Nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of retinopathy: evidences from preclinical and clinical researches

Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness and visual disability in working-aged people. The pathogenesis of retinopathy is an actual and still open query. Alterations contributing to oxidative and nitrosative stress, including elevated nitric oxide and superoxide production, changes in the expression of different isoforms of nitric oxide synthase or endogenous antioxidant system, have been implicated in the mechanisms how this ocular disease develops. In addition, it was documented that renin-angiotensin system has been implicated in the progression of retinopathy. Based on comprehensive preclinical and clinical researches in this area, the role of above-mentioned factors in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy and ischaemic proliferative retinopathy is reviewed in this study. Moreover, the genetic susceptibility factors involved in the development of the retinopathy and possible strategies that utilize antioxidants as additive therapy are also highlighted here.

Nano-selenium and its nanomedicine applications: a critical review

Traditional supplements of selenium generally have a low degree of absorption and increased toxicity. Therefore, it is imperative to develop innovative systems as transporters of selenium compounds, which would raise the bioavailability of this element and allow its controlled release in the organism. Nanoscale selenium has attracted a great interest as a food additive especially in individuals with selenium deficiency, but also as a therapeutic agent without significant side effects in medicine. This review is focused on the incorporation of nanotechnological applications, in particular exploring the possibilities of a more effective way of administration, especially in selenium-deficient organisms. In addition, this review summarizes the survey of knowledge on selenium nanoparticles, their biological effects in the organism, advantages, absorption mechanisms, and nanotechnological applications for peroral administration.

Chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer: An update

Breast cancer is the second greatest cause of death among women worldwide; it comprises a group of heterogeneous diseases that evolves due to uncontrolled cellular growth and differentiation and the loss of normal programmed cell death. There are different molecular sub-types of breast cancer; therefore, various options are selected for treatment of different forms of metastatic breast cancer. However, the use of chemotherapeutic drugs is usually accompanied by deleterious side effects and the development of drug resistance when applied for a longer period. This review offers a classification of these chemotherapeutic agents according to their modes of action and therefore improves the understanding of molecular targets that are affected during treatment. Overall, it will allow the clinician to identify more specific targets to increase the effectiveness of a drug and to reduce general toxicity, resistance and other side effects.

The hypoxia-responsive long non-coding RNAs may impact on the tumor biology and subsequent management of breast cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are DNA transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides without protein-coding potential. As they are key regulators of gene expression at chromatic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional level, they play important role in various biological and pathological processes. Dysregulation of lncRNAs has been observed in several diseases including cancer. Breast cancer is heterogeneous disease with many molecular subtypes specific in different prognosis and treatment responses. Hypoxia, a common micro-environmental feature of rapidly growing tumour is associated with metastases, recurrences and resistance to therapy. Aberrant expression of hypoxia related lncRNAs significantly correlates with poor outcomes in cancer patients, as the lncRNAs play an important regulatory role in the breast cancer-cell survival. Thus, a better understanding of lncRNAs role in the hypoxic conditions of breast cancer is crucial for precise understanding of the tumorigenesis, disease features and poor clinical outcome, especially in highly aggressive breast cancer subtypes (HER2-positive and triple-negative types). Moreover, lncRNAs may represent tumour marker predicting prognosis and therapeutic targets improving precise and personalized therapy for better patient´s survival. In this review, we summarize the recent information on lncRNAs in breast cancer with special focus on the hypoxia-responsive lncRNAs and their potential impact on the prognosis, therapy algorithms and individual outcomes. Presented data helps in better understanding of the specific mechanisms predicting new therapeutic agents and strategies for the pharmacological intervention.

Adipokines in neurovascular diseases

Adipose tissue is now described as an endocrine organ secreting a number of adipokines contributing to the development of inflammation and metabolic imbalance, but also endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling, atherosclerosis, and ischemic stroke. Leptin, adiponectin, and resistin are the most studied adipokines which play important roles in the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. Leptin and adiponectin mediate both proatherogenic and antiatherogenic responses. Leptin and adiponectin have been linked to the development of coronary heart disease and may be involved in the underlying biological mechanism of ischemic stroke. Resistin, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is predictive of atherosclerosis and poor clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke. The changes in serum levels of novel adipokines apelin, visfatin are also associated with acute ischemic stroke. These adipokines have been proposed as potential prognostic biomarkers of cardiovascular mortality/morbidity and therapeutic targets in patients with cardiometabolic diseases. In this article, we summarize the biologic role of the adipokines and discuss the link between dysfunctional adipose tissue and metabolic/inflammation imbalance, consequently endothelial damage, progression of atherosclerotic disease, and the occurrence of ischemic stroke.

Therapeutical strategies for anxiety and anxiety-like disorders using plant-derived natural compounds and plant extracts

Anxiety and anxiety-like disorders describe many mental disorders, yet fear is a common overwhelming symptom often leading to depression. Currently two basic strategies are discussed to treat anxiety: pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy. In the pharmacotherapeutical clinical approach, several conventional synthetic anxiolytic drugs are being used with several adverse effects. Therefore, studies to find suitable safe medicines from natural sources are being sought by researchers. The results of a plethora experimental studies demonstrated that dietary phytochemicals like alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, cinnamates, and saponins or various plant extracts with the mixture of different phytochemicals possess anxiolytic effects in a wide range of animal models of anxiety. The involved mechanisms of anxiolytics action include interaction with γ-aminobutyric acid A receptors at benzodiazepine (BZD) and non-BZD sites with various affinity to different subunits, serotonergic 5-hydrodytryptamine receptors, noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems, glutamate receptors, and cannabinoid receptors. This review focuses on the use of both plant-derived natural compounds and plant extracts with anxiolytic effects, describing their biological effects and clinical application.

Association of serum levels of anti-myeloperoxidase antibody with retinal photoreceptor ellipsoid zone disruption in diabetic retinopathy

AIM

To study the association of serum levels of anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibody with retinal photoreceptor ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption in diabetic retinopathy.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with type 2 DM [diabetes mellitus with no retinopathy (NODR; n=20); non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR; n=18); proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR; n=16)] and healthy controls (n=20) between the ages of 40 and 65years were included. Disruption of EZ was graded by spectral domain optical coherence tomography as no disruption of EZ and disrupted EZ. The serum levels of anti-MPO antibody was analyzed using standard protocol. Association between the variables was evaluated using multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

A significant difference was found between the serum levels of anti-MPO antibody in various study groups (p<0.001). A positive association was found between EZ disruption and levels of anti-MPO antibody [adjusted odd's ratio (AOR)=1.079, CI 1.010-1.124, p=0.04]. A significant positive correlation was found between logMAR visual acuity and grade of disruption (AOR=1.008, CI 1.006-5.688, p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

An increased serum anti-MPO antibody levels is associated with retinal photoreceptor EZ disruption and decreased visual acuity in diabetic retinopathy.

Depot risperidone-induced adverse metabolic alterations in female rats

Atypical antipsychotics are associated with adverse metabolic effects including weight gain, increased adiposity, dyslipidaemia, alterations in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. Increasing evidence suggests that metabolic dysregulation precedes weight gain development. The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in adipokines, hormones and basic serum biochemical parameters induced by chronic treatment with depot risperidone at two doses (20 and 40 mg/kg) in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Dose-dependent metabolic alterations induced by risperidone after 6 weeks of treatment were revealed. Concomitant to weight gain and increased liver weight, an adverse lipid profile with an elevated triglyceride level was observed in the high exposure group, administered a 40 mg/kg dose repeatedly, while the low dose exposure group, administered a 20 mg/kg dose, developed weight gain without alterations in the lipid profile and adipokine levels. An initial peak in leptin serum level after the higher dose was observed in the absence of weight gain. This finding may indicate that the metabolic alterations observed in this study are not consequent to body weight gain. Taken together, these data may support the primary effects of atypical antipsychotics on peripheral tissues.

Angiomodulators in cancer therapy: New perspectives

The formation of new blood vessels plays a crucial for the development and progression of pathophysiological changes associated with a variety of disorders, including carcinogenesis. Angiogenesis inhibitors (anti-angiogenics) are an important part of treatment for some types of cancer. Some natural products isolated from marine invertebrates have revealed antiangiogenic activities, which are diverse in structure and mechanisms of action. Many preclinical studies have generated new models for further modification and optimization of anti-angiogenic substances, and new information for mechanistic studies and new anti-cancer drug candidates for clinical practice. Moreover, in the last decade it has become apparent that galectins are important regulators of tumor angiogenesis, as well as microRNA. MicroRNAs have been validated to modulate endothelial cell migration or endothelial tube organization. In the present review we summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of marine-derived natural products, galectins and microRNAs in tumor angiogenesis.

Biosensors for the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune enteropathy initiated and sustained by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. It is caused by a dysregulated immune response toward both dietary antigens, the gluten proteins of wheat, rye, and barley, and autoantigens, the enzyme tissue transglutaminase (TG2). The small intestine is the target organ. Although routine immunochemical protocols for a laboratory diagnosis of CD are available, faster, easier-to-use, and cheaper analytical devices for CD diagnosis are currently unavailable. This review focuses on biosensors, consisting of a physicochemical transducer and a bioreceptor, as promising analytical tools for diagnosis of CD and other diseases. Examples of recently developed biosensors as well as expectations for future lines of research and development in this field are presented.

H2S causes contraction and relaxation of major arteries of the rabbit

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) caused by atherosclerosis remains a worldwide burden. Hydrogen sulfide is a promising new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of CVD, however reports show exogenous H₂S has both vasodilator and vasoconstrictor effects depending on organ examined, and in vitro studies in animal models which are not resistant to developing atherosclerosis are limited. We sought to determine if rabbit arteries constricted or dilated to hydrogen sulfide.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The aorta, carotid, renal and iliac arteries were harvested from New Zealand White rabbits (n=4) and subjected to a concentration response curve to the fast H₂S releaser NaHS. In addition, a bolus dose of NaHS was used to determine if further dilation was achievable after maximum dilation to acetylcholine similar to nitric oxide donors. Further, NaHS was used to determine if H₂S could impair homocysteine induced endothelial dysfunction.

RESULTS

Blood vessels relaxed poorly to NaHS and contracted at higher doses. A bolus dose of NaHS relaxed then contracted the aorta, however a bolus dose of NaHS after maximal relaxation to acetylcholine caused marked contraction. NaHS did not prevent homocysteine induced vascular dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

NaHS at low doses caused minor relaxation of rabbit blood vessels, indicating a possible therapeutic benefit for low dose H₂S in the cellular milieu.

IRAP inhibition using HFI419 prevents moderate to severe acetylcholine mediated vasoconstriction in a rabbit model

Coronary artery vasospasm (constriction) caused by reduced nitric oxide bioavailability leads to myocardial infarction. Reduced endothelial release of nitric oxide by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, leads to paradoxical vasoconstriction as it binds to smooth muscle cell M3 receptors. Thus, inhibition of coronary artery vasospasm will improve clinical outcomes. Inhibition of insulin regulated aminopeptidase has been shown to improve vessel function, thus we tested the hypothesis that HFI419, an inhibitor of insulin regulated aminopeptidase, could reduce blood vessel constriction to acetylcholine. The abdominal aorta was excised from New Zealand white rabbits (n=15) and incubated with 3mM Hcy to induce vascular dysfunction in vitro for 1h. HFI419 was added 5min prior to assessment of vascular function by cumulative doses of acetylcholine. In some rings, vasoconstriction to acetylcholine was observed in aortic rings after pre-incubation with 3mM homocysteine. Incubation with HFI419 inhibited the vasoconstrictive response to acetylcholine, thus improving, but not normalizing, vascular function (11.5±8.9% relaxation vs 79.2±37% constriction, p<0.05). Similarly, in another group with mild vasoconstriction, HFI419 inhibited this effect (34.9±4.6% relaxation vs 11.1±5.2%, constriction, p<0.05). HFI419 had no effect on control aorta or aorta with mild aortic dysfunction. The present study shows that HFI419 prevents acetylcholine mediated vasoconstriction in dysfunctional blood vessels. HFI419 had no effect on normal vasodilation. Our results indicate a therapeutic potential of HFI419 in reducing coronary artery vasospasm.

Perspectives and challenges of antioxidant therapy for atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AF are poorly understood, although electrophysiological remodeling has been described as an important initiating step. There is growing evidence that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of AF. Many known triggers of oxidative stress, such as age, diabetes, smoking, and inflammation, are linked with an increased risk of arrhythmia. Numerous preclinical studies and clinical trials reported the importance of antioxidant therapy in the prevention of AF, using vitamins C and E, polyunsaturated fatty acids, statins, or nitric oxide donors. The aim of our work is to give a current overview and analysis of opportunities, challenges, and benefits of antioxidant therapy in AF.

Olanzapine-depot administration induces time-dependent changes in adipose tissue endocrine function in rats

OBJECTIVE

Metabolic adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics (AAP) contribute significantly to increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from schizophrenia. Extensive preclinical research has addressed this issue over the past years, though mechanisms underlying these adverse effects of AAP are still not understood completely. Recently, attention is drawn towards the role of adipose tissue metabolism and neurohormonal regulations.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the time-dependent effects of olanzapine depot administration at clinically relevant dosing on the regulation of energy homeostasis, glucose and lipid metabolism, gastrointestinal and adipose tissue-derived hormones involved in energy balance regulations in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The study lasted 8 weeks and the markers were assayed at day 8, 15, 29, 43 and 57.

RESULTS

The results indicate that in the absence of hyperphagia, olanzapine chronic exposure induced weight gain from the beginning of the study. In the later time-point, increased adiposity was also observed. In the initial phase of the study, lipid profile was altered by an early increase in triglyceride level and highly elevated leptin level was observed. Clear bi-phasic time-dependent effect of olanzapine on leptin serum concentration was demonstrated. Olanzapine treatment did not lead to changes in serum levels of ghrelin, FGF-21 and pro-inflammatory markers IL-1a, IL-6 and TNF-α at any time-point of the study.

CONCLUSION

This study provides data suggesting early alteration in adipose tissue endocrine function as a factor involved in mechanisms underlying metabolic adverse effects of antipsychotics.

Nanocrystalline cerium dioxide efficacy for prophylaxis of erosive and ulcerative lesions in the gastric mucosa of rats induced by stress

In our previous works, the important therapeutic properties of nanocrystalline cerium dioxide such as strong antioxidant ability, prebiotical and antibiotic activity were shown. Such properties were obtained due to stabilization of nanoparticles with precise size 3-7nm. Such modification of nanocrystalline cerium dioxide has contributed to its remarkable efficacy and low toxicity. We have carried out the investigation of toxicity of the nanodrug and revealed that in the condition of the acute toxicity test, LD 50 was 2000mg/kg when it was administered per os. This indicator is approximately 1000 times greater than effective dose of the compound that proved the possibility of its usage for humans. Considering the strong antioxidant properties of this substance, we have performed the investigation of the influence of nanocrystalline cerium dioxide on the erosive-ulcerative lesions in gastric mucosa of rats induced by Selye's restraint stress. It was established that the studied compound significantly reduced the lesions area by 58.3% (p<0.05) induced by Selye's restraint stress. The attenuation of inflammation and decrease of lipid peroxidation in the conditions of gastric lesions and prophylactic administration of nanocrystalline cerium dioxide were shown. That was confirmed by the decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines content (interleukin (IL) 1β, 12B p40) and raise of anti-inflammatory cytokines content (IL-10 and transforming growth factor β). Measurement of lipid peroxidation products has proved the antioxidant properties of nanocrystalline cerium dioxide as it decreased the content of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid active products in the conditions of gastric ulceration induced by stress.

Creatine and creatine pyruvate reduce hypoxia-induced effects on phrenic nerve activity in the juvenile mouse respiratory system

Adequate concentrations of ATP are required to preserve physiological cell functions and protect tissue from hypoxic damage. Decreased oxygen concentration results in ATP synthesis relying increasingly on the presence of phosphocreatine. The lack of ATP through hypoxic insult to neurons that generate or regulate respiratory function, would lead to the cessation of breathing (apnea). It is not clear whether creatine plays a role in maintaining respiratory phrenic nerve (PN) activity during hypoxic challenge. The aim of the study was to test the effects of exogenously applied creatine or creatine pyruvate in maintaining PN induced respiratory rhythm against the deleterious effects of severe hypoxic insult using Working Heart-Brainstem (WHB) preparations of juvenile Swiss type mice. WHB's were perfused with control perfusate or perfusate containing either creatine [100μM] or creatine pyruvate [100μM] prior to hypoxic challenge and PN activity recorded throughout. Results showed that severe hypoxic challenge resulted in an initial transient increase in PN activity, followed by a reduction in that activity leading to respiratory apnea. The results demonstrated that perfusing the WHB preparation with creatine or creatine pyruvate, significantly reduced the onset of apnea compared to control conditions, with creatine pyruvate being the more effective substance. Overall, creatine and creatine pyruvate each produced time-dependent degrees of protection against severe hypoxic-induced disturbances of PN activity. The underlying protective mechanisms are unknown and need further investigations.

Effects of novel maleimide derivatives on cell cultures with different properties

The paper is focused on pilot study of effects of novel synthetic protein kinase inhibitors-maleimide derivatives in different concentrations on normal, transformed and multipotent cell lines. Influence on cell proliferation and morphological characteristics has been demonstrated. The chosen agents cause antiproliferative effect on transformed cells and are not cytotoxic to normal cell lines. Moreover, different maleimide derivatives' effects on multipotent cells in attached and floating states has been shown. Described results can be used for further research of the maleimide derivatives as antitumor agents.

Preparation of silica nanoparticles loaded with nootropics and their in vivo permeation through blood-brain barrier

The blood-brain barrier prevents the passage of many drugs that target the central nervous system. This paper presents the preparation and characterization of silica-based nanocarriers loaded with piracetam, pentoxifylline, and pyridoxine (drugs from the class of nootropics), which are designed to enhance the permeation of the drugs from the circulatory system through the blood-brain barrier. Their permeation was compared with non-nanoparticle drug substances (bulk materials) by means of an in vivo model of rat brain perfusion. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The content of the drug substances in silica-based nanocarriers was analysed by elemental analysis and UV spectrometry. Microscopic analysis of visualized silica nanocarriers in the perfused brain tissue was performed. The concentration of the drug substances in the tissue was determined by means of UHPLC-DAD/HRMS LTQ Orbitrap XL. It was found that the drug substances in silica-based nanocarriers permeated through the blood brain barrier to the brain tissue, whereas bulk materials were not detected in the brain.

Investigation of substituted 6-aminohexanoates as skin penetration enhancers

Skin penetration enhancers are compounds used to facilitate the transdermal delivery of drugs that are otherwise not sufficiently permeable. Through a synthetic route implementing two series of esters, we generated transdermal penetration enhancers by a multi-step reaction with substituted 6-aminohexanoic acid. We present the synthesis of all newly prepared compounds here with structural confirmation accomplished by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy (MS). The lipophilicity (logk) of all compounds was determined via RP-HPLC and their hydrophobicity (logP/ClogP) was also calculated using two commercially available programs. Ab initio calculations of geometry and molecular dynamic simulations were employed to investigate the 3-dimensional structures of selected compounds. The transdermal penetration-enhancing activity of all the synthesized esters were examined in vitro and demonstrated higher enhancement ratios than oleic acid. Compounds 2e (C(10) ester chain) and 2f (C(11) ester chain) exhibited the highest enhancement ratios. It can be concluded that the series non-substituted at the C((2)) position by a ω-lactam ring showed significantly higher activity than those with azepan-2-one. None of the prepared compounds penetrated through the skin. All of the investigated agents demonstrated minimal anti-proliferative activity using the SK-N-MC neuroepithelioma cell line (IC(50)>6.25μM), suggesting these analogs would have a low cytotoxic profile when administered in vivo as chemical penetration enhancers. The correlation between the chemical structure of the studied compounds and their lipophilicity is discussed in regards to transdermal penetration-enhancing activity.

Antiarrhythmic effect of newly synthesized compound 44Bu on model of aconitine-induced arrhythmia — Compared to lidocaine

The antiarrhythmic action of the newly developed compound 44Bu (an original compound that was synthesized at our Faculty of Pharmacy) was tested on a model of aconitine-induced arrhythmia and compared with the effect of lidocaine. Both tested substances were administered either as therapeutic or prophylactic agents. 44Bu was highly effective in reducing the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation from 94% to 8% by therapeutic administration, and to 0% by prophylactic administration. The overall mortality rate was significantly reduced by 44Bu from 100% to 25% in the case of therapeutic administration, and to 0% in the case of prophylactic administration. In contrast, there was not any significant difference between therapeutic and prophylactic administration of lidocaine. The occurrence of ventricular fibrillation dropped from 94% to 50% with therapeutic administration, and to 67% with prophylactic administration of lidocaine. The overall mortality rate was significantly reduced from 100% to 63% and to 67%, respectively. We conclude that the 44Bu compound is a highly effective agent in suppressing aconitine-induced arrhythmias. The antiarrhythmic effect of 44Bu was significantly more evident in comparison with lidocaine, particularly in the case of its prophylactic administration.