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Oatis D, Herman H, Balta C, Ciceu A, Simon-Repolski E, Mihu AG, Lepre CC, Russo M, Trotta MC, Gravina AG, D’Amico M, Hermenean A. Dynamic shifts in lung cytokine patterns in post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease patients: a pilot study. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2024; 15:20406223241236257. [PMID: 38560720 PMCID: PMC10981850 DOI: 10.1177/20406223241236257] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pathogenesis of post-COVID interstitial lung disease, marked by lung tissue scarring and functional decline, remains largely unknown. Objectives We aimed to elucidate the temporal cytokine/chemokine changes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from patients with post-COVID interstitial lung disease to uncover potential immune drivers of pulmonary complications. Design We evaluated 16 females diagnosed with post-COVID interstitial lung disease, originating from moderate to severe cases during the second epidemic wave in the Autumn of 2020, treated at the Pneumology Department of the Arad County Clinical Hospital, Romania. Their inflammatory response over time was compared to a control group. Methods A total of 48 BAL samples were collected over three intervals (1, 3, and 6 months) and underwent cytology, gene, and protein expression analyses for pro/anti-inflammatory lung cytokines and chemokines using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results One month after infection, there were significant increases in the levels of IL-6 and IL-8. These levels decreased gradually over the course of 6 months but were still higher than those seen in control. Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha exhibited similar patterns. Persistent elevations were found in IL-10, IL-13, and pro-fibrotic M2 macrophages' chemokines (CCL13 and CCL18) for 6 months. Furthermore, pronounced neutrophilia was observed at 1 month post-COVID, highlighting persistent inflammation and lung damage. Neutrophil efferocytosis, aiding inflammation resolution and tissue repair, was evident at the 1-month time interval. A notable time-dependent reduction in CD28 was also noticed. Conclusion Our research provides insight into the immunological processes that may lead to the fibrotic changes noted in the lungs following COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Oatis
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
- Multidisciplinary Doctoral School, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Erika Simon-Repolski
- Department of Pneumology, Faculty of Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
- Department of Pneumology, Arad Clinical Emergency Hospital, Arad, Romania
| | - Alin Gabriel Mihu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Russo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gerarda Gravina
- Department of Precision Medicine and Complex Operative Unit of Hepatogastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, University Hospital, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 94-96 Revolutiei Av., Arad 310025, Romania
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Cristian RE, Balta C, Herman H, Trica B, Sbarcea BG, Hermenean A, Dinischiotu A, Stan MS. In Vivo Assessment of Hepatic and Kidney Toxicity Induced by Silicon Quantum Dots in Mice. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2024; 14:457. [PMID: 38470787 DOI: 10.3390/nano14050457] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
In the last decade, silicon-based quantum dots (SiQDs) have attracted the attention of researchers due to their unique properties for which they are used in medical applications and in vivo imaging. Detection of cytotoxic effects in vivo is essential for understanding the mechanisms of toxicity, a mandatory step before their administration to human subjects. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the in vivo hepatic and renal acute toxicity of SiQDs obtained by laser ablation. The nanoparticles were administrated at different doses (0, 1, 10, and 100 mg of QDs/kg of body weight) by intravenous injection into the caudal vein of Swiss mice. After 1, 6, 24, and 72 h, the animals were euthanatized, and liver and kidney tissues were used in further toxicity tests. The time- and dose-dependent effects of SiQDs on the antioxidant defense system of mice liver and kidney were investigated by quantifying the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase) in correlation with the morphological changes and inflammatory status in the liver and kidneys. The results showed a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and histopathological changes, except for superoxide dismutase, in which no significant changes were registered compared with the control. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical expression of TNF-α was significant at doses over 10 mg of QDs/kg of body weight and were still evident at 72 h after administration. Our results showed that doses under 10 mg of SiQDs/kg of b.w. did not induce hepatic and renal toxicity, providing useful information for further clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana-Elena Cristian
- Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- DANUBIUS Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Splaiul Independentei 296, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Bogdan Trica
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry (INCDCP-ICECHIM), 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Beatrice G Sbarcea
- Materials Characterization Department, National Institute for Research & Development in Electrical Engineering (ICPE-CA), 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna S Stan
- Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
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Marti DT, Nesiu A, Balta C, Olariu TR, Mihu AG, Hermenean A, Oatis DA. Retrospective Analysis of Vitamin D Deficiency in an Adult Population of Arad County, Western Romania (2019-2022). Life (Basel) 2024; 14:274. [PMID: 38398782 PMCID: PMC10890605 DOI: 10.3390/life14020274] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D, a steroid hormone synthesized primarily in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet light, is widely deficient across global populations. This study aimed to fill the data gap in Western Romania by measuring 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in a cohort of 7141 from Arad County. It was observed that women, younger adults (18-29 years), and older adults (70-79 years) had notably lower vitamin D levels compared to the average population. Additionally, there was a rise in vitamin D levels over the four-year span of 2018-2022, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our research provides fresh data on those most susceptible to vitamin D deficiency and lays the groundwork for educational campaigns on vitamin D supplementation benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Teodora Marti
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (D.T.M.); (A.N.); (D.A.O.)
| | - Alexandru Nesiu
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (D.T.M.); (A.N.); (D.A.O.)
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alin Gabriel Mihu
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (D.T.M.); (A.N.); (D.A.O.)
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- Bioclinica Medical Analysis Laboratory, Dreptatii Street, nr. 23, 310300 Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (D.T.M.); (A.N.); (D.A.O.)
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Daniela Adriana Oatis
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (D.T.M.); (A.N.); (D.A.O.)
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
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Trotta MC, Herman H, Ciceu A, Mladin B, Rosu M, Lepre CC, Russo M, Bácskay I, Fenyvesi F, Marfella R, Hermenean A, Balta C, D’Amico M. Chrysin-based supramolecular cyclodextrin-calixarene drug delivery system: a novel approach for attenuating cardiac fibrosis in chronic diabetes. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1332212. [PMID: 38169923 PMCID: PMC10759242 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1332212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cardiac fibrosis is strongly induced by diabetic conditions. Both chrysin (CHR) and calixarene OTX008, a specific inhibitor of galectin 1 (Gal-1), seem able to reduce transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/SMAD pro-fibrotic pathways, but their use is limited to their low solubility. Therefore, we formulated a dual-action supramolecular system, combining CHR with sulfobutylated β-cyclodextrin (SBECD) and OTX008 (SBECD + OTX + CHR). Here we aimed to test the anti-fibrotic effects of SBECD + OTX + CHR in hyperglycemic H9c2 cardiomyocytes and in a mouse model of chronic diabetes. Methods: H9c2 cardiomyocytes were exposed to normal (NG, 5.5 mM) or high glucose (HG, 33 mM) for 48 h, then treated with SBECD + OTX + CHR (containing OTX008 0.75-1.25-2.5 µM) or the single compounds for 6 days. TGF-β/SMAD pathways, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) and Gal-1 levels were assayed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) or Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Adult CD1 male mice received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dosage of 102 mg/kg body weight. From the second week of diabetes, mice received 2 times/week the following i.p. treatments: OTX (5 mg/kg)-SBECD; OTX (5 mg/kg)-SBECD-CHR, SBECD-CHR, SBECD. After a 22-week period of diabetes, mice were euthanized and cardiac tissue used for tissue staining, ELISA, qRT-PCR aimed to analyse TGF-β/SMAD, extracellular matrix (ECM) components and Gal-1. Results: In H9c2 cells exposed to HG, SBECD + OTX + CHR significantly ameliorated the damaged morphology and reduced TGF-β1, its receptors (TGFβR1 and TGFβR2), SMAD2/4, MAPKs and Gal-1. Accordingly, these markers were reduced also in cardiac tissue from chronic diabetes, in which an amelioration of cardiac remodeling and ECM was evident. In both settings, SBECD + OTX + CHR was the most effective treatment compared to the other ones. Conclusion: The CHR-based supramolecular SBECD-calixarene drug delivery system, by enhancing the solubility and the bioavailability of both CHR and calixarene OTX008, and by combining their effects, showed a strong anti-fibrotic activity in rat cardiomyocytes and in cardiac tissue from mice with chronic diabetes. Also an improved cardiac tissue remodeling was evident. Therefore, new drug delivery system, which could be considered as a novel putative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diabetes-induced cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Russo
- PhD Course in National Interest in Public Administration and Innovation for Disability and Social Inclusion, Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- School of Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Ildikó Bácskay
- Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute of Healthcare Industry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Fenyvesi
- Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Raffaele Marfella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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Balta C, Herman H, Ciceu A, Mladin B, Rosu M, Sasu A, Peteu VE, Voicu SN, Balas M, Gherghiceanu M, Dinischiotu A, Olah NK, Hermenean A. Phytochemical Profiling and Anti-Fibrotic Activities of the Gemmotherapy Bud Extract of Corylus avellana in a Model of Liver Fibrosis on Diabetic Mice. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1771. [PMID: 37371866 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061771] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to explore the hepatoprotective effects of the gemmotherapy bud extract of Corylus avellana in a model of liver fibrosis on diabetic mice. An evaluation of total flavonoids and polyphenols contents and LC/MS analyses were performed. Experimental fibrosis was induced with CCl4 (2 mL/kg by i.p. injections twice a week for 7 weeks) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Our results showed a content of 6-7% flavonoids, while hyperoside and chlorogenic acids were highlighted in the bud extract. Toxic administration of CCl4 increased oxidative stress, mRNA expression of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad 2/3, and reduced Smad 7 expression. Furthermore, up-regulation of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) revealed an activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), while collagen I (Col I) up-regulation and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) unbalance led to an altered extracellular matrix enriched in collagen, confirmed as well by a trichrome stain and electron microscopy analysis. Treatment with gemmotherapy extract significantly restored the liver architecture and the antioxidant balance, and significantly decreased collagen deposits in the liver and improved the liver function. Our results suggest that Corylus avellana gemmotherapy extract may have anti-fibrotic effects and could be useful in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. The hepatoprotective mechanism is based on HSC inhibition, a reduction in oxidative stress and liver damage, a downregulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and a MMPs/TIMP rebalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Bianca Mladin
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Alciona Sasu
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | | | - Sorina Nicoleta Voicu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Balas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Neli Kinga Olah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
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Stoica Oprea AE, Bîrcă AC, Gherasim O, Ficai A, Grumezescu AM, Oprea OC, Vasile BȘ, Balta C, Andronescu E, Hermenean AO. Electrospun Fibrous Silica for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1728. [PMID: 37376176 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061728] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of highly porous and three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds with biomimicking abilities has gained extensive attention in recent years for tissue engineering (TE) applications. Considering the attractive and versatile biomedical functionality of silica (SiO2) nanomaterials, we propose herein the development and validation of SiO2-based 3D scaffolds for TE. This is the first report on the development of fibrous silica architectures, using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) during the self-assembly electrospinning (ES) processing (a layer of flat fibers must first be created in self-assembly electrospinning before fiber stacks can develop on the fiber mat). The compositional and microstructural characteristics of obtained fibrous materials were evaluated by complementary techniques, in both the pre-ES aging period and post-ES calcination. Then, in vivo evaluation confirmed their possible use as bioactive scaffolds in bone TE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Elena Stoica Oprea
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Gherasim
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Anton Ficai
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gheorghe Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- HTP Research and Consulting, Joita, 087150 Giurgiu, Romania
- Research Center for Advanced Materials, Products and Processes, University of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Oana Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
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Savici J, Boldura OM, Balta C, Muselin F, Mederle N, Cristina RT, Brezovan D. Effects of Aronia melanocarpa and Hypericum perforatum aqueous extracts on hexavalent chromium induced toxicity in rat's thyrocytes. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 78:127151. [PMID: 36948046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127151] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hexavalent chromium known as oxidizing agent is able to form reactive oxygen species. Aronia melanocarpa and Hypericum perforatum are two plants known for their antioxidant effects. Our study aimed to establish if CrVI induces apoptosis and structural changes in thyrocytes and if its effect can be counteracted by the administration of both extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS Wistar rats divided in five groups: C - distilled water (DW), Cr - 75 mg/L CrVI in DW for 3 months, Cr 2 - 75 mg/L CrVI in DW for 3 months followed by 1 month DW, CrA - 3 months 75 mg/L CrVI in DW and 1 month Aronia 2.5% extract, CrH - 3 months 75 mg/L CrVI in DW and 1 month Hypericum 2.5% extract. Histological assessment and qRT-PCR for evaluation of BAX and Bcl2 protein levels performed on thyroid samples. RESULTS The Cr and Cr2 groups were those with altered cytoarchitecture: increase in the diameter of many thyroid follicles, a decrease in their number, a decrease in the height of the follicular cells. The histological examination of the CrH group revealed almost recovery of structural architecture. The BAX gene levels were higher in the Cr and Cr2 groups indicating the apoptotic activity of chromium. In extract receiving groups the BAX gene expressions were significantly lower, but the lowest level presented the CrH group. Bcl2 gene expression levels indicate antiapoptotic activity being elevated in the Cr group, followed by CrA, Cr2, and CrH groups. The BAX/Bcl2 ratio which significantly increased in the case of the Cr and Cr2 group compared to the groups that were administered the two plant extracts. CONCLUSION The results obtained in this study confirm that CrVI has toxic effects on thyroid endocrine cells and H. perforatum has stronger antioxidant properties against the action of hexavalent chromium in thyrocytes than A. melanocarpa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Savici
- University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Oana-Maria Boldura
- University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Institute of Life Sciences, Romania
| | - Florin Muselin
- University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Narcisa Mederle
- University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Romeo Teodor Cristina
- University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Diana Brezovan
- University of Life Sciences "King Michael I", Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara, Romania
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Trotta MC, Herman H, Balta C, Rosu M, Ciceu A, Mladin B, Gesualdo C, Lepre CC, Russo M, Petrillo F, Pieretti G, Simonelli F, Rossi S, D’Amico M, Hermenean A. Oral Administration of Vitamin D3 Prevents Corneal Damage in a Knock-Out Mouse Model of Sjögren's Syndrome. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020616. [PMID: 36831152 PMCID: PMC9953695 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020616] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with dry eye development during Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Here, we investigated whether repeated oral vitamin D3 supplementation could prevent the corneal epithelium damage in an SS mouse model. METHODS 30 female mouse knock-out for the thrombospondin 1 gene were randomized (six per group) in untreated mice euthanized at 6 weeks as negative control (C-) or at 12 weeks as the positive control for dry eye (C+). Other mice were sacrificed after 6 weeks of oral vitamin D3 supplementation in the drinking water (1000, 8000, and 20,000 IU/kg/week, respectively). RESULTS The C+ mice showed alterations in their corneal epithelial morphologies and thicknesses (p < 0.01 vs. C-), while the mice receiving 8000 (M) and 20,000 (H) IU/kg/week of vitamin D3 showed preservation of the corneal epithelium morphology and thickness (p < 0.01 vs. C+). Moreover, while the C+ mice exhibited high levels and activity of corneal tumor necrosis factor alpha converting enzyme (TACE), neovascularization and fibrosis markers; these were all reduced in the M and H mice. CONCLUSIONS Oral vitamin D3 supplementation appeared to counteract the negative effect of TACE on corneal epithelium in a mouse model of SS-associated dry eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Russo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gorizio Pieretti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
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9
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Gharbia S, Nazarie SR, Dinescu S, Balta C, Herman H, Peteu VE, Gherghiceanu M, Hermenean A, Costache M. Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) Supplemented with Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) Attenuate Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway in Chemical-Induced Liver Fibrosis Associated with Diabetes. Cells 2022; 11:3338. [PMID: 36359733 PMCID: PMC9653841 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis can develop on the background of hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus. However, xenobiotic-related factors may accelerate diabetes-associated liver fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to assess the antfibrotic effect of ADSC and HGF therapy and to establish the cellular and molecular mechanisms through in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro, TGF-β1-activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were cocultured with ADSCs or HGF, and the expression of several fibrosis markers was investigated. The antifibrotic effect of the ADSCs, HGF, and ADSCs supplemented with HGF was further assessed in vivo on diabetic mice with liver fibrosis experimentally induced. In vitro results showed the inhibition of HSC proliferation and decrease in fibrogenesis markers. Coadministration of ADSCs and HGF on diabetic mice with liver fibrosis enhanced antifibrotic effects confirmed by the downregulation of Col I, α-SMA, TGF-β1, and Smad2, while Smad7 was upregulated. Moreover, stem cell therapy supplemented with HGF considerably attenuated inflammation and microvesicular steatosis, decreased collagen deposits, and alleviated liver fibrosis. In conclusion, the HGF-based ADSC therapy might be of interest for the treatment of liver fibrosis in diabetic patients, consecutive aggression exerts by different environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Gharbia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Simona-Rebeca Nazarie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | | | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Marieta Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
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10
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Oatis D, Simon-Repolski E, Balta C, Mihu A, Pieretti G, Alfano R, Peluso L, Trotta MC, D’Amico M, Hermenean A. Cellular and Molecular Mechanism of Pulmonary Fibrosis Post-COVID-19: Focus on Galectin-1, -3, -8, -9. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8210. [PMID: 35897786 PMCID: PMC9332679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158210] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a consequence of the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), which finally leads to lung scarring. Although the pulmonary fibrogenesis is almost known, the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its post effects added new particularities which need to be explored. Many questions remain about how pulmonary fibrotic changes occur within the lungs of COVID-19 patients, and whether the changes will persist long term or are capable of resolving. This review brings together existing knowledge on both COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis, starting with the main key players in promoting pulmonary fibrosis, such as alveolar and endothelial cells, fibroblasts, lipofibroblasts, and macrophages. Further, we provide an overview of the main molecular mechanisms driving the fibrotic process in connection with Galactin-1, -3, -8, and -9, together with the currently approved and newly proposed clinical therapeutic solutions given for the treatment of fibrosis, based on their inhibition. The work underlines the particular pathways and processes that may be implicated in pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis post-SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. The recent data suggest that galectin-1, -3, -8, and -9 could become valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of lung fibrosis post-COVID-19 and promising molecular targets for the development of new and original therapeutic tools to treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Oatis
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- Doctoral School of Biology, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Erika Simon-Repolski
- Doctoral School of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- Department of Pneumology, Arad Clinical Emergency Hospital, 310031 Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310144 Arad, Romania;
| | - Alin Mihu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Gorizio Pieretti
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Roberto Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences “DAMSS”, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luisa Peluso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310144 Arad, Romania;
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
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11
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Boldura OM, Marc S, Otava G, Hutu I, Balta C, Tulcan C, Mircu C. Utilization of Rosmarinic and Ascorbic Acids for Maturation Culture Media in Order to Increase Sow Oocyte Quality Prior to IVF. Molecules 2021; 26:7215. [PMID: 34885797 PMCID: PMC8659116 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The beneficial effect of antioxidant supplementation in maturation culture media of sow oocytes was evaluated by the expression quantification of apoptotic genes and the genes that ensure stability of germ cells during fertilization. The oocytes were cultivated for 44 h in conventional medium (C) or in medium supplemented with 105 µM rosmarinic acid (R) and 0.5 mM ascorbic acid (A) and classified into three quality classes by morphological observation from which the total RNA was isolated. The gene expression of Ptx3 and the apoptotic regulator p53, Bax and BCL-2 were evaluated by quantitative PCR technique. The decreased expression of the Bax gene in the A and R groups, compared to the control, indicates a protective role of antioxidants in the cells. Cell homeostasis was maintained, as reflected in the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in class I COCs (cumulus-oocyte complex) regardless of the experimental group, indicating minimum cellular stress. The expression of p53 genes was higher in all class III COC, but in A1 and R1 the expression was lower than in C1, and a similar Ptx-3 gene decreased significantly in groups A1, A2, A3 and R1 compared with control groups. Antioxidant supplementation showed beneficial effects on all morphological classes of pig COCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana-Maria Boldura
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I” Timisoara, 300645 Timişoara, Romania; (O.-M.B.); (S.M.); (G.O.); (I.H.); (C.M.)
- BUASVM’s Research Institute for Biosecurity and Bioengineering, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine ”King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, 300645 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Simona Marc
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I” Timisoara, 300645 Timişoara, Romania; (O.-M.B.); (S.M.); (G.O.); (I.H.); (C.M.)
- BUASVM’s Research Institute for Biosecurity and Bioengineering, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine ”King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, 300645 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Gabriel Otava
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I” Timisoara, 300645 Timişoara, Romania; (O.-M.B.); (S.M.); (G.O.); (I.H.); (C.M.)
- BUASVM’s Research Institute for Biosecurity and Bioengineering, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine ”King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, 300645 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Ioan Hutu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I” Timisoara, 300645 Timişoara, Romania; (O.-M.B.); (S.M.); (G.O.); (I.H.); (C.M.)
- BUASVM’s Research Institute for Biosecurity and Bioengineering, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine ”King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, 300645 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Camelia Tulcan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I” Timisoara, 300645 Timişoara, Romania; (O.-M.B.); (S.M.); (G.O.); (I.H.); (C.M.)
- BUASVM’s Research Institute for Biosecurity and Bioengineering, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine ”King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, 300645 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Calin Mircu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I” Timisoara, 300645 Timişoara, Romania; (O.-M.B.); (S.M.); (G.O.); (I.H.); (C.M.)
- BUASVM’s Research Institute for Biosecurity and Bioengineering, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine ”King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, 300645 Timişoara, Romania
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12
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Gesualdo C, Balta C, Platania CBM, Trotta MC, Herman H, Gharbia S, Rosu M, Petrillo F, Giunta S, Della Corte A, Grieco P, Bellavita R, Simonelli F, D'Amico M, Hermenean A, Rossi S, Bucolo C. Fingolimod and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Drug Repurposing Study. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:718902. [PMID: 34603029 PMCID: PMC8484636 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.718902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the interactions between fingolimod, a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) agonist, and melanocortin receptors 1 and 5 (MCR1, MCR5). In particular, we investigated the effects of fingolimod, a drug approved to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, on retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of diabetic retinopathy (DR). We showed, by a molecular modeling approach, that fingolimod can bind with good-predicted affinity to MC1R and MC5R. Thereafter, we investigated the fingolimod actions on retinal MC1Rs/MC5Rs in C57BL/6J mice. Diabetes was induced in C57BL/6J mice through streptozotocin injection. Diabetic and control C57BL/6J mice received fingolimod, by oral route, for 12 weeks and a monthly intravitreally injection of MC1R antagonist (AGRP), MC5R antagonist (PG20N), and the selective S1PR1 antagonist (Ex 26). Diabetic animals treated with fingolimod showed a decrease of retinal vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), compared to diabetic control group. Fingolimod co-treatment with MC1R and MC5R selective antagonists significantly (p < 0.05) increased retinal VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFA levels compared to mice treated with fingolimod alone. Diabetic animals treated with fingolimod plus Ex 26 (S1PR1 selective blocker) had VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFA levels between diabetic mice group and the group of diabetic mice treated with fingolimod alone. This vascular protective effect of fingolimod, through activation of MC1R and MC5R, was evidenced also by fluorescein angiography in mice. Finally, molecular dynamic simulations showed a strong similarity between fingolimod and the MC1R agonist BMS-470539. In conclusion, the anti-angiogenic activity exerted by fingolimod in DR seems to be mediated not only through S1P1R, but also by melanocortin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Hildegard Herman
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Sami Gharbia
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | | | - Salvatore Giunta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alberto Della Corte
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Pharmacy Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Pharmacy Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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13
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Savici J, Cristina RT, Brezovan D, Radulov I, Balta C, Boldura OM, Muselin F. Aronia melanocarpa Ameliorates Adrenal Cytoarchitecture Against the Hexavalent Chromium-Induced Injury. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:2936-2944. [PMID: 33001412 PMCID: PMC8222023 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02401-7] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium is a toxin that penetrates the cell, triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Aronia melanocarpa, due to its proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and phenolic acid contents, is a valuable antioxidant. The aim was to observe the influence of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) on the adrenal gland, and if this impact can be recovered by the administration of A. melanocarpa. Accordingly, 36 rats were divided into six groups: control; Aronia; Cr receiving Cr(VI) in distilled water for 3 months; CrA receiving a mix of Cr(VI) and A. melanocarpa at 2.5% aqueous extract for 3 months; Cr2 receiving, for 3 months, Cr(VI) in distilled water, and next, for 1 month, only distilled water; and respectively, CrA2 receiving, for 3 months, Cr(VI) in distilled water, followed by 1 month of Aronia at 2.5% extract administration. The adrenal gland samples were examined toward histological and molecular assessment, and results were statistically analyzed (ANOVA). Hexavalent chromium induced changes in the adrenal cortex expressed by focal or diffuse hypertrophies, cytoplasmic vacuolization (due to lipidic accumulation), and cells' shape and size alteration, including necrosis. These structural alterations were carried by Bax and Bcl2 gene expression: the Bax gene expression levels, increased significantly (p < 0.001) in all experimental groups, except the Aronia group, compared with control. In the Cr2, CrA, and CrA2 groups, notable reduction of Bax gene expression (p < 0.001) was reported compared with the Cr group. Regarding the Bcl2 gene expression (p < 0.001), a significant increase was observed in the experimental groups, compared with the control. The Bcl2 expression level had a similar pattern to Bax gene, consequently trying to compensate its overexpression. Aronia administered concomitantly, or after Cr(VI), diminished structural changes and expression of the studied genes, thus reducing the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and suggesting that the active ingredients from Aronia are capable of blocking apoptotic cascade induced by the pathway of Bax and Bcl2 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Savici
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Histology and Cell biology, Banat University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara (BUAVM), Calea Aradului 119, 300645, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Romeo Teodor Cristina
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacoogy and Pharmacy, Banat University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara (BUAVM), Calea Aradului 119, 300645, Timișoara, Romania.
| | - Diana Brezovan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Histology and Cell biology, Banat University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara (BUAVM), Calea Aradului 119, 300645, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Isidora Radulov
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Chemistry, Banat University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara (BUAVM), Calea Aradului 119, 300645, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- "Vasile Goldis" Western University Arad, Revolutiei Blvd. No, 94, Arad, Romania
| | - Oana Maria Boldura
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Banat University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara (BUAVM), Calea Aradului 119, 300645, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Florin Muselin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Toxicology, Banat University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara (BUAVM), Calea Aradului 119, 300645, Timișoara, Romania
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14
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Hudita A, Radu IC, Galateanu B, Ginghina O, Herman H, Balta C, Rosu M, Zaharia C, Costache M, Tanasa E, Velonia K, Tsatsakis A, Hermenean A. Bioinspired silk fibroin nano-delivery systems protect against 5-FU induced gastrointestinal mucositis in a mouse model and display antitumor effects on HT-29 colorectal cancer cells in vitro. Nanotoxicology 2021; 15:973-994. [PMID: 34213984 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2021.1943032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), is the second cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide is one of the most prevalent types of cancers. Conventional treatment continues to rely on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, but for advanced cases, adjuvant chemotherapy remains the main approach for improving surgical outcomes and lower the disease recurrence probability. Chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity is the main dose-limiting factor for many chemotherapeutic regimens, including 5-FU, and one of the biggest oncological challenges. Up to 40% of the patients receiving 5-FU get mucositis, 10-15% of which develop severe symptoms. In this context, our study aimed to develop a bioinspired nanosized drug delivery system as a strategy to reduce 5-FU associated side effects, such as GI mucositis. To this end, SF-based nanoparticles were prepared and characterized in terms of size and morphology, as well as in terms of in vitro antitumoral activity on a biomimetic colorectal cancer model by investigation of apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, and release of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the capacity of the SF-based nanocarriers to offer intestinal protection against 5-FU-induced GI mucositis was evaluated in vivo using a mouse model that mimics the chemotherapy-associated gut mucositis occurring in colorectal cancer. Our studies show that silk fibroin nanoparticles efficiently deliver 5-FU to tumor cells in vitro while protecting against drug-induced GI mucositis in a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hudita
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - I C Radu
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - B Galateanu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - O Ginghina
- Department of Surgery, "Sf. Ioan" Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department II, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - H Herman
- Institute of Life Science, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - C Balta
- Institute of Life Science, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - M Rosu
- Institute of Life Science, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - C Zaharia
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - M Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - E Tanasa
- University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - K Velonia
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - A Tsatsakis
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - A Hermenean
- Institute of Life Science, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
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15
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Trotta MC, Gharbia S, Herman H, Mladin B, Hermenean A, Balta C, Cotoraci C, Peteu VE, Gesualdo C, Petrillo F, Galdiero M, Alfano R, Gherghiceanu M, D’Amico M, Rossi S, Hermenean A. Sex and Age-Related Differences in Neuroinflammation and Apoptosis in Balb/c Mice Retina Involve Resolvin D1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6280. [PMID: 34208040 PMCID: PMC8230628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The pro-resolving lipid mediator Resolvin D1 (RvD1) has already shown protective effects in animal models of diabetic retinopathy. This study aimed to investigate the retinal levels of RvD1 in aged (24 months) and younger (3 months) Balb/c mice, along with the activation of macro- and microglia, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation. (2) Methods: Retinas from male and female mice were used for immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. (3) Results: Endogenous retinal levels of RvD1 were reduced in aged mice. While RvD1 levels were similar in younger males and females, they were markedly decreased in aged males but less reduced in aged females. Both aged males and females showed a significant increase in retinal microglia activation compared to younger mice, with a more marked reactivity in aged males than in aged females. The same trend was shown by astrocyte activation, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and nitrosative stress, in line with the microglia and Müller cell hypertrophy evidenced in aged retinas by electron microscopy. (4) Conclusions: Aged mice had sex-related differences in neuroinflammation and apoptosis and low retinal levels of endogenous RvD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (M.G.)
| | - Sami Gharbia
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Andrei Hermenean
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Av., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.H.); (M.G.)
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Coralia Cotoraci
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania;
| | - Victor Eduard Peteu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei Av., 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (S.R.)
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, P.zza Università 2, 95131 Catania, Italy;
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (M.G.)
| | - Roberto Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences “DAMSS”, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.zza L. Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Av., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.H.); (M.G.)
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei Av., 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (M.G.)
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (S.R.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania;
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16
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Vicas SI, Laslo V, Timar AV, Balta C, Herman H, Ciceu A, Gharbia S, Rosu M, Mladin B, Chiana L, Prokisch J, Puschita M, Miutescu E, Cavalu S, Cotoraci C, Hermenean A. Nano Selenium-Enriched Probiotics as Functional Food Products against Cadmium Liver Toxicity. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:2257. [PMID: 33925590 PMCID: PMC8123892 DOI: 10.3390/ma14092257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since cadmium is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems for humans, it is necessary to find bioremediation solutions to reduce its harmful effects. The main goal of our work was to develop a functional food based on elemental selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) obtained by green synthesis using Lactobacillus casei and to validate their ability to annihilate the hepatic toxic effects induced by cadmium. The characterization of SeNPs was assessed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, DLS and TEM. In order to investigate the dose-dependent protective effects of SeNPs on Cd liver toxicity, mice were assigned to eight experimental groups and fed by gavage, with 5 mg/kg b.w. cadmium, respectively, with co-administration with SeNPs or lacto-SeNPs (LSeNPs) in 3 doses (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days. The protective effect was demonstrated by the restoration of blood hepatic markers (AST, ALT, GGT and total bilirubin) and antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of mice plasma by the FRAP assay, revealed the highest antioxidant capacity for the 0.2 mg/kg LSeNPs group. Histopathological analysis demonstrated the morphological alteration in the group that received only cadmium and was restored after the administration of SeNPs or LSeNPs, while the immunohistochemical analysis of the bcl family revealed anti-apoptotic effects; the Q-PCR analysis showed an upregulation of hepatic inflammatory markers for the group exposed to Cd and a decreased value for the groups receiving oral SeNPs/ LSeNPs in a dose-dependent manner. The best protective effects were obtained for LSeNPs. A functional food that includes both probiotic bacteria and elemental SeNPs could be successfully used to annihilate Cd-induced liver toxicity, and to improve both nutritional values and health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ioana Vicas
- Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 24 Gen. Magheru St., 410048 Oradea, Romania; (S.I.V.); (V.L.); (A.V.T.)
| | - Vasile Laslo
- Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 24 Gen. Magheru St., 410048 Oradea, Romania; (S.I.V.); (V.L.); (A.V.T.)
| | - Adrian Vasile Timar
- Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 24 Gen. Magheru St., 410048 Oradea, Romania; (S.I.V.); (V.L.); (A.V.T.)
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Sami Gharbia
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Marcel Rosu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Laurentiu Chiana
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Science, University of Oradea, 1 University St., 410087 Oradea, Romania; (L.C.)
| | - József Prokisch
- Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.P.)
| | - Maria Puschita
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (M.P.); (E.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Eftimie Miutescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (M.P.); (E.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 10 Pta 1 Decembrie St., 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Coralia Cotoraci
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (M.P.); (E.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (M.P.); (E.M.); (C.C.)
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Hermenean A, Trotta MC, Gharbia S, Hermenean AG, Peteu VE, Balta C, Cotoraci C, Gesualdo C, Rossi S, Gherghiceanu M, D'Amico M. Corrigendum: Changes in Retinal Structure and Ultrastructure in the Aged Mice Correlate with Differences in the Expression of Selected Retinal miRNAs. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:652905. [PMID: 33790799 PMCID: PMC8006936 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.652905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sami Gharbia
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Coralia Cotoraci
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Hermenean A, Trotta MC, Gharbia S, Hermenean AG, Peteu VE, Balta C, Cotoraci C, Gesualdo C, Rossi S, Gherghiceanu M, D'Amico M. Changes in Retinal Structure and Ultrastructure in the Aged Mice Correlate With Differences in the Expression of Selected Retinal miRNAs. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:593514. [PMID: 33519453 PMCID: PMC7838525 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.593514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Age and gender are two important factors that may influence the function and structure of the retina and its susceptibility to retinal diseases. The aim of this study was to delineate the influence that biological sex and age exert on the retinal structural and ultrastructural changes in mice and to identify the age-related miRNA dysregulation profiles in the retina by gender. Experiments were undertaken on male and female Balb/c aged 24 months (approximately 75–85 years in humans) compared to the control (3 months). The retinas were analyzed by histology, transmission electron microscopy, and age-related miRNA expression profile analysis. Retinas of both sexes showed a steady decline in retinal thickness as follows: photoreceptor (PS) and outer layers (p < 0.01 for the aged male vs. control; p < 0.05 for the aged female vs. control); the inner retinal layers were significantly affected by the aging process in the males (p < 0.01) but not in the aged females. Electron microscopy revealed more abnormalities which involve the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch’s membrane, outer and inner layers, vascular changes, deposits of amorphous materials, and accumulation of lipids or lipofuscins. Age-related miRNAs, miR-27a-3p (p < 0.01), miR-27b-3p (p < 0.05), and miR-20a-5p (p < 0.05) were significantly up-regulated in aged male mice compared to the controls, whereas miR-20b-5p was significantly down-regulated in aged male (p < 0.05) and female mice (p < 0.05) compared to the respective controls. miR-27a-3p (5.00 fold; p < 0.01) and miR-27b (7.58 fold; p < 0.01) were significantly up-regulated in aged male mice vs. aged female mice, whereas miR-20b-5p (−2.10 fold; p < 0.05) was significantly down-regulated in aged male mice vs. aged female mice. Interestingly, miR-27a-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-20a-5p, and miR-20b-5p expressions significantly correlated with the thickness of the retinal PS layer (p < 0.01), retinal outer layers (p < 0.01), and Bruch’s membrane (p < 0.01). Our results showed that biological sex can influence the structure and function of the retina upon aging, suggesting that this difference may be underlined by the dysregulation of age-related mi-RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sami Gharbia
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Coralia Cotoraci
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Nicolescu LC, Nicolescu CM, Mihu AG, Balta C. The effect of red blood cell transfusion on peripheral tissue oxygen delivery and consumption in septic patients. Transfus Clin Biol 2020; 28:5-10. [PMID: 33307215 DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2020.12.002] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The impact of blood transfusion on tissue oxygen delivery (DO2) and tissue oxygen consumption (VO2) is a subject of current clinical studies. The primary objective of this observational study is to evaluate and measure the parameters involved in determining DO2 and VO2, in early phase of septic patients. A secondary objective of this study is to assess the potential benefit of blood transfusion on tissue metabolism by serial measurements of lactic acid (Ac. Lac.). MATERIAL AND METHODS A group of 29 patients were studied, each patient received between one to three units of fresh packed red blood cells (pRBC). Clinical and paraclinical criteria for sepsis as well as the plasma value of haemoglobin (Hb) below 10g/dL represented the inclusion criteria in this study. We evaluated Hb, haematocrit (HCT), arterial blood oxigen saturation (SAO2), central venous oxygen saturation (SCVO2), parameters which are involved in determination of DO2 and VO2, before and after the transfusion of one unit of pRBC. Values of Ac. Lac. were also assessed in order to determine the type of metabolism (aerobic or anaerobic). SCVO2, SAO2, Hb, HCT and Ac. Lac. were determined using Epoc blood analyser. The cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were monitored during blood transfusion, using Vigileo monitor (Edward's Life Science, PreSep catheter kit). SAO2 was also monitored by pulse-oximetry. RESULTS Changes in Hb, HCT and SCVO2 before and after pRBC transfusion (which further determine VO2) were statistically significant (P<0.001). A statistically significant increase (P<0.001) was obtained in Ac. Lac. values, before and after pRBC transfusion. SAO2 and CO directly involved in producing DO2, were clinically monitored during blood transfusion and the results remained constant. CONCLUSION Results obtained in this clinical study show an increase in DO2 in critically ill septic patients and also an increase in oxygen tissue uptake which is similar to VO2, clearly pointing out the benefit of pRBC transfusion. The benefits of pRBC transfusion on tissue metabolism in critically ill septic patients remain elusive because of lactic acid values increase during and after transfusion. Based on our findings we recommend that Hb values used as a single trigger for pRBC transfusion should be further studied and that additional parameters such as SCVO2 and lactic acid should be considered as possible triggers for transfusion. Values of Hb and HCT should never be neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Nicolescu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine "Vasile Goldis" Western University, str. Liviu Rebreanu nr.86, 310048, Arad, Romania
| | - C M Nicolescu
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Emergency County Hospital, Str. Andreny Karoly nr. 2-4, 310037, Arad, Romania.
| | - A G Mihu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine "Vasile Goldis" Western University, str. Liviu Rebreanu, nr. 86, 310048, Arad, Romania; Bioclinica, str. Dreptatii nr. 23,bl. 717, 310300, Arad, Romania
| | - C Balta
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, "Vasile Goldis" Western University, str. Liviu Rebreanu, nr. 86, 310048, Arad, Romania
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Ofiteru AM, Becheru DF, Gharbia S, Balta C, Herman H, Mladin B, Ionita M, Hermenean A, Burns JS. Qualifying Osteogenic Potency Assay Metrics for Human Multipotent Stromal Cells: TGF-β2 a Telling Eligible Biomarker. Cells 2020; 9:E2559. [PMID: 33260388 PMCID: PMC7760953 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Potency assays are critical for regenerative medicine, addressing the known challenge of functional heterogeneity among human multipotent stromal cells (hMSC). Necessary laboratory cell expansion allows analysis before implantation in the patient. Levels of induction of five signature gene biomarkers, ALPL, COL1A2, DCN, ELN and RUNX2, constituted a previously reported proof-of-principle osteogenic potency assay. We tested assay modification to enhance reproducibility using six consistent bone marrow derived hBM-MSC and explored applicability to three adipose tissue derived hAT-MSC. Using a potent proprietary osteogenic induction factor, the GUSB/YWAHZ reference gene pair provided real time PCR consistency. The novel assay conditions supported the concept that genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins one week after osteogenic induction were informative. Nonetheless, relatively low induction of COL1A2 and ELN encouraged search for additional biomarkers. TGFB2 mRNA induction, important for osteogenic commitment, was readily quantifiable in both hBM-MSC and hAT-MSC. Combined with DCN, TGFB2 mRNA induction data provided discriminatory power for resolving donor-specific heterogeneity. Histomorphometric decorin and TGF-β2 protein expression patterns in eight-week heterotopic bone implants also discriminated the two non-bone-forming hMSC. We highlight progress towards prompt osteogenic potency assays, needed by current clinical trials to accelerate improved intervention with enhanced stem cell therapy for serious bone fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustin M. Ofiteru
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.F.B.); (M.I.)
| | - Diana F. Becheru
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.F.B.); (M.I.)
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sami Gharbia
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Mariana Ionita
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.F.B.); (M.I.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Jorge S. Burns
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.F.B.); (M.I.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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21
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Mihu AG, Balta C, Marti DT, Paduraru AA, Lupu MA, Olariu TR. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among women of childbearing age in an endemic region of Romania, 2016-2018. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:59. [PMID: 33198884 PMCID: PMC7669453 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an important worldwide zoonosis caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasitic infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent people. However, if the infection occurs in pregnant women, it can have serious consequences for the foetus. In this study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of T. gondii in women of childbearing age in Arad County, Western Romania. Serum samples from 2626 women were analysed using a Siemens ADVIA Centaur XP Immunoassay System. Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were demonstrated in 1081 women (41%) and prevalence tended to increase with age, from 32% in women aged 15–19 years to 62% in women aged 40–45 years. There was a higher prevalence in rural areas (46%) than in urban areas (36%). This study provides new data on T. gondii seroprevalence in women of childbearing age from Western Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alin Gabriel Mihu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania - Bioclinica, Dreptatii Street, No. 23, Bl. 707, 310300 Arad, Romania - Vasile Goldis Western University, Liviu Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310048 Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- Vasile Goldis Western University, Liviu Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310048 Arad, Romania
| | - Daniela Teodora Marti
- Vasile Goldis Western University, Liviu Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310048 Arad, Romania
| | - Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania - Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, Strada Gheorghe Dima Nr. 5, 300254 Timisoara, Romania - Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania - Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Strada Gheorghe Adam Numarul 13A, 300310 Timisoara, Romania - Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania - Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, Strada Gheorghe Dima Nr. 5, 300254 Timisoara, Romania - Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Vlasceanu GM, Șelaru A, Dinescu S, Balta C, Herman H, Gharbia S, Hermenean A, Ionita M, Costache M. Comprehensive Appraisal of Graphene-Oxide Ratio in Porous Biopolymer Hybrids Targeting Bone-Tissue Regeneration. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2020; 10:nano10081444. [PMID: 32722040 PMCID: PMC7466474 DOI: 10.3390/nano10081444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The bone-tissue engineering (BTE) field is continuously growing due to a major need for bone substitutes in cases of serious traumas, when the bone tissue has reduced capacity for self-regeneration. So far, graphene oxide (GO)-reinforced natural materials provide satisfactory results for BTE, for both in vitro and in vivo conditions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility of a new biocomposite consisting of chitosan and fish gelatin crosslinked with genipin and loaded with various concentrations of GO (0.5, 1, 2, 3 wt.%) for prospective BTE applications. Scaffold characterizations revealed a constant swelling degree and good resistance to enzyme degradation. The composites presented a porous structure with pores of similar size, thus mimicking the bone structure. In vitro biocompatibility assays demonstrated an overall beneficial interaction between preosteoblasts, and these particular composites, particularly with 0.5 wt.% GO, reinforced composition. Next, the materials were implanted subcutaneously in 6-week old CD1 mice for in vivo evaluation of biocompatibility and inflammatory activity. Immunohistochemical staining revealed maximal cell infiltration and minimal inflammatory reaction for fish gelatin/chitosan/genipin with 0.5 wt.% GO scaffold, thus demonstrating the best biocompatibility for this particular composition, confirming the in vitro results. This study revealed the potential use of fish gelatin/chitosan GO composites for further implementation in the BTE field.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Mihail Vlasceanu
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Șelaru
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (A.Ș.); (S.D.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- Department of Immunology, National Institute for Research and Development in Biomedical Pathology and Biomedical Sciences “Victor Babes”, Spl. Independentei 99-101, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (A.Ș.); (S.D.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- Aurel Ardelean Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.)
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Aurel Ardelean Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.)
| | - Sami Gharbia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (A.Ș.); (S.D.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- Aurel Ardelean Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (A.Ș.); (S.D.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- Aurel Ardelean Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.)
| | - Mariana Ionita
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-2140-22709
| | - Marieta Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (A.Ș.); (S.D.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
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23
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Petre A, Balta C, Herman H, Gharbia S, Codreanu A, Onita-Mladin B, Anghel-Zurbau N, Hermenean AG, Ignat SR, Dinescu S, Urzica I, Drafta S, Oancea L, Hermenean A. A novel experimental approach to evaluate guided bone regeneration (GBR) in the rat femur using a 3D-printed CAD/CAM zirconia space-maintaining barrier. J Adv Res 2020; 28:221-229. [PMID: 33364058 PMCID: PMC7753221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Obtaining a certain bone volume is an important goal in implantology or orthopedics. Thus, after tooth extraction, quite a lot of horizontal and vertical alveolar bone is lost in time and can be detrimental to the implant treatment outcome, while the treatment of critical bone defects is a considerable challenge for surgery. Objectives In this study we designed a new in vivo model as an useful experimental tool to assess guided bone regeneration (GBR) using a computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD-CAM) space-maintaining barrier. Methods The barrier was 3D printed with three progressive heights, surgically placed on rat femur, and GBR results were analyzed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks by X-ray and bone mineral density analysis, histology/morphometry and by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry for osteogenesis and angiogenesis evaluation. Results The obtained results show that the proposed experimental model provides a real-time useful information on progressive bone tissue formation, which depends on the volume of isolated space created for GBR and on molecular events that lead to satisfactory vertical and horizontal bone augmentation and osteointegration. Conclusion In conclusion, the proposed customized three-dome space-maintaining barrier is suitable as an experimental tool to assess the potential of using the designed barriers in dentistry and orthopedics to promote the formation of new bone and determine their space- and time-dependent limitations. Meanwhile, guided bone augmentation for dentistry requires subsequent evaluation on an alveolar bone preclinical model followed by clinical implementation.
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Key Words
- Bioengineering
- Bone regeneration
- Bone remodeling
- CAD/CAM, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing
- DAPI, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole
- Dentistry
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- GAPDH, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- GBR, guided bone regeneration
- Guided tissue regeneration
- IVC, individually ventilated cage
- OCN, osteocalcin
- OPN, osteopontin
- OSX, osterix
- Orthodontics
- PBS, phosphate-buffered saline
- PCL, poly(e-caprolactone)
- PDGFRβ, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β
- PFA, paraformaldehyde
- PGA, poly(glycolic acid)
- PLA, poly(lactic acid)
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- VEGFR, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor
- Zirconia
- ePTFE, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Petre
- Occlusion and Fixed Prosthodontic Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - Sami Gharbia
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ada Codreanu
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - Bianca Onita-Mladin
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Anghel-Zurbau
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - Andrei-Gelu Hermenean
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona-Rebeca Ignat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iuliana Urzica
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Lasers Department, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sergiu Drafta
- Occlusion and Fixed Prosthodontic Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Luminita Oancea
- Occlusion and Fixed Prosthodontic Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Romania
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24
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Bannuscher A, Hellack B, Bahl A, Laloy J, Herman H, Stan MS, Dinischiotu A, Giusti A, Krause BC, Tentschert J, Roșu M, Balta C, Hermenean A, Wiemann M, Luch A, Haase A. Metabolomics profiling to investigate nanomaterial toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Nanotoxicology 2020; 14:807-826. [DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2020.1764123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bannuscher
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
- Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Bryan Hellack
- Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology (IUTA) e.V, Duisburg, Germany
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Dessau, Germany
| | - Aileen Bahl
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Julie Laloy
- Department of Pharmacy, Namur Nanosafety Centre, NARILIS, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Miruna S. Stan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anna Giusti
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin-Christoph Krause
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jutta Tentschert
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel Roșu
- Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Martin Wiemann
- IBE R&D Institute for Lung Health gGmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Luch
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Haase
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
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25
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Váradi J, Hermenean A, Gesztelyi R, Jeney V, Balogh E, Majoros L, Malanga M, Fenyvesi É, Szente L, Bácskay I, Vecsernyés M, Fehér P, Ujhelyi Z, Vasvári G, Árvai I, Rusznyák Á, Balta C, Herman H, Fenyvesi F. Pharmacokinetic Properties of Fluorescently Labelled Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9100509. [PMID: 31546989 PMCID: PMC6843445 DOI: 10.3390/biom9100509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) is utilized in the formulation of pharmaceutical products and recently orphan designation was granted for the treatment of Niemann–Pick disease, type C. The exact mechanism of HPBCD action and side effects are not completely explained. We used fluorescently labelled hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (FITC-HPBCD) to study its pharmacokinetic parameters in mice and compare with native HPBCD data. We found that FITC-HPBCD has fast distribution and elimination, similar to HPBCD. Interestingly animals could be divided into two groups, where the pharmacokinetic parameters followed or did not follow the two-compartment, first-order kinetic model. Tissue distribution studies revealed, that a significant amount of FITC-HPBCD could be detected in kidneys after 60 min treatment, due to its renal excretion. Ex vivo fluorescent imaging showed that fluorescence could be measured in lung, liver, brain and spleen after 30 min of treatment. To model the interaction and cellular distribution of FITC-HPBCD in the wall of blood vessels, we treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with FITC-HPBCD and demonstrated for the first time that this compound could be detected in the cytoplasm in small vesicles after 30 min of treatment. FITC-HPBCD has similar pharmacokinetic to HPBCD and can provide new information to the detailed mechanism of action of HPBCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Váradi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Vasile Goldiș' Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu Street, 310414 Arad, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței Street, no. 91-95, 050095, sector 5, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rudolf Gesztelyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktória Jeney
- MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4012 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Enikő Balogh
- MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4012 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Milo Malanga
- Cyclolab Cyclodextrin R&D Laboratory Ltd., H-1097 Illatos St. 7., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Fenyvesi
- Cyclolab Cyclodextrin R&D Laboratory Ltd., H-1097 Illatos St. 7., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lajos Szente
- Cyclolab Cyclodextrin R&D Laboratory Ltd., H-1097 Illatos St. 7., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Bácskay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Miklós Vecsernyés
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Pálma Fehér
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Ujhelyi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Vasvári
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- University of Debrecen, Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Árvai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Rusznyák
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- University of Debrecen, Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Cornel Balta
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Vasile Goldiș' Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu Street, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Vasile Goldiș' Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu Street, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Ferenc Fenyvesi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
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26
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Stan MS, Voicu SN, Caruntu S, Nica IC, Olah NK, Burtescu R, Balta C, Rosu M, Herman H, Hermenean A, Dinischiotu A. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of a Thuja occidentalis Mother Tincture for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8090416. [PMID: 31546840 PMCID: PMC6770683 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8090416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [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: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of chronic autoimmune and idiopathic disorders that are characteristic of industrialized countries. In contrast to drug therapies, which exert several side effects, herbal remedies have constantly attracted the attention of researchers. Therefore, in the present study, a mother tincture (MT) from fresh, young, non-woody Thuja occidentalis L. branches with leaves was obtained using distillation-based techniques. Further, this was used to assess its in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities and anti-inflammatory properties, and to validate it as a potential phytotherapeutic treatment for IBD. The characterization of the tincture included common phytochemical screening assays for antioxidant capacity measurement, cell viability assays on Caco-2 colon cells, and in vivo assessment of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by histopathological and ultrastructural analysis of the intestinal mucosa, measurement of reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and gene expression of the inflammation markers (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α) in intestine after oral administration to an experimental mouse model of colon inflammation (colitis) developed by intrarectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). Our study proved that administration of 25 or 50 mg T. occidentalis MT/kg of body weight/day by gavage for 7 days succeeded in inhibiting the inflammatory process induced by TNBS in the intestine, most probably because of its rich contents of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These data could contribute to the formulation of therapeutic products based on T. occidentalis that could come to the aid of IBD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miruna Silvia Stan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Sorina Nicoleta Voicu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Sonia Caruntu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
| | - Ionela Cristina Nica
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Neli-Kinga Olah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
- SC PlantExtrakt SRL, 407059 Radaia, Cluj, Romania.
| | | | - Cornel Balta
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
| | - Marcel Rosu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
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27
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Platania CBM, Maisto R, Trotta MC, D'Amico M, Rossi S, Gesualdo C, D'Amico G, Balta C, Herman H, Hermenean A, Ferraraccio F, Panarese I, Drago F, Bucolo C. Retinal and circulating miRNA expression patterns in diabetic retinopathy: An in silico and in vivo approach. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:2179-2194. [PMID: 30883703 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diabetic retinopathy, a secondary complication of diabetes mellitus, can lead to irreversible vision loss. Currently, no treatment is approved for early phases of diabetic retinopathy. Modifications of the expression pattern of miRNAs could be involved in the early retinal damage of diabetic subjects. Therefore, we aimed at identification of dysregulated miRNAs-mRNA interactions that might be biomarkers and pharmacological targets for diagnosis and treatment of early diabetic retinopathy. METHODS A focused set of miRNAs was predicted through a bioinformatic analysis accessing to Gene Expression Omnibus dataset and enrichment of information approach (GENEMANIA-Cytoscape). Identification of miRNAs-mRNA interactions was carried out with miRNET analysis. Diabetes was induced in C57BL6J mice by streptozotocin and samples analysed at 5 and 10 weeks after diabetes induction. Retinal ultrastructure of diabetic mice was analysed through electron microscopy. We used Real-time PCR, western blot analysis, elisa, and immunohistochemistry to study expression of miRNAs and possible targets of dysregulated miRNAs. KEY RESULTS We found that miR-20a-5p, miR-20a-3p, miR-20b, miR-106a-5p, miR-27a-5p, miR-27b-3p, miR-206-3p, and miR-381-3p were dysregulated in the retina and serum of diabetic mice. VEGF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), PPAR-α, and cAMP response element-binding protein 1 (CREB1) are targets of dysregulated miRNAs, which then modulated protein expression in diabetic retina. We found structural modifications in retinas from diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Serum and retina of diabetic mice express eight dysregulated miRNAs, which modified the expression of VEGF, BDNF, PPAR-α, and CREB1, before vasculopathy in diabetic retinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa Maisto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Cornel Balta
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Franca Ferraraccio
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Iacopo Panarese
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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28
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Trotta MC, Maisto R, Guida F, Boccella S, Luongo L, Balta C, D’Amico G, Herman H, Hermenean A, Bucolo C, D’Amico M. The activation of retinal HCA2 receptors by systemic beta-hydroxybutyrate inhibits diabetic retinal damage through reduction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and the NLRP3 inflammasome. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211005. [PMID: 30657794 PMCID: PMC6338370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2) in the retinal damage induced by diabetes has never been explored. In this context, the present study highlights an upregulation of retinal HCA2 receptors in diabetic C57BL6J mice. Moreover, we illustrate that HCA2 receptors exert an anti-inflammatory effect on the retinal damage induced by diabetes when activated by the endogenous ligand β-hydroxybutyrate. METHODOLOGY Seven-to-10-week-old C57BL6J mice were rendered diabetic by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (75 mg/kg of body weight) and monitored intermittently over a 10-week period extending from the initial diabetes assessment. Mice with a fasting blood glucose level higher than 250 mg/dl for 2 consecutive weeks after streptozotocin injection were treated twice a week with intraperitoneal injections of 25-50-100 mg/kg β-hydroxybutyrate. RESULTS Interestingly, while the retinal endoplasmic reticulum stress markers (pPERK, pIRE1, ATF-6α) were elevated in diabetic C57BL6J mice, their levels were significantly reduced by the systemic intraperitoneal treatment with 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg β-hydroxybutyrate. These mice also exhibited high NLRP3 inflammasome activity and proinflammatory cytokine levels. In fact, the elevated levels of retinal NLRP3 inflammasome activation markers (NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1) and of the relative proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18) were significantly reduced by 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg β-hydroxybutyrate treatment. These doses also reduced the high apoptotic cell number exhibited by the diabetic mice in the retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL) and increased the ONL low connexin 43 expression, leading to an improvement in retinal permeability and homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the systemic treatment of diabetic C57BL6J mice with BHB activates retinal HCA2 and inhibits local damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Maisto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Cornel Balta
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | | | - Hildegard Herman
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology—CERFO University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Balta C, Bouwman RW, Sechopoulos I, Broeders MJM, Karssemeijer N, van Engen RE, Veldkamp WJH. Can a channelized Hotelling observer assess image quality in acquired mammographic images of an anthropomorphic breast phantom including image processing? Med Phys 2018; 46:714-725. [PMID: 30561108 DOI: 10.1002/mp.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the feasibility of a channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) to predict human observer performance in detecting calcification-like signals in mammography images of an anthropomorphic breast phantom, as part of a quality control (QC) framework. METHODS A prototype anthropomorphic breast phantom with inserted gold disks of 0.25 mm diameter was imaged with two different digital mammography x-ray systems at four different dose levels. Regions of interest (ROIs) were extracted from the acquired processed and unprocessed images, signal-present and signal-absent. The ROIs were evaluated by a CHO using four different formulations of the difference of Gaussian (DoG) channel sets. Three human observers scored the ROIs in a two-alternative forced-choice experiment. We compared the human and the CHO performance on the simple task to detect calcification-like disks in ROIs with and without postprocessing. The proportion of correct responses of the human reader (PCH ) and the CHO (PCCHO ) was calculated and the correlation between the two was analyzed using a mixed-effect regression model. To address the signal location uncertainty, the impact of shifting the DoG channel sets in all directions up to two pixels was evaluated. Correlation results including the goodness of fit (r2 ) of PCH and PCCHO for all different parameters were evaluated. RESULTS Subanalysis by system yielded strong correlations between PCH and PCCHO , with r2 between PCH and PCCHO was found to be between 0.926 and 0.958 for the unshifted and between 0.759 and 0.938 for the shifted channel sets, respectively. However, the linear fit suggested a slight system dependence. PCCHO with shifted channel sets increased CHO performance but the correlation with humans was decreased. These correlations were not considerably affected by of the DoG channel set used. CONCLUSIONS There is potential for the CHO to be used in QC for the evaluation of detectability of calcification-like signals. The CHO can predict the PC of humans in images of calcification-like signals of two different systems. However, a global model to be used for all systems requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Balta
- Dutch Expert Centre for Screening (LRCB), Radboud University Medical Center, Wijchenseweg 101, 6538 SW, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R W Bouwman
- Dutch Expert Centre for Screening (LRCB), Radboud University Medical Center, Wijchenseweg 101, 6538 SW, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - I Sechopoulos
- Dutch Expert Centre for Screening (LRCB), Radboud University Medical Center, Wijchenseweg 101, 6538 SW, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M J M Broeders
- Dutch Expert Centre for Screening (LRCB), Radboud University Medical Center, Wijchenseweg 101, 6538 SW, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - N Karssemeijer
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R E van Engen
- Dutch Expert Centre for Screening (LRCB), Radboud University Medical Center, Wijchenseweg 101, 6538 SW, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - W J H Veldkamp
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Gharbia S, Balta C, Herman H, Rosu M, Váradi J, Bácskay I, Vecsernyés M, Gyöngyösi S, Fenyvesi F, Voicu SN, Stan MS, Cristian RE, Dinischiotu A, Hermenean A. Enhancement of Silymarin Anti-fibrotic Effects by Complexation With Hydroxypropyl (HPBCD) and Randomly Methylated (RAMEB) β-Cyclodextrins in a Mouse Model of Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:883. [PMID: 30150935 PMCID: PMC6099081 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Silymarin (Sy) shows limited water solubility and poor oral bioavailability. Water-soluble hydroxypropyl (HPBCD) and randomly methylated (RAMEB) β-cyclodextrins were designed to enhance anti-fibrotic efficiency of silymarin in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Experimental fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection with 2 ml/kg CCl4 (20% v/v) twice a week, for 7 weeks. Mice were orally treated with 50 mg/kg of Sy-HPBCD, Sy-RAMEB and free silymarin. For assessment of the spontaneous reversion of fibrosis, CCl4 treated animals were investigated after 2 weeks of recovery time. The CCl4 administration increased hepatic oxidative stress, augmented the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad 2/3, and decreased Smad 7 expression. Furthermore, increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression indicated activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), while up-regulation of collagen I (Col I) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression led to an altered extracellular matrix enriched in collagen, confirmed as well by trichrome staining and electron microscopy analysis. Treatment with Sy-HPBCD and Sy-RAMEB significantly reduced liver injury, attenuating oxidative stress, restoring antioxidant balance in the hepatic tissue, and significantly decreasing collagen deposits in the liver. The levels of pro-fibrogenic markers' expression were also significantly down-regulated, whereas in the group for spontaneous regression of fibrosis, they remained significantly higher, even at 2 weeks after CCl4 administration was discontinued. The recovery was significantly lower for free silymarin group compared to silymarin/β cyclodextrins co-treatments. Sy-HPBCD was found to be the most potent anti-fibrotic complex. We demonstrated that Sy-HPBCD and Sy-RAMEB complexes decreased extracellular matrix accumulation by inhibiting HSC activation and diminished the oxidative damage. This might occur via the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signal transduction and MMP/tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP) rebalance, by blocking the synthesis of Col I and decreasing collagen deposition. These results suggest that complexation of silymarin with HPBCD or RAMEB represent viable options for the its oral delivery, of the flavonoid as a potential therapeutic entity candidate, with applications in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Gharbia
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Judit Váradi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Bácskay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Miklós Vecsernyés
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Gyöngyösi
- Department of Solid State Physics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Fenyvesi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Sorina N Voicu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna S Stan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana E Cristian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
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Balta C, Ciceu A, Herman H, Rosu M, Boldura OM, Hermenean A. Dose-Dependent Antifibrotic Effect of Chrysin on Regression of Liver Fibrosis: The Role in Extracellular Matrix Remodeling. Dose Response 2018; 16:1559325818789835. [PMID: 30108459 PMCID: PMC6083810 DOI: 10.1177/1559325818789835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis represents an overaccumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). This study was designed to investigate the effect of chrysin on established ECM overproduction in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) mouse liver fibrosis. Experimental fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mL/kg CCl4 twice a week, for 7 weeks. Mice were orally treated with 3 doses of chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone). For the assessment of the spontaneous reversion of fibrosis, CCl4-treated mice were investigated after 2 weeks of recovery time. Silymarin was used as a standard of liver protection. In fibrotic livers, the results showed the upregulation of collagen I (Col I) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and modulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which led to an altered ECM enriched in Col, confirmed as well by electron microscopy investigations. Treatment with chrysin significantly reduced ultrastructural changes, downregulated Col I, and restored TIMP-1/MMP balance, whereas in the group observed for the spontaneous regression of fibrosis, they remained in the same pattern with fibrotic livers. In this study, we have shown chrysin efficacy to attenuate dose-dependent CCl4-stimulated liver ECM accumulation by regulation of MMP/TIMP imbalance and inhibition of Col production. We have shown the dose-dependent chrysin efficiency in attenuation of CCl4-induced liver ECM accumulation by regulation of MMP/TIMP imbalance and inhibition of Col production. Our findings suggest that chrysin oral administration may introduce a new strategy for treating liver fibrosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornel Balta
- Institute of Life Sciences, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- Institute of Life Sciences, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Institute of Life Sciences, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- Institute of Life Sciences, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Oana Maria Boldura
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Mihai I of Romania," Timisoara, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
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Hermenean A, Codreanu A, Herman H, Balta C, Rosu M, Mihali CV, Ivan A, Dinescu S, Ionita M, Costache M. Chitosan-Graphene Oxide 3D scaffolds as Promising Tools for Bone Regeneration in Critical-Size Mouse Calvarial Defects. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16641. [PMID: 29192253 PMCID: PMC5709492 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16599-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited self-regenerating capacity of human skeleton makes the reconstruction of critical size bone defect a significant challenge for clinical practice. Aimed for regenerating bone tissues, this study was designed to investigate osteogenic differentiation, along with bone repair capacity of 3D chitosan (CHT) scaffolds enriched with graphene oxide (GO) in critical-sized mouse calvarial defect. Histopathological/histomorphometry and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) analysis of the implants revealed larger amount of new bone in the CHT/GO-filled defects compared with CHT alone (p < 0.001). When combined with GO, CHT scaffolds synergistically promoted the increase of alkaline phosphatase activity both in vitro and in vivo experiments. This enhanced osteogenesis was corroborated with increased expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Runx-2 up to week 4 post-implantation, which showed that GO facilitates the differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells. Meanwhile, osteogenesis was promoted by GO at the late stage as well, as indicated by the up-regulation of osteopontin and osteocalcin at week 8 and overexpressed at week 18, for both markers. Our data suggest that CHT/GO biomaterial could represent a promising tool for the reconstruction of large bone defects, without using exogenous living cells or growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Hermenean
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414, Arad, Romania.
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414, Arad, Romania.
| | - Ada Codreanu
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414, Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414, Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414, Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414, Arad, Romania
| | - Ciprian Valentin Mihali
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414, Arad, Romania
| | - Alexandra Ivan
- Department of Functional Sciences, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Ionita
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, CaleaVictoriei 147, Bucharest, 010737, Romania
| | - Marieta Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
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Savici J, Boldura OM, Balta C, Brezovan D, Muselin F, Mircu C, Borza C, Motoc M, Tulcan C. Protective Effect of Hypericum perforatum L. Extract on Hexavalent Chromium Induced Toxicity in Rat Adrenal Gland. Rev Chim 2017. [DOI: 10.37358/rc.17.9.5813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out to test the possibility of hexavalent chromium administration through drinking water to induce the structural damage in rat�s adrenal glands and the possibility of Hypericum perforatum extract to faith against chromium aggression. Chromium induced cellular stress was determined by the expression level assessment of the Bcl2 genes family, known to modulate the apoptotic pathway. Obtained results showed that exposure to chromium altered adrenal glands morphology, by induction of apoptosis. When Hypericum perforatum extract was administered expression level of Bcl2 genes and histological lesions in adrenal glands were significantly reduced.
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Anghel N, Herman H, Balta C, Rosu M, Stan MS, Nita D, Ivan A, Galajda Z, Ardelean A, Dinischiotu A, Hermenean A. Acute cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in right ventricle is associated with increase of oxidative stress and apoptosis in rats. Histol Histopathol 2017; 33:365-378. [PMID: 28920632 DOI: 10.14670/hh-11-932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents, but its efficiency is seriously limited by the risk of developing cardiomyopathy. The most recognized cardiotoxic effect is left ventricular (LF) dysfunction, but MRI and echocardiography data demonstrated significant right ventricle (RV) function impairment. In order to clarify this aspect, the present study investigated the potential of DOX to induce acute RV cardiotoxicity at the same time as LV impairment. Rats were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with a single dose of 15 mg/kg DOX. DOX-treated rats were characterized by decreased body and heart weights, elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities compared to controls. Biochemical analyses on RV tissue revealed that the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significant increased (p<0.05) and activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) antioxidant enzymes were decreased by 13%, 27% and 18%, respectively, compared to control. Histopathogical and electron microscopic studies revealed DOX-induced damage in both ventricles and an increase of interstitial collagen fibers compared to controls (p<0.001), whereas immunohistochemical analysis showed weak and irregular desmin expression. Furthermore, mitochondrion-induced apoptotic pathways were also activated in both ventricles, as reflected by the up-regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expression ratio (p<0.001) and increase of Bax and caspase-3 protein expression, as well as by the significant elevation of TUNEL positive nuclei, compared to controls (p<0.001). The results showed that DOX exerted RV toxic effects at the same time as those reported in the LV, which might be mediated through the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Anghel
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - H Herman
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - C Balta
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - M Rosu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - M S Stan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - D Nita
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Ivan
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Victor Babes, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Z Galajda
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - A Ardelean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - A Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania.
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Folk A, Balta C, Herman H, Ivan A, Boldura OM, Paiusan L, Ardelean A, Hermenean A. Flucytosine and Amphotericin B Coadministration Induces Dose-Related Renal Injury. Dose Response 2017; 15:1559325817703461. [PMID: 28620270 PMCID: PMC5464384 DOI: 10.1177/1559325817703461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections remain an important clinical problem, and despite recent approaches, they bring high morbidity and mortality. Combination therapies are the most effective; however, adverse effects need to be considered. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the nephrotoxicity induced by combined therapy of flucytosine (FL) and amphotericin B (AMF) at 3 different doses administered to mice for 14 days: 300 μg/kg AMF+50 mg/kg FL; 600 μg/kg AMF+100 mg/kg FL; 900 μg/kg AMF+150 mg/kg FL. Antifungal coadministration triggered nuclear translocation of NF-κB and upregulated nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells subunit p65 (NF-κB p65) messenger RNA mRNA level in dose-dependent manner. The immunopositivity of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6), together with IL-6 gene expression, increased both in tubular and glomerular cells. Amphotericin B–flucytosine cotreatment increased significantly the number of terminal deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling positive nuclei. Apoptotic cells in renal tubuli were confirmed by electron microscopy. Histopathological analysis revealed collagen accumulation at the glomerular level. Collagen was also evidenced in the glomeruli at the dose of 900 μg/kg AMF+150mg/kg FL by Masson-Goldner trichrome staining and electron microscopy. Moreover, antifungal cotherapy induced upregulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) gene expression in a dose-dependent manner. Inflammation and epithelial tubular apoptosis are associated with TGF-β1 activation and initiation of the early stage of glomerular fibrosis at higher doses, leading to tubule–interstitial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Folk
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- Institute of Life Sciences, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Institute of Life Sciences, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Alexandra Ivan
- Department of Functional Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Victor Babes, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Oana Maria Boldura
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Mihai I of Romania" Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Lucian Paiusan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Aurel Ardelean
- Institute of Life Sciences, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
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Ivan A, Herman H, Balta C, Hadaruga DI, Mihali CV, Ardelean A, Hermenean A. Berberis vulgaris extract/β-cyclodextrin complex increases protection of hepatic cells via suppression of apoptosis and lipogenesis pathways. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:2143-2150. [PMID: 28565821 PMCID: PMC5443287 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberis vulgaris (Bv) is well known worldwide for its healing properties. However, limited information is available concerning its mechanism of action and the increased hepatoprotective activity of formulated extracts. This study evaluated the protective effect of Bv bark extract against CCl4-induced cytotoxicity in Huh7 cells, as well whether β-cyclodextrin complexation of the extract resulted in increased hepatoprotective effects. Huh7 cells were incubated for 48 h with 5, 7.5 and 10 µg/ml of unformulated or formulated Bv extract alone and in co-treatment with CCl4. The effects on Huh7 cell growth and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT assay, caspase-3/7 activity and caspase-3 expression, whereas fatty acid changes were investigated by Oil red O staining and the detection of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) expression using immunofluorescence. Ultrastructural alterations were observed by electron microscopy. The MTT assay showed that co-exposure to CCl4 and 7.5 µg/ml formulated extract led to a 1.25-fold increase in cell viability compared with the non-formulated extract. Caspase-3/7 activity decreased by 50% and 70% following co-treatment with unformulated or formulated extract, compared with that in cells treated with CCl4 alone. Furthermore, hepatocyte ultrastructure was protected from CCl4-induced injury in the two co-treated groups, intracytoplasmic lipid accumulation decreased significantly and PPARγ expression was restored, in comparison with CCl4-treated cells alone. Formulated and unformulated extracts were efficient against the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic actions of CCl4 through suppression of CCl4-induced caspase-3 activation and lipid accumulation. The protective effect of the formulated extract was more pronounced than that of the unformulated one, which may be due to its increased solubility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Ivan
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania.,Department of Functional Sciences, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Daniel I Hadaruga
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Organic-Natural Compounds Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Politehnica University of Timişoara, 300006 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Ciprian-Valentin Mihali
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Aurel Ardelean
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
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Balta C, Herman H, Gasca I, Ardelean A, Hermenean A. Reversal of liver fibrosis by targeting TGF-β signaling pathway. Toxicol Lett 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.08.763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Anghel N, Cotoraci C, Ivan A, Suciu M, Herman H, Balta C, Nicolescu L, Olariu T, Galajda Z, Ardelean A, Hermenean A. Chrysin attenuates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and loss of intermediate filaments in a mouse model of mitoxantrone cardiotoxicity. Histol Histopathol 2015; 30:1465-75. [PMID: 26112963 DOI: 10.14670/hh-11-641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chrysin (CHR) is a natural flavonoid and is present in high concentration in honey, propolis and many plant extracts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of CHR to reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis and loss of intermediate filaments in a mouse model of mitoxantrone cardiotoxicity. Morphology of the cardiomyocytes was determined by optic and transmission electron microscopy and biochemistry methods. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 were assessed by immunofluorecence. Tunel assay was used to assess apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. In addition, the distribution of desmin protein was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Our results show that MTX treatment significantly increased serum levels of creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), indicator of cardiac injury and withdrawn under CHR protection. Expression levels of Bcl-2 decreased, while those of Bax and caspase-3 increased following MTX treatment. 50 mg/kg of daily CHR intake reduced Bax and caspase-3 immunopositivity and restored Bcl-2 levels to a value comparable to the control. TUNEL (+) cardiomyocyte nuclei of MTX group showed typical signs of apoptosis which almost completely disappeared in response to 50 mg/kg CHR treatment. In parallel, an irregular distribution and a weak expression of desmin is associated with MTX induced cardiotoxic effects which was also restored by CHR treatment. In conclusion chrysin inhibits MTX-triggered cardiomyocyte apoptosis via multiple pathways, including decrease of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 expression along with preservation of the desmin disarray.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Anghel
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - C Cotoraci
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - A Ivan
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, and University of Medicine and Pharmacy Victor Babes, Timisoara, Romania
| | - M Suciu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - H Herman
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - C Balta
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - L Nicolescu
- Department of Public Health and Management, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - T Olariu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - Z Galajda
- Department of Cardiac surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - A Ardelean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - A Hermenean
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, and Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania.
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Stripeli F, Logotheti I, Vraila VM, Balta C, Patsioura A, Papaevangelou V, Papadatos I, Baka A, Tsiodras S, Tsolia MN. Pandemic influenza A vs seasonal influenza A in hospitalized children in Athens. Paediatr Int Child Health 2015; 35:61-4. [PMID: 24621241 DOI: 10.1179/2046905513y.0000000111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on pandemic H1N1 influenza (pH1N1) virus infection in hospitalised children are limited. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To examine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children hospitalised with pH1N1 at a large tertiary-care centre in Athens and compare them with those of children hospitalised with seasonal influenza A in previous years. METHODS All children (n = 146) admitted with confirmed pH1N1 between October 2009 to February 2010 and January 2011 to May 2011 were included. Data on children ≧ 6 months of age (n = 109) were compared with those of 138 children admitted with seasonal influenza A who were examined during two previous influenza seasons (2002-2003 and 2004-2005). RESULTS The age distribution was similar between seasonal and pandemic H1N1. Bronchial asthma was significantly more common in the seasonal influenza group but the clinical presentation was similar in the two groups, except that fever was more common in patients with pH1N1. Children admitted with seasonal influenza were more likely to develop acute otitis media. There were no significant differences between the two groups for severe outcomes (admission to the ICU, mechanical ventilation or death). Only one child with seasonal influenza (0.6%) and three with pH1N1 influenza (2%) required admission to the ICU. Mean length of hospitalisation was longer in the seasonal influenza group. CONCLUSION Clinical manifestations were similar between pH1N1 and seasonal influenza, and the pandemic virus did not appear to cause more severe disease in hospitalised children.
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Sasu A, Herman H, Mariasiu T, Rosu M, Balta C, Anghel N, Miutescu E, Cotoraci C, Hermenean A. Protective effects of silymarin on epirubicin-induced mucosal barrier injury of the gastrointestinal tract. Drug Chem Toxicol 2015; 38:442-51. [DOI: 10.3109/01480545.2014.992072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Boldura O, Popescu S, Balta C, Tulcan C, Hutu I, Mircu C. Precise, rapid and low cost detection of horse DNA in food by PCR technique. J Biotechnol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.07.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Hutu I, Boldura O, Popescu S, Balta C, Chis C, Mircu C. A multiplex PCR approach to the quantification of cow milk in goat products. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.05.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Cosson E, Chanu B, Nguyen M, Balta C, Balta S, Pariès J, Valensi P. O23 Valeurs diagnostique et pronostique du score de l’UKPDS, des recommandations américaines et françaises dans le cadre de la recherche d’ischémie myocardique silencieuse. Diabetes & Metabolism 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1262-3636(09)71715-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Cosson E, Nguyen M, Balta C, Pariès J, Valensi P. O54 Intérêt des recommandations Alfediam-SFC (RECO) sélectionnant les diabétiques à risque d’ischémie myocardique silencieuse (IMS). Une étude de suivi avec analyse des changements de pratique depuis 1992. Diabetes & Metabolism 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1262-3636(08)72864-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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