Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfates with Rare Disaccharide Branches from the Sea Cucumbers Psolus peronii and Holothuria nobilis: Structures and Influence on Hematopoiesis

Two fucosylated chondroitin sulfates were isolated from the sea cucumbers Psolus peronii and Holothuria nobilis using a conventional extraction procedure in the presence of papain, followed by anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel. Their composition was characterized in terms of quantitative monosaccharide and sulfate content, and structures were mainly elucidated using 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. As revealed by the data of the NMR spectra, both polysaccharides along with the usual fucosyl branches contained rare disaccharide branches α-D-GalNAc4S6R-(1→2)-α-L-Fuc3S4R → attached to O-3 of the GlcA of the backbone (R = H or SO3-). The polysaccharides were studied as stimulators of hematopoiesis in vitro using mice bone marrow cells as the model. The studied polysaccharides were shown to be able to directly stimulate the proliferation of various progenitors of myelocytes and megakaryocytes as well as lymphocytes and mesenchymal cells in vitro. Therefore, the new fucosylated chondroitin sulfates can be regarded as prototype structures for the further design of GMP-compatible synthetic analogs for the development of new-generation hematopoiesis stimulators.

Development of Bioactive Scaffolds for Orthopedic Applications by Designing Additively Manufactured Titanium Porous Structures: A Critical Review

We overview recent findings achieved in the field of model-driven development of additively manufactured porous materials for the development of a new generation of bioactive implants for orthopedic applications. Porous structures produced from biocompatible titanium alloys using selective laser melting can present a promising material to design scaffolds with regulated mechanical properties and with the capacity to be loaded with pharmaceutical products. Adjusting pore geometry, one could control elastic modulus and strength/fatigue properties of the engineered structures to be compatible with bone tissues, thus preventing the stress shield effect when replacing a diseased bone fragment. Adsorption of medicals by internal spaces would make it possible to emit the antibiotic and anti-tumor agents into surrounding tissues. The developed internal porosity and surface roughness can provide the desired vascularization and osteointegration. We critically analyze the recent advances in the field featuring model design approaches, virtual testing of the designed structures, capabilities of additive printing of porous structures, biomedical issues of the engineered scaffolds, and so on. Special attention is paid to highlighting the actual problems in the field and the ways of their solutions.

Influence of the Phase Composition of Titanium Alloys on Cell Adhesion and Surface Colonization

The pivotal role of metal implants within the host's body following reconstructive surgery hinges primarily on the initial phase of the process: the adhesion of host cells to the implant's surface and the subsequent colonization by these cells. Notably, titanium alloys represent a significant class of materials used for crafting metal implants. This study, however, marks the first investigation into how the phase composition of titanium alloys, encompassing the volume fractions of the α, β, and ω phases, influences cell adhesion to the implant's surface. Moreover, the research delves into the examination of induced hemolysis and cytotoxicity. To manipulate the phase composition of titanium alloys, various parameters were altered, including the chemical composition of titanium alloys with iron and niobium, annealing temperature, and high-pressure torsion parameters. By systematically adjusting these experimental parameters, we were able to discern the distinct impact of phase composition. As a result, the study unveiled that the colonization of the surfaces of the examined Ti-Nb and Ti-Fe alloys by human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells exhibits an upward trend with the increasing proportion of the ω phase, concurrently accompanied by a decrease in the α and β phases. These findings signify a new avenue for advancing Ti-based alloys for both permanent implants and temporary fixtures, capitalizing on the ability to regulate the volume fractions of the α, β, and ω phases. Furthermore, the promising characteristics of the ω phase suggest the potential emergence of a third generation of biocompatible Ti alloys, the ω-based materials, following the first-generation α-Ti alloys and second-generation β alloys.

Anti-Cancer Potential of Transiently Transfected HER2-Specific Human Mixed CAR-T and NK Cell Populations in Experimental Models: Initial Studies on Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfate Usage for Safer Treatment

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in numerous cancer cell types. Therapeutic antibodies and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) against HER2 were developed to treat human tumors. The major limitation of anti-HER2 CAR-T lymphocyte therapy is attributable to the low HER2 expression in a wide range of normal tissues. Thus, side effects are caused by CAR lymphocyte "on-target off-tumor" reactions. We aimed to develop safer HER2-targeting CAR-based therapy. CAR constructs against HER2 tumor-associated antigen (TAA) for transient expression were delivered into target T and natural killer (NK) cells by an effective and safe non-viral transfection method via nucleofection, excluding the risk of mutations associated with viral transduction. Different in vitro end-point and real-time assays of the CAR lymphocyte antitumor cytotoxicity and in vivo human HER2-positive tumor xenograft mice model proved potent cytotoxic activity of the generated CAR-T-NK cells. Our data suggest transient expression of anti-HER2 CARs in plasmid vectors by human lymphocytes as a safer treatment for HER2-positive human cancers. We also conducted preliminary investigations to elucidate if fucosylated chondroitin sulfate may be used as a possible agent to decrease excessive cytokine production without negative impact on the CAR lymphocyte antitumor effect.

Glycosaminoglycans from the Starfish Lethasterias fusca: Structures and Influence on Hematopoiesis

Crude anionic polysaccharides extracted from the Pacific starfish Lethasterias fusca were purified by anion-exchange chromatography. The main fraction LF, having MW 14.5 kDa and dispersity 1.28 (data of gel-permeation chromatography), was solvolytically desulfated and giving rise to preparation LF-deS with a structure of dermatan core [→3)-β-d-GalNAc-(1→4)-α-l-IdoA-(1→]n, which was identified according to NMR spectroscopy data. Analysis of the NMR spectra of the parent fraction LF led to identification of the main component as dermatan sulfate LF-Derm →3)-β-d-GalNAc4R-(1→4)-α-l-IdoA2R3S-(1→ (where R was SO3 or H), bearing sulfate groups at O-3 or both at O-2 and O-3 of α-l-iduronic acid, as well as at O-4 of some N-acetyl-d-galactosamine residues. The minor signals in NMR spectra of LF were assigned as resonances of heparinoid LF-Hep composed of the fragments →4)-α-d-GlcNS3S6S-(1→4)-α-l-IdoA2S3S-(1→. The 3-O-sulfated and 2,3-di-O-sulfated iduronic acid residues are very unusual for natural glycosaminoglycans, and further studies are needed to elucidate their possible specific influence on the biological activity of the corresponding polysaccharides. To confirm the presence of these units in LF-Derm and LF-Hep, a series of variously sulfated model 3-aminopropyl iduronosides were synthesized and their NMR spectra were compared with those of the polysaccharides. Preparations LF and LF-deS were studied as stimulators of hematopoiesis in vitro. Surprisingly, it was found that both preparations were active in these tests, and hence, the high level of sulfation is not necessary for hematopoiesis stimulation in this particular case.

[Pain syndrome correction after teeth whitening]

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

Was to develop an algorithm for the correction of pain syndrome using the drug Ketorol Express depending on the level of situational and personal anxiety of patients during office teeth whitening.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study involved 60 people (mean age 25±0.85 years), who were divided into three groups depending on the level of personal and situational anxiety according to the Spielberger scale modified by Yu. L. Khanin. In the first group of patients with a high level of anxiety Ketorol Express was prescribed as a preventive analgesia before the whitening procedure, then the drug was used in case of pain. In the second group, patients with an average level of anxiety the drug was prescribed immediately after the whitening procedure, and then used in the event of a pain syndrome. The third group of patients with a low level of anxiety took the drug only in case of pain. To assess the severity of pain, the general well-being by the patient and the general well-being by the doctor, visual analogue scales were used.

RESULTS

The study showed that the occurrence and correction of pain syndrome during teeth whitening depends on the patient's psycho-emotional state (both personal and situational anxiety).

CONCLUSION

The developed regimen for prescribing Ketorol Express can significantly reduce pain in patients with different levels of anxiety.

In Vitro Biodegradation of Resorbable Magnesium Alloys Promising for Implant Development

The aim of the investigation was to study the biodegradation characteristics and rate of magnesium alloys in vitro.

Chondroitin Sulfate and Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfate as Stimulators of Hematopoiesis in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Mice

The immunosuppression and inhibition of hematopoiesis are considered to be reasons for the development of complications after intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Chondroitin sulfate (CS), isolated from the fish Salmo salar, and fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FCS), isolated from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, were studied for their roles as stimulators of hematopoiesis in a model of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice. The recombinant protein r G-CSF was applied as a reference. The studied polysaccharides were shown to stimulate the release of white and red blood cells, as well as platelets from bone marrow in immunosuppressed mice, while r G-CSF was only responsible for the significant increase in the level of leucocytes. The analysis of different populations of leucocytes in blood indicated that r G-CSF mainly stimulated the production of neutrophils, whereas in the cases of the studied saccharides, increases in the levels of monocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils were observed. The normalization of the level of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the serum and the recovery of cell populations in the spleen were observed in immunosuppressed mice following treatment with the polysaccharides. An increase in the proliferative activity of hematopoietic cells CD34(+)CD45(+) was observed following ex vivo polysaccharide exposure. Further study on related oligosaccharides regarding their potential as promising drugs in the complex prophylaxis and therapy of hematopoiesis inhibition after intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation seems to be warranted.

[Preventive analgesia for the improvement of local anesthesia efficacy in treatment of acute pulpitis in molars]

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

Was the assessment of the efficacy of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Ketorol Express as a preventive analgesia in the treatment of acute pulpitis in molars.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised 128 individuals, 76 (59.4%) women and 52 (40.6%) men. The mean age was 37.4 years. Two different visual-analog scales were used to evaluate the effectiveness of pain relief and the general well-being of the patient and the doctor.

THE RESULTS

Of the study proved that the preventive analgesia with Ketorol Express at a dosage of 20 mg 15 minutes before local anesthesia with 4% articaine with epinephrine 1:200 000 in patients diagnosed with acute pulpitis of molars was effective since local anesthesia high effectiveness, absence of necessity for alternate anesthesia were registered by patients, which coincided with the dentist's opinion.

CONCLUSION

Preventive analgesia with Ketorol Express improves the efficacy of local anesthesia in the treatment of acute pulpitis in molars.

Pharmacophore hybridization approach to discover novel pyrazoline-based hydantoin analogs with anti-tumor efficacy

In search for new and safer anti-cancer agents, a structurally guided pharmacophore hybridization strategy of two privileged scaffolds, namely diaryl pyrazolines and imidazolidine-2,4-dione (hydantoin), was adopted resulting in a newfangled series of compounds (H1-H22). Herein, a bio-isosteric replacement of "pyrrolidine-2,5-dione" moiety of our recently reported antitumor hybrid incorporating diaryl pyrazoline and pyrrolidine-2,5-dione scaffolds with "imidazoline-2,4-dione" moiety has been incorporated. Complete biological studies revealed the most potent analog among all i.e. compound H13, which was at-least 10-fold more potent compared to the corresponding pyrrolidine-2,5-dione, in colon and breast cancer cells. In-vitro studies showed activation of caspases, arrest of G0/G1 phase of cell cycle, decrease in the expression of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) and increased DNA damage. In-vivo assay on HT-29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma) animal xenograft model unveiled the significant anti-tumor efficacy along with oral bioavailability with maximum TGI 36% (i.p.) and 44% (per os) at 50 mg/kg dose. These findings confirm the suitability of hybridized pyrazoline and imidazolidine-2,4-dione analog H13 for its anti-cancer potential and starting-point for the development of more efficacious analogs.

[Pain relief by Ketorol Express after oral surgery procedures]

The aim of the study was providing rationale for using a new form of Ketorol Express for pain relief in outpatient dental practice. The study comprised 85 patients with an average age of 43.2 years, who were prescribed a three-day course of Ketorol Express therapy after a complex traumatic tooth extraction. Three different visual-analog scales were used to assess the severity of pain, the patient's General well-being, and the doctor's General well-being. After treatment with dispersed Ketorol Express tablets, the severity of the pain syndrome decreased from 4 to 1.8 points within three days. Anesthesia occurred on average in 10 minutes. This therapy was safe and well tolerated. There were no one serious adverse events, and no one patient stopped therapy due to side effects.

The influence of ultrafine-grained structure on the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of austenitic stainless steels

In this study, equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) of austenitic 316L and Cr-Ni-Ti stainless steels was carried out. Effect of ECAP at 400°C on the evolution of the microstructure, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of these steels was investigated. The biocompatibility of samples with the ultrafine grain structure obtained in the ECAP process did not deteriorate in comparison with an austenitic 316L stainless steel in coarse-grained state. However, this treatment enhances the multipotent mesenchymal stromal/stem cell proliferation by 26% for 316L steel and by 17% for Cr-Ni-Ti stainless steel in comparison with coarse-grained counterparts. At the same time, ECAP contributes to a significant improvement in performance and weight reduction of medical devices, which is especially important for the creation of implanted prostheses for replacement of skeletal defects, due to significant increase in specific strength of steels. The strength properties of austenitic stainless steels were remarkably improved due to the grain refinement and deformation twinning resulted from ECAP at 400°C. After ECAP, the yield strength of 316L and Cr-Ni-Ti stainless steels increased by 4.2 and 2.9 times up to 950 and 900 MPa, and the fatigue limit by 2 and 1.7 times up to 500 and 475 MPa, respectively, comparing to coarse-grained counterparts.

Influence of Modified Fucoidan and Related Sulfated Oligosaccharides on Hematopoiesis in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Mice

Immunosuppression derived after cytostatics application in cancer chemotherapy is considered as an adverse side effect that leads to deterioration of quality of life and risk of infectious diseases. A linear sulfated (1→3)-α-l-fucan M-Fuc prepared by chemical modification of a fucoidan isolated from the brown seaweed Chordaria flagelliformis, along with two structurally related synthetic sulfated oligosaccharides, were studied as stimulators of hematopoiesis on a model of cyclophosphamide immunosuppression in mice. Recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (r G-CSF), which is currently applied in medicine to treat low blood neutrophils, was used as a reference. Polysaccharide M-Fuc and sulfated difucoside DS did not demonstrate significant effect, while sulfated octasaccharide OS showed higher activity than r G-CSF, causing pronounced neutropoiesis stimulation. In addition, production of erythrocytes and platelets was enhanced after the octasaccharide administration. The assessment of populations of cells in blood and bone marrow of mice revealed the difference in mechanisms of action of OS and r G-CSF.

Fabrication method, structure, mechanical, and biological properties of decellularized extracellular matrix for replacement of wide bone tissue defects

The present paper was focused on the development of a new method of decellularized extracellular matrix (DECM) fabrication via a chemical treatment of a native bone tissue. Particular attention was paid to the influence of chemical treatment on the mechanical properties of native bones, sterility, and biological performance in vivo using the syngeneic heterotopic and orthotopic implantation models. The obtained data indicated that after a chemical decellularization treatment in 4% aqueous sodium chlorite, no noticeable signs of the erosion of compact cortical bone surface or destruction of trabeculae of spongy bone in spinal channel were observed. The histological studies showed that the chemical treatment resulted in the decellularization of both bone and cartilage tissues. The DECM samples demonstrated no signs of chemical and biological degradation in vivo. Thorough structural characterization revealed that after decellularization, the mineral frame retained its integrity with the organic phase; however clotting and destruction of organic molecules and fibers were observed. FTIR studies revealed several structural changes associated with the destruction of organic molecules, although all organic components typical of intact bone were preserved. The decellularization-induced structural changes in the collagen constituent resulted changed the deformation under compression mechanism: from the major fracture by crack propagation throughout the sample to the predominantly brittle fracture. Although the mechanical properties of radius bones subjected to decellularization were observed to degrade, the mechanical properties of ulna bones in compression and humerus bones in bending remained unchanged. The compressive strength of both the intact and decellularized ulna bones was 125-130 MPa and the flexural strength of humerus bones was 156 and 145 MPa for the intact and decellularized samples, respectively. These results open new avenues for the use of DECM samples as the replacement of wide bone tissue defects.

Recombinant l-phenylalanine ammonia lyase from Rhodosporidium toruloides as a potential anticancer agent

The recombinant producer strain expressing Rhodosporidium toruloides l-phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) has been obtained, and a purification procedure of PAL has been developed. The purified enzyme, PAL, has the following biochemical and catalytic characteristics: Km for l-Phe of 0.49 mM, pH optimum at 8.5, and temperature optimum at 50°C. PAL exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect toward the following cell lines: MCF7 (IC50 = 1.97 U/mL), DU145 (IC50 = 7.3 U/mL), which are comparable with E. coli l-asparaginase type-II cytotoxicity in vitro. Administration of PAL (200-400 U/kg) to L5178y-bearing mice for five times (a total dose of 1000-2000 U/kg) was well tolerated and showed the increase of life span (ILS) = 12-16%, P < 0.05. Data obtained suggest that PAL from R. toruloides has a potential for cancer treatment.

Trans-, cis-, and dihydro-resveratrol: a comparative study

Background

Recent studies showed that moderate consumption of red or white wines increased the chances of breast cancer, while similar consumption of red wines, rich in trans-resveratrol (trans-R), decreased the rate of prostate cancer. This prompted us to explore the role of various forms of R in cancer proliferation.

Results

Trans-R was found to be the most potent antiproliferative agent. Cis-R demonstrated somewhat less potency compared to trans-R. Unlike cis-R and trans-R, dihydro-R exhibits moderate proliferative effect on androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and DU-145 at picomolar concentrations. At higher concentrations, dihydro-R caused proliferation inhibition, similar to cis-R and trans-R. The proliferative effect of dihydro-R at low concentrations can be reversed by trans-R which acts as a partial antagonist in the presence of dihydro-R. Mixtures of dihydro-R and trans-R demonstrated complex non-monotonic cross-modulation activity patterns.

Conclusions

Dihydro-R exhibits proliferative effects in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells at picomolar and nanomolar concentrations. While the exact mechanism of these effects requires further evaluation, our preliminary results point to hormone receptor modulation activity. We also observed strong cross modulation between trans-R and dihydro-R at sub-picomolar concentrations. The role of dihydro-R in cancer proliferation related to moderate consumption of red wine remains an open question because dihydro-R has a very complex activity pattern in the presence of trans-R.

Cytotoxic Activity of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Leukocytes, Activated by Interleukin-2/β-Cyclodextrin Nanocomposition against Androgen Receptor-Negative Prostate Cancers

Nanocomposition comprised of interleukin-2 in suboptimal noneffective concentration and β-cyclodextrin was studied in vitro. This preparation as well as interleukin-2 in optimal concentration was shown to increase natural killer activity to K-562 cells and cytotoxicity of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) against PC-3 and DU 145 cells. At the same time β-cyclodextrin or interleukin-2 in equimolar concentrations did not influence the spontaneous killer activity of PBMC. This combination of cyclodextrin + interleukin-2 led to the decrease of interleukin-2 effective concentration by an order. This phenomenon could be explained by cyclodextrins ability to promote the formation of nanoparticles with drugs, which results in enhancing their water solubility and bioavailability. Besides, interleukine-2/β-cyclodextrin nanocomposition as opposed to interleukin-2 alone led to increasing the number of not only lymphocytes, but also macrophages contained in activated PBMC population. Application of low concentration of interleukin-2 allowing for good clinical efficiency may significantly mitigate the side effects of the drug and enable to develop adoption of immunotherapy for patients with androgen-resistant prostate cancer.