 22RV1 cells relative to AR-negative PC-3 and DU145 cells, surpassing licochalcone A in selectivity. Additionally, the antiproliferative potency was highly dependent on the R group attached to the imidazole. Most of the derivatives showed antiproliferative potency against androgen receptor-positive LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells, comparable to that of enzalutamide and licochalcone A. These findings suggest that optimization of licochalcone A-inspired chalcones as potential anti-prostate cancer agents warrants further investigation.

The Dose Rate of Corpuscular Ionizing Radiation Strongly Influences the Severity of DNA Damage, Cell Cycle Progression and Cellular Senescence in Human Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells

Modern radiotherapy utilizes a broad range of sources of ionizing radiation, both low-dose-rate (LDR) and high-dose-rate (HDR). However, the mechanisms underlying specific dose-rate effects remain unclear, especially for corpuscular radiation. To address this issue, we have irradiated human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells under LDR and HDR regimes. Reducing the dose rate has lower lethality at equal doses with HDR irradiation. The half-lethal dose after HDR irradiation was three times less than after LDR irradiation. The study of mechanisms showed that under HDR irradiation, the radiation-induced halt of mitosis with the accompanying emergence of giant cells was recorded. No such changes were recorded after LDR irradiation. The level of DNA damage is significantly greater after HDR irradiation, which may be the main reason for the different mechanisms of action of HDR and LDR irradiations. Comparing the mechanisms of cell response to LDR and HDR irradiations may shed light on the mechanisms of tumor cell response to ionizing radiation and answer the question of whether different dose rates within the same dose range can cause different clinical effects.

Colorimetric enzymatic rapid test for the determination of atropine in baby food using a smartphone

A method for the enzymatic determination of atropine has been developed, which is based on a sequence of reactions involving (1) the hydrolysis of atropine to give tropine; (2) the enzymatic oxidation of tropine with NAD (catalysed by tropinone reductase); and (3) an indicator reaction, in which the NADH previously formed reduces the dye iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT) to a reddish species, the reaction catalysed by diaphorase. The method was first developed in solution (linear response range from 2.4 × 10-6 M to 1.0 × 10-4 M). It was then implemented in cellulose platforms to develop a rapid test where the determination is made by measuring the RGB coordinates of the platforms using a smartphone-based device. The device is based on the integrating sphere concept and contains a light source to avoid external illumination effects. The smartphone is controlled by an app that allows a calibration line to be generated and the atropine concentration to be quantified; moreover, since the app normalizes the CCD response of the smartphone, the results and calibrations obtained with different smartphones are similar and can be shared. Using the G coordinate, the results were shown to have a linear response with the concentration of atropine ranging from 1.2 × 10-5 M to 3.0 × 10-4 M with an RSD of 1.4% (n = 5). The method has been applied to the determination of atropine in baby food and buckwheat samples with good results.

Hypoglycemic Agents Increase Regulatory Factor X1 to Inhibit Cancer Cell Behaviour in Human Glioblastoma Cells

Glioblastoma multiforme is a deadly brain tumour in humans. We have shown that regulatory factor X1 (RFX1), a transcription factor, inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of human glioblastoma cells. This study was designed to identify the existing medications that could increase RFX1 in human glioblastoma cells and to determine whether these medications could inhibit the cancer cell behaviours. A bioinformatics approach was used to identify the medications that increased RFX1. The effects of these medications on human glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assayed under cell culture and mouse brain xenograft conditions. Pioglitazone, rosiglitazone and WY-14643 increased RFX1 based on bioinformatics prediction and Western blotting data. These hypoglycemic agents reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of human glioblastoma cell cultures. These agents reduced metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) activity in the culture medium. Silencing RFX1 attenuated hypoglycemic agent-induced inhibition of cancer cell behaviours and MMP2 activity. Pioglitazone reduced the xenograft tumour volume and migration distance of U87 human glioblastoma cells in the mouse brain. RFX1-siRNA attenuated these effects. Our results provide additional evidence for RFX1 as a therapeutic target for human glioblastoma and suggest that pioglitazone, rosiglitazone and WY-14643 inhibit cancer cell behaviour of human glioblastoma cells via upregulating RFX1.

Nano spray-dried particles of in-situ crosslinked alginate and their toxicological characterisation

The feasibility and technical capacity for producing crosslinked sub-micron gels with a nano spray-dryer were studied with variable pH systems incorporating alginate, pectin, and pullulan. The obtained powders were characterized for their morphology, particle size distribution, and their toxicological safety profile using genotoxicity and cytotoxicity assays. Additionally, quercetin was added to the encapsulation system to study the potential of the system to encapsulate this material. The produced powders exhibited morphologies and particle size distributions characteristic for nano spray-drying. The addition of pullulan and pectin to the feed solutions resulted in a particle size increase, with crosslinked alginate particles having a mean value of 1.43 μm, while particles with added pectin and pullulan had a mean particle size of 1.70 and 1.75 μm, respectively. The inclusion of quercetin proved to be problematic with this encapsulation system. Extremely high degradation rates and extremely low encapsulation efficiencies were observed due to the alkaline pH (~10) of the system that is needed to keep the feed dispersion in a liquid state and prevent premature crosslinking of the alginate. Although pectin and pullulan provided some protection for quercetin in the alkaline dispersion, the absolute quercetin content in the final product remained very low, with a maximum achieved encapsulation efficiency of 2.06 %. The safety profile of most produced powders was favourable, as they did not exhibit any significant cytotoxic and genotoxic activity in the HepG2 cell line, except in the case of Alginate/Pullulan which showed a 43 % decrease in cell viability at 500 μg/mL. Samples where quercetin was added did not show any increased toxicological effect.

Chemical analysis of Alliin-Rich Allium sativum (Garlic) extract and its safety evaluation in Drosophila melanogaster

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been traditionally valued for its medicinal properties attributed to the presence of organosulfur compounds. Despite its benefits, concerns about herbal extract toxicity have arisen, necessitating safety assessment . This study was designed to evaluate the chemical analysis and safety profile of Alliin-Rich Garlic Extract (ARGE) using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. The ARGE was extracted from garlic cloves (Allium sativum Linn: UIH-23262) using a microwave-assisted method and characterized using UPLC-ESI-MS, 1H NMR, HPLC and IR. Its safety evaluation was determined using D. melanogaster (Harwich strain), and various assays were conducted on 1-3-day-old flies. Toxicological markers and oxidative stress were assessed to understand the impact of ARGE on the flies. Chemical profiling of ARGE using UPLC-ESI-MS, confirmed the presence of alliin (S-ally-L-cysteine-S-oxide), L-arginine, γ-glutamylmethionine, S-(2-carboxypropyl) glutathione, N-γ-glutamyl-S-(1-propenyl) cysteine, N-γ-glutamyl-S-(2-propenyl) cysteine, N-γ-glutamylphenylalanine, S-(allylthio) cysteine, γ-glutamyl-S-allylthiocysteine and eruboside B. HPLC confirmed an alliin content of 0.073 mg/g. Toxicological assessment in D. melanogaster revealed that ARGE enhanced antioxidant defenses by increasing total thiol levels and GST activity, while reducing acetylcholinesterase activity. No significant alteration was observed in catalase activity and cellular metabolic rate. Histological examination revealed no alterations in the histoarchitecture of the brain, fat body or gut of D. melanogaster. The study demonstrated the safety of ARGE in D. melanogaster, supporting its potential as a safe herbal remedy.

Enhanced Efficacy of Some Antibiotics in the Presence of Silver Nanoparticles Against Clinical Isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Recovered from Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Introduction

Given the increasing frequency of drug-resistant bacteria and the limited progress in developing new antibiotics, it is necessary to explore new methods of combating microbial infections. Nanoparticles, particularly silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), have shown exceptional antibacterial characteristics; however, elevated concentrations of Ag-NPs can produce noticeable levels of toxicity in mammalian cells.

Aim

This study examined the potential synergistic effect of combining a low dosage of Ag-NPs and anti-pseudomonas drugs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC strain) and eleven clinical isolates from cystic fibrosis patients.

Methods

The Ag-NPs were chemically produced by utilizing a seed extract from Peganum Harmala and characterized via ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The broth microdilution technique was utilized to investigate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Ag-NPs and eight antibiotics (Piperacillin, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Meropenem, Amikacin, Ceftazidime, Gentamicin, Aztreonam). The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was determined via the checkerboard method to evaluate the synergistic effects of Ag-NPs and various antibiotics.

Results

The biosynthesized Ag-NPs were uniformly spherical and measured around 15 nm in size. When combined with antibiotics, Ag-NP produced statistically significant reductions in the amount of antibiotics required to completely prevent P. aeruginosa growth for all strains. The findings revealed that the MIC of Ag-NPs was 15 ug/mL for all strains which decreased substantially when administered with antibiotics at a dose of 1.875-7.5 ug/mL. The majority of Ag-NP and antibiotic combinations exhibited a synergistic or partially synergistic impact. This was particularly noticeable in combinations containing Meropenem, Ciprofloxacin, and Aztreonam (in which the FIC index was less than or equal to 0.5).

Conclusion

The findings revealed that combining Ag-NPs with antibiotics was more effective than using Ag-NPs or antibiotics in isolation and that combinations of Ag-NPs and antimicrobial agents displayed synergistic activity against the majority of strains assessed.

Anthocyanin-loaded milk-derived extracellular vesicles nano-delivery system: Stability, mucus layer penetration, and pro-oxidant effect on HepG2 cells

Anthocyanin (ACN) has attracted considerable attention due to its wide range of physiological effects. However, challenges such as poor stability and limited bioavailability have hindered its utilization in functional foods. To address these issues, this research utilized milk-derived extracellular vesicles (MEV) as carriers for encapsulating and binding ACN through various techniques, including ultrasonic, electroporation, saponin treatment, incubation, and freeze-thaw cycles. The objective of these approaches was to enhance the stability of ACN and improve its oral delivery. Notably, the ACN-loaded MEV (MEV-ACN) prepared through ultrasonic exhibited small particle sizes and good stability under processing, storage, and simulated digestion conditions. Cellular studies revealed that MEV-ACN exhibited pro-oxidant properties and induced oxidative stress, leading to cell apoptosis with greater efficacy compared to free ACN. These findings suggest that encapsulating ACN within MEV can significantly enhance its processing and oral stability, as well as strengthening its dietary defense capabilities in anti-tumor applications.

Impacts of tolylfluanid on implantation and placental development: Disruption of mitochondrial function and implantation-related gene expression in vitro and in vivo

Tolylfluanid is a widely used pesticide and antifouling agent in agricultural and marine industries and is recognized as a potential endocrine disruptor. However, the toxicological effects of tolylfluanid on the placenta development was not elucidated. This study used trophoblastic cell (HTR-8/SVneo cell) and endometrial cell (T HESCs) lines as in vitro model and mouse models as in vivo model to investigate the toxic effects of tolylfluanid on implantation-associated cell and placenta development during early pregnancy. Experimental results indicated that both cell lines exhibited reduced viability upon tolylfluanid exposure. Various in vitro experiments were conducted at <1 mg/L concentration. The results indicate that tolylfluanid can arrest cell cycle and induce apoptosis in endometrial and trophoblastic cells, abnormally regulate Ca2+ homeostasis and MAPK signaling pathways, and disrupt mitochondrial function. In vivo experiments, subchronic tolylfluanid exposure to mouse during puberty and pregnancy period impaired placenta development, resulting in reduced fetal and placental weight, abnormal placental structures, and altered gene expression. Specifically, a decrease in the ratio of labyrinth/junctional zones and changes in placenta gene expression patterns after tolylfluanid exposure were similar to characters of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR). This study suggests that tolylfluanid exposure may have negative outcomes on female reproduction, and highlights the need for stricter regulation and monitoring of tolylfluanid use to protect women's reproductive health. This is the first study indicating the adverse effects of tolylfluanid on implantation and placental development during pregnancy.

Apoptotic effect of thymoquinone on OVCAR3 cells via the P53 and CASP3 activation

PURPOSE

The limitations in cancer treatment and the inadequacy of classical methods have made it necessary to discover therapeutics in cancer treatment. The cytotoxicity of thymoquinone, which has quite different properties in terms of biological activities, in ovarian cancer cells, and the changes in the expression levels of apoptotic genes (p53/caspase-3 (casp-3)) were investigated.

METHODS

In the study, thymoquinone (5, 50, 100, 250 and 500 µM and 24, 48, 72 hours) were applied to ovarian adenocarcinoma cancer cell line (OVCAR3), at different concentrations. Cytotoxic effect of thymoquinone on OVCAR-3 cells were analyzed by MTT method, and apoptotic and pro-apoptotic gene expression levels (p53, Casp-3) of thymoquinone in cancer cells were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Thymoquinone, whose effect has been revealed in many types of cancer, was shown to significantly reduce the viability of OVCAR3 cancer cells depending on the dose and time (p < 0.05). It was also determined that Casp-3 and p53 gene expressions increased in OVCAR3 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the in-vitro cytotoxic activity and apoptotic gene expressions of thymoquinone, an important treatment agent, since it is a promising agent for the future of cancer treatment, more comprehensive studies may pave the way for its clinical use.

Optimization and evaluation of a chitosan-coated PLGA nanocarrier for mucosal delivery of Porphyromonas gingivalis antigens

Recent advances in understanding Alzheimer's disease (AD) suggest the possibility of an infectious etiology, with Porphyromonas gingivalis emerging as a prime suspect in contributing to AD. P. gingivalis may invade systemic circulation via weakened oral/intestinal barriers and then cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), reaching the brain and precipitating AD pathology. Based on the proposed links between P. gingivalis and AD, a prospective approach is the development of an oral nanovaccine containing P. gingivalis antigens for mucosal delivery. Targeting the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), the nanovaccine may elicit both mucosal and systemic immunity, thereby hampering P. gingivalis ability to breach the oral/intestinal barriers and the BBB, respectively. The present study describes the optimization, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of a candidate chitosan-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA-CS) nanovaccine containing a P. gingivalis antigen extract. The nanocarrier was prepared using the double emulsion solvent evaporation method and optimized for selected experimental factors, e.g. PLGA amount, surfactant concentration, w1/o phase ratio, applying a d-optimal statistical design to target the desired physicochemical criteria for its intended application. After nanocarrier optimization, the nanovaccine was characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index (PdI), ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL), morphology, and in vitro release profile, as well as for mucoadhesivity, stability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, antigen integrity, in vitro cytotoxicity and uptake using THP-1 macrophages. The candidate PLGA-CS nanovaccine demonstrated appropriate physicochemical, mucoadhesive, and antigen release properties for oral delivery, along with acceptable levels of EE (55.3 ± 3.5 %) and DL (1.84 ± 0.12 %). The integrity of the encapsulated antigens remained uncompromised throughout NPs production and simulated gastrointestinal exposure, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analyses. Furthermore, the nanovaccine showed effective in vitro uptake, while exhibiting low cytotoxicity. Taken together, these findings underscore the potential of PLGA-CS NPs as carriers for adequate antigen mucosal delivery, paving the way for further investigations into their applicability as vaccine candidates against P. gingivalis.

Evaluation of Ability of Inactivated Biomasses of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Adsorb Aflatoxin B1 In Vitro

Biological decontamination strategies using microorganisms to adsorb aflatoxins have shown promising results for reducing the dietary exposure to these contaminants. In this study, the ability of inactivated biomasses of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (LRB) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SCB) incorporated alone or in combination into functional yogurts (FY) at 0.5-4.0% (w/w) to adsorb aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was evaluated in vitro. Higher adsorption percentages (86.9-91.2%) were observed in FY containing 1.0% LR + SC or 2.0% SC (w/w). The survival of mouse embryonic fibroblasts increased after exposure to yogurts containing LC + SC at 1.0-4.0% (w/w). No significant differences were noted in the physicochemical and sensory characteristics between aflatoxin-free FY and control yogurts (no biomass) after 30 days of storage. The incorporation of combined LRB and SCB into yogurts as vehicles for these inactivated biomasses is a promising alternative for reducing the exposure to dietary AFB1. The results of this trial support further studies to develop practical applications aiming at the scalability of using the biomasses evaluated in functional foods to mitigate aflatoxin exposure.

Changing human hair fibre colour and shape from the follicle

INTRODUCTION

Natural hair curvature and colour are genetically determined human traits, that we intentionally change by applying thermal and chemical treatments to the fibre. Presently, those cosmetic methodologies act externally and their recurrent use is quite detrimental to hair fibre quality and even to our health.

OBJECTIVES

This work represents a disruptive concept to modify natural hair colour and curvature. We aim to model the fibre phenotype as it is actively produced in the follicle through the topical delivery of specific bioactive molecules to the scalp.

METHODS

Transcriptome differences between curly and straight hairs were identified by microarray. In scalp samples, the most variable transcripts were mapped by in situ hybridization. Then, by using appropriate cellular models, we screened a chemical library of 1200 generic drugs, searching for molecules that could lead to changes in either fibre colour or curvature. A pilot-scale, single-centre, investigator-initiated, prospective, blind, bilateral (split-scalp) placebo-controlled clinical study with the intervention of cosmetics was conducted to obtain a proof of concept (RNEC n.92938).

RESULTS

We found 85 genes transcribed significantly different between curly and straight hair, not previously associated with this human trait. Next, we mapped some of the most variable genes to the inner root sheath of follicles, reinforcing the role of this cell layer in fibre shape moulding. From the drug library screening, we selected 3 and 4 hits as modulators of melanin synthesis and gene transcription, respectively, to be further tested in 33 volunteers. The intentional specific hair change occurred: 8 of 14 volunteers exhibited colour changes, and 16 of 19 volunteers presented curvature modifications, by the end of the study.

CONCLUSION

The promising results obtained are the first step towards future cosmetics, complementary or alternative to current methodologies, taking hair styling to a new level: changing hair from the inside out.

Revealing the Therapeutic Potential of Muscle-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: An In Vitro Model for Equine Laminitis Based on Activated Neutrophils, Anoxia-Reoxygenation, and Myeloperoxidase

Laminitis in horses is a crippling condition marked by the deterioration of the dermal-epidermal interface, leading to intense lameness and discomfort, often necessitating euthanasia. This study aimed to establish an in vitro model of laminitis using a continuous keratinocyte cell line exposed to anoxia-reoxygenation and an activated neutrophil supernatant. A significant decrease in the keratinocytes' metabolism was noted during the reoxygenation period, indicative of cellular stress. Adding muscle-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells during the reoxygenation demonstrated a protective effect, restoring the keratinocytes' metabolic activity. Moreover, the incubation of the keratinocytes with either an activated neutrophil supernatant or myeloperoxidase alone induced increased keratinocyte myeloperoxidase activity, which was modulated by stem cells. These findings underscore the potential of muscle-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells in mitigating inflammation and restoring keratinocyte metabolism, offering insights for future cell therapy research in laminitis treatment.

4-(3-Phenylsulfonylindol-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazinyl-methanones as Potent Inhibitors of both SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 Viruses

SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 belong to the same β genus of the Coronaviridae family. SARS-CoV-2 was responsible for the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and HCoV-OC43 is the etiological agent of mild upper respiratory tract infections. SARS-COV-2 and HCoV-OC43 co-infections were found in children with respiratory symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two β-coronaviruses share a high degree of homology between the 3CLpro active sites, so much so that the safer HCoV-OC43 has been suggested as a tool for the identification of new anti-SARS-COV-2 agents. Compounds 5 and 24 inhibited effectively both Wuhan and British SARS-CoV-2 patient isolates in Vero E6 cells and the HCoV-OC43 in MRC-5 cells at low micromolar concentrations. The inhibition was apparently exerted via targeting the 3CLpro active sites of both viruses. Compounds 5 and 24 at 100 μM inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro activity of 61.78 and 67.30%, respectively. These findings highlight 5 and 24 as lead compounds of a novel class of antiviral agents with the potential to treat SARS-COV-2 and HCoV-OC43 infections.

From Waste to Health: Olive Mill Wastewater for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Waste from the agri-food chain represents a valuable reservoir of organic compounds with health-promoting properties. Momast Plus 30 Bio (MP30B) is a derivative obtained from olive-oil wastewater. Its enrichment in hydroxytyrosol (HT) via a patented technique has paved the way for its potential application as a dietary supplement in preventing cardiovascular diseases. MP30B demonstrates no significant alteration in cardiac and vascular parameters in "ex vivo" studies. However, it exhibits a strong ability to remove reactive oxygen species and exerts anti-inflammatory effects, notably reducing the concentration of iNOS and mitigating heart infections in "in vitro" experiments. Furthermore, MP30B slightly decreases the stiffness of the "ex vivo" thoracic aorta, potentially resulting in lowered arterial pressure and enhanced energy transfer to a normal ventricle. Based on these findings, we posit MP30B as a promising extract for cardiovascular disease prevention, and its specific antibacterial properties suggest its utility in preventing cardiac infections.

Experimental Model of Cerebral Arterial Air Embolism in Conscious Rats

In this work, an optimal air supply mode was selected to create a model of cerebral arterial air embolism (CAAE) on conscious male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=49). The efficacy of the selected model (administration of 100 μl/kg of air at a rate of 10 μl/min with an infusion pump) was determined by changes in serum biochemical parameters (cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphates, AST, and triglycerides), impaired motor functions in the Rotarod test, and visual assessment of the ischemic foci (staining of frontal sections with 1% triphenyltetrazolium chloride solution) at different terms after AAE. The model of AAE created by us confirmed impairment of coordination and motor function in conscious animals and reproduced the lethal consequences of this condition. The obtained results can serve as the basis for drug testing and the development of new approaches to the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Repurposing of Nano-Engineered Piroxicam as an Approach for Cutaneous Wound Healing

Drug repurposing is a potential strategy to overcome the huge economic expenses of wound healing products. This work aims to develop a topical gel of piroxicam encapsulated into a nanospanlastics vesicular system as an effective, dermal wound dressing. Firstly, piroxicam was entrapped into nanospanlastics formulations and optimized utilizing 23 full factorial experimental designs. The scrutinized factors were Span 60: Edge activator ratio, edge activator type, and permeation enhancer type. The measured responses were vesicle size (VS), polydispersity index (PDI), and% entrapment efficiency (EE). The optimized formula was further adopted into an alginate-pectin gel matrix to maximize adherence to the skin. The rheology and in-vitro release were studied for the developed nanospanlastics gel. Cytotoxicity and wound healing potential using scratch assay were assessed on human adult dermal fibroblast cells. The optimal piroxicam nanospanlastics formula demonstrated a VS of 124.1 ± 1.3 nm, PDI of 0.21 ± 0.01, and EE% of 97.27±0.21%. About 70.0 ± 0.9% and 57.4 ± 0.1% of piroxicam were released from nanospanlastics dispersion and gel within 24 h, respectively. Nanospanlastics gel of piroxicam flowed in a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic shear thinning pattern. It was also biocompatible with the human dermal fibroblast cells and significantly promoted their migration rate which suggests an auspicious cutaneous wound healing aptitude.

Comparative transcriptomics of broad-spectrum and synthetic cannabidiol treated C2C12 skeletal myotubes

Cannabidiol (CBD) is widely used in sports for recovery, pain management, and sleep improvement, yet its effects on muscle are not well understood. This study aimed to determine the transcriptional response of murine skeletal muscle myotubes to broad-spectrum CBD and synthetic CBD (sCBD). Differentiated C2C12 myotubes were treated with 10 μM CBD, sCBD, or vehicle control (DMSO) for 24 h before RNA extraction. Poly-A tail-enriched mRNA libraries were constructed and sequenced using 2 × 50 bp paired-end sequencing. CBD and sCBD treatment induced 4489 and 1979 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; p < 0.001, FDR step-up <0.05), respectively, with common upregulation of 857 genes and common downregulation of 648 genes. Common upregulated DEGs were associated with "response to unfolded protein," "cell redox homeostasis," "endoplasmic reticulum stress," "oxidative stress," and "cellular response to hypoxia." Common downregulated DEGs were linked to "sarcomere organization," "skeletal muscle tissue development," "regulation of muscle contraction," and "muscle contraction." CBD treatment induced unique DEGs compared to sCBD. The data indicate CBD may induce mild cellular stress, activating pathways associated with altered redox balance, unfolded protein response, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. We hypothesize that CBD interacts with muscle and may elicit a "mitohormetic" effect that warrants further investigation.

Quantum Chemical and Biological Insights into Redox Activity of Metallacarborane Complexes in Cancer Cells

A relationship between the electronic properties of metal ions in metallacarboranes and their ability to modulate mitochondrial oxidase activity and membrane hyperpolarization in cancer cells was demonstrated. Quantum chemistry methods, including DFT and molecular dynamics simulations, were used to understand the oxidized and reduced forms of metallacarboranes and their intramolecular rotatory behavior. According to the low-spin assumption for metal ions, the intramolecular oscillations of cluster ligands in metallacarboranes are significantly influenced by the type of metal and correspond to the cellular uptake of these complexes in vitro. In particular, the low-spin iron compound may be a new xenogeneic booster of redox homeostasis in cancer cells resistant to cisplatin, which induces metabolic 'exhaustion' of cancer cells and their death.

Anti-EGFR immunoliposomes for cabazitaxel delivery: From formulation development to in vivo evaluation in prostate cancer xenograft model

Liposomes functionalized with monoclonal antibodies offer targeted therapy for cancer, boasting advantages like sustained drug release, enhanced stability, passive accumulation in tumors, and interaction with overexpressed receptors on cancer cells. This study aimed to develop and characterize anti-EGFR immunoliposomes loaded with cabazitaxel and assess their properties against prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. Using a Box-Behnken design, a formulation with soy phosphatidylcholine, 10% cholesterol, and a 1:20 drug-lipid ratio yielded nanometric particle size, low polydispersity and high drug encapsulation. Immunoliposomes were conjugated with cetuximab through DSPE-PEG-Maleimide lipid anchor. Characterization confirmed intact antibody structure and interaction with EGFR receptor following conjugation. Cabazitaxel was dispersed within the liposomes in the amorphous state, confirmed by solid-state analyses. In vitro release studies showed slower cabazitaxel release from immunoliposomes. Immunoliposomes had enhanced cabazitaxel cytotoxicity in EGFR-overexpressing DU145 cells without affecting non-tumor L929 cells. Cetuximab played an important role to improve cellular uptake in a time-dependent fashion in EGFR-overexpressing prostate cancer cells. In vivo, immunoliposomes led to significant tumor regression, improved survival, and reduced weight loss in xenograft mice. While cabazitaxel induced leukopenia, consistent with clinical findings, histological analysis revealed no evident toxicity. In conclusion, the immunoliposomes displayed suitable physicochemical properties for cabazitaxel delivery, exhibited cytotoxicity against EGFR-expressing prostate cancer cells, with high cell uptake, and induced significant tumor regression in vivo, with manageable systemic toxicity.

New pyrazole-pyridazine hybrids as selective COX-2 inhibitors: design, synthesis, molecular docking, in silico studies and investigation of their anti-inflammatory potential by evaluation of TNF-α, IL-6, PGE-2 and NO in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages

Hybrid-based design has gained significant interest in the development of novel active substances with anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, two series of new pyrazole-pyridazine-based hybrids, 5a-f and 6a-f, were designed and synthesized. Molecules containing pyrazole and pyridazine pharmacophores in a single molecule, each with a unique mechanism of action and different pharmacological characteristics, are believed to exert higher biological activity. The cell viability of all compounds was evaluated using MTT assay in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. In vitro COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition assays were performed for the investigation of the anti-inflammatory activity of target compounds. Trimethoxy derivatives 5f and 6f were the most active candidates, demonstrating higher COX-2 inhibitory action than celecoxib, with IC50 values of 1.50 and 1.15 μM, respectively. Bromo derivative 6e demonstrated a COX-2 inhibitory activity comparable to celecoxib. Further, the ability of compounds 5f, 6e, and 6f to inhibit the generation of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE-2), in RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated by LPS was also estimated. Compounds 5f and 6f demonstrated the most potent activity. Morover, according to the investigation using molecular modeling studies, derivatives 5f and 6f showed respectable binding affinity towards the COX-2 active site compared to the reference ligand. Moreover, the ADME parameters, physicochemical characteristics, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and l of the most potent compounds were also computed.

Low-dose zinc oxide nanoparticles trigger the growth and biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a hormetic response

INTRODUCTION

Hormesis describes an inverse dose-response relationship, whereby a high dose of a toxic compound is inhibitory, and a low dose is stimulatory. This study explores the hormetic response of low concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) toward Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

METHOD

Samples of P. aeruginosa, i.e. the reference strain, ATCC 27,853, together with six strains recovered from patients with cystic fibrosis, were exposed to ten decreasing ZnO NPs doses (0.78-400 µg/mL). The ZnO NPs were manufactured from Peganum harmala using a chemical green synthesis approach, and their properties were verified utilizing X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. A microtiter plate technique was employed to investigate the impact of ZnO NPs on the growth, biofilm formation and metabolic activity of P. aeruginosa. Real-time polymerase chain reactions were performed to determine the effect of ZnO NPs on the expression of seven biofilm-encoding genes.

RESULT

The ZnO NPs demonstrated concentration-dependent bactericidal and antibiofilm efficiency at concentrations of 100-400 µg/mL. However, growth was significantly stimulated at ZnO NPs concentration of 25 µg/mL (ATCC 27853, Pa 3 and Pa 4) and at 12.5 µg/mL and 6.25 µg/mL (ATCC 27853, Pa 2, Pa 4 and Pa 5). No significant positive growth was detected at dilutions < 6.25 µg/mL. similarly, biofilm formation was stimulated at concentration of 12.5 µg/mL (ATCC 27853 and Pa 1) and at 6.25 µg/mL (Pa 4). At concentration of 12.5 µg/mL, ZnO NPs upregulated the expression of LasB ( ATCC 27853, Pa 1 and Pa 4) and LasR and LasI (ATCC 27853 and Pa 1) as well as RhII expression (ATCC 27853, Pa 2 and Pa 4).

CONCLUSION

When exposed to low ZnO NPs concentrations, P. aeruginosa behaves in a hormetic manner, undergoing positive growth and biofilm formation. These results highlight the importance of understanding the response of P. aeruginosa following exposure to low ZnO NPs concentrations.

Cytotoxic properties of Pelargonium graveolens leaf extract and its green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (in vitro study)

Objective

This study aimed to assess the cytotoxic effects of an extract from Pelargonium graveolens leaves and green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a mouthwash when used as a substitute for commercial mouthwashes. Human dermal fibroblasts from neonates (HDFn) were used in this study that done in vitro, because their characteristics were nearly identical to those of human gingival fibroblasts.

Method

In this study, the green synthesis of AuNPs using extracts from P. graveolens leaves was investigated as a sustainable and economical method. Then, using a range of analytical techniques, the physicochemical properties were evaluated, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ultraviolet visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis), so the preparations and analytical techniques of P. graveolens gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) take little time is about 10 days. The current study used the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide Mosmann's Tetrazolium Toxicity (MTT) to study the cytotoxic effects of P. graveolens leaf extract with P. graveolens gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) utilizing a human fibroblast-derived standard cell line.

Results

Various doses (1000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, and 3.125 μg/mL) of P. graveolens AuNPs were used to assess cytotoxicity, demonstrating little cytotoxic effects (approximately below 20% toxicity). A high level of biocompatibility was observed between the P. graveolens AuNPs and normal human fibroblasts.

Conclusion

The mouthwash made using green synthetic AuNPs obtained from P. graveolens leaf extract show high level of biocompatibility and has low cytotoxicity. Therefore, herbal mouthwash formulations can serve as a viable substitute for chemical mouthwashes.

Single-Use, Metabolite Absorbing, Resonant Transducer (SMART) Culture Vessels for Label-Free, Continuous Cell Culture Progression Monitoring

Secreted metabolites are an important class of bio-process analytical technology (PAT) targets that can correlate to cell conditions. However, current strategies for measuring metabolites are limited to discrete measurements, resulting in limited understanding and ability for feedback control strategies. Herein, a continuous metabolite monitoring strategy is demonstrated using a single-use metabolite absorbing resonant transducer (SMART) to correlate with cell growth. Polyacrylate is shown to absorb secreted metabolites from living cells containing hydroxyl and alkenyl groups such as terpenoids, that act as a plasticizer. Upon softening, the polyacrylate irreversibly conformed into engineered voids above a resonant sensor, changing the local permittivity which is interrogated, contact-free, with a vector network analyzer. Compared to sensing using the intrinsic permittivity of cells, the SMART approach yields a 20-fold improvement in sensitivity. Tracking growth of many cell types such as Chinese hamster ovary, HEK293, K562, HeLa, and E. coli cells as well as perturbations in cell proliferation during drug screening assays are demonstrated. The sensor is benchmarked to show continuous measurement over six days, ability to track different growth conditions, selectivity to transducing active cell growth metabolites against other components found in the media, and feasibility to scale out for high throughput campaigns.

Exploring the safety of cannabidiol (CBD): A comprehensive in vitro evaluation of the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of a CBD isolate and extract from Cannabis sativa L

Cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring cyclic terpenoid found in Cannabis sativa L., is renowned for its diverse pharmacological benefits. Marketed as a remedy for various health issues, CBD products are utilized by patients as a supplementary therapy or post-treatment failure, as well as by healthy individuals seeking promised advantages. Despite its widespread use, information regarding potential adverse effects, especially genotoxic properties, is limited. The present study is focused on the mutagenic and genotoxic activity of a CBD isolate (99.4 % CBD content) and CBD-rich Cannabis sativa L extract (63.6 % CBD content) in vitro. Both CBD samples were non-mutagenic, as determined by the AMES test (OECD 471) but exhibited cytotoxicity for HepG2 cells (∼IC50(4 h) 26 µg/ml, ∼IC50(24 h) 6-8 µg/ml, MTT assay). Noncytotoxic concentrations induced upregulation of genes encoding metabolic enzymes involved in CBD metabolism, and CBD oxidative as well as glucuronide metabolites were found in cell culture media, demonstrating the ability of HepG2 cells to metabolize CBD. In this study, the CBD samples were found non-genotoxic. No DNA damage was observed with the comet assay, and no influence on genomic instability was observed with the cytokinesis block micronucleus and the γH2AX and p-H3 assays. Furthermore, no changes in the expression of genes involved in genotoxic stress response were detected in the toxicogenomic analysis, after 4 and 24 h of exposure. Our comprehensive study contributes valuable insights into CBD's safety profile, paving the way for further exploration of CBD's therapeutic applications and potential adverse effects.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of a New Mixture of Vitamin C, Collagen Peptides, Resveratrol, and Astaxanthin in Tenocytes: Molecular Basis for Future Applications in Tendinopathies

Tendinopathy is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders characterized by sustained tissue inflammation and oxidative stress, accompanied by extracellular matrix remodeling. Patients suffering from this pathology frequently experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and muscle weakness. Current pharmacological interventions are based on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; however, the effectiveness of these strategies remains ambiguous. Accumulating evidence supports that oral supplementation of natural compounds can provide preventive, and possibly curative, effects. Vitamin C (Vit C), collagen peptides (Coll), resveratrol (Res), and astaxanthin (Asx) were reported to be endowed with potential beneficial effects based on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Here, we analyzed the efficacy of a novel combination of these compounds (Mix) in counteracting proinflammatory (IL-1β) and prooxidant (H2O2) stimuli in human tenocytes. We demonstrated that Mix significantly impairs IL-6-induced IL-1β secretion, NF-κB nuclear translocation, and MMP-2 production; notably, a synergistic effect of Mix over the single compounds could be observed. Moreover, Mix was able to significantly counteract H2O2-triggered ROS production. Together, these results point out that Mix, a novel combination of Vit C, Coll, Resv, and Asx, significantly impairs proinflammatory and prooxidant stimuli in tenocytes, mechanisms that contribute to the onset of tendinopathies.

Comparative Metabolomic Analysis of Moringa oleifera Leaves of Different Geographical Origins and Their Antioxidant Effects on C2C12 Myotubes

Moringa oleifera is widely grown throughout the tropics and increasingly used for its therapeutic and nutraceutical properties. These properties are attributed to potent antioxidant and metabolism regulators, including glucosinolates/isothiocyanates as well as flavonoids, polyphenols, and phenolic acids. Research to date largely consists of geographically limited studies that only examine material available locally. These practices make it unclear as to whether moringa samples from one area are superior to another, which would require identifying superior variants and distributing them globally. Alternatively, the finding that globally cultivated moringa material is essentially functionally equivalent means that users can easily sample material available locally. We brought together accessions of Moringa oleifera from four continents and nine countries and grew them together in a common garden. We performed a metabolomic analysis of leaf extracts (MOLE) using an LC-MSMS ZenoTOF 7600 mass spectrometry system. The antioxidant capacity of leaf samples evaluated using the Total Antioxidant Capacity assay did not show any significant difference between extracts. MOLE samples were then tested for their antioxidant activity on C2C12 myotubes challenged with an oxidative insult. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was added to the myotubes after pretreatment with different extracts. H2O2 exposure caused an increase in cell death that was diminished in all samples pretreated with moringa extracts. Our results show that Moringa oleifera leaf extract is effective in reducing the damaging effect of H2O2 in C2C12 myotubes irrespective of geographical origin. These results are encouraging because they suggest that the use of moringa for its therapeutic benefits can proceed without the need for the lengthy and complex global exchange of materials between regions.

Antioxidant micropeptins from a Microcoleus autumnalis-dominated benthic cyanobacterial mat from Western Ireland

Exploring the chemical diversity present in cyanobacterial mats increasingly frequent in fresh and marine waters is imperative for both evaluating risks associated with these diverse biofilms and their potential for biodiscovery. During a project aimed at the study of the (eco)toxicity of benthic cyanobacteria blooming in some lakes of the West of Ireland, three previously undescribed ahp-cyclodepsipeptides micropeptin LOF941 (1), micropeptin LOF925 (2) and micropeptin LOF953 (3) were isolated from the Microcoleus autumnalis-dominated benthic cyanobacterial biofilm collected from the shore of Lough O'Flynn, Co. Roscommon, Ireland. Their structures remain consistent in their amino acid sequence with the presence of an unusual methionine, and differ by their exocyclic side chains. The planar structures of the previously undescribed micropeptins were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS analyses, and their 3D configurations assessed by ROESY NMR and Marfey's analyses. The three isolated compounds showed no cytotoxic effects and all three compounds were shown to exhibit antioxidant properties, with 1 showing the highest bioactivity. Additionally, several micropeptin analogues are proposed from the methanolic fraction of the biofilm extract by UHPLC-HRESIMS/MS analysis and molecular networking. Notably, the known cyanotoxins anatoxin-a and dihydroanatoxin-a were annotated in the molecular network therefore raising issues about the toxicity of this cyanobacterial mat.

Pro-neuroinflammatory and neurotoxic potential of extracellular histones H1 and H3

Histones organize DNA within cellular nuclei, but they can be released from damaged cells. In peripheral tissues extracellular histones act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) inducing pro-inflammatory activation of immune cells. Limited studies have considered DAMP-like activity of histones in the central nervous system (CNS); therefore, we studied the effects of extracellular histones on microglia, the CNS immunocytes, and on neuronal cells. Both the linker histone H1 and the core histone H3 induced pro-inflammatory activation of microglia-like cells by upregulating their secretion of NO and cytokines, including interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF). The selective inhibitors MMG-11 and TAK-242 were used to demonstrate involvement of toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4, respectively, in H1-induced NO secretion by BV-2 microglia. H1, but not H3, downregulated the phagocytic activity of BV-2 microglia. H1 was also directly toxic to all neuronal cell types studied. We conclude that H1, and to a lesser extent H3, when released extracellularly, have the potential to act as a CNS DAMPs. Inhibition of the DAMP-like effects of extracellular histones on microglia and their neurotoxic activity represents a potential strategy for combating neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by the adverse activation of microglia and neuronal death.

Down regulation of C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 6 is associated with increased risk of breast cancer

C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 6 (CTRP6), a member of the C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein (CTRP) family, is reported to be associated with the progression of different malignancies, however, its expression levels and role in breast cancer (BC) are yet unknown. In this study, we investigated the levels of circulating CTRP6 in BC patients and evaluated its role as a potential diagnostic biomarker in BC patients. Then we investigated the effect of recombinant CTRP6 on cellular viability in MCF-7 cells along with its effects on the expression of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in addition to the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a marker of angiogenesis. Our results showed decreased expression of circulating CTRP6 in BC patients with an inverse correlation between CTRP6 and IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF levels. Besides, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the assessment of CTRP6 levels could be used to predict BC. Moreover, treatment of MCF-7 cells with recombinant CTRP6 protein reduced cellular viability and decreased IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF expression. In conclusion, these results provide new insights into the role of CTRP6 in BC pathogenesis and suggest its potential use as a novel diagnostic biomarker of BC.

Exploring the dietary and therapeutic potential of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) sprouts

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This research substantiates the traditional use of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. for liver health, with scientific evidence of the non-toxic and lipid-lowering properties of licorice sprout extracts. The sprouts' rich mineral and amino acid content, along with their strong antioxidant activity, reinforce their value in traditional medicine. These findings bridge ancient herbal practices with modern science, highlighting licorice's potential in contemporary therapeutic applications.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to investigate the dietary and medicinal potential of G. uralensis sprouts by assessing their safety, nutritional content, and antioxidant properties using both plant and animal models. Specifically, the study sought to determine the effects of different sizes of licorice sprouts on lipid metabolism in human liver cancer cells and their overall impact on rat health indicators.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study examined the effects of aqueous and organic extracts from G. uralensis sprouts of varying lengths on the cytotoxicity, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant activity in HepG2 cells, alongside in vivo impacts on Sprague-Dawley rats, using MTT, ICP, and HPLC. It aimed to assess the potential health benefits of licorice sprouts by analyzing their protective effects against oxidative stress and their nutritional content.

RESULTS

Licorice sprout extracts from G. uralensis demonstrated no cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, significantly reduced lipid levels, and enhanced antioxidant activities, with the longest sprouts (7 cm) showing higher mineral, sugar, and arginine content as well as increased glycyrrhizin and liquiritigenin. In vivo studies with Sprague-Dawley rats revealed weight gain and improved antioxidant enzyme activities in blood plasma and liver tissues after consuming the extracts, highlighting the sprouts' dietary and therapeutic potential.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to demonstrate that G. uralensis sprouts, particularly those 7 cm in length, have no cytotoxic effects, reduce lipids, and have high mineral and antioxidant contents, offering promising dietary and therapeutic benefits.

Antiprotozoal potential of Vismia species (Hypericaceae), medicinal plants used to fight cutaneous leishmaniasis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Species of Vismia (Hypericaceae), known in Brazil as "lacre", are commonly used in traditional Amazonian medicine for the treatment of skin lesions, including those caused by Leishmania infection.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Hexane extracts from the leaves of Vismia cayennensis, V. gracilis, V. sandwithii and V. guianensis, as well as from the fruits of the latter, in addition to the anthraquinones vismiaquinone, physcion and chrysophanol isolated from these species were explored for their anti-promastigote and anti-amastigote activity on Leishmania amazonensis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extracts were prepared by static maceration with n-hexane. The compounds, isolated by chromatographic techniques, were identified by spectroscopic methods (1H and 13C NMR). Promastigotes of L.amazonensis were incubated with hexane extracts (1-50 μg/mL) or anthraquinones (1-50 μM) and the parasite survival analyzed. The action of compounds on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and membrane integrity of promastigotes were evaluated by flow cytometer, and the cytotoxicity on mammalian cells using MTT assay. Furthermore, the activity of compounds against amastigotes and nitric oxide production were also investigated.

RESULTS

Vismiaquinone and physcion were obtained from the leaves of V. guianensis. Physcion, as well as chrysophanol, were isolated from V. sandwithii. Vismia cayennensis and V. gracilis also showed vismiaquinone, compound detected in lower quantity in the fruits of V. guianensis. All extracts were active against the parasite, corroborating the popular use. The greatest activity against promastigotes was achieved with V. guianensis extract (IC50 4.3 μg/mL), precisely the most used Vismia species for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis. Vismiaquinone and physcion exhibited relevant activity with IC50 12.6 and 2.6 μM, respectively. Moreover, all extracts and anthraquinones tested induced ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, membrane disruption and were able to kill intracellular amastigote forms, being worthy of further in vivo studies as potential antileishmanial drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall data achieved in the current investigation scientifically validate the traditional use of Vismia species, mainly V. guianensis, as an anti-Leishmania agent. Furthermore, the promising results presented here indicate species of Vismia as potentially useful resources of Brazilian flora for the discovery of therapeutic solutions for neglected diseases.