Bioassay-guided fractionation and identification of wound healing active compound from Pistacia vera L. hull extract

Modulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunctions on cardiotoxicity induced by aluminum phosphide pesticide using resveratrol

The agricultural fumigant pesticide aluminum phosphide (AlP) is cardiotoxic. Water causes AlP to emit phosphine gas, a cardiac toxin that affects heart function and causes cardiogenic shock. AlP poisoning's high fatality rate is due to cardiotoxicity. This study examines how resveratrol reduces oxidative stress, mitochondrial activity, and apoptosis in human cardiac myocyte (HCM) cells. After determining the optimal doses of resveratrol using the MTT test, HCM cells were subjected to a 24-h treatment of resveratrol following exposure to AlP (2.36 μM). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in HCM cells were investigated. Also, the expression of Bax and Bcl-2, caspace-3 activity, and apoptosis were assessed. The present investigation revealed that AlP substantially increased the level of ROS and decreased SOD activation, which were significantly modulated by resveratrol in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, AlP induced an elevation of mitochondrial swelling, cytochrome c release, and MMP collapse. Co-administration of resveratrol significantly reduced above mitochondrial markers. AlP also significantly upregulated BAX and downregulated Bcl-2 expression, elevated caspace-3 activity, and apoptosis. Resveratrol co-administration was able to meaningfully modulate the mentioned parameters and finally reduce apoptosis. In conclusion, resveratrol, via its pleotropic properties, significantly demonstrated cytoprotective effects on HCM cytotoxicity induced by AlP.

Health-Promoting Properties of Natural Flavonol Glycosides Isolated from Staphylea pinnata L

Staphylea, also called bladdernuts, is a genus of plants belonging to the family Staphyleaceae, widespread in tropical or temperate climates of America, Europe, and the Far East. Staphylea spp. produce bioactive metabolites with antioxidant properties, including polyphenols which have not been completely investigated for their phytotherapeutic potential, even though they have a long history of use for food. Here, we report the isolation of six flavonol glycosides from the hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Staphylea pinnata L., collected in Italy, using a solid-phase extraction technique. They were identified using spectroscopic, spectrometric, and optical methods as three quercetin and three isorhamnetin glycosides. Among the flavonol glycosides isolated, isoquercetin and quercetin malonyl glucoside showed powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound healing promoting activity and thus are valuable as antiaging ingredients for cosmeceutical applications and for therapeutic applications in skin wound repair.

Investigating Inflammatory Markers in Wound Healing: Understanding Implications and Identifying Artifacts

Understanding the complex interplay of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is crucial in the field of wound healing, as it holds the key to developing effective therapeutics. In the initial stages of wound healing, pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and various chemokines play vital roles in recruiting cells for debris clearance and the recruitment of growth factors. Careful regulation and timely resolution of this early inflammation are essential for optimal wound repair. As the healing process progresses, anti-inflammatory proteins such as IL-10 and IL-4 become instrumental in facilitating the transition to later stages where pro-inflammatory cytokines promote angiogenesis and wound remodeling. This Perspective underscores the complexity of inflammatory cytokines in wound healing research and emphasizes the need for comprehensive and unbiased methodologies in their evaluation. For robust and reliable results in wound-healing research, a more holistic approach is necessary-one that considers the roles, interactions, and timing of biological molecules, alongside careful sampling and evaluation strategies.

Alginate/gum arabic-based biomimetic hydrogel enriched with immobilized nerve growth factor and carnosine improves diabetic wound regeneration

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) often remain untreated because they are difficult to heal, caused by reduced skin sensitivity and impaired blood vessel formation. In this study, we propose a novel approach to manage DFUs using a multifunctional hydrogel made from a combination of alginate and gum arabic. To enhance the healing properties of the hydrogel, we immobilized nerve growth factor (NGF), within specially designed mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). The MSNs were then incorporated into the hydrogel along with carnosine (Car), which further improves the hydrogel's therapeutic properties. The hydrogel containing the immobilized NGF (SiNGF) could control the sustain release of NGF for >21 days, indicating that the target hydrogel (AG-Car/SiNGF) can serve as a suitable reservoir managing diabetic wound regeneration. In addition, Car was able to effectively reduce inflammation and significantly increase angiogenesis compared to the control group. Based on the histological results obtained from diabetic rats, the target hydrogel (AG-Car/SiNGF) reduced inflammation and improved re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. Specific staining also confirmed that AG-Car/SiNGF exhibited improved tissue neovascularization, transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) expression, and nerve neurofilament. Overall, our research suggests that this newly developed composite system holds promise as a potential treatment for non-healing diabetic wounds.

The cardioprotective effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles against the poisoning generated by aluminum phosphide pesticide: Controlling oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage

BACKGROUND

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is a well-known toxic compound used as an agricultural pesticide to prevent insect damage to stored crops. However, even if just a small amount was consumed, it caused lasting harm to the human body and, in acute concentrations, death. The current study employed cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) to reduce oxidative stress and various harmful outcomes of AlP poisoning.

METHODS

Following finding effective concentrations of CeO2 NPs via MTT assay, Human Cardiac Myocyte (HCM) cells were pre-treated with CeO2 NPs for 24 h. After that, they were exposed to 2.36 μM AlP. The activity of oxidative stress and mitochondrial biomarkers, including mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cytochrome c release, were evaluated in HCM cells. Finally, the population of apoptotic and necrotic cells was assessed via flow cytometry.

RESULTS

After 24 h, data revealed that all tested concentrations of CeO2 NPs were safe, and 25 and 50 μM of that were selected as effective concentrations. Oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) showed that CeO2 NPs could successfully decrease AlP poisoning due to their antioxidant characteristics. Mitochondrial markers were also recovered by pre-treatment of HCM cells with CeO2 NPs. Furthermore, pre-treating with CeO2 NPs could compensate for the reduction of live cells with AlP and cause a diminishing in the population of early and late apoptotic cells.

CONCLUSION

As a result, it is evident that CeO2 NPs, through the recovery of oxidative stress and mitochondrial damages caused by AlP, reduce apoptosis and have therapeutic potentials on HCM cells.

The Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Potential of Coccoloba alnifolia Leaf Extracts

Oxidative stress has been associated with different diseases, and different medicinal plants have been used to treat or prevent this condition. The leaf ethanolic extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AE) from Coccoloba alnifolia have previously been characterized to have antioxidant potential in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we worked with EE and AE and two partition phases, AF (ethyl acetate) and BF (butanol), from AE extract. These extracts and partition phases did not display cytotoxicity. The EE and AE reduced NO production and ROS in all three concentrations tested. Furthermore, it was observed that EE and AE at 500 μg/mL concentration were able to reduce phagocytic activity by 30 and 50%, respectively. A scratch assay using a fibroblast cell line (NHI/3T3) showed that extracts and fractions induced cell migration with 60% wound recovery within 24 h, especially for BF. It was also observed that AF and BF had antioxidant potential in all the assays evaluated. In addition, copper chelation was observed. This activity was previously not detected in AE. The HPLC-DAD analysis showed the presence of phenolic compounds such as p-cumaric acid and vitexin for extracts, while the GNPS annotated the presence of isoorientin, vitexin, kanakugiol, and tryptamine in the BF partition phase. The data presented here demonstrated that the EE, AE, AF, and BF of C. alnifolia have potential immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant effects, as well as in vitro wound healing characteristics, which are important for dynamic inflammation process control.

Ethyl gallate isolated from phenol-enriched fraction of Caesalpinia mimosoides Lam. Promotes cutaneous wound healing: a scientific validation through bioassay-guided fractionation

The tender shoots of Caesalpinia mimosoides Lam. are used ethnomedically by the traditional healers of Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka (India) for the treatment of wounds. The current study was aimed at exploring phenol-enriched fraction (PEF) of crude ethanol extract of tender shoots to isolate and characterize the most active bio-constituent through bioassay-guided fractionation procedure. The successive fractionation and sub-fractionation of PEF, followed by in vitro scratch wound, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, yielded a highly active natural antioxidant compound ethyl gallate (EG). In vitro wound healing potentiality of EG was evidenced by a significantly higher percentage of cell migration in L929 fibroblast cells (97.98 ± 0.46% at 3.81 μg/ml concentration) compared to a positive control group (98.44 ± 0.36%) at the 48th hour of incubation. A significantly higher rate of wound contraction (98.72 ± 0.41%), an elevated tensile strength of the incised wound (1,154.60 ± 1.42 g/mm²), and increased quantity of connective tissue elements were observed in the granulation tissues of the 1% EG ointment treated animal group on the 15th post-wounding day. The accelerated wound healing activity of 1% EG was also exhibited by histopathological examinations through Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson's trichome, and Toluidine blue-stained sections. Significant up-regulation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant contents (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and down-regulation of oxidative stress marker (lipid peroxidation) clearly indicates the effective granular antioxidant activity of 1% EG in preventing oxidative damage to the skin tissues. Further, in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of EG supports the positive correlation with its enhanced wound-healing activity. Moreover, molecular docking and dynamics for 100 ns revealed the stable binding of EG with cyclooxygenase-2 (-6.2 kcal/mol) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (-4.6 kcal/mol) and unstable binding with tumor necrosis factor-α (-7.2 kcal/mol), suggesting the potential applicability of EG in inflammation and wound treatment.

Immunometabolism Modulation by Extracts from Pistachio Stalks Formulated in Phospholipid Vesicles

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of plant extracts against various diseases, especially skin disorders; namely, they exhibit overall protective effects. The Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is known for having bioactive compounds that can effectively contribute to a person's healthy status. However, these benefits may be limited by the toxicity and low bioavailability often inherent in bioactive compounds. To overcome these problems, delivery systems, such as phospholipid vesicles, can be employed. In this study, an essential oil and a hydrolate were produced from P. vera stalks, which are usually discarded as waste. The extracts were characterized by liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and formulated in phospholipid vesicles intended for skin application. Liposomes and transfersomes showed small size (<100 nm), negative charge (approximately -15 mV), and a longer storage stability for the latter. The entrapment efficiency was determined via the quantification of the major compounds identified in the extracts and was >80%. The immune-modulating activity of the extracts was assayed in macrophage cell cultures. Most interestingly, the formulation in transfersomes abolished the cytotoxicity of the essential oil while increasing its ability to inhibit inflammatory mediators via the immunometabolic citrate pathway.

Role of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals in post burn management

Burn management is a natural and distinctly programmed process involving overlapping phases of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. Burn wound healing involves initiation of inflammation, re-epithelialization, granulation, neovascularization and wound contraction. Despite the availability of multiple preparations for management of burn wound, there is dire need for efficacious alternative agents. Current approaches for burn wound management include pharmaceutical agents and antibiotics. However, high cost of synthetic drugs and accelerated resistance to antibiotics is challenging for both developed and developing nations. Among alternative options, medicinal plants have been a biocompatible, safe and affordable source of preventive/curative approaches. Due to cultural acceptance and patient compliance, there has been a focus on the use of botanical drugs and phytochemicals for burn wound healing. Keeping in consideration of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals as suitable therapeutic/adjuvant agents for burn wound management, this review highlights therapeutic potential of 35 medicinal herbs and 10 phytochemicals. Among these, Elaeis guineensis, Ephedra ciliate and Terminalia avicennioides showed better burn wound healing potential with varied mechanisms such as modulation of TNF-alpha, inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, eicosanoids, ROS and leukocyte response. Phytochemicals (oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, kirenol) also showed promising role in burn wound management though various pathways involving such as down regulation of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and inflammatory mediators including plasma proteases and arachidonic acid metabolites. This review provides a pavement for therapeutic/adjuvant use of potential botanical drugs and novel druggable phyto-compounds to target skin burn injury with diverse mechanisms, affordability and safety profile.

In vitro wound healing potential of cyclohexane extract of Onosma dichroantha Boiss. based on bioassay-guided fractionation

Onosma dichroantha Boiss. is a biennial herb used in traditional medicine in Iran for healing wounds and burns. Our previous study demonstrated that cyclohexane extract of O. dichroantha Boiss. enhanced wound healing in vitro. The aim of the present study was to identify the active fractions and compounds responsible for this effect through bio-guided fractionation followed by three in vitro tests for anti-inflammation, proliferation, and migration (scratch test). Fractionation of the CE extract yielded six fractions (Fr. A to Fr. F). Fr. F showed the most remarkable wound healing activity in three assays. Fr. F was further fractionated into five subfractions (FF-SUB1 to FF-SUB5). FF-SUB1 and FF-SUB2 were selected for further purification based on their wound healing activity. The major components, F. F1 to F. F5, were isolated from these two subfractions and identified as acetylshikonin, deoxyshikonin, β, β-dimethylacrylshikonin, β-hydroxyisovalerylshikonin, and trans-anethole of the active subfractions. Bioassay-guided fractionation revealed that naphthoquinone derivatives, as an active component, are responsible for the wound healing properties of the fractions and subfractions of cyclohexane extract of O. dichroantha roots. The findings indicate that these fractions and subsections, as well as purified compounds, have a high potential for further investigation as an effective therapeutic agent in wound healing using in vivo models.

Combination therapy of cisplatin and resveratrol to induce cellular aging in gastric cancer cells: Focusing on oxidative stress, and cell cycle arrest

Background: As a medical dilemma, gastric cancer will have 7.3 million new cases in 2040. Despite the disease's high economic and global burden, conventional chemotherapy regimens containing cisplatin have insufficient effectiveness and act non-specifically, leading to several adverse drug reactions To address these issues, the biological efficacy of the cisplatin-resveratrol combination was tested. Methods: To find IC50, gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS) were exposed to different concentrations of resveratrol and cisplatin. Anti-cancer and anti-metastatic effects of 100 M resveratrol with concentrations of cisplatin (25, 50, and 100 g/ml) were studied by assessing ß-galactosidase and telomerase activities, senescence and migration gene expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and cell cycle arrest. Results: Co-administration of cisplatin and resveratrol increased ß-galactosidase activity, ROS level as a key marker of oxidative stress, p53, p38, p16, p21, and MMP-2 gene expression, and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Additionally, telomerase activity, pro-inflammatory gene expression, and cell invasion were suppressed. The best results were achieved with 100 g/ml cisplatin co-administered with resveratrol. Conclusion: The current study proved the synergistic effect of the cisplatin-resveratrol combination on suppressing metastasis and inducing apoptosis and cell senescence through targeting P38/P53 and P16/P21 pathways. Such promising results warrant translation to animal models and the clinic. This may lead to cost-effective, available, and accessible treatment regimens with targeted action and the fewest ADRs.

The current status of old traditional medicine introduced from Persia to China

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) includes over ten thousand herbal medicines, some of which were introduced from outside countries and territories. The Silk Road enabled the exchange of merchandise such as teas, silks, carpets, and medicines between the East and West of the Eurasia continent. During this time, the ‘Compendium of Materia Medica’ (CMM) was composed by a traditional medicine practitioner, Shizhen Li (1,518–1,593) of the Ming Dynasty. This epoch-making masterpiece collected knowledge of traditional medical materials and treatments in China from the 16th century and before in utmost detail, including the origin where a material was obtained. Of 1892 medical materials from the CMM, 46 came from Persia (now Iran). In this study, the basic information of these 46 materials, including the time of introduction, the medicinal value in TCM theory, together with the current status of these medicines in China and Iran, are summarized. It is found that 20 herbs and four stones out of the 46 materials are registered as medicinal materials in the latest China Pharmacopoeia. Now most of these herbs and stones are distributed in China or replacements are available but saffron, ferula, myrrh, and olibanum are still highly dependent on imports. This study may contribute to the further development, exchange, and internationalization of traditional medicine of various backgrounds in the world, given the barriers of transportation and language are largely eased in nowadays.

Hormesis: wound healing and fibroblasts

Hormetic dose responses are reported here to occur commonly in the dermal wound healing process, with the particular focus on cell viability, proliferation, migration and collagen deposition of human and murine fibroblasts with in vitro studies. Hormetic responses were induced by a wide range of substances, including endogenous agents, pharmaceutical preparations, plant-derived extracts including many well-known dietary supplements, as well as physical stressor agents such as low-level laser treatments. Detailed mechanistic studies have identified common signaling pathways and their cross-pathway communications that mediate the hormetic dose responses. These findings complement and extend a similar comprehensive assessment concerning the occurrence of hormetic dose responses in keratinocytes. These findings demonstrate the generality of the hormetic dose response for key wound healing endpoints, suggesting that the hormesis concept has a fundamental role in wound healing, with respect to guiding strategies for experimental evaluation as well as therapeutic applications.

Investigation of anti-cancer effects of new pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives on human glioblastoma cells through 2D in vitro model and 3D-printed microfluidic device

AIMS

Recent studies show targeted therapy of new pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives with COX-II inhibitory effects on different cancer cells. This study aimed to investigate 2D cell culture and 3D spheroid formation of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells using a microfluidic device after exposure to these compounds.

MAIN METHODS

After isolating astrocytes from human GBM samples, IC50 of 2,6-dimethyl pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole (L1) and 3,4,5-trimethoxy pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole (L2) were determined as 13 μM and 85 μM, respectively. Then, in all experiments, cells were exposed to subtoxic concentrations of L1 (6.5 μM) and L2 (42.5 μM), which were ½IC50. In the following, in two phases, cell cycle, migration, and gene expression through 2D cell culture and tumor spheroid formation ability using a 3D-printed microfluidic chip were assessed.

KEY FINDINGS

The obtained results showed that both compounds have positive effects in reducing G2/M cell population and GBM cell migration. Furthermore, real-time gene expression data showed that L1 and L2 significantly impact the upregulation of P21 and P53 and down-regulation of cyclin D1, MMP2, and MMP9. On the other hand, GBM spheroids exposed to L1 and L2 become smaller with fewer live cells.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our data on human isolated astrocyte cells in 2D and 3D cell culture conditions showed that L1 and L2 compounds could reduce GBM cells' invasion by controlling gene expressions associated with migration and proliferation. Moreover, designing microfluidic platform and related cell culture protocols facilitates the broad screening of 3D multicellular tumor spheroids derived from GBM tumor biopsies and provides effective drug development for brain gliomas.

Al-Awthan Y, Muhammad N, Mukarram Shah M, Mitra S, Bin Emran T, Bahattab O, S. Mubarak M. Pharmacological Investigation of Genus Pistacia

Several plants in the genus Pistacia are used in the treatment of various pathogenic and non-pathogenic disorders. Especially important are the major species belonging to this genus such as Pistacia lentiscus, Pistacia atlantica, Pistacia vera, Pistacia terebinthus, and Pistacia khinjuk, among others; these have been reported for their potential benefits both in medical and commercial purposes. In addition, members of this genus exhibit numerous ethnomedicinal uses, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antihypertension, antihyperlipidemic, antiviral, and antiasthma. In light of these potential uses, the present chapter aimed to collect and summarize the literature about all of this medicinal information. Accordingly, this chapter focuses on the pharmacological uses and benefits of the genus Pistacia, especially those related to health issues.

Wound Healing Properties of Jasione montana Extracts and Their Main Secondary Metabolites

The effects of different extracts obtained from Jasione montana L. (JM1-JM6) and their main metabolites on biological processes during wound healing were evaluated. The effect on wound closure in the scratch test was established, and collagen type I synthesis and anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by flow cytometry in a human dermal fibroblast model (PCS-201-012). Additionally, the antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP) and degree of inhibition of elastase participating in the proliferation processes of skin fibroblasts were determined in an in vitro model. The extracts and fractions were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) to quantitatively characterize their main polyphenolic compounds. The high antioxidant activity of the JM4-JM5 fractions correlated with the content of luteolin and its derivative 7-O-glucoside. Luteolin also showed the highest anti-elastase activity with an IC50 value of 39.93 ± 1.06 μg/mL, and its substantial content in the JM4 fraction presumably determines its activity (359.03 ± 1.65 μg/mL). At lower concentrations (<50 μg/mL) of all extracts, cell proliferation and migration were significantly stimulated after 24 h of treatment. The stimulation of cell migration was comparable with that of allantoin, which was used as a positive control. However, most of the tested extracts showed limited capacity to affect collagen type I biosynthesis. Moreover, the tested samples exhibited a complex effect on cytokine secretion, and the strongest anti-inflammatory activity through the moderation of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 was observed for JM4 and luteolin. Based on the obtained results of the quantitative analysis, the anti-inflammatory activity of JM4 may be due to the high content of luteolin. In summary, extracts from J. montana, which is flavonoid-rich, promote the viability and accelerate the migration of fibroblasts as well as moderate oxidant and inflammatory processes and elastase activity. Hence, they may be potentially useful for topical therapeutic applications to stimulate the wound healing process.

Modern Approaches in the Discovery and Development of Plant-Based Natural Products and Their Analogues as Potential Therapeutic Agents

Natural products represents an important source of new lead compounds in drug discovery research. Several drugs currently used as therapeutic agents have been developed from natural sources; plant sources are specifically important. In the past few decades, pharmaceutical companies demonstrated insignificant attention towards natural product drug discovery, mainly due to its intrinsic complexity. Recently, technological advancements greatly helped to address the challenges and resulted in the revived scientific interest in drug discovery from natural sources. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various approaches used in the selection, authentication, extraction/isolation, biological screening, and analogue development through the application of modern drug-development principles of plant-based natural products. Main focus is given to the bioactivity-guided fractionation approach along with associated challenges and major advancements. A brief outline of historical development in natural product drug discovery and a snapshot of the prominent natural drugs developed in the last few decades are also presented. The researcher’s opinions indicated that an integrated interdisciplinary approach utilizing technological advances is necessary for the successful development of natural products. These involve the application of efficient selection method, well-designed extraction/isolation procedure, advanced structure elucidation techniques, and bioassays with a high-throughput capacity to establish druggability and patentability of phyto-compounds. A number of modern approaches including molecular modeling, virtual screening, natural product library, and database mining are being used for improving natural product drug discovery research. Renewed scientific interest and recent research trends in natural product drug discovery clearly indicated that natural products will play important role in the future development of new therapeutic drugs and it is also anticipated that efficient application of new approaches will further improve the drug discovery campaign.

A systematic review of preclinical studies on the taurine role during diabetic nephropathy: focused on anti-oxidative, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptotic effects

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most important and growing diseases globally and the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in these patients. Taurine is an amino acid that has pleiotropic protective properties on some diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of taurine in the treatment of diabetes-induced nephropathy. To achieve the aim of the present study, a comprehensive systematic search based on PRISMA guidelines has been conducted up to August 2021. A total of 382 articles were found in the electronic databases based on search keywords. After doing the screening, 14 articles were included in the present systematic review. The dated demonstrated elevation of oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic pathways, and changes in other molecules' function plays an essential role in diabetes-induced renal tissue damage. Due to its multiple protective effects, taurine significantly prevented the activation of the pathways mentioned above and altered the function of molecules involved in these pathways, resulting in alleviating diabetic nephropathy. According to the obtained results, it was found that taurine can mitigate diabetes-induced nephropathy, mainly through its anti-oxidant activity, which is an essential factor in activating inflammation and apoptosis pathways.

Assessment of cytotoxic effects of new derivatives of pyrazino[1,2-a] benzimidazole on isolated human glioblastoma cells and mitochondria

AIMS

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly devastating malignant brain tumor with poor pharmacotherapy. Based on COX-2 inhibitory effects in preventing cancer progression, new pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives were assessed on isolated human GBM cells.

MAIN METHODS

In this study, firstly, primary culture of astrocytes from human GBM samples was prepared and exposed to 2,6-dimethyl pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole (L1) and 3,4,5-trimethoxy pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole (L2) for finding their half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀). In the following, in two phases, cell apoptosis pathway and mitochondrial markers were investigated on GBM and also HEK293 cells (as non-cancerous normal cells).

KEY FINDINGS

The MTT results represented a remarkable selective cytotoxic effect of both L1 and L2 on GBM cells, and interestingly not on normal cells. After 48 h, IC₅₀ of L1 and L2 were calculated as 13 μM and 85 μM, respectively. Annexin/PI staining showed that L1 and L2 induce apoptosis in GBM cells, and caspase measurement showed that apoptosis occurs through mitochondrial signaling. In the clonogenic assay, GBM cells formed more paraclones and fewer holoclones after treating with L1 and L2. L1 and L2 also selectively enhanced mitochondrial damaged markers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and mitochondrial swelling, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and cytochrome c release in isolated cancerous GBM mitochondria.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings on human primary astrocyte cells illustrated that L1 and L2 compounds, with COX-2 inhibitory effect, through the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis concerning mitochondrial damage enhancement have therapeutic potentials on GBM.

Therapeutic candidates for keloid scars identified by qualitative review of scratch assay research for wound healing

The scratch assay is an in vitro technique used to analyze cell migration, proliferation, and cell-to-cell interaction. In the assay, cells are grown to confluence and then ‘scratched’ with a sterile instrument. For the cells in the leading edge, the resulting polarity induces migration and proliferation in attempt to ‘heal’ the modeled wound. Keloid scars are known to have an accelerated wound closure phenotype in the scratch assay, representing an overactivation of wound healing. We performed a qualitative review of the recent literature searching for inhibitors of scratch assay activity that were already available in topical formulations under the hypothesis that such compounds may offer therapeutic potential in keloid treatment. Although several shortcomings in the scratch assay literature were identified, caffeine and allicin successfully inhibited the scratch assay closure and inflammatory abnormalities in the commercially available keloid fibroblast cell line. Caffeine and allicin also impacted ATP production in keloid cells, most notably with inhibition of non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption. The traditional Chinese medicine, shikonin, was also successful in inhibiting scratch closure but displayed less dramatic impacts on metabolism. Together, our results partially summarize the strengths and limitations of current scratch assay literature and suggest clinical assessment of the therapeutic potential for these identified compounds against keloid scars may be warranted.