Maillard Reaction-Derived S-Doped Carbon Dots Promotes Downregulation of PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP-1 Genes In-Vitro

Carbon nanodots (CDs) are commonly found in food products and have attracted significant attention from food scientists. There is a high probability of CD exposure in humans, but its impacts on health are unclear. Therefore, health effects associated with CD consumption should be investigated. In this study, we attempted to create a model system of the Maillard reaction between cystine and glucose using a simple cooking approach. The CDs (CG-CDs) were isolated from cystine-glucose-based Maillard reaction products and characterized using fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Furthermore, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMCs) were used as a model to unravel the CDs' cytotoxic properties. The physiochemical assessment revealed that CG-CDs emit excitation-dependent fluorescence and possess a circular shape with sizes ranging from 2 to 13 nm. CG-CDs are predominantly composed of carbon, oxygen, and sulfur. The results of the cytotoxicity evaluation indicate good biocompatibility, where no severe toxicity was observed in hMCs up to 400 μg/mL. The DPPH assay demonstrated that CDs exert potent antioxidant abilities. The qPCR analysis revealed that CDs promote the downregulation of the key regulatory genes, PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1, and HMGCR, coupled with the upregulation of anti-inflammatory genes. Our findings suggested that, along with their excellent biocompatibility, CG-CDs may offer positive health outcomes by modulating critical genes involved in lipogenesis, homeostasis, and obesity pathogenesis.

Mucilage-assisted fabrication of molybdenum trioxide nanostructures for photothermal ablation of breast cancer cells

Nanostructures have been used for various biomedical applications due to their optical, antibacterial, magnetic, antioxidant, and biocompatible properties. Cancer is a prevalent disease that severely threatens human life and health. Thus, innovative and effective therapeutic approaches are urgently required for cancer. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising approach to killing cancer cells. In this investigation, we developed a low-cost, simple, green technique to fabricate molybdenum trioxide nanostructures (MNs) using Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage as a template. Moreover, the MNs were functionalized with folic acid (FA) for cancer PTT. The X-ray diffractometer results revealed that the prepared MNs have an orthorhombic crystal phase. The transmission electron microscope image of MNs shows a flake shape with 20-150 nm diameter. The cytotoxicity of MNs and FA-conjugated MNs was studied in vitro. These cell viability assay results suggested that fabricated MoO3 nanostructures reduced 25% of cell viability in MCF-7 cells, even at high doses. However, even with high-dose treatment, FA/MNs do not cause significant cell death. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining revealed DNA and chromatin condensation in MCF-7 cells exposed to MNs. Overall, the in vitro study results suggested that FA/MNs have excellent biocompatibility, which applies to biomedical applications. MNs dispersion temperature gradually increases from 26 to 58°C under 808 nm laser irradiation. We found significant mortality rates after NIR irradiation in MNs- or FA/MNs-treated MCF-7 cells. These findings suggest that FA/MNs can be used as an effective photothermal agent to treat breast cancer.

Understanding the Interaction between Nanomaterials Originated from High-Temperature Processed Starch/Myristic Acid and Human Monocyte Cells

High-temperature cooking approaches trigger many metabolically undesirable molecule formations, which pose health risks. As a result, nanomaterial formation has been observed while cooking and reported recently. At high temperatures, starch and myristic acid interact and lead to the creation of nanomaterials (cMS-NMs). We used a non-polar solvent chloroform to separate the nanomaterials using a liquid-liquid extraction technique. The physico-chemical characterization was carried out using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). To determine the biological impact of these nanomaterials using different in vitro assays, including a cell viability assay, microscopic staining, and gene expression analysis, we adopted the THP-1 cell line as an in vitro monocyte model in our study. The TEM images revealed that fabricated cMS nanomaterials are smaller than 100 nm in diameter. There were significant concerns found in the cytotoxicity assay and gene expression analysis. At concentrations of 100-250 µg/mL, the cMS-NMs caused up to 95% cell death. We found both necrosis and apoptosis in cMS-NMs treated THP-1 cells. In cMS-NMs-treated THP-1 cells, we found decreased expression levels in IL1B and NFKB1A genes and significant upregulation in MIF genes, suggesting a negative immune response. These findings strongly suggest that cMS-NMs originated from high-temperature food processing can cause adverse effects on biological systems. Therefore, charred materials in processed foods should be avoided in order to minimize the risk of health complications.

Fabrication of myristic acid-potato starch complex nanostructures and assessment of their cytotoxic behavior

BACKGROUND

Lipids and carbohydrates perform essential functions in foods. In recent decades, food scientists have studied the effects of carbohydrate-lipid interactions on the functional properties of food. However, the ways in which carbohydrate-lipid complex-derived materials affect the biological system are unknown. In this study, a myristic acid-potato starch complex was created using a simple cooking approach. The complex was employed as a precursor for the fabrication of myristic acid-potato starch complex-based nanostructured materials (MPS-NMs) through a liquid-liquid extraction approach. A study was conducted on the structural and cytotoxic features of the fabricated MPS-NMs.

RESULTS

Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed the formation of spherical nanostructures, 3-60 nm in size. After 24 h exposure, the chloroform fraction-based and n-hexane fraction-based MPS-NMs increased cell death by ~90% and ~ 82%, respectively. Chloroform fraction-based MPS-NMs (CMPS-NMs) triggers apoptotic cell death in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). n-Hexane fraction-based MPS-NMs (HMPS-NMs) treated cells have red color-intact nuclei, attributed to necrotic cell death. The CMPS-NMs and HMPS-NMs significantly decreased the mitochondria membrane potential and increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. We observed significant downregulation in flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO), Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM), and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) gene expression levels in the exposed cells of CMPS-NMs and HMPS- NMs. In addition, we found upregulation of glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR) and glutathione S-transferase A4 (GSTA4) genes in CMPS-NMs, and HMPS-NMs exposure.

CONCLUSION

The cooking process may lead to the formation of nanostructured material in food systems. Chloroform fraction-based MPS-NMs and HMPS-NMs may contribute to cell metabolic disorders. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Association of CYP2R1 and CYP27B1 genes with the risk of obesity and vitamin D metabolism in Saudi women

BACKGROUND

Epigenome, genetic variants, and other environmental factors involved in gene regulation are highly inter-dependent in several chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The present study aimed at testing the associations and the mechanism involved in silencing of CYP2R1 gene in normal and obese Saudi women patients. Height, weight, BMI, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, glycemic status, and lipid profile (TG, LDL, HDL, and TC) of CYP2R1 were measured in 100 women (31 normal and 69 obese patients).

RESULTS

Our result shows that hypermethylation in site 2 of the CYP2R1 gene with body weight (p < 0.004), BMI (p < 0.002), waist circumference (p < 0.002), total-LDL (p < 0.027), total cholesterol (p < 0.022), and vitamin D (VD) (close to borderline significance p < 0.06) and site 4 of CYP2R1 with LDL (p < 0.041) in the four tested sites among normal and obese women was significantly associated. Moreover, we tested five different CpG sites in the CYP27B1 gene where site 5 correlated significantly with VD levels.

CONCLUSION

Our present study clearly indicates that hypermethylation of specific sites in the CYP2R1 and CYP27B1 genes might regulate gene expression with special reference to the risk of obesity and vitamin D metabolism.

Co-exposure to commercial food product ingredient E341 and E551 triggers cytotoxicity in human mesenchymal stem cells

Several nano-toxicological studies have assessed the prospective health risks of engineered nanostructures. Still, nanoscale ingredients from food products are not explored well, and only a few have attended to the possible effects of food additive-based nanoparticles in food. The physicochemical properties of food additives and their fate on human health are still unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we examined the physicochemical characteristics of food product isolate E341/E551. Additionally, we assessed the consequence of these nanoscale E341 and E551 as co-exposure on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed that food product isolate (E341/E551) consists of nanoscale particles. The E551 and E341 have 20-50 nm and 70-200 nm diameters, respectively. Co-exposure of food additives SiO2 (E551) and Tricalcium phosphate (E341) effect on the cell viability, morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of hMSCs were studied. The cell viability reduction, mitochondrial membrane potential loss, and ROS generation in E341/E551 co-exposed cells were observed. Our study suggests that E341/E551 co-exposure elevated the ROS level and mitochondrial membrane potential depletion at a high dose. The oxidative stress-related genes MDM3, TNFSF10, and POR have exhibited significant upregulation in the E341/E551 treatment group. These results conclude that long-term over-exposure to E341/E551 may be triggers health risks in a human. Further in vivo studies are required for food industry implications due to nanoscale ingredients in E341 and E551.

Unveiling the Biocompatible Properties of Date Palm Tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Biomass-Derived Lignin Nanoparticles

Searching for sustainable, ecofriendly, and renewable precursors for nanostructured material synthesis is a fascinating area pertaining to feasibility in various applications. Especially, lignin-based material preparation is essential for unraveling the usage of lignin by valorization. Hence, we have synthesized lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) using date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.) biomass as a precursor in this investigation. The LNP's morphological and thermal features were assessed. Moreover, we have evaluated the LNP's cytocompatibility properties by adopting in vitro approach. The P. dactylifera L. (PD) biomass-derived LNP's morphological features show a spherical shape with a 10-100 nm diameter. The LNPs have a decreased cell viability of ∼8% at a high concentration exposure to human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for 48 h. However, the LNPs do not cause any cellular and nuclear morphology changes in hMSCs. The mitochondrial membrane potential assessment results confirm healthy mitochondria with high mitochondrial membrane potential in LNP-treated cells. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assay results revealed that LNPs do not trigger ROS generation in hMSCs. We examined the upregulation of GSTM3 and GSR genes and the downregulation of SOD1 genes in LNP-treated hMSCs, but no significant changes were observed. Our study concluded that PD biomass-derived LNPs have a good cytocompatibility and an antioxidant property. Thus, they can be applicable for various biological, cosmetic, and environmental applications.

Plumbagin triggers redox-mediated autophagy through the LC3B protein in human papillomavirus-positive cervical cancer cells

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we analyzed the effect of plumbagin (PL) on cultured SiHa cervical cancer cells using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry techniques to identify the mode of cell death and to elucidate whether cells die through apoptosis or non-apoptosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The cell death was analyzed using MTT assay. The cellular morphological changes were assessed using acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining. DNA damage and cell cycle progression were analyzed using a comet assay and flow cytometry respectively.

RESULTS

Morphological and cytological features revealed that PL induced autophagic cell death in cancer cells. The results of a cell cycle analysis indicated that the proportion of cells in sub-G0 phase increased. Translocation of LC-3B protein from the cytoplasm to the autophagosome was found in 31% of PL-treated cells, suggesting that PL provoked autophagic cell death. In this study, it was observed that plumbagin treatment caused cleavage of DNA in SiHa cancer cells, and morphological analysis provided very strong evidence supporting the occurrence of autophagic cell death as a result of plumbagin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition, a Cytoscape-based protein-PL interaction network analysis provided very strong evidence in support of the specific mode of cell death in the context of autophagy, which has also been one of the desired endpoints in human papillomavirus-positive cervical cancer therapy and apoptotic cell death-resistant cancer treatment. Thus, this study is the first to test PL against the SiHa cervical cancer cell line, providing leads for further testing on non-apoptotic cell death for application in cervical cancer management.

Simultaneous fabrication of carbon nanodots and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles from fish scale for biomedical applications

Fish industries and markets produce large quantities of fish scales, skins, shells, and bone wastes post processing that contaminate the environment and cause health risks in humans. In this context, we have developed a novel and simple integrated process to valorize the Lethrinus lentjan fish scales by fabricate carbon nanodots (CDs) and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA NPs) simultaneously. The fish scale treatment was carried out by hydrothermal method at 280 °C that produced CDs and HA NPs simultaneously. Under hydrothermal treatment, organic and inorganic substances of fish scale is transformed to CDs and HA NPs respectively. As TEM images confirmed that fish scale derived CDs were spherically shaped and ~3 to 15 nm in size. The CDs exhibited excitation-dependent emission in photoluminescence. The HA NPs were ~8 to 12 nm in diameter and ~50 to 100 nm in length with rod shape. Also, HA NPs possess spherical shape nanostructures with 15-50 nm in diameter. Furthermore, we assessed the cytotoxic behavior of synthesized nanostructures using the MTT assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. These results showed that synthesized CDs and HA NPs did not cause significant changes in cell viability and morphology, indicating biocompatibility. Additionally, the synthesized CDs and HA NPs were exploited as fluorescent probes for cellular imaging and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells respectively. Overall, the study results indicate that low-cost fish waste was valorized by producing CDs and HA NPs concurrently. The synthesized nanostructures can be applicable for bio-imaging and bone tissue engineering applications.

Colonic Bacteria-Transformed Catechin Metabolite Response to Cytokine Production by Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Human gut microbes are a profitable tool for the modification of food compounds into biologically active metabolites. The biological properties of catechins have been extensively investigated. However, the bioavailability of catechin in human blood plasma is very low. This study aimed to determine the biotransformed catechin metabolites and their bioactive potentials for modulating the immune response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Biotransformation of catechin was carried out using in-vitro gut microbial biotransformation method, the transformed metabolites were identified and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS). Present observations confirmed that the catechin was biotransformed into 11 metabolites upon microbial dehydroxylation and C ring cleavage. Further, immunomodulatory potential of catechin metabolites was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We found up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-10) and down-regulation of pro-inflammatory (IL-16, IL-12B) cytokine may be due to Th2 immune response. In conclusion, biotransformed catechin metabolites enhance anti-inflammatory cytokines which is beneficial for overcoming inflammatory disorders.

Sulforaphane alleviates cadmium-induced toxicity in human mesenchymal stem cells through POR and TNFSF10 genes expression

Sulforaphane is a dietary compound possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-aging properties. The role of sulforaphane in the context of cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity through the alteration of nuclear morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential, and gene expression patterns, however, remains unclear. Thus, we assessed the protective role of sulforaphane against Cd-induced nuclear and mitochondrial damage in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Cells were exposed to Cd and sulforaphane, either alone or in combination, for 48 h. The cell viability was assessed by adopting MTT assay. The nuclear morphology was investigated using Acridine orange/Ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining and Hoechst staining. The mitochondrial membrane potential loss and lysosomal staining were analyzed using JC-1 staining and LysoRed staining respectively. The gene expression was studied using quantitative real-time PCR analysis. After 48 h of exposure to Cd, the viability of hMSCs decreased in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, a single treatment with the phytochemical sulforaphane did not cause any remarkable reduction in hMSC viability. Combined treatment with Cd and sulforaphane resulted in a marked recovery in cell viability compared to that observed in cells treated with Cd alone. Analysis of nuclear morphology indicated that Cd induced necrotic cell death, while combined Cd and sulforaphane treatment prevented nuclear morphology changes. Cd ions also significantly attenuate the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and alter gene expression in hMSCs; however, we observed that sulforaphane improves MMP under conditions of Cd-sulforaphane co-treatment of hMSCs. The gene expression results indicate that POR, TNFRSF1A and TNFSF10 genes expression are significantly upregulated by Cd-sulforaphane co-treatment than Cd or sulforaphane treatment alone. Our study results clearly indicate that sulforaphane can protect hMSCs against Cd-induced changes in nuclear morphology, attenuation of MMP, and alteration of gene expression patterns. Thus, intake of sulforaphane-enriched vegetables and fruits will be helpful to overcome Cd-induced toxicity in humans.

Synthesis of SiO2 nanostructures from Pennisetum glaucum and their effect on osteogenic differentiation for bone tissue engineering applications

Silica nanostructures were fabricated from Pennisetum glaucum (pearl millet) seed husk by acid-pretreatment and calcination. The fabricated silica nanostructure (SN) functional groups, crystalline nature, surface morphology, and particle size were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Additionally, the cytocompatibility of SNs was analyzed on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in an MTT assay, propidium iodine (PI) staining, and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. We observed peaks at 1090 and 800 cm^-1, which were assigned to symmetric, asymmetric, and bending vibrations of O-Si-O. The SNs showed an amorphous nature with a spherical shape and were 20-60 nm in diameter. The MTT assay results indicated that SNs exhibited cytocompatibility in hMSCs. The PI staining and AO/EB staining results suggested that SNs do not affect nuclear morphology at up to 400 μg/mL. Furthermore, SNs effect on osteogenic differentiation in hMSCs was studied. These results indicate that SNs induced osteogenic differentiation in hMSCs by upregulation of ALP, BSP, ON and RUNX2 genes. Our process could valorize the Pennisetum glaucum agricultural residues to high value products for bone tissue engineering applications.

Regio and stereoselective synthesis of anticancer spirooxindolopyrrolidine embedded piperidone heterocyclic hybrids derived from one-pot cascade protocol

Background

Spiropyrrolidine tethered piperidone heterocyclic hybrids were synthesized with complete regio- and stereoselectively in excellent yield via a tandem three-component 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and subsequent enamine reaction in [bmim]Br. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity against FaDu hypopharyngeal tumor cells.

Findings

Interestingly, most compounds displayed cytotoxicities similar to the standard anticancer agent bleomycin, with two of them (5a and 5g) being slightly more active than the reference drug.

Conclusion

Synthesized compounds have also been evaluated for their apoptosis-inducing properties in a cancer cell model, finding that treatment with compounds 5a–e led to apoptotic cell death.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13065-018-0462-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Hesperetin induces an apoptosis-triggered extrinsic pathway and a p53- independent pathway in human lung cancer H522 cells

We studied the chemoprevention property of hesperetin on H522 cells using MTT, an apoptosis assay, an analysis of cell cycle progression, and the mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptotic marker gene expression was determined using quantitative PCR. Hesperetin enhanced apoptotic cell death and mitochondrial membrane potential loss in H522 cells. Hesperetin up-regulated the levels of Fas, FADD, and caspase-8 expression and downregulted the levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9, p53, and Bax expression in H522 cells. This study shows that hesperetin induces apoptosis in H522 cells via a pathway independentof p53 and Bax but triggers the death-receptor Fas-initiated FADD/ caspase-8-dependent apoptotic pathway.

Antimicrobial activity of nanoemulsion on drug-resistant bacterial pathogens

The appearance of drug-resistant (DR) bacteria in the community is a crucial development, and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, healthcare costs, and antibiotic use. Natural oil nanoemulsions (NEs) have potential for antimicrobial applications. In the present study, we determined the antimicrobial activity of an NE against DR bacterial pathogens in vitro. The NE comprised Cleome viscosa essential oil, Tween 80 nonionic surfactant, and water. We found that an NE with a droplet size of 7 nm and an oil:surfactant (v/v) ratio of 1:3 was effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), DR Streptococcus pyogenes, and DR extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that NE treatment modified the functional groups of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in DR bacterial cells. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed damage to the cell membranes and walls of NE-treated DR bacteria. These alterations were caused by bioactive compounds with wide-spectrum enzyme-inhibiting activity in the NE, such as β-sitosterol, demecolcine, campesterol, and heneicosyl formate. The results suggest that the nanoemulsion is effective against DR bacteria, and acts by inhibiting the drug efflux mechanism of DR strains.

Assessment of sulforaphane-induced protective mechanisms against cadmium toxicity in human mesenchymal stem cells

Cd is a hazardous substance and carcinogen that is present in the environment; it is known to cause toxic effects in living organisms. Sulforaphane is a naturally available phytochemical with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. However, the effects of sulforaphane on Cd toxicity in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are unknown. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of the effects of sulforaphane on Cd toxicity in hMSCs by using MTT assays, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, Hoechst staining, LysoRed staining, assessment of mitochondrial membrane potential, and gene expression analysis. Cd decreased hMSC viability in a dose-dependent manner with an IC₅₀ value of 56.5 μM. However, sulforaphane did not induce any significant reduction in cell viability. Nuclear morphological analysis revealed that Cd induced necrotic cell death. Additionally, Cd caused mitochondrial membrane potential loss in hMSCs. The treatment of Cd-exposed cells with sulforaphane (Cd-sulforaphane co-treatment) resulted in a significant recovery of the cell viability and nuclear morphological changes compared with that of cells treated with Cd only. The gene expression pattern of cells co-treated with Cd-sulforaphane was markedly different from that of Cd-treated cells, owing to the reduction in Cd toxicity. Our results clearly indicated that sulforaphane reduced Cd-induced toxic effects in hMSCs. Overall, the results of our study suggested that sulforaphane-rich vegetables and fruits can help to improve human health through amelioration of the molecular effects of Cd poisoning.

Sulforaphane mitigates cadmium-induced toxicity pattern in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic and widely distributed heavy metal that induces various diseases in humans through environmental exposure. Therefore, alleviation of Cd-induced toxicity in living organisms is necessary. In this study, we investigated the protective role of sulforaphane on Cd-induced toxicity in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes. Sulforaphane did not show any major reduction in the viability of lymphocytes and monocytes. However, Cd treatment at a concentration of 50μM induced around 69% cell death. Treatment of IC₁₀-Cd and 100μM sulforaphane combination for 24 and 48h increased viability by 2 and 9% in cells subjected to Cd toxicity, respectively. In addition, IC₂₅ of Cd and 100μM sulforaphane combination recovered 17-20% of cell viability. Cd induced apoptotic and necrotic cell death. Sulforaphane treatment reduced Cd-induced cell death in lymphocytes and monocytes. Our results clearly indicate that when the cells were treated with Cd+sulforaphane combination, sulforaphane decreased the Cd-induced cytotoxic effect in lymphocytes and monocytes. In addition, sulforaphane concentration plays a major role in the alleviation of Cd-induced toxicity.

Cadmium triggers mitochondrial oxidative stress in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes: Analysis using in vitro and system toxicology approaches

Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known heavy metal that causes environmental pollution and human health problems. Several studies attempted to assess Cd toxicity in vitro and in vivo. However, the systemic profile of cadmium toxicity has not been studied well. In the present study, we assessed the toxicity of Cd on human peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes and gene expression, using a system toxicological approach. Cd effect on cell viability and morphology were analyzed by MTT assay and AO/EB staining respectively. Mitochondrial membrane potential depletion and reactive oxygen singlet generation were assessed by flow cytometry. Effects of Cd treatment on gene expression were also studied. Significant reduction in cell viability and disintegration of nuclear morphology were observed in Cd-treated cells. Cd exposure enhanced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential through oxidative stress. Dose-dependent upregulation of GSTM3 and downregulation of GSR gene expression were observed. TNF gene expression decreased as the level of Cd exposure increased. We analyzed the toxicological effects of Cd on more than 45 proteins for biological target identification. These system toxicological studies suggested that Cd induced toxicity through various biological processes such as oxidative stress, oxidation-reduction, and ROS and hydrogen peroxide generation. Additionally, Cd affects the cellular component network and modulates the expression level of oxidative stress-related genes.

Fe3 O4 nanoparticle redox system modulation via cell-cycle progression and gene expression in human mesenchymal stem cells

The use of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) across multiple fields and applications has rapidly increased over the last decade owing to their unusual properties. However, there is an increased need in understanding their toxicological effect on human health. Particularly, iron oxide (Fe3 O4 ) have been used in various sectors, including biomedical, food, and agriculture, but the current understanding of their impact on human health is inadequate. In this investigation, we assessed the toxic effect of Fe3 O4 NPs on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) adopting cell viability, cellular morphological changes, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and cell-cycle progression assessment methodologies. Furthermore, the expression of oxidative stress, cell death, and cell-cycle regulatory genes was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The Fe3 O4 NPs induced cytotoxicity and nuclear morphological changes in hMSCs by dose and time exposure. Cell-cycle analysis indicated that Fe3 O4 NPs altered the cell-cycle progression through a decrease in the proportion of cells in the G0 -G1 phase. The hMSC mitochondrial membrane potential loss increased with an increase in the concentration of Fe3 O4 NPs exposure. The observed expression levels of the CYP1A, TNF3, TNFSF10, E2F1, and CCNC genes were significantly upregulated in hMSCs in response to Fe3 O4 NPs exposure. Our findings suggest that Fe3 O4 NPs caused metabolic stress through altered cell cycle, oxidative stress, and cell death regulatory gene expression in hMSCs. The results of this investigation revealed that Fe3 O4 NPs exhibited moderate toxicity on hMSCs and that Fe3 O4 NPs may have biomedical applications at low concentrations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 901-912, 2016.

Anticancer activity of an ultrasonic nanoemulsion formulation of Nigella sativa L. essential oil on human breast cancer cells

Nigella sativa L. (NS) is a plant renowned in traditional holistic medicine systems for almost 1400 years because of its remarkable antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The essential oil of N. sativa, in particular, possesses these significant biological properties. However, N. sativa essential oil has many insoluble constituents with properties that have not been fully explored. Nanoemulsion-based insoluble formulations are a widely used carrier system for lipophilic materials. In the present study, we used ultrasonic emulsification, polysorbate 80 and water to formulate a highly stable N. sativa essential oil nanoemulsion (NSEO-NE). To optimize the NSEO-NE preparation, we changed the surfactant concentration, the oil-surfactant mixing ratio and the emulsification time. The droplet size distribution and morphology of the prepared NE was analyzed using dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The droplet size of the NSEO-NE was approximately 20-50 nm in diameter. The anticancer properties of the NE preparation were studied using a modified methyl-thiazolyl-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay as well as cellular uptake and nuclear morphological analyses. The NSEO-NE significantly reduced the viability of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells. The nucleo-cytoplasmic morphological features of NSEO-NE-treated cells included cell membrane blebbing, cytoplasmic vacuolation, marginalization of chromatin, and fragmentation of the nucleus. The results clearly indicate that NSEO-NE induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. These findings support the potential application of NSEO-NE in breast cancer therapy, and also merit future translational research.

Carbon nanoparticle induced cytotoxicity in human mesenchymal stem cells through upregulation of TNF3, NFKBIA and BCL2L1 genes

Carbon based nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanodiamond and carbon nanoparticles, have emerged as potential candidates for a wide variety of applications because of their unusual electrical, mechanical, thermal and optical properties. However, our understanding of how increased usage of carbon based nanomaterials could lead to harmful effects in humans and other biological systems is inadequate. Our present investigation is focused on the cellular toxicity of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Following exposure to CNPs, cell viability, nuclear morphological changes, apoptosis and cell cycle progression were monitored. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in both cell death (e.g., P53, TNF3, CDKN1A, TNFRSF1A, TNFSF10, NFKBIA, BCL2L1) and cell cycle regulation (e.g., PCNA, EGR1, E2F1, CCNG1, CCND1, CCNC, CYCD3) were assessed using qPCR. Our results indicated that CNPs reduce cell viability and cause chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation. Cell cycle analysis indicated that CNPs affect the cell cycle progression. However, the gene expression measurements confirmed that CNPs significantly upregulated the P53, TNF3, CDKNIA, and NFKBIA genes and downregulated the EGR1 gene in hMSCs. Our findings suggest that CNPs reduce cell viability by disrupting the expression of cell death genes in human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC). The results of this investigation revealed that CNPs exhibited moderate toxicity on hMSCs.

Synergistic anticancer activity of dietary tea polyphenols and bleomycin hydrochloride in human cervical cancer cell: Caspase-dependent and independent apoptotic pathways

Bleomycin is a chemotherapeutic agent that is frequently used in the treatment of various cancers. Bleomycin causes serious adverse effects via antioxidant defense abnormalities against reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the current cervical cancer monodrug therapy strategy has failed to produce the expected outcomes; hence, combinational therapies are gaining great interest. Tea polyphenols are also effective antioxidative and chemo-preventive agents. However, the combined effect of tea polyphenol (TPP) and bleomycin (BLM) against cervical cancer remains unknown. In this study, we focused on the potential of TPP on BLM anticancer activity against cervical cancer cells. Cervical cancer cells (SiHa) were treated with various concentrations of TPP, BLM and TPP combined with BLM (TPP-BLM), and their effects on cell growth, intracellular reactive oxygen species, poly-caspase activity, early apoptosis and the expression of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9, Bcl-2 and p53 were assessed. The MTT assay revealed that the SiHa cells were less sensitive to growth inhibition by TPP treatment compared with both BLM and the combination therapy. Nuclear staining indicated that exposure to TPP-BLM increased the percentage of apoptotic nuclei compared with a mono-agent treatment. Caspase activation assay demonstrated that proportion of early and late apoptotic/secondary necrotic cells was higher in the cells treated with the combination therapy than in those treated with either TPP or BLM alone. The TPP-BLM treatment synergistically induced apoptosis through caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 activation, Bcl-2 upregulation and p53 overexpression. This study suggests that TPP-BLM may be used as an efficient antioxidant-based combination therapy for cervical cancer.

The presence of carbon nanostructures in bakery products induces metabolic stress in human mesenchymal stem cells through CYP1A and p53 gene expression

Ingredients commonly present in processed foods are excellent substrates for chemical reactions during modern thermal cooking or processing, which could possibly result in deteriorative carbonization changes mediated by a variety of thermal reactions. Spontaneous self-assembling complexation or polymerization of partially combusted lipids, proteins, and other food macromolecules with synthetic food additives during high temperature food processing or baking (200-250 °C) would result in the formation of carbon nanostructures (CNs). These unknown nanostructures may produce adverse physiological effects or potential health risks. The present work aimed to identify and characterize the nanostructures from the crusts of bread. Furthermore, a toxicological risk assessment of these nanostructures was conducted using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as a model for cellular uptake and metabolic oxidative stress, with special reference to induced adipogenesis. CNs isolated from bread crusts were characterized using transmission electron microscopy. The in vitro risk assessment of the CNs was carried out in hMSCs using an MTT assay, cell morphological assessment, a reactive oxygen species assay, a mitochondrial trans-membrane potential assay, cell cycle progression assessment and gene expression analysis. Our results revealed that bread crusts contain CNs, which may form during the bread-making process. The in vitro results indicate that carbon nanostructures have moderately toxic effects in the hMSCs at a high dose (400 μg/mL). The mitochondrial trans-membrane potentials and intracellular ROS levels of the hMSCs were altered at this dose. The levels of the mRNA transcripts of metabolic stress-responsive genes such as CAT, GSR, GSTA4, CYP1A and p53 were significantly altered in response to CNs.

Effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles isolated from confectionery products on the metabolic stress pathway in human lung fibroblast cells

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a common additive in many foods, pigments, personal care products, and other consumer products used in daily life. Despite the widespread use of nanoscale TiO2 and composites of nanoscale TiO2 in the food industry, there is a serious lack of awareness of the toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) among consumers and manufacturers. There is an urgent need for toxicological studies of TiO2 NPs. TiO2 food additives separated from marketed foods were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the effects of TiO2 NPs on metabolic stress in WI-38 cells were analyzed. Cell viability, total ROS, mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔψM), cell cycle, and metabolism-related gene expression were analyzed. The results indicate that TiO2 NPs have a significant concentration-dependent toxic effect in lung cells. The ΔψM, the intracellular ROS level, and the stages of the WI-38 cell cycle were altered by increasing TiO2 concentrations after exposure for 24 and 48 h relative to the control. Cytochrome P450 1A, GSTM3, and glutathione S-transferase A4 upregulation in response to the TiO2 NPs was observed. These findings suggest that the toxicity of TiO2 from confectionery products in WI-38 cells may be mediated through an increase in oxidative stress. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the nanotoxicological effects of TiO2 on WI-38 cells and will be useful for nanotoxicological indexing.

Synthesis, molecular docking and biological evaluation of novel 6-(4-(4-aminophenylsulfonyl)phenylamino)-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazin-5-one derivatives

A novel series of 6-(4-(4-aminophenylsulfonyl)phenylamino)-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazin-5-one derivatives have been synthesized and examined for their in vitro antibacterial activity against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Among these, N-(4-(4-(5-oxo-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazin-6-ylamino)phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (3n) (0.4 μg/mL) and 4-ethyl-N-(4-(4-(5-oxo-5H-benzo[a]phenothiazin-6-ylamino)phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)benzamide (3l) (0.6 μg/mL) systems exhibited a potent inhibitory activity against Gram-positive organism Bacillus subtilis, when compare to the other synthesized compounds. Sparfloxacin (9.76 μg/mL), Norfloxacin (no activity) were employed as the standard drugs. An evaluation of the cytotoxicity of the title compounds (1, 2, 3a-n) revealed that they displayed low toxicity (26-115 mg/L) against cervical cancer cell line (SiHa). The results of these studies suggest that, phenothiazin-5-one derivatives are interesting binding agents for the development of new Gram-positive and Gram-negative antibacterial agents. To understand the interactions with protein receptors, docking simulation was done with crystal structures of B.subtilis (YmaH) and histone deacetylase (HDAC8) to determine the probable binding conformation.

Green synthesis of bimetallic Au@Pt nanostructures and their application for proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in human cervical cancer cell

Bimetallic Au@Pt nanostructures (Au@Pts) are potential candidates for optical, electrical, catalytic and biological applications. However, methods for the fabrication of Au@Pts using total tea polyphenols (TPPs), studies of the mechanism of action of Au@Pts on biological systems and studies on the application of Au@Pts in cancer diagnosis and therapy are sparse. In this study, we developed a simple, eco-friendly and low-cost method for the synthesis of Au@Pts to examine the cytotoxic effect of these Au@Pts on human cervical cancers in vitro. The gold and platinum ions were successfully reduced simultaneously using TPPs at room temperature. The prepared Au@Pts were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometery, X-ray diffractometery (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). EDS and XRD confirmed the formation of the Au@Pt. Formation of Au@Pts with a size of 5-20 nm was confirmed using TEM. The cytotoxic properties of the Au@Pts were evaluated in human cervical cancer cells (SiHa). The cell viability results revealed that Au@Pts induce cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The morphological features of the Au@Pt-exposed SiHa cells were observed and indicated cell death via cell shrinkage, intranucleosomal DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation. During progression of the different phases of the cell cycle, the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase of the treated SiHa cells was significantly increased, which strongly confirmed that the Au@Pts induced apoptosis through the G2/M phase check points. Our findings demonstrate the activity of Au@Pts against cervical cancer cells and reveal strategies for the development of highly active bimetallic nanostructures for cancer therapeutics.

Identification of nanoscale ingredients in commercial food products and their induction of mitochondrially mediated cytotoxic effects on human mesenchymal stem cells

Titanium dioxide (E171) and silicon dioxide (E551) are common additives found in food products, personal-care products, and many other consumer products used in daily life. Recent studies have reported that these food additives (manufactured E171 and E551) contain nanosized particles of less than 100 nm. However, the particle size distribution and morphology of added TiO2 and SiO2 particles are not typically stated on the package label. Furthermore, there is an increasing debate regarding health and safety concerns related to the use of synthetic food additives containing nanosized ingredients in consumer products. In this study, we identified the size and morphology of TiO2 and SiO2 particles in commercially available food products by using transmission electron microscope (TEM). In addition, the in vitro toxicological effects of E171 and E551 on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), an adult stem cell-based model, were assessed using the MTT assay and a flow cytometry-based JC-1 assay. Our TEM results confirmed the presence of nanoscale ingredients in food products, and the in vitro toxicology results indicated that the nanoscale E171 and E551 ingredients induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity, changes in cellular morphology, and the loss of mitochondrial trans-membrane potential in hMSCs. These preliminary results clearly demonstrated that the nanoscale E171 and E551 particles had adverse effects on hMSCs by inducing oxidative stress-mediated cell death. Accordingly, further studies are needed to identify the specific pathway involved, with an emphasis on differential gene expression in hMSCs.

Identification of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in food products: induce intracellular oxidative stress mediated by TNF and CYP1A genes in human lung fibroblast cells

Food grade TiO2 (E171) is a synthetic additive, and widely used as a coloring agent in many foods, pharmaceutical and personal care products. A few reports have highlighted that insoluble particulates (less than 200nm) of food grade TiO2 are found in many foods and confectionary products. However, information regarding the physico-chemical properties (i.e., size and shape)-based food grade TiO2 nanotoxicity related human health issues are limited. The main goal of this study is to examine the presence of nano-sized particulates and its structural characteristics of food grade- TiO2 materials and to assess the acute cellular uptake and metabolic stress induced by these particulates in human lung fibroblast (WI-38) cells. The results of transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction studies indicated that about food grade TiO2 sample contains spherical shaped particulate forms in the nano-scale range, <100nm. The intracellular oxidative stress in human lung fibroblast cells (WI-38) was assessed through studies investigating the cellular uptake of the particles, changes in nuclear and cytoplasmic morphology, intracellular ROS, mitochondrial trans-membrane potential, the cell cycle and the expression of genes linked to metabolic stress markers. Altogether our data clearly indicate that primary metabolic stress indicators such as changes in the intracellular ROS, the dose-dependent loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, alterations in cell cycle progression (G2/M>S>G0/G1) and changes in the TNF and CYP1A gene expression pattern are linked to cellular stress. Thus, food grade TiO2 as nano-scaled contaminants could not only be potential human health risk factors, suggesting that safety considerations with special respect to a few crucial factors such as size, and shape should be considered and regulated by food regulators.

Green synthesis of platinum nanoparticles that induce cell death and G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest in human cervical cancer cells

Platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs, including cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, have been used to manage cancer in spite of dose-dependent side effects, including nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and ototoxicity. These disadvantages have prompted the development of new strategies for cancer therapy that utilize functionalized nanoparticles as nanomedicines. In the present investigation, we have synthesized platinum nanoparticles using tea polyphenol (TPP) as both a reducing and surface modifying agent. The crystalline nature and morphology of the prepared TPP-functionalized platinum nanoparticles (TPP@Pt) were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD results revealed that the TPP@Pt had a crystalline nature with a face-centered cubic structure. TEM imaging suggested that the TTP@Pt are flower shaped with a well-dispersed 30-60 nm-sized TPP@Pt formation. Cervical cancer cells (SiHa) were then treated with different concentrations of TPP@Pt. The effects of TPP@Pt on cell viability, nuclear morphology and cell cycle distribution were investigated. A cell viability assay revealed that the proliferation of SiHa cells was inhibited by TPP@Pt. Propidium iodide nuclear staining indicated that TPP@Pt induced nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation. Treatment with TPP@Pt significantly increased the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase, which indicates induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and an increased number of cells in the subG0 cell death phase. These findings highlight a potential use of TPP@Pt in cervical cancer treatment.

Biocompatibility assessment of rice husk-derived biogenic silica nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Synthetic forms of silica have low biocompatibility, whereas biogenic forms have myriad beneficial effects in current toxicological applications. Among the various sources of biogenic silica, rice husk is considered a valuable agricultural biomass material and a cost-effective resource that can provide biogenic silica for biomedical applications. In the present study, highly pure biogenic silica nanoparticles (bSNPs) were successfully harvested from rice husks using acid digestion under pressurized conditions at 120°C followed by a calcination process. The obtained bSNPs were subjected to phase identification analysis using X-ray diffraction, which revealed the amorphous nature of the bSNPs. The morphologies of the bSNPs were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which revealed spherical particles 10 to 30 nm in diameter. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of the bSNPs with human lung fibroblast cells (hLFCs) was investigated using a viability assay and assessing cellular morphological changes, intracellular ROS generation, mitochondrial transmembrane potential and oxidative stress-related gene expression. Our results revealed that the bSNPs did not have any significant incompatibility in these in vitro cell-based approaches. These preliminary findings suggest that bSNPs are biocompatible, could be the best alternative to synthetic forms of silica and are applicable to food additive and biomedical applications.

Biogenic silica-metal phosphate (metal = Ca, Fe or Zn) nanocomposites: fabrication from rice husk and their biomedical applications

In this investigation, we fabricated biogenic silica-metal phosphate nanocomposites (BSMPNs) using rice husk from agricultural waste as a silica source. The morphologies and dimensions of the synthesized nanocomposites were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed that metal phosphate crystals were formed with the biogenic silica. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the BSMPNs showed the presence of hexagonal calcium and iron phosphate and orthorhombic zinc phosphate nanoparticles embedded in the matrix of biogenic silica. The TEM images suggested that spherical and irregularly shaped tiny particles with dimensions between 50 and 100 nm were dispersed in the biogenic silica. The in vitro biological properties of the nanocomposites were studied by a cell viability assay and through the analysis of microscopy images. The cytocompatibility studies proved that the material was nontoxic and had excellent biocompatibility with human mesenchymal stem cells. The synthetic route for these nanocomposites is interesting and may be helpful in the fabrication of various novel silica-based composites and in the exploitation of eco-friendly agricultural biomass. Our results revealed that these nanocomposites can be used in bone tissue engineering.