Geraniin inhibits whole blood IFN-γ and IL-6 and promotes IL-1β and IL-8, and stimulates calcium-dependent and sucrose-sensitive erythrocyte death

Hemocompatibility studies in nanotoxicology: Hemolysis or eryptosis? (A review)

Hemocompatibility evaluation is an important step in nanotoxicological studies. It is generally accepted that nanomaterials promote lysis of erythrocytes, blood clotting, alter phagocytosis, and upregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, there are no standardized guidelines for testing nanomaterials hemocompatibility despite the fact that nanomaterials enter the bloodstream and interact with blood cells. In this review, the current knowledge on the ability of nanomaterials to induce distinct cell death modalities of erythrocytes is highlighted primarily focusing on hemolysis and eryptosis. This review aims to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying erythrotoxicity of nanomaterials and critically compare the sensitivity and efficiency of hemolysis or eryptosis assays for nanomaterials blood compatibility testing. The list of eryptosis-inducing nanomaterials is growing, but it is still difficult to generalize how physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles affect eryptosis degree and molecular mechanisms involved. Thus, another aim of this review is to raise the awareness of eryptosis as a nanotoxicological tool to encourage the corresponding studies. It is worthwhile to consider adding eryptosis to in vitro nanomaterials hemocompatibility testing protocols and guidelines.

Geraniin Alleviates Inflammation in Caco-2 Cells and Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis Mice by Targeting IL-1β

IL-1β is an important cytokine implicated in the progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and intestinal barrier dysfunction. The polyphenolic compound, geraniin, possesses bioactive properties, such as antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antiviral activities; however, its IL-1β-targeted anticolitis activity remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of geraniin in IL-1β-stimulated Caco-2 cells and a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Geraniin blocked the interaction between IL-1β and IL-1R by directly binding to IL-1β and inhibited the IL-1β activity. It suppressed IL-1β-induced intestinal tight junction damage in human Caco-2 cells by inhibiting IL-1β-mediated MAPK, NF-kB, and MLC activation. Moreover, geraniin administration effectively reduced colitis symptoms and attenuated intestinal barrier injury in mice by suppressing elevated intestinal permeability and restoring tight junction protein expression through the inhibition of MAPK, NF-kB, and MLC activation. Thus, geraniin exhibits anti-IL-1β activity and anticolitis effect by hindering the IL-1β and IL-1R interaction and may be a promising therapeutic anti-IL-1β agent for IBD treatment.

Unveiling the anti-inflammatory potential of Acalypha indica L. and analyzing its research trend: digging deep to learn deep

The plant Acalypha indica L. is a well-known traditional plant belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. Traditional practices of the plant claim to treat asthma, pneumonia, wound healing, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, and skin disorders. The major phytochemicals reported are cyanogenic glucosides, tannins, coumarins, flavonoid glycosides, fatty acids, and volatile oils. To summarize the anti-inflammatory potential of Acalypha indica extract and its phytochemicals through preclinical studies. The search terms include anti-inflammatory, Acalypha indica, and Acalypha indica extract independently or in combination with pro-inflammatory markers using various databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The results of preclinical studies confirm that Acalypha indica exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activity. Most of the experimental studies that have been conducted on plant extract are protein denaturation, human red blood cell membrane stabilization assay, and carrageenan-induced inflammation models. However, the molecular mechanism in these studies is still unclear to demonstrate its anti-inflammatory effects. Acalypha indica possesses anti-inflammatory effects that may be due to the presence of phenolic compounds especially flavonoids present in the Acalypha indica. Thus, further research is needed, to understand mechanistic insights of the plant phytochemicals to represent anti-inflammatory properties.

Metabolic exhaustion and casein kinase 1α drive deguelin-induced premature red blood cell death

1. Deguelin (DGN), a retinoid isolated from many plants, exhibits a potent anticancer activity against a wide spectrum of tumour cells. There is a dearth of evidence, however, regarding the toxicity of DGN to red blood cells (RBCs). This is relevant given the prevalent chemotherapy-associated anaemia observed in cancer patients.2. RBCs were exposed to 1-100 μM of DGN for 24 h at 37 °C. Haemolysis and related markers were photometrically measured while flow cytometry was employed to detect phosphatidylserine exposure through Annexin-V-FITC binding and light scatter properties. Additionally, cytosolic Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species were quantified using Fluo4/AM and H2DCFDA, respectively. DGN was also tested against specific signalling inhibitors in addition to vitamin C and ATP.3. DGN caused a significant increase in Annexin-V-positive cells which was accompanied by cell shrinkage without Ca2+ elevation or oxidative stress. DGN also elicited dose-responsive haemolysis which was ameliorated by preventing KCl efflux and in the presence of sucrose, D4476, and ATP. In whole blood, DGN significantly reduced the reticulocyte count and increased platelet distribution width and large cell count.4. DGN triggers premature RBC eryptosis and haemolysis through casein kinase 1α and ATP depletion, and exhibits a specific toxicity towards reticulocytes and platelets.

Molecular Mechanisms and Pathophysiological Significance of Eryptosis

Despite lacking the central apoptotic machinery, senescent or damaged RBCs can undergo an unusual apoptosis-like cell death, termed eryptosis. This premature death can be caused by, or a symptom of, a wide range of diseases. However, various adverse conditions, xenobiotics, and endogenous mediators have also been recognized as triggers and inhibitors of eryptosis. Eukaryotic RBCs are unique among their cell membrane distribution of phospholipids. The change in the RBC membrane composition of the outer leaflet occurs in a variety of diseases, including sickle cell disease, renal diseases, leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes. Eryptotic erythrocytes exhibit various morphological alterations such as shrinkage, swelling, and increased granulation. Biochemical changes include cytosolic Ca2+ increase, oxidative stress, stimulation of caspases, metabolic exhaustion, and ceramide accumulation. Eryptosis is an effective mechanism for the elimination of dysfunctional erythrocytes due to senescence, infection, or injury to prevent hemolysis. Nevertheless, excessive eryptosis is associated with multiple pathologies, most notably anemia, abnormal microcirculation, and prothrombotic risk; all of which contribute to the pathogenesis of several diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms, physiological and pathophysiological relevance of eryptosis, as well as the potential role of natural and synthetic compounds in modulating RBC survival and death.

Blood indices of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are altered in hyperglycemia

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may favorably influence the risk and clinical course of diabetes mellitus (DM). In particular, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA) alleviate oxidative injury and insulin resistance characteristic of DM. Uncertainty still remains, however, as to the composition and proportions of blood PUFAs in relation to fasting blood glucose levels. This study, thus, aims to examine the patterns of blood PUFA indices in normoglycemic (NG) and hyperglycemic (HG) Saudi subjects. Age, gender, FA profiles, and laboratory records of 143 subjects collected from September 2014 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Means, prevalence rates, associations, risk measures, and the diagnostic accuracy of PUFAs were determined. HG subjects had significantly lower AA (0.70%, 95% CI: 0.59-0.80% vs 0.46%, 95% CI: 0.38-0.53%) and higher EPA/AA ratio (0.36, 95% CI: 0.30-0.42 vs 0.69, 95% CI: 0.61-0.77). Gender-wise comparisons revealed that ώ-6/ώ-3 ratio was the only PUFA index significantly elevated in HG males (0.36, 95% CI: 0.26-0.45 vs 5.68, 95% CI: 4.98-6.38) while both DHA (2.91%, 95% CI: 2.54-3.29% vs 3.37%, 95% CI: 3.13-3.60%) and ώ-3 index (3.1%, 95% CI: 2.70-3.49% vs 3.63%, 95% CI: 3.38-3.88%) were significantly elevated in HG females. Furthermore, reduced AA and elevated EPA/AA ratio were more prevalent in HG subjects (26.53 vs 28.72 and 30.61 vs 38.29, respectively) and exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy for HG among all PUFA indices. Altogether, our study revealed that distinct, gender-specific blood PUFA indices are differentially regulated in HG subjects which may be valuable for DM management.

Patterns of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3, Calcium Status, and Anemia in the Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests an intricate relationship between vitamin D, Ca²⁺, and inflammation-driven anemia. We, thus, investigated the patterns of serum 25(OH)D₃, Ca²⁺, ferritin, and iron in healthy and anemic members of the Saudi population.

METHODS

A population-based, retrospective, cross-sectional study was designed to analyze data for 14,229 subjects, aged 3-110 years, obtained from Al-Borg Medical Laboratories, over a six-year period (2014-2020). Gender and age differences were analyzed for 25(OH)D₃, Ca²⁺, hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron.

RESULTS

Vitamin D deficiency was extremely prevalent (98.47%) irrespective of age or gender, despite an increasing trend with age, in clear contrast to serum Ca²⁺. Ferritin was significantly lower in young adult and adult females, compared to elderly females, whereas iron was significantly reduced in females; in particular, adult females compared to young adults or elderly adults. Only anemic adult males had significantly lower 25(OH)D₃, while Ca²⁺ was consistently significantly diminished in anemics of all age groups, independent of gender. Notably, hypocalcemic subjects were 2.36 times more likely to be anemic. Moreover, ferritin, but not iron, was significantly diminished in anemics, which was only evident in young adults and adults. However, both ferritin and iron showed positive correlation with hematocrit, hemoglobin, MCH, MCHC, and MCV.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite being significantly lower in anemics, 25(OH)D₃ is not particularly associated with anemia, while hypocalcemia is associated with an increased risk for anemia. Assessment of vitamin D and Ca²⁺ status may be valuable in the clinical management of anemia in the Saudi population.

Apoptosis-mediated anti-proliferative activity of Calligonum comosum against human breast cancer cells, and molecular docking of its major polyphenolics to Caspase-3

Due to poor diagnosis breast cancer in women has emerged as the most common cause of death disease in developing countries. Medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years and can be useful in healthcare, especially in developing countries. Ethanol extracts of leaves of fire bush or arta (Calligonum comosum; EECC), exhibited significant anticancer potencies against two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA 231. These in vitro effects of EECC indicated potential anticancer activities that were determined to be specific since minimal toxicity was recorded against MCF-12, a non-cancerous breast cell line used as a reference. EECC also induced cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 and MDA 231 as revealed by the increased proportions of sub-G1 cells. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis (FACS), utilizing double staining by annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide, revealed that the observed cytotoxic effects were mediated via apoptosis and necrosis. FACS measurement of thegreater in fluorescence intensity, linked with oxidation of DCFH to DCF, revealed that apoptosis was attributable to production of free radicals. EECC-mediated apoptosis was further validated by observation of up-regulation in the “executioner” enzyme, caspase 3. The current findings reveal that EECC exhibits significant, selective cytotoxicity to breast cancer cells, that proceeds via the generation of ROS, which culminates in apoptosis. The anti-proliferative effects of EECC weres further verified by use of a structure-based, virtual screening between its major bioactive polyphenolic constituents and the apoptosis executioner marker enzyme, caspase-3. Based on their glide score values against the active site of caspase 3, some phyto-constituents present in EECC, such as DL-alpha-tocopherol and campesterol, exhibited distinctive, drug-like potential with no predicted toxicity to non-target cells. Taken together, the usefulness of natural phenolic and flavonoid compounds contained in Calligonum comosum were suggested to be potent anticancer agents.