Sulforhodamine B (SRB) Assay in Cell Culture to Investigate Cell Proliferation

Selective targeting of chemically modified miR-34a to prostate cancer using a small molecule ligand and an endosomal escape agent

Use of tumor-suppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) as anti-cancer agents is hindered by the lack of effective delivery vehicles, entrapment of the miRNA within endocytic compartments, and rapid degradation of miRNA by nucleases. To address these issues, we developed a miRNA delivery strategy that includes (1) a targeting ligand, (2) an endosomal escape agent, nigericin and (3) a chemically modified miRNA. The delivery ligand, DUPA (2-[3-(1,3-dicarboxy propyl) ureido] pentanedioic acid), was selected based on its specificity for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a receptor routinely upregulated in prostate cancer-one of the leading causes of cancer death among men. DUPA was conjugated to the tumor suppressive miRNA, miR-34a (DUPA-miR-34a) based on the ability of miR-34a to inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation. To mediate endosomal escape, nigericin was incorporated into the complex, resulting in DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a. Both DUPA-miR-34a and DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a specifically bound to, and were taken up by, PSMA-expressing cells in vitro and in vivo. And while both DUPA-miR-34a and DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a downregulated miR-34a target genes, only DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a decreased cell proliferation in vitro and delayed tumor growth in vivo. Tumor growth was further reduced using a fully modified version of miR-34a that has significantly increased stability.

Palladium nanoparticles for the synthesis of phenanthridinones and benzo[c]chromenes via C-H activation reaction

In the present work, derivatives of phenanthridine-6(5H)-ones and benzo[c]chromenes were efficiently prepared through an intramolecular C-H bond functionalization reaction catalyzed by photochemically synthesized Pd-PVP nanoparticles. The heterocycles were obtained via intramolecular arylation of the corresponding N-methyl-N-aryl-2-halobenzamide or aryl-(2-halo)benzyl ethers using K2CO3 as base in a mixture of H2O : DMA as solvent without additives or ligands. High yields of the heterocyclic compounds were achieved (up to 95%) using a moderately low catalyst loading (1-5 mol%) under an air atmosphere at 100 °C. The reaction exhibited very good tolerance to diverse functional groups (OMe, Me, t Bu, Ph, OCF3, CF3, F, Cl, -CN, Naph), and both bromine and iodine substrates showed great reactivity. Finally, the in vitro antiproliferative activity of phenanthridine-6(5H)-ones and benzo[c]chromenes was evaluated against six human solid tumor cell lines. The more active compounds exhibit activity in the low micromolar range. 1-Isopropyl-4-methyl-6H-benzo[c]chromene was identified as the best compound with promising values of activity (GI50 range 3.9-8.6 μM). Thus, the benzochromene core was highlighted as a novel organic building block to prepare potential antitumor agents.

MicroRNA expression profiling of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and precursor lesions

Background

Actinic keratoses (AK) are pre-malignant skin lesions caused by chronic sun exposure. Progression from an AK to intraepidermal carcinoma (IEC) and a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is well known but the rate of transformation to an invasive SCC is highly variable. Since no definitive biomarkers are available, treatment decisions are made ad hoc.

Objectives

To fully characterise our AK to SCC progression series, we performed microRNA (miRNA) microarray expression profiling of normal and photodamaged skin, as well as AKs, IEC, and invasive SCCs.

Methods

The study recruited 27 patients who donated fresh biopsies of normal skin, photodamaged skin, AK, IEC, and SCC (n = 67 specimens). All miRbase (v.21) miRNAs were profiled to identify miRNAs related to SCC progression. miRNAs were validated using qRT-PCR and in vitro phenotypic assays.

Results

There were 234 robustly expressed miRNAs across the tissue collection, which resulted in 20 miRNA that were differentially expressed ((cor)p ≤ 0.05 and ≥ 10 fold) between normal skin and SCC. Hierarchical clustering all samples illustrated that AKs, IEC, and SCCs were largely indistinguishable, which confirms the premalignant status of an AK. A panel of miRNAs showed significant dysregulation between normal and photodamaged skin and AK. Importantly, we found miR-34a-5p and miR-31-5p had significant differential expression between AKs and IEC and IEC and SCC respectively. Phenotypic assays determined that the miR-31 duplex had opposing effects on SCC cell lines which suggests that dysregulation of this duplex may be related to the dynamic control of progression of transformed keratinocytes.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the continuum of AK with IEC and SCC highlighting that miRNA expression plays a role in keratinocyte transformation. Development of our putative miRNA biomarker candidates is warranted to aid in clinical management of patients experiencing high AK load to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Curcumin and quercetin co-encapsulated in nanoemulsions for nasal administration: A promising therapeutic and prophylactic treatment for viral respiratory infections

One of the most frequent causes of respiratory infections are viruses. Viruses reaching the airways can be absorbed by the human body through the respiratory mucosa and mainly infect lung cells. Several viral infections are not yet curable, such as coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Furthermore, the side effect of synthetic antiviral drugs and reduced efficacy against resistant variants have reinforced the search for alternative and effective treatment options, such as plant-derived antiviral molecules. Curcumin (CUR) and quercetin (QUE) are two natural compounds that have been widely studied for their health benefits, such as antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity. However, poor oral bioavailability limits the clinical applications of these natural compounds. In this work, nanoemulsions (NE) co-encapsulating CUR and QUE designed for nasal administration were developed as promising prophylactic and therapeutic treatments for viral respiratory infections. The NEs were prepared by high-pressure homogenization combined with the phase inversion temperature technique and evaluated for their physical and chemical characteristics. In vitro assays were performed to evaluate the nanoemulsion retention into the porcine nasal mucosa. In addition, the CUR and QUE-loaded NE antiviral activity was tested against a murine β-COV, namely MHV-3. The results evidenced that CUR and QUE loaded NE had a particle size of 400 nm and retention in the porcine nasal mucosa. The antiviral activity of the NEs showed a percentage of inhibition of around 99 %, indicating that the developed NEs has interesting properties as a therapeutic and prophylactic treatment against viral respiratory infections.

Additive Cytotoxic and Colony-Formation Inhibitory Effects of Aspirin and Metformin on PI3KCA-Mutant Colorectal Cancer Cells

Human malignancies are one of the major health-related issues throughout the world and are anticipated to rise in the future. Despite huge investments made in anticancer drug development, limited success has been obtained and the average number of FDA approvals per year is declining. So, an increasing interest in drug repurposing exists. Metformin (MET) and aspirin (ASP) possess anticancer properties. This work aims to test the effect of these two drugs in combination on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in vitro. The effects of MET and/or ASP on cell proliferation, viability, migratory ability, anchorage-independent growth ability (colony formation), and nutrient uptake were determined in two (HT-29 and Caco-2) human CRC cell lines. Individually, MET and ASP possessed antiproliferative, cytotoxic, and antimigratory effects and reduced colony formation in HT-29 cells (BRAF- and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PI3KCA)-mutant), although MET did not affect either 3H-deoxy-D-glucose or 14C-butyrate uptake and lactate production, and ASP caused only a small decrease in 14C-butyrate uptake. Moreover, in these cells, the combination of MET and ASP resulted in a tendency to an increase in the cytotoxic effect and in a potentiation of the inhibitory effect on colony formation, although no additive antiproliferative and antimigratory effects, and no effect on nutrient uptake and lactate production were observed. In contrast, MET and ASP, both individually and in combination, were almost devoid of effects on Caco-2 cells (BRAF- and PI3KCA-wild type). We suggest that inhibition of PI3K is the common mechanism involved in the anti-CRC effect of both MET, ASP and their combination and, therefore, that the combination of MET + ASP may especially benefit PI3KCA-mutant CRC cases, which currently have a poor prognostic.

Altered mitochondrial function in fibroblast cell lines derived from disease carriers of spinal muscular atrophy

BACKGROUND

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive childhood-onset neuromuscular disease with a carrier frequency of ~1:50. Mitochondrial abnormalities are widespread in patients with SMA. Disease carriers for SMA (i.e., the parents of patients with SMA) are viewed as asymptomatic for SMA disease. As far as we are aware, mitochondria have not been previously examined in SMA carriers, yet as they are maternally inherited, mitochondrial function in SMA carriers has putative implications for disease pathogenesis.

METHODS

Fibroblast cell lines derived from SMA carriers and controls were obtained from two different sources and cultured under standard conditions. The mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, citrate synthase activity, and bioenergetic analysis were examined as measures of mitochondrial function. The mitochondrial genome was also sequenced in a subset of the fibroblast cell lines to identify any mitochondrial DNA variants.

RESULTS

Here, we show a depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential, increased levels of reactive oxygen species, and reduced citrate synthase activity in SMA carriers compared with controls. A likely pathogenic variant in the MT-CO3 gene (which encodes subunit III of cytochrome c oxidase) was also identified in a paternal carrier.

CONCLUSIONS

This study was conducted as a preliminary investigation of mitochondrial function in SMA carriers. Our findings suggest that disease carriers of SMA show differences in mitochondrial function, indicative of a subclinical mitochondrial phenotype. Further investigation in a larger sample set is warranted.

Novel Combretastatin A-4 Analogs-Design, Synthesis, and Antiproliferative and Anti-Tubulin Activity

Combretastatins isolated from the Combretum caffrum tree belong to a group of closely related stilbenes. They are colchicine binding site inhibitors which disrupt the polymerization process of microtubules in tubulins, causing mitotic arrest. In vitro and in vivo studies have proven that some combretastatins exhibit antitumor properties, and among them, combretastatin A-4 is the most active mitotic inhibitor. In this study, a series of novel combretastatin A-4 analogs containing carboxylic acid, ester, and amide moieties were synthesized and their cytotoxic activity against six tumor cell lines was determined using sulforhodamine B assay. For the most cytotoxic compounds (8 and 20), further studies were performed. These compounds were shown to induce G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in MDA and A549 cells, in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, in vitro tubulin polymerization assays showed that both compounds are tubulin polymerization enhancers. Additionally, computational analysis of the binding modes and binding energies of the compounds with respect to the key human tubulin isotypes was performed. We have obtained a satisfactory correlation of the binding energies with the IC50 values when weighted averages of the binding energies accounting for the abundance of tubulin isotypes in specific cancer cell lines were computed.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of dinaciclib and CAN508 hybrids as CDK inhibitors

The scaffolds of two known CDK inhibitors (CAN508 and dinaciclib) were the starting point for synthesizing two series of pyarazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines to obtain potent inhibitors with proper selectivity. The study presented four promising compounds; 10d, 10e, 16a, and 16c based on cytotoxic studies. Compound 16a revealed superior activity in the preliminary anticancer screening with GI % = 79.02-99.13 against 15 cancer cell lines at 10 μM from NCI full panel 60 cancer cell lines and was then selected for further investigation. Furthermore, the four compounds revealed good safety profile toward the normal cell lines WI-38. These four compounds were subjected to CDK inhibitory activity against four different isoforms. All of them showed potent inhibition against CDK5/P25 and CDK9/CYCLINT. Compound 10d revealed the best activity against CDK5/P25 (IC50 = 0.063 µM) with proper selectivity index against CDK1 and CDK2. Compound 16c exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against CDK9/CYCLINT (IC50 = 0.074 µM) with good selectivity index against other isoforms. Finally, docking simulations were performed for compounds 10e and 16c accompanied by molecular dynamic simulations to understand their behavior in the active site of the two CDKs with respect to both CAN508 and dinaciclib.

Inubritantrimers A-D: Trimerized Sesquiterpenoid [4 + 2] Adducts Featuring a Distinctive Spiro-Polycyclic Scaffold from Inula britannica

Inubritantrimer A (1), a trace trimerized sesquiterpenoid [4 + 2] adduct featuring an unusual exo-exo type spiro-polycyclic scaffold, together with three new endo-exo [4 + 2] adducts, inubritantrimers B-D (2-4), were discovered from the flowers of Inula britannica. Their structures were elucidated using 1D/2D NMR, X-ray diffraction, and ECD approaches. 1 is characterized as a novel exo-exo trimer, synthesized biogenetically from three sesquiterpenoid monomers, featuring a unique linkage of C-11/C-1', C-13/C-3' and C-13'/C-3″, C-11'/C-1″ through a two-step exo [4 + 2] cycloaddition process. Compounds 1-4 exhibited modest cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells with IC50 values in the range of 5.84-12.01 μM.

Evaluation of volatile components from the tuber, fibrous roots, bud, stem and leaf tissues of Bletilla striata for its anti-colon cancer activity

Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Rchb.f., a medicinal plant in the Orchidaceae family, is mainly found in East Asia and has extensive pharmacological activities. Plant's volatile components are important active ingredients with a wide range of physiological activities, and B. striata has a special odor and unique volatile components. Yet it has received little attention, hindering a full understanding of its phytochemical components. Employing the ultrasonic-assisted extraction method, the volatile components of B. striata's fibrous root, bud, aerial part and tuber were extracted, resulting in yields of 0.06%, 0.64%, 3.38% and 4.47%, respectively. A total of 78 compounds were identified from their chemical profiles using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), including 45 components with the main compounds of linoleic acid (content accounting for 31.23%), n-hexadecanoic acid (13.53%), and octadecanoic acid (9.5%) from the tuber, 34 components with the main compounds of eicosane, 2-methyl- (28.42%), linoelaidic acid (10.43%), linoleic acid (4.53%), and n-hexadecanoic acid (6.91%) from the fibrous root, 38 components with the main compounds of pentadeca-6,9-dien-1-ol (9.29%), n-hexadecanoic acid (11%), eicosane,2-methyl- (23.43%), and linoleic acid (23.53%) from the bud, and 27 components with the main compounds of linoelaidic acid (5.97%), n-hexadecanoic acid (15.99%), and linolenic acid ethyl ester (18.9%) from the aerial part. Additionally, the growth inhibition activity against colon cancer HCT116 cells was evaluated using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined using dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining and fluorescence intensity analysis. The volatile extracts exhibited significant growth inhibitory efficacy against HCT116 cells, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 3.65, 2.32, 2.42 and 3.89 mg/mL in the SRB assay, and 3.55, 2.58, 3.12 and 4.80 mg/mL in the MTT assay for the root, bud, aerial part, and tuber, respectively. Notably, treatment with the aerial part extract caused morphological changes in the cells and significantly raised the intracellular ROS level. In summary, the chemical profiles of the volatile components of B. striata were revealed for the first time, demonstrating a certain tissue specificity. Additionally, it demonstrated for the first time that these volatile extracts possess potent anti-colon cancer activity, highlighting the importance of these volatile components in B. striata's medicinal properties.

Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays: Biochemical elements and cellular compartments

Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays play a crucial role in drug screening and evaluating the cytotoxic effects of various chemicals. The quantification of cell viability and proliferation serves as the cornerstone for numerous in vitro assays that assess cellular responses to external factors. In the last decade, several studies have developed guidelines for defining and interpreting cell viability and cytotoxicity based on morphological, biochemical, and functional perspectives. As this domain continues to experience ongoing growth, revealing new mechanisms orchestrating diverse cell cytotoxicity pathways, we suggest a revised classification for multiple assays employed in evaluating cell viability and cell death. This classification is rooted in the cellular compartment and/or biochemical element involved, with a specific focus on mechanistic and essential aspects of the process. The assays are founded on diverse cell functions, encompassing metabolic activity, enzyme activity, cell membrane permeability and integrity, adenosine 5'-triphosphate content, cell adherence, reduction equivalents, dye inclusion or exclusion, constitutive protease activity, colony formation, DNA fragmentation and nuclear splitting. These assays present straightforward, reliable, sensitive, reproducible, cost-effective, and high-throughput approaches for appraising the effects of newly formulated chemotherapeutic biomolecules on the cell survival during the drug development process.

Sesquiterpenes and α-pyrones from an endophytic fungus Xylaria curta YSJ-5

Chemical investigation of the culture extract of an endophyte Xylaria curta YSJ-5 from Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. et Smith resulted in the isolation of eight previously undescribed compounds including five eremophilane sesquiterpenes xylarcurenes A-E, one norsesquiterpene xylarcurene F, and two α-pyrone derivatives xylarpyrones A-B together with eight known related derivatives. Their chemical structures were extensively established based on the 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis, modified Mosher's method, electronic circular dichroism calculations, single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments, and the comparison with previous literature data. All these compounds were tested for in vitro cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, α-glucosidase inhibitory, and antibacterial activities. As a result, 6-pentyl-4-methoxy-pyran-2-one was disclosed to display significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus with minimal inhibitory concentration value of 6.3 μg/mL.

Development and characterization of liposomal formulations containing sesquiterpene lactones for the treatment of chronic gout

Gout and hyperuricemia are characterized by high uric acid levels, and their treatment involves medications that have adverse effects. In this study, we evaluated oral liposomal formulations with eremantholide C and goyazensolide as a novel approach to reduce the toxicity associated with these substances while maintaining their anti-hyperuricemic activity. We characterized the formulations and evaluated them based on encapsulation efficiency and stability over 12 months and under simulated physiological environments. We determined the toxicity of the liposomal formulations in Caco-2 cells and the anti-hyperuricemic activity in rats. The formulations exhibited nanometric size, a narrow size distribution, and a negative zeta potential, indicating their stability and uniformity. The efficient encapsulation of the sesquiterpene lactones within the liposomes emphasizes their potential for sustained release and therapeutic efficacy. Stability evaluation revealed a small decrease in the eremantholide C concentration and a remarkable stability in the goyazensolide concentration. In Caco-2 cells, the liposomes did not exert toxicity, but did exhibit an antiproliferative effect. In vivo assays demonstrated that the liposomes reduced serum uric acid levels. Our study represents an advancement in gout and hyperuricemia treatment. The liposomal formulations effectively reduced the toxicity associated with the sesquiterpene lactones while maintaining their therapeutic effects.

Mechanisms involved in the cytoprotective effects of Lonomia obliqua venom on human endometrial stromal cells

The pathophysiology of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) involves deficiencies in the proliferation and migration capacities of endometrial stromal cells (hESCs), which impair embryo implantation and development. Since animal venoms are rich source of bioactive molecules, we aimed to characterize the cytoprotective effects of Lonomia obliqua venom on hESCs. hESCs were isolated from endometrial biopsies and the mechanisms of L. obliqua venomous secretions on cell viability, proliferation and migration were characterized. Venom components were identified by chromatography and proteomic analyses. L. obliqua venom induced hESC proliferation, viability and migration in a dose-dependent manner, both in the presence and absence of serum. By ion-exchange chromatography, one fraction enriched in cytoprotective components and devoid of hemotoxins was obtained. Venom proteome identified at least six protein classes with potential cytoprotective properties (hemolins, lipocalins, hemocyannins, antiviral proteins, antimicrobial peptides, and protease inhibitors). L. obliqua venom protected hESCs from oxidative insult. Cytoprotection was also related to nitric oxide and PKC-ERK-activation and down-regulation of cAMP-PKA-dependent pathways that control cell proliferation. L. obliqua venom-induced hESC viability, proliferation and migration occurs mainly by protecting against oxidative damage and activating ERK. Thus, L. obliqua venom components are promising pharmacological tools to understand the underlying mechanisms of hESC deficiency in RPL.

Using Rapid Prototyping to Develop a Cell-Based Platform with Electrical Impedance Sensor Membranes for In Vitro RPMI2650 Nasal Nanotoxicology Monitoring

Due to advances in additive manufacturing and prototyping, affordable and rapid microfluidic sensor-integrated assays can be fabricated using additive manufacturing, xurography and electrode shadow masking to create versatile platform technologies aimed toward qualitative assessment of acute cytotoxic or cytolytic events using stand-alone biochip platforms in the context of environmental risk assessment. In the current study, we established a nasal mucosa biosensing platform using RPMI2650 mucosa cells inside a membrane-integrated impedance-sensing biochip using exclusively rapid prototyping technologies. In a final proof-of-concept, we applied this biosensing platform to create human cell models of nasal mucosa for monitoring the acute cytotoxic effect of zinc oxide reference nanoparticles. Our data generated with the biochip platform successfully monitored the acute toxicity and cytolytic activity of 6 mM zinc oxide nanoparticles, which was non-invasively monitored as a negative impedance slope on nasal epithelial models, demonstrating the feasibility of rapid prototyping technologies such as additive manufacturing and xurography for cell-based platform development.

Exploring the Anticancer Potential of Traditional Thai Medicinal Plants: A Focus on Dracaena loureiri and Its Effects on Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is renowned for its aggressive and highly metastatic nature. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest regarding the therapeutic potential of traditional medicinal plants. Dracaena loureirin (D. loureirin), Ficus racemosa Linn. (F. racemosa), and Harrisonia perforata (Blanco) Merr. (H. perforata) are prominent traditional medicinal herbs in Thailand, recognized for their diverse biological activities, including antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, their prospective anti-cancer properties against NSCLC remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer attributes of ethanolic extracts obtained from D. loureiri (DLEE), F. racemosa (FREE), and H. perforata (HPEE) against the A549 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay results revealed that only DLEE exhibited cytotoxic effects on A549 cells, whereas FREE and HPEE showed no such cytotoxicity. To elucidate the anti-cancer mechanisms of DLEE, cell cycle and apoptosis assays were performed. The findings demonstrated that DLEE inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in A549 cells through the downregulation of key cell cycle regulator proteins, including cyclin D1, CDK-2, and CDK-4. Furthermore, DLEE treatment facilitated apoptosis in A549 cells by suppressing anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and survivin) and enhancing apoptotic proteins (cleaved-caspase-3 and cleaved-PARP-1). In summary, our study provides novel insights into the significant anti-cancer properties of DLEE against A549 cells. This work represents the first report suggesting that DLEE has the capability to impede the growth of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells through the induction of apoptosis.

Xylarcurcosides A-C, three novel isopimarane-type diterpene glycosides from Xylaria curta YSJ-5

Three previously undescribed isopimarane-type diterpene glycosides named as xylarcurcosides A-C (1-3) along with two known ones 16-α-d-mannopyranosyloxyisopimar-7-en-19-oic acid (4) and hypoxylonoid A (5) were successfully isolated from an ethyl acetate extract of the endophytic fungus Xylaria curta YSJ-5 growing in leaves of Alpinia zerumbet. The spectroscopic methods, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and X-ray diffraction experiments were conducted to identify their absolute chemical structures. All these compounds were tested for in vitro cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, α-glucosidase inhibitory, and antibacterial activities. As a result, these novel compounds demonstrated no obvious cytotoxic and antibacterial activity.

Pharmaceutical characterization and exploration of Arkeshwara rasa in MDA-MB-231 cells

BACKGROUND

The diverse specificity mode of cancer treatment targets and chemo resistance demands the necessity of drug entities which can address the devastating dynamicity of the disease.

OBJECTIVES

To check the anti-tumour potential of traditional medicine rich in polyherbal components and metal nanoparticle namely Arkeshwara rasa (AR).

MATERIAL METHODS

The AR was prepared in a modified version with reference from Rasaratna Samuchaya and characterized using sophisticated instrumental analysis including XRD, SEM-EDAX, TEM, TGA-DSC, and LC-MS and tested against the MDA-MB-231 cell line to screen cell viability and the cytotoxicity with MTT, SRB and the AO assay.

RESULTS

XRD pattern shows cubic tetrahedrite structure with Sb, Cu, S peaks and trace elements like Fe, Mg, etc. The particle size of AR ranges between 20 and 30 nm. The TGA points thermal decomposition at 210 °C and the metal sulphide peaks in DSC. LC-MS analysis reveals the components of the formulation more on the flavonoid portion. The IC50 value of MTT and SRB are 25.28 μg/mL and 31.7 μg/mL respectively. The AO colorimeter substantiated the cell viability and the apoptosis figures of the same cell line. The AR exhibits cytotoxicity and reaffirms the apoptosis fraction with SRB assay.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hesperidine, Neohesperidin, Rutin components in the phytochemical pool can synergize the anti-tumour potential with either influencing cellular pathways or decreasing chemo resistance to conventional treatment. AR need to be further experimented with reverse transcription, flow cytometry, western blotting, etc.

Fabrication and evaluation of anticancer potential of diosgenin incorporated chitosan-silver nanoparticles; in vitro, in silico and in vivo studies

The discovery of effective therapeutic approaches with minimum side effects and their tendency to completely eradicate the disease is the main challenge in the history of cancer treatment. Fenugreek (FGK) seeds are a rich source of phytochemicals, especially Diosgenin (DGN), which shows outstanding anticancer activities. In the present study, chitosan-silver nanoparticles (ChAgNPs) containing Diosgenin (DGN-ChAgNPs) were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). For the physical characterization, the hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of DGN-ChAgNPs were determined to be 160.4 ± 12 nm and +37.19 ± 5.02 mV, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that nanoparticles shape was mostly round with smooth edges. Moreover, DGN was efficiently entrapped in nanoformulation with good entrapment efficacy (EE) of ~88 ± 4 %. The in vitro anti-proliferative activity of DGN-ChAgNPs was performed by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay with promising inhibitory concentration of 6.902 ± 2.79 μg/mL. DAPI staining, comet assay and flow cytometry were performed to validate the anticancer potential of DGN-ChAgNPs both qualitatively and quantitatively. The percentage of survival rate and tumor reduction weight was evaluated in vivo in different groups of mice. Cisplatin was used as a standard anticancer drug. The DGN-ChAgNPs (12.5 mg/kg) treated group revealed higher percentage of survival rate and tumor reduction weight as compared to pure DGN treated group. These findings suggest that DGN-ChAgNPs could be developed as potential treatment therapy for breast cancer.

Antiproliferative and Antibacterial Activity of Polyporoid Fungi from Veracruz, Mexico

Polyporoid fungi represent a vast source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmacological applications. The importance of polyporoid fungi in traditional Chinese medicine has led to an extensive use of some species of Ganoderma for promoting health and longevity because their consumption is associated with several bioactivities. Nevertheless, bioactivity of some other members of the Polyporaceae family has also been reported. This work reports the antiproliferative and antibacterial activity of crude extracts obtained from fruiting bodies of polypore fungi collected from the central region of Veracruz, Mexico, aimed at understanding the diversity of polypore species with potential pharmacological applications. 29 collections were identified macro- and microscopically in 19 species of polyporoid fungi, belonging to 13 genera. The antiproliferative activity screening of extracts against solid tumor cell lines (A549, SW1573, HeLa, HBL-100, T-47D, WiDr) allow us to identify four extracts with strong bioactivity [half-maximal growth inhibition (GI50) ≤ 50 μg/mL]. After this, a phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from the ITS region obtained from bioactive specimens allowed us to identify three extracts as Pycnoporus sanguineus (GI50 = ≤ 10 μg/mL) and the fourth bioactive extract as Ganoderma oerstedii (GI50 = < 50 μg/mL. Likewise, extracts from P. sanguineus showed mild or moderate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Xanthomonas albilineas. Bioprospecting studies of polyporoid fungi add to the knowledge of the diversity of macrofungi in Mexico and allow us to select one of the bioactive P. sanguineus to continue the pursuit of bioactive compounds through mycochemical studies.

The Herbal Combination Shu Gan Jie Yu Regulates the SNCG/ER-a/AKT-ERK Pathway in DMBA-Induced Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Cell Lines Based on RNA-Seq and IPA Analysis

BACKGROUND

Soothing the liver (called Shu Gan Jie Yu in Chinese, SGJY) is a significant therapeutic method for breast cancer in TCM. In this study, 3 liver-soothing herbs, including Cyperus rotundus L., Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle and Rosa rugosa Thunb. were selected and combined to form a SGJY herbal combinatory.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the inhibiting effect of SGJY on breast cancer in vivo and vitro, and to explore the potential mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SGJY herbal combination was extracted using water. A breast cancer rat model was developed by chemical DMBA by gavage, then treated with SGJY for 11 weeks. The tumor tissue was preserved for RNA sequencing and analyzed by IPA software. The inhibition effects of SGJY on MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells were investigated by SRB assay and cell apoptosis analysis, and the protein expression levels of SNCG, ER-α, p-AKT and p-ERK were measured by western blotting.

RESULTS

SGJY significantly reduced the tumor weight and volume, and the level of estradiol in serum. The results of IPA analysis reveal SGJY upregulated 7 canonical pathways and downregulated 16 canonical pathways. Estrogen receptor signaling was the key canonical pathway with 9 genes downregulated. The results of upstream regulator analysis reveal beta-estradiol was the central target; the upstream regulator network scheme showed that 86 genes could affect the expression of the beta-estradiol, including SNCG, CCL21 and MB. Additionally, SGJY was verified to significantly alter the expression of SNCG mRNA, CCL21 mRNA and MB mRNA which was consistent with the data of RNA-Seq. The inhibition effects of SGJY exhibited a dose-dependent response. The apoptosis rates of MCF7 and T47D cells were upregulated. The protein expression of SNCG, ER-α, p-AKT and p-ERK were all significantly decreased by SGJY on MCF-7 and T47D cells.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that SGJY may inhibit the growth of breast cancer. The mechanism might involve downregulating the level of serum estradiol, and suppressing the protein expression in the SNCG/ER-α/AKT-ERK pathway.

N-acetyl-l-tryptophan (NAT) ameliorates radiation-induced cell death in murine macrophages J774A.1 via regulating redox homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction

Ionizing radiation interacts with the immune system and induces molecular damage in the cellular milieu by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to cell death. The present study was performed to investigate the protective efficacy of N-acetyl-L-tryptophan (NAT) against gamma-radiation-induced cell death in murine macrophage J774A.1 cells. The radioprotective efficacy of NAT was evaluated in terms of cell survivability, effect on antioxidant enzyme activity, and free radicals inhibition. Radioprotective efficacy of NAT pretreatment to irradiated cells was assessed via cell cycle progression, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) perturbation, and apoptosis regulation using flow cytometry. Results of the study demonstrated significant radioprotective efficacy (>80%) of NAT in irradiated cells as estimated by sulforhodamine B (SRB), MTT, and clonogenic assay. Significant (p < 0.001) reduction in ROS, xanthine oxidase, and mitochondrial superoxide levels along with increment in catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione, and ATPase activities in NAT pretreated plus irradiated cells was observed as compared to the gamma-irradiated cells. Further, significant (p < 0.001) stabilization of MMP and reduction in apoptosis was also observed in NAT pretreated plus irradiated cells as compared to irradiated cells that not pretreated with NAT. The current study demonstrates that NAT pretreatment to irradiated cells protects against gamma radiation-induced cell death by reducing oxidative stress, stabilizing MMP, and inhibiting apoptosis. These observations conclusively highlight the potential of developing NAT as a prospective radioprotective agent upon further validation using in-depth preclinical assessment in cellular and animal models.

Preparation and investigation of a novel combination of Solanum nigrum-loaded, arabinoxylan-cross-linked β-cyclodextrin nanosponges for the treatment of cancer: in vitro, in vivo, and in silico evaluation

Introduction: Cancer contributes to a high mortality rate worldwide spanning its diversity from genetics to resistant therapeutic response. To date emerging strategies to combat and manage cancer are particularly focused on the development of targeted therapies as conventional treatments account for the destruction of normal cells as well. In this regard, medicinal plant-based therapies are quite promising in imposing minimal side effects; however, limitations like poor bioavailability and stability of bioactive phytochemicals are associated with them. In parallel, nanotechnology provides nominal solution to deliver particular therapeutic agent without compromising its stability. Methods: In this study, Solanum nigrum, an effective medicinal plant, loaded arabinoxylan cross-linked β-cyclodextrin nanosponges (SN-AXCDNS) were designed to evaluate antitumor activity against breast cancer. Therefore, SN-AXCDNS were prepared by using cross-linker melt method and characterized by physicochemical and pharmacological parameters. Results: Hydrodynamic size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency (EE%) were estimated as 226 ± 4 nm, -29.15 ± 5.71 mV and 93%, respectively. Surface morphology of nanocomposites showed spherical, smooth, and porous form. Antitumor pharmacological characterization showed that SN loaded nanosponge demonstrated higher cytotoxicity (22.67 ± 6.11 μg/mL), by inducing DNA damage as compared to void SN extract. Flow cytometry analysis reported that encapsulated extract promoted cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 (9.51%). Moreover, in vivo analysis demonstrates the reduction in tumor weight and 85% survival chances in nanosponge treated mice featuring its effectiveness. In addition, in silico analysis revealed that β-cyclodextrin potentially inhibits MELK in breast cancer cell lines (B.E = -10.1 Kcal/mol). Conclusion: Therefore, findings of current study elucidated the therapeutic potential of β-cyclodextrin based nanosponges to be an alternative approach regarding the delivery and solubilization of antitumor drugs.

New phenothiazine conjugates as apoptosis inducing agents: Design, synthesis, In-vitro anti-cancer screening and 131I-radiolabeling for in-vivo evaluation

Phenothiazines (PTZs) are a group of compounds characterized by the presence of the 10H-dibenzo-[b,e]-1,4-thiazine system. PTZs used in clinics as antipsychotic drugs with other diverse biological activities. The current aim of the study is to investigate and understand the effect of potent PTZs compounds using a group of In-vitro and In-vivo assays. A total of seventeen novel phenothiazine derivatives have been designed, synthesized, and evaluated primarily in-vitro for their ability to inhibit proliferation activity against NCI-60 cancer cell lines, including several multi-drug resistant (MDR) tumor cell lines. Almost all compounds were active and displayed promising cellular activities with GI50 values in the sub-micromolar range. Four of the most promising derivatives (4b, 4h, 4g and 6e) have been further tested against two selected sensitive cancer cell lines (colon cancer; HCT-116 and breast cancer; MDA-MB231). The apoptosis assay showed that all the selected compounds were able to induce early apoptosis and compound 6e was able to induce additional cellular necrosis. Cell cycle assay showed all selected compounds were able to induce cell cycle arrest at sub-molecular phase of G0-G1 with compound 6e induced cell cycle arrest at G2M in HCT-116 cells. Accordingly, the apoptotic effect of the selected compounds was extensively investigated on genetic level and Casp-3, Casp-9 and Bax gene were up-regulated with down-regulation of Bcl-2 gene suggesting the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. In-vivo evaluation of the antitumor activity of compound 4b in solid tumor bearing mice showed promising therapeutic effect with manifestation of dose and time dependent toxic effects at higher doses. For better evaluation of the degree of localization of 4b, its 131I-congener (131I-4b) was injected intravenously in Ehrlich solid tumor bearing mice that showed good localization at tumor site with rapid distribution and clearance from the blood. In-silico study suggested NADPH oxidases (NOXs) as potential molecular target. The compounds introduced in the current study work provided a cutting-edge phenothiazine hybrid scaffold with promising anti-proliferation action that may suggest their anti-cancer activity.

Novel N-Arylmethyl-aniline/chalcone hybrids as potential VEGFR inhibitors: synthesis, biological evaluations, and molecular dynamic simulations

Significant advancements have been made in the domain of targeted anticancer therapy for the management of malignancies in recent times. VEGFR-2 is characterised by its pivotal involvement in angiogenesis and subsequent mechanisms that promote tumour cells survival. Herein, novel N-arylmethyl-aniline/chalcone hybrids 5a-5n were designed and synthesised as potential anticancer and VEGFR-2 inhibitors. The anticancer activity was evaluated at the NCI-USA, resulting in the identification of 10 remarkably potent molecules 5a-5j that were further subjected to the five-dose assays. Thereafter, they were explored for their VEGFR-2 inhibitory activity where 5e and 5h emerged as the most potent inhibitors. 5e and 5h induced apoptosis with cell cycle arrest at the SubG0-G1 phase within HCT-116 cells. Moreover, their impact on some key apoptotic genes was assessed, suggesting caspase-dependent apoptosis. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to explore the binding modes and stability of the protein-ligand complexes.

Differences in MCF-7 response to endocrine disruptors in waste, superficial, and treated water from Southern Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of possible endocrine disruptors in surface and wastewater using a cell proliferation assay in an estrogen-responsive cell line (MCF-7). This study was conducted in the Sinos River (Brazil). The residual water was collected from a Pilot Treatment Plant (using Typha domingensis) and surface waters of the Luis Rau stream, the Sinos River, and the Water Treatment Station (WTS). After exposures (24-120 h), a Sulforhodamine B assay was performed to determine the proliferation rate. The higher increase in proliferation rate was observed with the Luiz Rau stream and the sewage treated by macrophytes in a flotation filter. The results from WTS water remained with a proliferation rate similar to the negative control at all times, suggesting that the conventional treatment is partially effective for the withdrawal of endocrine-disrupting agents. The study demonstrated the efficiency of the MCF-7 line in assessing endocrine disruption caused by wastewater and surface water samples. Our results indicate that conventional water treatment can partially remove the polluting load of endocrine disruptors, minimizing their environmental and public health impacts. Besides, it demonstrates the need to expand sanitary services to improve the population's quality of life.

Refined fiber inulin promotes inflammation-associated colon tumorigenesis by modulating microbial succinate production

BACKGROUND AND AIM

There is an increased risk of colon cancer associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dietary fibers (DFs) naturally present in vegetables and whole grains offer numerous beneficial effects on intestinal health. However, the effects of refined DFs on intestinal health remain unclear. Therefore, we elucidated the impact of the refined DF inulin on colonic inflammation and tumorigenesis.

METHODS

Four-week-old wild-type (WT) mice were fed diets containing insoluble DF cellulose (control) or refined DF inulin for 4 weeks. A subgroup of mice was then switched to drinking water containing dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 1.4% wt/vol) for colitis induction. In another subgroup of mice, colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) was initiated with three 7-day alternate cycles of DSS following an initial dose of mutagenic substance azoxymethane (AOM; 7.5 mg/kg body weight; i.p.). Post 7 weeks of AOM treatment, mice were euthanized and examined for CRC development.

RESULTS

Mice consuming inulin-containing diet exhibited severe colitis upon DSS administration, as evidenced by more body weight loss, rectal bleeding, and increased colonic inflammation than the DSS-treated control group. Correspondingly, histological analysis revealed extensive disruption of colon architecture and massive infiltration of immune cells in the inulin-fed group. We next examined the effect of inulin on CRC development. Surprisingly, significant mortality (~50%) was observed in the inulin-fed but not in the control group during the DSS cycle. Consequently, the remaining inulin-fed mice, which completed the study exhibited extensive colon tumorigenesis. Immunohistochemical characterization showed comparatively high expression of the cell proliferation marker Ki67 and activation of the Wnt signaling in tumor sections obtained from the inulin-fed group. Gut microbiota and metabolite analysis revealed expansion of succinate producers and elevated cecal succinate in inulin-fed mice. Human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116) proliferated more rapidly when supplemented with succinate in an inflamed environment, suggesting that elevated luminal succinate may contribute to tumorigenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study uncovers that supplementation of diet with refined inulin induces abnormal succinate accumulation in the intestinal lumen, which in part contributes to promoting colon inflammation and tumorigenesis.

Genoprotective potential of Macaranga species phytochemical compounds on HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line

BACKGROUND

The species of genus Macaranga are widely found in Malaysian secondary forests and has been used as an alternative for treating varieties of illness. Studies have shown that the medicinal properties of this genus contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects. This study aimed to determine the cytotoxicity of six isolated phytochemicals from Macaranga heynei (M. heynei), Macaranga lowii and Shorea leprosula on HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines.

RESULTS

One out of six isolated phytochemical compounds, identified as "Laevifolin A", showed a cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 21.2 µM following 48 h treatment as detected using Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Additionally, no induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress were observed on Laevifolin A treated HT-29 cells as determined using Annexin V-FITC/PI assay and dihydroethidine (HE) staining, respectively. Additionally, no damage to the DNA were observed as measured using the Alkaline Comet assay. Further investigation on menadione-induced oxidative DNA damage showed the genoprotective potential of Laevifolin A on HT-29 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this study indicated that only one compound (Laevifolin A) that extracted from M. heynei has the cytotoxicity potential to be developed as an anticancer agent in human colorectal adenocarcinoma. However, besides exhibiting cytotoxic effect, the compound also exhibits genoprotective capability that warrant further investigation.

Optimizing the Adipogenic Induction Protocol Using Rosiglitazone Improves the Physiological Parameters and Differentiation Capacity of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Horses, Sheep, Dogs, Murines, and Humans

The investigation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) has received considerable interest in regenerative medicine. A nontoxic adipogenic induction protocol valid for cells of different mammalian species has not been described. This study aims to establish an adipogenic differentiation protocol suitable for horses, sheep, dogs, murines, and human cells. An optimized rosiglitazone protocol, consisting of 5% fetal calf serum in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium, 10 μg/mL insulin, 0.55 μg/mL transferrin, 6.8 ng sodium selenite, 1 μM dexamethasone, and 1-5 μM of rosiglitazone, is compared to the 3-isobutyl-1-methylxantine (IBMX) protocol, where rosiglitazone was replaced with 0.5 mM IBMX and 0.2 mM indomethacin. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, a morphometric analysis of the lipid, and the expression of adipogenic markers for 14 days were assessed. The data revealed that using 5 µM of rosiglitazone promotes the adipogenic differentiation capacity in horse, sheep, and dog cells compared to IBMX induction. Meanwhile, marked reductions in the cell viability and cell number with the IBMX protocol were detected, and rosiglitazone increased the cell number and lipid droplet size, prevented apoptosis, and upregulated FABP-4 and Leptin expression in the cells of most of the species. Our data revealed that the rosiglitazone protocol improves the adipogenesis of ASCs, together with having less toxicity, and should be considered for cell reproducibility and clinical applications targeting obesity.

Assessing MTT and sulforhodamine B cell proliferation assays under multiple oxygen environments

Cell proliferation can be measured directly by counting cells or indirectly using assays that quantitate total protein or metabolic activity. However, for comparing cell proliferation under varying oxygen conditions it is not clear that these assays are appropriate surrogates for cell counting as cell metabolism and protein synthesis may vary under different oxygen environments. We used permeable bottom tissue culture ware to compare proliferation assays as a function of static oxygen concentrations under oxygen partial pressure (pO2) levels ranging from 2 to 139 mmHg. Cell proliferation was measured by cell counting and compared to surrogate methods measuring cell metabolism (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, MTT) and total protein (sulforhodamine B) assays under these different environments in Caco-2, MCF-7, MCF-10A and PANC-1 human cell lines. We found that the MTT readings do not correlate with cell number for the Caco-2 and PANC-1 cell lines under different oxygen conditions, whereas the sulforhodamine B protein assays perform well under all conditions. However, within a given oxygen environment, both proliferation assays show a correlation with cell number. Therefore, the MTT assay must be used with caution when comparing cell growth or drug response for cells grown in different oxygen environments.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-023-00584-0.

Novel Lawsone-Quinoxaline Hybrids as New Dual Binding Site Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

A new family of lawsone-quinoxaline hybrids was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as dual binding site cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs). In vitro tests revealed that compound 6d was the most potent AChEI (IC50 = 20 nM) and BChEI (IC50 = 220 nM). The compound 6d did not show cytotoxicity against the SH-SY5Y neuronal cells (GI50 > 100 μM). In silico and enzyme kinetic experiments demonstrated that compound 6d bound to both the catalytic anionic site and the peripheral anionic site of HuAChE. The lawsone-quinoxaline hybrids exhibited potential for further development of potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Mathematical reconstruction of the metabolic network in an in-vitro multiple myeloma model

It is increasingly apparent that cancer cells, in addition to remodelling their metabolism to survive and proliferate, adapt and manipulate the metabolism of other cells. This property may be a telling sign that pre-clinical tumour metabolism studies exclusively utilising in-vitro mono-culture models could prove to be limited for uncovering novel metabolic targets able to translate into clinical therapies. Although this is increasingly recognised, and work towards addressing the issue is becoming routinary much remains poorly understood. For instance, knowledge regarding the biochemical mechanisms through which cancer cells manipulate non-cancerous cell metabolism, and the subsequent impact on their survival and proliferation remains limited. Additionally, the variations in these processes across different cancer types and progression stages, and their implications for therapy, also remain largely unexplored. This study employs an interdisciplinary approach that leverages the predictive power of mathematical modelling to enrich experimental findings. We develop a functional multicellular in-silico model that facilitates the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the metabolic network spawned by an in-vitro co-culture model of bone marrow mesenchymal stem- and myeloma cell lines. To procure this model, we devised a bespoke human genome constraint-based reconstruction workflow that combines aspects from the legacy mCADRE & Metabotools algorithms, the novel redHuman algorithm, along with 13C-metabolic flux analysis. Our workflow transforms the latest human metabolic network matrix (Recon3D) into two cell-specific models coupled with a metabolic network spanning a shared growth medium. When cross-validating our in-silico model against the in-vitro model, we found that the in-silico model successfully reproduces vital metabolic behaviours of its in-vitro counterpart; results include cell growth predictions, respiration rates, as well as support for observations which suggest cross-shuttling of redox-active metabolites between cells.

Peniciriols A and B, two new citrinin derivatives from an endophytic fungus Penicillum citrinum TJNZ-27

Two undescribed citrinin derivatives, named peniciriols A-B (1-2), together with six known compounds were isolated from endophytic fungus Penicillum citrinum TJNZ-27. The structures of two new compounds were well established by the detail interpretation of NMR and HRESIMS data as well as ECD measurement powered by molecular calculation. Among them, compound 1 shared an unprecedented dimerized citrinin skeleton with the formation of an intriguing 9H-xanthene ring system, whereas compound 2 possess a highly substituted phenylacetic acid skeleton, which was rarely-occurring in natural secondary metabolites. Moreover, these novel compounds were tested for cytotoxic and antibacterial activities, whereas these novel compounds did not exhibit any noticeable cytotoxic or antibacterial activities.

A first-in-class fully modified version of miR-34a with outstanding stability, activity, and anti-tumor efficacy

Altered by defects in p53, epigenetic silencing, and genomic loss, the microRNA miR-34a represents one of the most clinically relevant tumor-suppressive microRNAs. Without question, a striking number of patients with cancer would benefit from miR-34a replacement, if poor miR-34a stability, non-specific delivery, and delivery-associated toxicity could be overcome. Here, we highlight a fully modified version of miR-34a (FM-miR-34a) that overcomes these hurdles when conjugated to a synthetically simplistic ligand. FM-miR-34a is orders of magnitude more stable than a partially modified version, without compromising its activity, leading to stronger repression of a greater number of miR-34a targets. FM-miR-34a potently inhibited proliferation and invasion, and induced sustained downregulation of endogenous target genes for >120 h following in vivo delivery. In vivo targeting was achieved through conjugating FM-miR-34a to folate (FM-FolamiR-34a), which inhibited tumor growth leading to complete cures in some mice. These results have the ability to revitalize miR-34a as an anti-cancer agent, providing a strong rationale for clinical testing.

Metformin Disrupts Signaling and Metabolism in Fetal Hepatocytes

Metformin is used by women during pregnancy to manage diabetes and crosses the placenta, yet its effects on the fetus are unclear. We show that the liver is a site of metformin action in fetal sheep and macaques, given relatively abundant OCT1 transporter expression and hepatic uptake following metformin infusion into fetal sheep. To determine the effects of metformin action, we performed studies in primary hepatocytes from fetal sheep, fetal macaques, and juvenile macaques. Metformin increases AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, decreases mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, and decreases glucose production in fetal and juvenile hepatocytes. Metformin also decreases oxygen consumption in fetal hepatocytes. Unique to fetal hepatocytes, metformin activates stress pathways (e.g., increased PGC1A gene expression, NRF-2 protein abundance, and phosphorylation of eIF2α and CREB proteins) alongside perturbations in hepatokine expression (e.g., increased growth/differentiation factor 15 [GDF15] and fibroblast growth factor 21 [FGF21] expression and decreased insulin-like growth factor 2 [IGF2] expression). Similarly, in liver tissue from sheep fetuses infused with metformin in vivo, AMPK phosphorylation, NRF-2 protein, and PGC1A expression are increased. These results demonstrate disruption of signaling and metabolism, induction of stress, and alterations in hepatokine expression in association with metformin exposure in fetal hepatocytes.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

The major metformin uptake transporter OCT1 is expressed in the fetal liver, and fetal hepatic uptake of metformin is observed in vivo. Metformin activates AMPK, reduces glucose production, and decreases oxygen consumption in fetal hepatocytes, demonstrating similar effects as in juvenile hepatocytes. Unique to fetal hepatocytes, metformin activates metabolic stress pathways and alters the expression of secreted growth factors and hepatokines. Disruption of signaling and metabolism with increased stress pathways and reduced anabolic pathways by metformin in the fetal liver may underlie reduced growth in fetuses exposed to metformin.

Impact of tumor suppressor genes inactivation on the multidrug resistance phenotype of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

The response of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to pharmacological treatments is unsatisfactory and heterogeneous. Inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) by genetic and epigenetic events is frequent in HCC. This study aimed at investigating the impact of frequently altered TSGs on HCC chemoresistance. TSG alterations were screened by in silico analysis of TCGA-LIHC database, and their relationship with survival was investigated. These TSGs were silenced in HCC-derived cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9. TLDA was used to determine the expression of a panel of 94 genes involved in the resistome. Drug sensitivity, cell proliferation, colony formation and cell migration were assessed. The in silico study revealed the down-regulation of frequently inactivated TSGs in HCC (ARID1A, PTEN, CDH1, and the target of p53, CDKN1A). The presence of TP53 and ARID1A variants and the low expression of PTEN and CDH1 correlated with a worse prognosis of HCC patients. In PLC/PRF/5 cells, ARID1A knockout (ARID1AKO) induced increased sensitivity to cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cabozantinib, without affecting other characteristics of malignancy. PTENKO and E-CadKO showed minimal changes in malignancy, resistome, and drug response. In p53KO HepG2 cells, enhanced malignant properties and higher resistance to cisplatin, doxorubicin, sorafenib, and regorafenib were found. This was associated with changes in the resistome. In conclusion, the altered expression and function of several TSGs are involved in the heterogeneity of HCC chemoresistance and other features of malignancy, contributing to the poor prognosis of these patients. Individual identification of pharmacological vulnerabilities is required to select the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

Assessment of Biochemical and Neuroactivities of Cultural Filtrate from Trichoderma harzianum in Adjusting Electrolytes and Neurotransmitters in Hippocampus of Epileptic Rats

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a serious chronic neurological disorder, which is accompanied by recurrent seizures. Repeated seizures cause physical injuries and neuronal dysfunction and may be a risk of cancer and vascular diseases. However, many antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have side effects of mood alteration or neurocognitive function, a reduction in neuron excitation, and the inhibition of normal activity. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of secondary metabolites of Trichoderma harzianum cultural filtrate (ThCF) when adjusting different electrolytes and neurotransmitters in the hippocampus of epileptic rats.

METHODS

Cytotoxicity of ThCF against LS-174T cancer cells was assessed using a sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Quantitative estimation for some neurotransmitters, electrolytes in sera or homogenate of hippocampi tissues, and mRNA gene expression for ion or voltage gates was assessed by quantitative Real-Time PCR.

RESULTS

Treatment with ThCF reduces the proliferative percentage of LS-174T cells in a concentration-dependent manner. ThCF administration improves hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypocalcemia in the sera of the epilepticus model. ThCF rebalances the elevated levels of many neurotransmitters and reduces the release of GABA and acetylcholine-esterase. Also, treatments with ThCF ameliorate the downregulation of mRNA gene expression for some gate receptors in hippocampal homogenate tissues and recorded a highly significant elevation in the expression of SCN1A, CACNA1S, and NMDA.

CONCLUSION

Secondary metabolites of Trichoderma (ThCF) have cytotoxic activity against LS-174T (colorectal cancer cell line) and anxiolytic-like activity through a GABAergic mechanism of action and an increase in GABA as inhibitory amino acid in the selected brain regions and reduced levels of NMDA and DOPA. The present data suggested that ThCF may inhibit intracellular calcium accumulation by triggering the NAADP-mediated Ca2+ signaling pathway. Therefore, the present results suggested further studies on the molecular pathway for each metabolite of ThCF, e.g., 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6-PP), harzianic acid (HA), and hydrophobin, as an alternative drug to mitigate the side effects of AEDs.

Dual targeting multiwalled carbon nanotubes for improved neratinib delivery in breast cancer

The aim of this study was to develop biotinylated chitosan (Bio-Chi) decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for breast cancer therapy with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, neratinib (NT). For achieving such a purpose, carboxylic acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (c-MWCNTs) were initially decorated non-covalently with biotin-chitosan (Bio-Chi) coating for achieving a dual targeting mode; pH-dependent release with chitosan and biotin-receptor mediated active targeting with biotin. Afterwards, Bio-Chi decorated c-MWCNTs were loaded with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, neratinib (NT). The formulation was then characterized by dynamic light scattering, FTIR and EDX. The drug loading efficiency was estimated to be 95.6 ± 1.2%. In vitro drug release studies revealed a pH-dependent release of NT from Bio-Chi decorated c-MWCNTs, with a higher drug release under acidic pH conditions. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) cytotoxicity assay of different NT formulations disclosed dose-dependent cytotoxicities against SkBr3 cell line, with a superior cytotoxicity observed with NT-loaded Bio-Chi-coated c-MWCNTs, compared to either free NT or NT-loaded naked c-MWCNTs. The IC50 values for free NT, NT-loaded c-MWCNTs and NT-loaded Bio-Chi-coated c-MWCNTs were 548.43 ± 23.1 μg mL-1, 319.55 ± 17.9 μg mL-1, and 257.75 ± 24.5 μg mL-1, respectively. Interestingly, competitive cellular uptake studies revealed that surface decoration of drug-loaded c-MWCNTs with Bio-Chi permitted an enhanced uptake of c-MWCNTs by breast cancer cells, presumably, via biotin receptors-mediated endocytosis. To sum up, Bio-Chi-decorated c-MWCNTs might be a promising delivery vehicle for mediating cell-specific drug delivery to breast cancer cells.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence with Quality by Design in the Formulation of Lecithin/Chitosan Nanoparticles of a Poorly Water-Soluble Drug

The aim of the current study is to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) when integrated with Quality by Design (QbD) approach in the formulation of a poorly water-soluble drug, for its potential use in carcinoma. Silymarin is used as a model drug for its potential effectiveness in liver cancer. A detailed QbD approach was applied. The effect of the critical process parameters was studied on each of the particle size, size distribution, and entrapment efficiency. Response surface designs were applied in the screening and optimization of lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles, to obtain an optimized formula. The release rate was tested, where artificial neural network models were used to predict the % release of the drug from the optimized formula at different time intervals. The optimized formula was tested for its cytotoxicity. A design space was established, with an optimized formula having a molar ratio of 18.33:1 lecithin:chitosan and 38.35 mg silymarin. This resulted in nanoparticles with a size of 161 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.2, and an entrapment efficiency of 97%. The optimized formula showed a zeta potential of +38 mV, with well-developed spherical particles. AI successfully showed high prediction ability of the drug's release rate. The optimized formula showed an enhancement in the cytotoxic effect of silymarin with a decreased IC50 compared to standard silymarin. Lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles were successfully formulated, with deep process and product understanding. Several tools were used as AI which could shift pharmaceutical formulations from experience-dependent studies to data-driven methodologies in the future.

Lidocaine induces epithelial‑mesenchymal transition and aggravates cancer behaviors in non‑small cell lung cancer A549 cells

The effects of clinically relevant concentrations of lidocaine on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and associated lung cancer behaviors have rarely been investigated. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of lidocaine on EMT and its related phenomena, including chemoresistance. Lung cancer cell lines (A549 and LLC.LG) were incubated with various concentrations of lidocaine, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or both to test their effects on cell viability. Subsequently, the effects of lidocaine on various cell behaviors were assessed in vitro and in vivo using Transwell migration, colony-formation and anoikis-resistant cell aggregation assays, and human tumor cell metastasis in a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model quantitated by PCR analysis. Prototypical EMT markers and their molecular switch were analyzed using western blotting. In addition, a conditioned metastasis pathway was generated through Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Based on these measured proteins (slug, vimentin and E-cadherin), the molecules involved and the alteration of genes associated with metastasis were predicted. Of note, clinically relevant concentrations of lidocaine did not affect lung cancer cell viability or alter the effects of 5-FU on cell survival; however, at this dose range, lidocaine attenuated the 5-FU-induced inhibitory effect on cell migration and promoted EMT. The expression levels of vimentin and Slug were upregulated, whereas the expression of E-cadherin was downregulated. EMT-associated anoikis resistance was also induced by lidocaine administration. In addition, portions of the lower CAM with a dense distribution of blood vessels exhibited markedly increased Alu expression 24 h following the inoculation of lidocaine-treated A549 cells on the upper CAM. Thus, at clinically relevant concentrations, lidocaine has the potential to aggravate cancer behaviors in non-small cell lung cancer cells. The phenomena accompanying lidocaine-aggravated migration and metastasis included altered prototypical EMT markers, anoikis-resistant cell aggregation and attenuation of the 5-FU-induced inhibitory effect on cell migration.

Notch signaling regulates a metabolic switch through inhibiting PGC-1α and mitochondrial biogenesis in dedifferentiated liposarcoma

Human dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is a rare but lethal cancer with no driver mutations being identified, hampering the development of targeted therapies. We and others recently reported that constitutive activation of Notch signaling through overexpression of the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICDOE) in murine adipocytes leads to tumors resembling human DDLPS. However, the mechanisms underlying the oncogenic functions of Notch activation in DDLPS remains unclear. Here, we show that Notch signaling is activated in a subset of human DDLPS and correlates with poor prognosis and expression of MDM2, a defining marker of DDLPS. Metabolic analyses reveal that murine NICDOE DDLPS cells exhibit markedly reduced mitochondrial respiration and increased glycolysis, mimicking the Warburg effect. This metabolic switch is associated with diminished expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (Ppargc1a, encoding PGC-1α protein), a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. Genetic ablation of the NICDOE cassette rescues the expression of PGC-1α and mitochondrial respiration. Similarly, overexpression of PGC-1α is sufficient to rescue mitochondria biogenesis, inhibit the growth and promote adipogenic differentiation of DDLPS cells. Together, these data demonstrate that Notch activation inhibits PGC-1α to suppress mitochondrial biogenesis and drive a metabolic switch in DDLPS.

RAGE inhibition blunts insulin-induced oncogenic signals in breast cancer

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is implicated in diabetes and obesity complications, as well as in breast cancer (BC). Herein, we evaluated whether RAGE contributes to the oncogenic actions of Insulin, which plays a key role in BC progression particularly in obese and diabetic patients. Analysis of the publicly available METABRIC study, which collects gene expression and clinical data from a large cohort (n = 1904) of BC patients, revealed that RAGE and the Insulin Receptor (IR) are co-expressed and associated with negative prognostic parameters. In MCF-7, ZR75 and 4T1 BC cells, as well as in patient-derived Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts, the pharmacological inhibition of RAGE as well as its genetic depletion interfered with Insulin-induced activation of the oncogenic pathway IR/IRS1/AKT/CD1. Mechanistically, IR and RAGE directly interacted upon Insulin stimulation, as shown by in situ proximity ligation assays and coimmunoprecipitation studies. Of note, RAGE inhibition halted the activation of both IR and insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), as demonstrated in MCF-7 cells KO for the IR and the IGF-1R gene via CRISPR-cas9 technology. An unbiased label-free proteomic analysis uncovered proteins and predicted pathways affected by RAGE inhibition in Insulin-stimulated BC cells. Biologically, RAGE inhibition reduced cell proliferation, migration, and patient-derived mammosphere formation triggered by Insulin. In vivo, the pharmacological inhibition of RAGE halted Insulin-induced tumor growth, without affecting blood glucose homeostasis. Together, our findings suggest that targeting RAGE may represent an appealing opportunity to blunt Insulin-induced oncogenic signaling in BC.

XPA tumor variants lead to defects in NER that sensitize cells to cisplatin

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) neutralizes treatment with platinum (Pt)-based chemotherapy by removing Pt lesions from DNA. Previous study has identified that missense mutation or loss of either of the NER genes Excision Repair Cross Complementation Group 1 and 2 ( ERCC1 and ERCC2 ) leads to improved patient outcomes after treatment with Pt-based chemotherapies. Although most NER gene alterations found in patient tumors are missense mutations, the impact of such mutations in the remaining nearly 20 NER genes is unknown. Towards this goal, we previously developed a machine learning strategy to predict genetic variants in an essential NER scaffold protein, Xeroderma Pigmentosum Complementation Group A (XPA), that disrupt repair activity on a UV-damaged substrate. In this study, we report in-depth analyses of a subset of the predicted NER-deficient XPA variants, including in vitro analyses of purified recombinant protein and cell-based assays to test Pt agent sensitivity in cells and determine mechanisms of NER dysfunction. The most NER deficient variant Y148D had reduced protein stability, weaker DNA binding, disrupted recruitment to damage, and degradation resulting from tumor missense mutation. Our findings demonstrate that tumor mutations in XPA impact cell survival after cisplatin treatment and provide valuable mechanistic insights to further improve variant effect prediction efforts. More broadly, these findings suggest XPA tumor variants should be considered when predicting patient response to Pt-based chemotherapy.

Significance

A destabilized, readily degraded tumor variant identified in the NER scaffold protein XPA sensitizes cells to cisplatin, suggesting that XPA variants can be used to predict response to chemotherapy.

Novel human STING activation by hydrated-prenylated xanthones from Garcinia cowa

OBJECTIVES

We investigate the anticancer activity and human stimulator of interferon genes pathway activation by a new hydrated-prenylated tetraoxygenated xanthone, garcicowanone I (1) and two known xanthones (2 and 3) that were isolated from the root bark of Garcinia cowa Roxb. ex Choisy.

METHODS

The anticancer activity of each compound was evaluated by sulforhodamine B assay in immortalized cancer cell lines. Stimulator of interferon genes pathway activation was assessed by western blot analysis using human THP-1-derived macrophages. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines from these macrophages was also evaluated via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

KEY FINDINGS

Both compounds 1 and 3 displayed moderate inhibitory effects on the cancer cells, including a cisplatin-resistant cell line, with IC50 values in the range of 10-20 µM. All three xanthones activated the stimulator of interferon genes, as evidenced by phosphorylation of tank-binding kinase 1, the stimulator of interferon genes protein and interferon regulatory factor 3. Furthermore, treatment of these macrophages with compounds 1-3 led to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the isolated xanthones, including the novel garcicowanone I, displayed promising anticancer and immunomodulatory activity that warrants further research.

Synthesis of new antiproliferative 1,3,4-substituted-pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinoline derivatives, biological and in silico insights

A series of biologically unexplored substituted 1,3,4-subtituted-pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinoline derivatives (PQs) was evaluated against a panel of about 60 tumor cells (NCI). Based on the preliminary antiproliferative data, the optimizations efforts permitted us to design and synthesize a new series of derivatives allowing us to individuate a promising hit (4g). The insertion of a 4-benzo[d] [1,3]dioxol-5-yl moiety on increased and extended the activity towards five panel tumor cell lines such as leukemia, CNS, melanoma, renal and breast cancer, reaching IG₅₀ in the low μM range. Replacement of this latter with a 4-(OH-di-Cl-Ph) group (4i) or introduction a Cl-propyl chain in position 1 (5), selectively addressed the activity against the entire leukemia sub-panel (CCRF-CEM, K-562, MOLT-4, RPMI-8226, SR). Preliminary biological assays on MCF-7 such as cell cycle, clonogenic assay, ROS content test alongside a comparison of viability between MCF-7 and non-tumorigenic MCF-10 were investigated. Among the main anticancer targets involved in breast cancer, HSP90 and ER receptors were selected for in silico studies. Docking analysis revealed a valuable affinity for HSP90 providing structural insights on the binding mode, and useful features for optimization.

Mellitin peptide quantification in seasonally collected crude bee venom and its anticancer effects on myelogenous K562 human leukaemia cell line

BACKGROUND

Apitherapy is an emerging field in cancer research, particularly in developing communities. The potency of Melittin (MEL), a major constituent in bee venom is accounted for the cytotoxic capacity against cancer cells. It is postulated that the genotype of bees and the time of venom collection influences its specific activity against certain types of cancer.

METHOD

Hereby, Jordanian crude bee venom (JCBV) was collected during different seasons of the year, specifically spring, summer and autumn and investigated for in vitro antitumour effects. Venom collected during springtime comprised the highest quantity of MEL in comparison to venom collected some other time. Springtime-collected JCBV extract and MEL were tested on an immortal myelogenous leukaemia cell line, namely K562 leukemic cells. Treated cells were examined for cell modality via flow cytometry analysis and cell death mediating gene expressions.

RESULTS

Springtime-collected JCBV extract and MEL showed an IC₅₀ of 3.7 ± 0.37 μg/ml and 1.84 ± 0.75 μg/ml, respectively. In comparison to JCBV and positive control, MEL-treated cells exhibited late apoptotic death with a moderate cellular arrest at G0/G1 and an increase of cell number at G2/M phase. Expression of NF-κB/MAPK14 axis was inhibited in MEL and JCBV-treated cells, as well as expression of c-MYC and CDK4. Moreover, marked upregulation in ABL1, JUN and TNF was observed. In conclusion, springtime-collected JCBV showed the highest content of MEL while both JCBV and pure MEL showed apoptotic, necrotic, and cell cycle arrest efficiency against K562 leukemic cells.

CONCLUSION

Integration of bee venom in chemotherapy needs more investigation and should be carefully translated into clinical use. During such translation, the correlation of bee genotype, collection time and concentration of MEL in CBV should be profiled.

Influences of l-ascorbic acid on cytotoxic, biochemical, and genotoxic damages caused by copper II oxide nanoparticles in the rainbow trout gonad cells-2

In parallel with the raising use of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) in various industrial and commercial practices, scientific reports on their release to the environment and toxicity are increasing. The toxicity of CuO NPs is mostly based on their oxidative stress. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the efficacy of well-known therapeutic agents as antioxidants against CuO NPs damage. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of this damage and to display whether l-ascorbic acid could preserve against the cell toxicities induced by CuO NPs in the rainbow trout gonad cells-2 (RTG-2). While CuO NPs treatment significantly diminished cell viability, the l-ascorbic acid supplement reversed this. l-ascorbic acid treatment reversed the changes in expressions of sod1, sod2, gpx1a, and gpx4b genes while playing a supportive role in the changes in the expression of the cat gene induced by CuO NPs treatment. Moreover, CuO NPs treatment caused an upregulation in the expressions of growth-related genes (gh1, igf1, and igf2) and l-ascorbic acid treatment further increased these effects. CuO NPs treatment significantly up-regulated the expression of the gapdh gene (glycolytic enzyme gene) compared to the control group, and l-ascorbic acid treatment significantly down-regulated the expression of the gapdh gene compared to CuO NPs treatment. The genotoxicity test demonstrated that l-ascorbic acid treatment increased the genotoxic effect caused by CuO NPs by acting as a co-mutagen. Based on the findings, l-ascorbic acid has the potential to be sometimes inhibitory and sometimes supportive of cellular mechanisms caused by CuO NPs.

Inhibition of Adherence and Biofilm Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Immobilized ZnO Nanoparticles on Silicone Urinary Catheter Grafted by Gamma Irradiation

Nosocomial infections caused by microbial biofilm formation on biomaterial surfaces such as urinary catheters are complicated by antibiotic resistance, representing a common problem in hospitalized patients. Therefore, we aimed to modify silicone catheters to resist microbial adherence and biofilm formation by the tested microorganisms. This study used a simple direct method to graft poly-acrylic acid onto silicone rubber films using gamma irradiation to endow the silicone surface with hydrophilic carboxylic acid functional groups. This modification allowed the silicone to immobilize ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as an anti-biofilm. The modified silicone films were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, and TGA. The anti-adherence ability of the modified silicone films was evidenced by the inhibition of biofilm formation by otherwise strong biofilm-producing Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and yeast clinical isolates. The modified ZnO NPs grafted silicone showed good cytocompatibility with the human epithelial cell line. Moreover, studying the molecular basis of the inhibitory effect of the modified silicone surface on biofilm-associated genes in a selected Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate showed that anti-adherence activity might be due to the significant downregulation of the expression of lasR, lasI, and lecB genes by 2, 2, and 3.3-fold, respectively. In conclusion, the modified silicone catheters were low-cost, offering broad-spectrum anti-biofilm activity with possible future applications in hospital settings.

Rare Sugar Metabolism and Impact on Insulin Sensitivity along the Gut-Liver-Muscle Axis In Vitro

Rare sugars have recently attracted attention as potential sugar replacers. Understanding the biochemical and biological behavior of these sugars is of importance in (novel) food formulations and prevention of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated whether rare sugars may positively affect intestinal and liver metabolism, as well as muscle insulin sensitivity, compared to conventional sugars. Rare disaccharide digestibility, hepatic metabolism of monosaccharides (respirometry) and the effects of sugars on skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity (impaired glucose uptake) were investigated in, respectively, Caco-2, HepG2 and L6 cells or a triple coculture model with these cells. Glucose and fructose, but not l-arabinose, acutely increased extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) responses in HepG2 cells and impaired glucose uptake in L6 cells following a 24 h exposure at 28 mM. Cellular bioenergetics and digestion experiments with Caco-2 cells indicate that especially trehalose (α1-1α), D-Glc-α1,2-D-Gal, D-Glc-α1,2-D-Rib and D-Glc-α1,3-L-Ara experience delayed digestion and reduced cellular impact compared to maltose (α1-4), without differences on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in a short-term setup with a Caco-2/HepG2/L6 triple coculture. These results suggest a potential for l-arabinose and specific rare disaccharides to improve metabolic health; however, additional in vivo research with longer sugar exposures should confirm their beneficial impact on insulin sensitivity in humans.

Multimodal study of CHI3L1 inhibition and its effect on angiogenesis, migration, immune response and refractive index of cellular structures in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive tumours with a poor response to treatment and a poor prognosis for patients. One of the proteins expressed in glioblastoma tissue is CHI3L1 (YKL-40), which is upregulated and known for its angiogenesis-supporting and pro-tumour immunomodulatory effects in a variety of cancers. In this paper we present the anti-angiogenic, anti-migratory and immunomodulatory effects of the compound G721-0282, an inhibitor of CHI3L1. The inhibitor-induced changes were investigated using conventional techniques as well as the novel label-free digital holographic tomography (DHT), a quantitative phase imaging technique that allows the reconstruction of the refractive index (RI), which is used as an image contrast for 3D visualisation of living cells. DHT allowed digital staining of individual cells and intercellular structures based only on their specific RI. Quantitative spatially resolved analysis of the RI data shows that the concentration of G721-0282 leads to significant changes in the density of cells and their intracellular structures (in particular the cytoplasm and nucleus), in the volume of lipid droplets and in protein concentrations. Studies in the U-87 MG glioblastoma cell line, THP-1 monocytes differentiated into macrophages, human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) and in the spheroid model of glioblastoma composed of U-87 MG, HMEC-1 and macrophages suggest that inhibition of CHI3L1 may have potential in the antitumour treatment of glioblastoma. In this paper, we also propose a spheroid model for in vitro studies that mimics this type of tumour.