Dynamic and Assembly Characteristics of Deep-Cavity Basket Acting as a Host for Inclusion Complexation of Mitoxantrone in Biotic and Abiotic Systems

We describe the preparation, dynamic, assembly characteristics of vase-shaped basket 13- along with its ability to form an inclusion complex with anticancer drug mitoxantrone in abiotic and biotic systems. This novel cavitand has a deep nonpolar pocket consisting of three naphthalimide sides fused to a bicyclic platform at the bottom while carrying polar glycines at the top. The results of 1 H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), 1 H NMR Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST), Calorimetry, Hybrid Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics (REMD), and Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED) measurements are in line with 1 forming dimer [12 ]6- , to be in equilibrium with monomers 1(R) 3- (relaxed) and 1(S) 3- (squeezed). Through simultaneous line-shape analysis of 1 H NMR data, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters characterizing these equilibria were quantified. Basket 1(R) 3- includes anticancer drug mitoxantrone (MTO2+ ) in its pocket to give stable binary complex [MTO⊂1]- (Kd =2.1 μM) that can be precipitated in vitro with UV light or pH as stimuli. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the basket is nontoxic, while at a higher proportion with respect to MTO it reduced its cytotoxicity in vitro. With well-characterized internal dynamics and dimerization, the ability to include mitoxantrone, and biocompatibility, the stage is set to develop sequestering agents from deep-cavity baskets.

Synthesis and Investigation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of New Thiourea Derivatives of Naproxen

The aim of the study was a synthesis and investigation of the dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect of new thiourea derivatives of naproxen with selected aromatic amines and esters of aromatic amino acids. The results of the in vivo study indicate that derivatives of m-anisidine (4) and N-methyl tryptophan methyl ester (7) showed the most potent anti-inflammatory activity four hours after injection of carrageenan, with the percentage of inhibition of 54.01% and 54.12%, respectively. In vitro assays of COX-2 inhibition demonstrated that none of the tested compounds achieved 50% inhibition at concentrations lower than 100 µM. On the other hand, the aromatic amine derivatives (1-5) accomplished significant inhibition of 5-LOX, and the lowest IC₅₀ value was observed for compound 4 (0.30 μM). High anti-edematous activity of compound 4 in the rat paw edema model, together with potent inhibition of 5-LOX, highlight this compound as a promising anti-inflammatory agent.

Neuroinflammation in Autism and Supplementation Based on Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Narrative Review

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities. The maternal status of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) regulates microglial activity and neuroinflammatory pathways during a child's brain development. In children with ASD, the metabolism of PUFA is thought to be deficient or abnormal, leading to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, increased oxidative stress and an imbalance in the formation and action of neurotransmitters. In addition, nutritional deficits in omega-3 PUFA may affect gut microbiota and contribute to ASD by the gut-brain axis. The aim of this study was to review the possible role of neuroinflammation in ASD development and the effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation in children with ASD. Due to a wide heterogeneity across RCTs, no definitive conclusion about omega-3 PUFA effects in ASD can be drawn. Supplementation with PUFA could be considered as one of the aspects in regulating the biological status of the organism and could provide added value to standard medical and psychological interventions for reducing behavioral deficits.

Impact of hyperbaric oxygenation on oxidative stress in diabetic patients

Taking into consideration that a high concentration of oxygen can express toxic effects due to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the aim of our investigation was to establish the influence of hyperbaric oxygenation on oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant enzymes in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2. Investigation included 50 patients with DM type 2 divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 25 patients, mean age 70 years, mean duration of illness 12 years and without manifest peripheral vascular complications (Wagner 0). The second group consisted of 25 patients, mean age 74 years, mean duration of illness 17 years and with manifest peripheral vascular complications (Wagner 1-5). All patients underwent the same therapeutic protocol, which included 10 hyperbaric oxygenation therapies, once a day for a duration of 60 minutes, with an average partial oxygen pressure of 1.7 atmospheres absolute (ATA). In blood samples the following parameters of redox balance were determined: levels of nitrites (NO₂-), index of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), superoxide anion radical (O₂-), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Our results clearly show that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) therapy does not have a pro-oxidative effect. Additionally, it seems that this procedure strongly mobilized the antioxidant enzyme system, thus improving defense from oxidative damage. All significant data are marked as P ⟨0.05. Our results have shown that in terms of ROS production, HBO₂ can be safe to use in patients suffering from DM type 2 with or without vascular complications.