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Fàbrega C, Aviñó A, Navarro N, Jorge AF, Grijalvo S, Eritja R. Lipid and Peptide-Oligonucleotide Conjugates for Therapeutic Purposes: From Simple Hybrids to Complex Multifunctional Assemblies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020320. [PMID: 36839642 PMCID: PMC9959333 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense and small interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotides have been recognized as powerful therapeutic compounds for targeting mRNAs and inducing their degradation. However, a major obstacle is that unmodified oligonucleotides are not readily taken up into tissues and are susceptible to degradation by nucleases. For these reasons, the design and preparation of modified DNA/RNA derivatives with better stability and an ability to be produced at large scale with enhanced uptake properties is of vital importance to improve current limitations. In the present study, we review the conjugation of oligonucleotides with lipids and peptides in order to produce oligonucleotide conjugates for therapeutics aiming to develop novel compounds with favorable pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carme Fàbrega
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Aviñó
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Navarro
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreia F. Jorge
- Department of Chemistry, Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Santiago Grijalvo
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Colloidal and Interfacial Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Nucleic Acids Chemistry Group, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-934006145
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Basso J, Mendes M, Silva J, Cova T, Luque-Michel E, Jorge AF, Grijalvo S, Gonçalves L, Eritja R, Blanco-Prieto MJ, Almeida AJ, Pais A, Vitorino C. Sorting hidden patterns in nanoparticle performance for glioblastoma using machine learning algorithms. Int J Pharm 2021; 592:120095. [PMID: 33220382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.120095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cationic compounds have been described to readily penetrate cell membranes. Assigning positive charge to nanosystems, e.g. lipid nanoparticles, has been identified as a key feature to promote electrostatic binding and design ligand-based constructs for tumour targeting. However, their intrinsic high cytotoxicity has hampered their biomedical application. This paper seeks to establish which cationic compounds and properties are compelling for interface modulation, in order to improve the design of tumour targeted nanoparticles against glioblastoma. How can intrinsic features (e.g. nature, structure, conformation) shape efficacy outcomes? In the quest for safer alternative cationic compounds, we evaluate the effects of two novel glycerol-based lipids, GLY1 and GLY2, on the architecture and performance of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). These two molecules, composed of two alkylated chains and a glycerol backbone, differ only in their polar head and proved to be efficient in reversing the zeta potential of the nanosystems to positive values. The use of unsupervised and supervised machine learning (ML) techniques unraveled their structural similarities: in spite of their common backbone, GLY1 exhibited a better performance in increasing zeta potential and cytotoxicity, while decreasing particle size. Furthermore, NLCs containing GLY1 showed a favorable hemocompatible profile, as well as an improved uptake by tumour cells. Summing-up, GLY1 circumvents the intrinsic cytotoxicity of a common surfactant, CTAB, is effective at increasing glioblastoma uptake, and exhibits encouraging anticancer activity. Moreover, the use of ML is strongly incited for formulation design and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Basso
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1st Floor, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Mendes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1st Floor, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jessica Silva
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1st Floor, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tânia Cova
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Edurne Luque-Michel
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Andreia F Jorge
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Santiago Grijalvo
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain; Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lídia Gonçalves
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain; Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María J Blanco-Prieto
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - António José Almeida
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alberto Pais
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1st Floor, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Aviñó A, Jorge AF, Huertas CS, Cova TFGG, Pais A, Lechuga LM, Eritja R, Fabrega C. Aptamer-peptide conjugates as a new strategy to modulate human α-thrombin binding affinity. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1863:1619-1630. [PMID: 31265898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded RNA or DNA molecules that specifically recognize their targets and have proven valuable for functionalizing sensitive biosensors. α-thrombin is a trypsin-like serine proteinase which plays a crucial role in haemostasis and thrombosis. An abnormal activity or overexpression of this protein is associated with a variety of diseases. A great deal of attention was devoted to the construction of high-throughput biosensors for accurately detect thrombin for the early diagnosis and treatment of related diseases. Herein, we propose a new approach to modulate the interaction between α-thrombin and the aptamer TBA15. To this end, TBA15 was chemically conjugated to two peptide sequences (TBA-G3FIE-Ac and TBA-G3EIF-Ac) corresponding to a short fragment of the acidic region of the human factor V, which is known to interact directly with exosite I. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) results showed enhanced analytical performances of thrombin with TBA-G3EIF-Ac than with TBA wild-type, reaching a limit of detection as low as 44.9 pM. Electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA) corroborated the SPR results. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations support experimental evidences and provided further insight into thrombin/TBA-peptide interaction. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of TBA15 with key interacting peptides offers good opportunities to produce sensitive devices for thrombin detection and potential candidates to block thrombin activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aviñó
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain; Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreia F Jorge
- CQC, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - César S Huertas
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC, ICN2 Building, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tânia F G G Cova
- CQC, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alberto Pais
- CQC, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Laura M Lechuga
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC, ICN2 Building, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain; Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carme Fabrega
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain; Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Abstract
Molecular self-assembling is ubiquitous in nature providing structural and functional machinery for the cells. In recent decades, material science has been inspired by the nature's assembly principles to create artificially higher-order structures customized with therapeutic and targeting molecules, organic and inorganic fluorescent probes that have opened new perspectives for biomedical applications. Among these novel man-made materials, DNA nanostructures hold great promise for the modular assembly of biocompatible molecules at the nanoscale of multiple shapes and sizes, designed via molecular programming languages. Herein, we summarize the recent advances made in the designing of DNA nanostructures with special emphasis on their application in biomedical research as imaging and diagnostic platforms, drug, gene, and protein vehicles, as well as theranostic agents that are meant to operate in-cell and in-vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia F Jorge
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC), Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Jorge AF, Aviñó A, Pais AACC, Eritja R, Fàbrega C. DNA-based nanoscaffolds as vehicles for 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine oligomers in colorectal cancer therapy. Nanoscale 2018; 10:7238-7249. [PMID: 29632908 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr08442k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Fluoropyrimidines, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and related prodrugs, are considered one of the most successful agents in the treatment of colorectal cancer, yet poor specificity and tumor cell resistance remain the major limiting bottlenecks. Here, we exploited for the first time the ability of two DNA nanoscaffolds, a DNA tetrahedron (Td) and rectangle DNA origami, to incorporate 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FdUn) oligomers. In addition, cholesterol moieties were synthetically attached to Td and DNA origami staples to enhance cellular uptake. DNA nanostructures functionalized with FdUn exhibited an enhanced cytotoxicity and higher ability to trigger apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells relative to conventional 5-FU and FdU, especially having cholesterol as an internalization helper. The cholesterol content mostly correlates with the increase of the FdUn nanostructure cytotoxicity. DNA nanoscaffolds bearing FdUn were able to circumvent the low sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells towards 5-FU. Both DNA nanostructures attained a comparable cytotoxic effect yet Td displays higher antiproliferative action. The ability to reduce the proliferation of cancer cells is mainly related to the concentration of DNA nanostructures. The present work suggests that self-assembled DNA nanoparticles are privileged vehicles for delivering fluoropyrimidines, opening new avenues to the development of promising therapeutics for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Jorge
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC), Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Alagia A, Jorge AF, Aviñó A, Cova TFGG, Crehuet R, Grijalvo S, Pais AACC, Eritja R. Exploring PAZ/3'-overhang interaction to improve siRNA specificity. A combined experimental and modeling study. Chem Sci 2018; 9:2074-2086. [PMID: 29719684 PMCID: PMC5896489 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc00010g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The understanding of the dynamical and mechanistic aspects that lie behind siRNA-based gene regulation is a requisite to boost the performance of siRNA therapeutics. A systematic experimental and computational study on the 3'-overhang structural requirements for the design of more specific and potent siRNA molecules was carried out using nucleotide analogues differing in structural parameters, such as sugar constraint, lack of nucleobase, distance between the phosphodiester backbone and nucleobase, enantioselectivity, and steric hindrance. The results established a set of rules governing the siRNA-mediated silencing, indicating that the thermodynamic stability of the 5'-end is a crucial determinant for antisense-mediated silencing but is not sufficient to avoid sense-mediated silencing. Both theoretical and experimental approaches consistently evidence the existence of a direct connection between the PAZ/3'-overhang binding affinity and siRNA's potency and specificity. An overall description of the systems is thus achieved by atomistic simulations and free energy calculations that allow us to propose a robust and self-contained procedure for studying the factors implied in PAZ/3'-overhang siRNA interactions. A higher RNAi activity is associated with a moderate-to-strong PAZ/3'-overhang binding. Contrarily, lower binding energies compromise siRNA potency, increase specificity, and favor siRNA downregulation by Ago2-independent mechanisms. This work provides in-depth details for the design of powerful and safe synthetic nucleotide analogues for substitution at the 3'-overhang, enabling some of the intrinsic siRNA disadvantages to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Alagia
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC) , Jordi Girona 18-26 , E-08034 Barcelona , Spain . ; ; Tel: +34 934006145
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) , Jordi Girona 18-26 , E-08034 Barcelona , Spain
| | - Andreia F Jorge
- CQC , Department of Chemistry , University of Coimbra , Rua Larga , 3004-535 Coimbra , Portugal .
| | - Anna Aviñó
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC) , Jordi Girona 18-26 , E-08034 Barcelona , Spain . ; ; Tel: +34 934006145
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) , Jordi Girona 18-26 , E-08034 Barcelona , Spain
| | - Tânia F G G Cova
- CQC , Department of Chemistry , University of Coimbra , Rua Larga , 3004-535 Coimbra , Portugal .
| | - Ramon Crehuet
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC) , Jordi Girona 18-26 , E-08034 Barcelona , Spain . ; ; Tel: +34 934006145
| | - Santiago Grijalvo
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC) , Jordi Girona 18-26 , E-08034 Barcelona , Spain . ; ; Tel: +34 934006145
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) , Jordi Girona 18-26 , E-08034 Barcelona , Spain
| | - Alberto A C C Pais
- CQC , Department of Chemistry , University of Coimbra , Rua Larga , 3004-535 Coimbra , Portugal .
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC) , Jordi Girona 18-26 , E-08034 Barcelona , Spain . ; ; Tel: +34 934006145
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) , Jordi Girona 18-26 , E-08034 Barcelona , Spain
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Grijalvo S, Alagia A, Jorge AF, Eritja R. Covalent Strategies for Targeting Messenger and Non-Coding RNAs: An Updated Review on siRNA, miRNA and antimiR Conjugates. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E74. [PMID: 29415514 PMCID: PMC5852570 DOI: 10.3390/genes9020074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based therapy has become an alternative to classical approaches in the search of novel therapeutics involving gene-related diseases. Several mechanisms have been described in which demonstrate the pivotal role of oligonucleotide for modulating gene expression. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and more recently siRNAs and miRNAs have made important contributions either in reducing aberrant protein levels by sequence-specific targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs) or restoring the anomalous levels of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are involved in a good number of diseases including cancer. In addition to formulation approaches which have contributed to accelerate the presence of ASOs, siRNAs and miRNAs in clinical trials; the covalent linkage between non-viral vectors and nucleic acids has also added value and opened new perspectives to the development of promising nucleic acid-based therapeutics. This review article is mainly focused on the strategies carried out for covalently modifying siRNA and miRNA molecules. Examples involving cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), carbohydrates, polymers, lipids and aptamers are discussed for the synthesis of siRNA conjugates whereas in the case of miRNA-based drugs, this review article makes special emphasis in using antagomiRs, locked nucleic acids (LNAs), peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) as well as nanoparticles. The biomedical applications of siRNA and miRNA conjugates are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Grijalvo
- Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
- Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Adele Alagia
- Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Andreia F Jorge
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, (CQC), Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC, CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
- Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Carmen Morán
- Departament
de Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Interaction of Surfactants with Cell Membranes, Unit Associated with CSIC, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXII, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreia F. Jorge
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M. Pilar Vinardell
- Departament
de Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Interaction of Surfactants with Cell Membranes, Unit Associated with CSIC, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXII, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Jorge AF, Pereira RFP, Nunes SCC, Valente AJM, Dias RS, Pais AACC. Interpreting the Rich Behavior of Ternary DNA-PEI-Fe(III) Complexes. Biomacromolecules 2014; 15:478-91. [DOI: 10.1021/bm4013716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreia F. Jorge
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui F. P. Pereira
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra C. C. Nunes
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Artur J. M. Valente
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita S. Dias
- Department
of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Alberto A. C. C. Pais
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
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11
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Pereira P, Jorge AF, Martins R, Pais AA, Sousa F, Figueiras A. Characterization of polyplexes involving small RNA. J Colloid Interface Sci 2012; 387:84-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.07.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Jorge AF, Dias RS, Pais AACC. Enhanced Condensation and Facilitated Release of DNA Using Mixed Cationic Agents: A Combined Experimental and Monte Carlo Study. Biomacromolecules 2012; 13:3151-61. [DOI: 10.1021/bm300934p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreia F. Jorge
- Department of Chemistry, Coimbra University, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita S. Dias
- Department of Chemistry, Coimbra University, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
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Simões M, Cunha V, Nabais H, Riscado I, Jorge AF. Primary malignant melanoma of the uterine cervix--case report and review. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2011; 32:448-451. [PMID: 21941976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malignant melanoma (MM) represents 1% of all cancers and has an incidence of 3-7% in the female genital tract, the majority of cases being reported in the vulva and vagina. CASE REPORT A 75-year-old white female had a history of vaginal bleeding due to a 1.5 cm exophytic and ulcerated cervical lesion. Incisional biopsy was taken and sent for histopathological examination, which revealed MM of the cervix, confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Exclusion of the primitive tumor in other sites was made and after FIGO staging (IB1) the patient underwent a radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Three months later, hepatic and osseous metastases were detected, and the patient underwent chemotherapy and palliative radiotherapy with no success. DISCUSSION Primary MM of the cervix should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cervical malignancies. Early diagnosis is essential in order to warrant a better prognosis, although there are no cases of cure described.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Simões
- Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Graça LM, Clode N, Cardoso CG, Colaço A, Casal E, Jorge AF, Ferreira H, Pereira R, Martins C, Silva MO. [Doppler flowmetry of feto-maternal circulation: III --Absent and reverse diastolic flow in the umbilical artery]. ACTA MEDICA PORT 1991; 4:127-30. [PMID: 1950660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Twelve cases of extreme umbilical blood flow impairement (8 cases with loss of end-diastolic blood flow and 4 cases with reversed flow) found among 658 pregnancies studied by continuous Doppler between April 1st 1989 and March 31st 1990, are reported. The findings were associated to intra-uterine growth retardation (92%), maternal hypertensive disease (50%) and perinatal death (33%); fetal Trisomy 21 was the sole problem in one of the cases with absent end-diastolic frequencies. Our results are discussed and compared to similar data reported recently. Clinical management is proposed, according to umbilical blood flow patterns, length of gestation and underlying clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Graça
- Unidade de Alto Risco Obstétrico, Hospital de Santa Maria/Faculdade de Medicina, Lisboa
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