Measurement of Nanoparticle-Induced Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Alterations

From inflammation to pyroptosis: Understanding the consequences of cadmium exposure in chicken liver cells

Hepatotoxicity is frequently observed following acute cadmium (Cd) exposure in chicken. Oxidative stress and subsequent inflammation are regarded as the main reasons for cadmium-induced liver injury. NOD-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-induced pyroptosis is involved in various inflammatory diseases, including liver injury. Poultry are more susceptible to harmful effects of heavy metals. However, the mechanism of cadmium-induced liver injury in chicken is still elusive. In this study, the effect of cadmium on chicken liver cells and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. The results showed mitochondria was damaged and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated in chicken liver cell line LMH after cadmium exposure. Furthermore, cadmium-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the cell membrane rupture indicated LMH cells pyroptosis. The ROS scavengers, acetylcysteine (NAC) and Mito-TEMPO prevented pyroptosis in LMH cells, suggesting that ROS were responsible for the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome induced by cadmium. Additionally, anti-oxidative transcription factor Nrf2 was inhibited after cadmium exposure, explaining the excessive ROS generation. In summary, our study showed that cadmium leads to ROS generation by inducing mitochondrial damage and inhibiting Nrf2 activity, which promotes NLRP3 inflammasome activation and eventually induces pyroptosis in LMH cells.

Engineered inhaled nanocatalytic therapy for ischemic cerebrovascular disease by inducing autophagy of abnormal mitochondria

Mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key contributors to the pathology of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, elimination of ROS and damaged mitochondria is crucial for the effective treatment of this disease. For this purpose, we designed an inhalation nanotherapeutic agent, P/D@Mn/Co3O4, to treat ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Mn/Co3O4 effectively removed excess ROS from cells, reduced acute cellular oxidative stress, and protected neural cells from apoptosis. Furthermore, it depleted the H+ surrounding mitochondria and depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential, inducing mitophagy and eliminating abnormal mitochondria, thereby avoiding the continuous overproduction of ROS by eliminating the source of ROS regeneration. On intranasal administration, Mn/Co3O4 encapsulated by platelet membranes and 2,3-(dioxy propyl)-trimethylammonium chloride can bypass the blood-brain barrier, enter the brain through the trigeminal and olfactory pathways, and target inflammatory regions to remove ROS and damaged mitochondria from the lesion area. In rat models of stroke and vascular dementia, P/D@Mn/Co3O4 effectively inhibited the symptoms of acute and chronic cerebral ischemia by scavenging ROS and damaged mitochondria in the affected area. Our findings indicate that the nanotherapeutic agent developed in this study can be used for the effective treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

Hesperetin ameliorates ischemia/hypoxia‐induced myocardium injury via inhibition of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and regulation of Ca 2+ homeostasis

Ischemia/hypoxia (I/H)-induced myocardial injury has a large burden worldwide. Hesperetin (HSP) has a cardioprotective effect, but the molecular mechanism underlying this is not clearly established. Here, we focused on the protective mechanisms of HSP against I/H-induced myocardium injury. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were challenged with CoCl₂ for 22 h to imitate hypoxia after treatment groups received HSP for 4 h. The viability of H9c2 cardiomyocytes was evaluated, and cardiac function indices, reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺ ]_i ) were measured. L-type Ca²⁺ current (I_Ca-L ), myocardial contraction, and Ca²⁺ transients in isolated ventricular myocytes were also recorded. We found that HSP significantly increased the cell viability, and MMP while significantly decreasing cardiac impairment, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and [Ca²⁺ ]_i caused by CoCl₂ . Furthermore, HSP markedly attenuated I_Ca-L , myocardial contraction, and Ca²⁺ transients in a concentration-dependent manner. Our findings suggest a protective mechanism of HSP on I/H-induced myocardium injury by restoring oxidative balance, inhibiting apoptosis, improving mitochondrial function, and reducing Ca²⁺ influx via L-type Ca²⁺ channels (LTCCs). These data provide a new direction for HSP applied research as a LTCC inhibitor against I/H-induced myocardium injury.

Sensitivity analysis of EGFR L861Q mutation to six tyrosine kinase inhibitors

PURPOSE

Lung cancer is one of the most common carcinomas with the highest mortality in the world. Non-small cell lung carcinoma has a large proportion of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, of which rare EGFR mutations account for about 10%-20%. Currently, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) therapy is a standard treatment for patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma with EGFR mutations. To date, the toxicological effects of the EGFR L861Q variant (less than 2%) have been rarely reported, so further investigation of its sensitivity to six first-in-class TKIs is of great clinical interest.

METHODS

In this study, two EGFR L861Q variants cell lines (EGFR L861Q variant and EGFR L861Q + exon 19 deletion variant) were established by CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. The steady-state plasma concentrations of six TKIs (gefitinib/erlotinib/icotinib, the first generation; dacomitinib/afatinib, the second generation; and osimertinib, the third generation) were tested, respectively. The change of cell viability, proliferation, cloning ability, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay, EdU staining assay, colony formation assay, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis test. TUNEL and Annexin V / PI staining were used to detect cell apoptosis, and flow cytometry was employed to explore the sensitivity of two variants to six TKIs.

RESULTS

Our study indicated that the six TKIs inhibited the viability of the two cell lines in a time-dependent manner, and the inhibitory time of six TKIs on proliferation was different between the two cell lines. The proliferation and cloning ability of two cell lines were inhibited by six TKIs. The cytoskeleton morphology, microfilament structure and distribution of the two cell lines were changed by six TKIs. Compared with the control, the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased while the apoptosis increased of the two of variants after treatment with the six TKIs, and the associated mechanisms were elucidated.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the above results, EGFR L861Q + 19del variant and EGFR L861Q variant showed significant sensitivity to six first-in-class TKIs. Among the six TKIs, the first generation TKIs (gefitinib/erlotinib/icotinib), showed stronger inhibition ability to the EGFR L861Q + 19del variant and EGFR L861Q variant, among which gefitinib showed the strongest inhibition.

Green synthesis of biocompatible core-shell (Au-Ag) and hybrid (Au-ZnO and Ag-ZnO) bimetallic nanoparticles and evaluation of their potential antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiglycation and anticancer activities

The fabrication of bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) using plant extracts is applauded since it is an environmentally and biologically safe method. In this research, Manilkara zapota leaf extract was utilized to bioreduce metal ions for the production of therapeutically important core-shell Au-Ag and hybrid (Au-ZnO and Ag-ZnO) BNPs. The phytochemical profiling of the leaf extract in terms of total phenolic and flavonoid content is attributed to its high free radical scavenging activity. FTIR data also supported the involvement of these phytochemicals (polyphenols, flavonoids, aromatic compounds and alkynes) in the synthesis of BNPs. Whereas, TEM and XRD showed the formation of small sized (16.57 nm) spherical shaped core-shell Au-Ag BNPs and ZnO nano-needles with spherical AuNPs (48.32 nm) and ZnO nano-rods with spherical AgNP (19.64 nm) hybrid BNPs. The biological activities of BNPs reinforced the fact that they show enhanced therapeutic efficacy as compared to their monometallic components. All BNPs showed comparable antibacterial activities as compared to standard tetracycline discs. While small sized Au-Ag BNPs were most effective in killing human hepato-cellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) in terms of lowest cell viability, highest intracellular ROS/RNS production, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, induction of caspase-3 gene expression and enhanced caspase-3/7 activity. BNPs also effectively inhibited advanced glycation end products and carbohydrate digesting enzymes which can be used as a nano-medicine for aging and diabetes. The most important finding was the permissible biocompatibility of these BNPs towards brine shrimp larvae and human RBCs, which suggests their environmental and biological safety. This research study gives us insight into the promise of using a green route to synthesize commercially important BNPs with enhanced therapeutic efficacy as compared to conventional treatment options.

Vitamin Supplementation Protects against Nanomaterial-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Damages: A Meta-Analysis of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

The extensive applications of nanomaterials have increased their toxicities to human health. As a commonly recommended health care product, vitamins have been reported to exert protective roles against nanomaterial-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. However, there have been some controversial conclusions in regards to this field of research. This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the roles and mechanisms of vitamins for cells and animals exposed to nanomaterials. Nineteen studies (seven in vitro, eleven in vivo and one in both) were enrolled by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. STATA 15.0 software analysis showed vitamin E treatment could significantly decrease the levels of oxidants [reactive oxygen species (ROS), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA)], increase anti-oxidant glutathione peroxidase (GPx), suppress inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, IgE), improve cytotoxicity (manifested by an increase in cell viability and a decrease in pro-apoptotic caspase-3 activity), and genotoxicity (represented by a reduction in the tail length). These results were less changed after subgroup analyses. Pooled analysis of in vitro studies indicated vitamin C increased cell viability and decreased ROS levels, but its anti-oxidant potential was not observed in the meta-analysis of in vivo studies. Vitamin A could decrease MDA, TOS and increase GPx, but its effects on these indicators were weaker than vitamin E. Also, the combination of vitamin A with vitamin E did not provide greater anti-oxidant effects than vitamin E alone. In summary, we suggest vitamin E alone supplementation may be a cost-effective option to prevent nanomaterial-induced injuries.

Dexmedetomidine reduces enteric glial cell injury induced by intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury through mitochondrial localization of TERT

This study was performed to uncover the effects of dexmedetomidine on oxidative stress injury induced by mitochondrial localization of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) in enteric glial cells (EGCs) following intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in rat models. Following establishment of intestinal IRI models by superior mesenteric artery occlusion in Wistar rats, the expression and distribution patterns of TERT were detected. The IRI rats were subsequently treated with low or high doses of dexmedetomidine, followed by detection of ROS, MDA and GSH levels. Calcein cobalt and rhodamine 123 staining were also carried out to detect mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), respectively. Moreover, oxidative injury of mtDNA was determined, in addition to analyses of EGC viability and apoptosis. Intestinal tissues and mitochondria of EGCs were badly damaged in the intestinal IRI group. In addition, there was a reduction in mitochondrial localization of TERT, oxidative stress, whilst apoptosis of EGCs was increased and proliferation was decreased. On the other hand, administration of dexmedetomidine was associated with promotion of mitochondrial localization of TERT, whilst oxidative stress, MPTP and mtDNA in EGCs, and EGC apoptosis were all inhibited, and the MMP and EGC viability were both increased. A positive correlation was observed between different doses of dexmedetomidine and protective effects. Collectively, our findings highlighted the antioxidative effects of dexmedetomidine on EGCs following intestinal IRI, as dexmedetomidine alleviated mitochondrial damage by enhancing the mitochondrial localization of TERT.

Toxicity of metal-organic framework nanoparticles: from essential analyses to potential applications

In the last two decades, the field of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has exploded, and MOF nanoparticles in particular are being investigated with increasing interest for various applications, including gas storage and separation, water harvesting, catalysis, energy conversion and storage, sensing, diagnosis, therapy, and theranostics. To further pave their way into real-world applications, and to push the synthesis of MOF nanoparticles that are 'safe-and-sustainable-by-design', this tutorial review aims to shed light on the importance of a systematic toxicity assessment. After clarifying and working out the most important terms and aspects from the field of nanotoxicity, the current state-of-the-art of in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies of MOF nanoparticles is evaluated. Moreover, the key aspects affecting the toxicity of MOF nanoparticles such as their chemical composition, their physico-chemical properties, including their colloidal and chemical stability, are discussed. We highlight the need of more targeted synthesis of MOF nanoparticles that are 'safe-and-sustainable-by-design', and their tailored hazard assessment in the context of their potential applications in order to tap the full potential of this versatile material class in the future.

Farrerol suppresses the progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma via the mitochondria-mediated pathway

PURPOSE

In the context of well-known inhibitory effects of Farrerol on the invasion of lung squamous cell carcinoma cells, the unexplored effect and regulatory mechanism of Farrerol on laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) emerged as the target in this study.

METHODS

After treatment with Farrerol alone, or together with MitoTempo, the viability, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, migration, and invasion of LSCC cells were measured using MTT, flow cytometry, wound-healing, and transwell assays, respectively. Meanwhile, the levels of cytochrome C (Cyt C), Cleaved caspase-3/9, Cyclin D1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in LSCC cells were evaluated by Western blot; the reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation intensity and the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of LSCC cells were assessed using flow cytometry; and the effect of Farrerol on xenograft tumor formation was evaluated in animal experiment.

RESULTS

Farrerol (10, 20, 50 μM) inhibited the viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion, but promoted apoptosis, ROS formation intensity and disruption of MMP of LSCC cells. Moreover, Farrerol up-regulated Cyt C (in the cytoplasm), Cleaved caspase-3/9 and E-cadherin levels, but down-regulated Cyclin D1, N-cadherin and Vimentin levels in LSCC cells. Additionally, we uncovered that MitoTempo reversed the promoting effects of Farrerol on ROS formation intensity, apoptosis, and Cyt C and Cleaved caspase-3/9 levels in LSCC cells, while improving the disruption of MMP in Farrerol-treated LSCC cells. Also, Farrerol lessened the volume and weight of mice tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Farrerol suppressed the migration, invasion, and induced the apoptosis of LSCC cells via the mitochondria-mediated pathway.

Phyto-Phospholipid Conjugated Scorpion Venom Nanovesicles as Promising Carrier That Improves Efficacy of Thymoquinone against Adenocarcinoma Human Alveolar Basal Epithelial Cells

Lung cancer is a dangerous type of cancer in men and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in women, behind breast and colorectal cancers. Thymoquinone (THQ), a main compound in black seed essential oils, has a variety of beneficial effects, including antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. On the other hand, scorpion venom peptides (SV) induce apoptosis in the cancer cells, making it a promising anticancer agent. THQ, SV, and Phospholipon® 90H (PL) were incorporated in a nano-based delivery platform to assess THQ's cellular uptake and antiproliferative efficacy against a lung cancer cell line derived from human alveolar epithelial cells (A549). Several nanovesicles were prepared and optimized using factorial experimental design. The optimized phytosome formulation contained 79.0 mg of PL and 170.0 mg of SV, with vesicle size and zeta potential of 209.9 nm and 21.1 mV, respectively. The IC50 values revealed that A549 cells were significantly more sensitive to the THQ formula than the plain formula and THQ. Cell cycle analysis revealed that THQ formula treatment resulted in significant cell cycle arrest at the S phase, increasing cell population in this phase by 22.1%. Furthermore, the THQ formula greatly increased cell apoptosis (25.17%) when compared to the untreated control (1.76%), plain formula (11.96%), or THQ alone (13.18%). The results also indicated that treatment with THQ formula significantly increased caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 mRNA expression compared to plain formula and THQ. In terms of the inflammatory markers, THQ formula significantly reduced the activity of TNF-α and NF-κB in comparison with the plain formula and THQ only. Overall, the findings from the study proved that a phytosome formulation of THQ could be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.

Improvements in Gold Nanorod Biocompatibility with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Stabilization

Due to their well-defined plasmonic properties, gold nanorods (GNRs) can be fabricated with optimal light absorption in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, which make them suitable for cancer-related theranostic applications. However, their controversial safety profile, as a result of surfactant stabilization during synthesis, limits their clinical translation. We report a facile method to improve GNR biocompatibility through the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). GNRs (120 × 40 nm) were synthesized through a seed-mediated approach, using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a cationic surfactant to direct the growth of nanorods and stabilize the particles. Post-synthesis, SDS was used as an exchange ligand to modify the net surface charge of the particles from positive to negative while maintaining rod stability in an aqueous environment. GNR cytotoxic effects, as well as the mechanisms of their cellular uptake, were examined in two different cancer cell lines, Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and HeLa cells. We not only found a significant dose-dependent effect of GNR treatment on cell viability but also a time-dependent effect of GNR surfactant charge on cytotoxicity over the two cell lines. Our results promote a better understanding of how we can mediate the undesired consequences of GNR synthesis byproducts when exposed to a living organism, which so far has limited GNR use in cancer theranostics.

Feiyanning Formula Induces Apoptosis of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Activating the Mitochondrial Pathway

Feiyanning formula (FYN) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription used for more than 20 years in the treatment of lung cancer. FYN is composed of Astragalus membranaceus, Polygonatum sibiricum, Atractylodes macrocephala, Cornus officinalis, Paris polyphylla, and Polistes olivaceous, etc. All of them have been proved to have anti-tumor effect. In this study, we used the TCM network pharmacological analysis to perform the collection of compound and disease target, the prediction of compound target and biological signal and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. It was found that the activation of mitochondrial pathway might be the molecular mechanism of the anti-lung cancer effect of FYN. The experimental results showed that FYN had an inhibitory effect on the growth of lung cancer cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Moreover, FYN induced G₂/M cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death as early as 6 h after treatment. In addition, FYN significantly induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization and increased calreticulin expression. Metabolomics analysis showed the increase of ATP utilization (assessed by a significant increase of the AMP/ATP and ADP/ATP ratio, necessary for apoptosis induction) and decrease of polyamines (that reflects growth potential). Taken together, our study suggested that FYN induced apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells by promoting metabolism and changing the mitochondrial membrane potential, further supporting the validity of network pharmacological prediction.

Unraveling the polypharmacology of a natural antifungal product, eugenol, against Rhizoctonia solani

BACKGROUND

Rice sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani is a devastating disease of rice in China. However, indiscriminate use of chemical fungicides applied to control the disease raise major environmental and food safety issues. Ecofriendly biocontrol alternatives are urgently needed. Eugenol, one of the main ingredients in Syzygium aromaticum, has attracted much attention owing to its antifungal properties. However, its mode of action is still not clear. Herein, the antifungal activity and mode of action of eugenol against R. solani were investigated.

RESULTS

Results confirmed that the mycelia of R. solani treated with eugenol shrank and became dehydrated, the cytoplasmic wall separated, and the vacuoles and mitochondria decreased or dissolved. Moreover, we found that eugenol downregulated expression of C-4 methyl sterol oxidase, inhibited synthesis of ergosterol, increased membrane permeability and impaired the transportation of amino acids and glucose across the cell membrane. In addition, eugenol decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential and initiated an oxidative stress reaction by increasing reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, which together with membrane damage contribute to the antifungal activity of eugenol. Meanwhile, eugenol might inhibit R. solani by affecting oxidative phosphorylation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle).

CONCLUSION

In view of its multitarget properties against R. solani, eugenol provides an alternative approach to chemical control strategies against rice sheath blight. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Postchronic Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Exposure Causes Irreversible Malignant Transformation of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells through DNA Methylation Changes

As environmental pollutants and possible carcinogens, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently been found to induce carcinogenesis and tumor metastasis after long-term pulmonary exposure. However, whether CNT-induced carcinogenesis can be inherited and last for generations remains unclear. Herein, postchronic single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) exposed human lung cell model (BEAS-2B cells) are established to investigate SWCNT-induced carcinogenesis. At a tolerated sublethal dose level, postchronic SWCNT exposure significantly increases the migration and invasion abilities of BEAS-2B cells, leading to malignant cell transformation. Notably, the malignant transformation of BEAS-2B cells is irreversible within a 60 day recovery period after SWCNT exposure, and the malignant transformation activities of cells gradually increase during the recovery period. Moreover, these transformed cells promote carcinogenesis in vivo, accompanied by a raised level of biomarkers of lung adenocarcinoma. Further mechanism analyses reveal that postchronic exposure to SWCNTs causes substantial DNA methylation and transcriptome dysregulation of BEAS-2B cells. Subsequent enrichment and clinical database analyses reveal that differentially expressed/methylated genes of BEAS-2B cells are enriched in cancer-related biological pathways. These results not only demonstrate that postchronic SWCNT-exposure-induced carcinogenesis is heritable but also uncover a mechanism from the perspective of DNA methylation.

Klebsiella pneumoniae infection causes mitochondrial damage and dysfunction in bovine mammary epithelial cells

Klebsiella pneumoniae, an important cause of bovine mastitis worldwide, is strongly pathogenic to bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs). Our objective was to determine the role of mitochondrial damage in the pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae on bMECs, by assessing several classical indicators of mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Two K. pneumoniae strains (HLJ-D2 and HB-AF5), isolated from cows with clinical mastitis (CM), were used to infect bMECs (MAC-T line) cultured in vitro. In whole-transcriptome analysis of bMECs at 6 h post-infection (hpi), there were 3453 up-regulated and 3470 down-regulated genes for HLJ-D2, whereas for HB-AF5, there were 2891 up-regulated and 3278 down-regulated genes (P < 0.05). Based on GO term enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), relative to the controls, the primary categories altered in K. pneumoniae-infected bMECs included cellular macromolecule metabolism, metabolic process, binding, molecular function, etc. Infections increased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde concentrations and formation of reactive oxygen species in bMECs. Additionally, both bacterial strains decreased (P < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity in bMECs at 6 and 12 hpi. Furthermore, infections decreased (P < 0.05) mitochondrial membrane potential and increased (P < 0.01) mitochondrial calcium concentrations. Finally, severe mitochondrial swelling and vacuolation, as well as mitochondrial rupture and cristae degeneration, were detected in infected bMECs. In conclusion, K. pneumoniae infections induced profound mitochondrial damage and dysfunction in bMECs; we inferred that this caused cellular damage and contributes to the pathogenesis of K. pneumoniae-induced CM in dairy cows.

Increasing of malignancy of breast cancer cells after cryopreservation: molecular detection and activation of angiogenesis after CAM-xenotransplantation

Background

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has a wide range of cancerous indications. Avoiding relapse becomes a specific concern that clinicians frequently encounter. The data about the comparative viability of cancer cells after cryopreservation are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cryopreservation on breast cancer cells.

Methods

We used in-vitro cultured ZR-75-1 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Cell samples of each lineage were distributed into the non-intervened and cryopreserved groups. The cryopreservation procedures comprised programmed slow freezing followed by thawing at 100 °C, 60 s. Biological phenotypes and the related protein markers were compared between the two groups. The EVOS FL Auto 2 Cell Image System was used to monitor cell morphology. Cell proliferation, motility, and penetration were characterized by CCK-8, wound-healing, and transmembrane assay, respectively. The expression of Ki-67, P53, GATA3, E-cadherin, Vimentin, and F-Actin was captured by immunofluorescent staining and western blotting as the proxy measurements of the related properties. The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) xenotransplantation was conducted to explore angiogenesis induced by cancer cells.

Results

After 5 days in vitro culture, the cell concentration of cryopreserved and non-intervened groups was 15.7 × 10⁴ vs. 14.4 × 10⁴cells/ml, (ZR-75-1, p > 0.05), and 25.1 × 10⁴ vs. 26.6 × 10⁴ cells/ml (MDA-MB-231, p > 0.05). Some cryopreserved ZR-75-1 cells presented spindle shape with filopodia and lamellipodia and dissociated from the cell cluster after cryopreservation. Both cell lines demonstrated increased cell migrating capability and invasion after cryopreservation. The expression of Ki-67 and P53 did not differ between the cryopreserved and non-intervened groups. E-cadherin and GATA3 expression downregulated in the cryopreserved ZR-75-1 cells. Vimentin and F-actin exhibited an upregulated level in cryopreserved ZR-75-1 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The cryopreserved MDA-MB-231 cells induced significant angiogenesis around the grafts on CAM with the vascular density 0.313 ± 0.03 and 0.342 ± 0.04, compared with that of non-intervened cells of 0.238 ± 0.05 and 0.244 ± 0.03, p < 0.0001.

Conclusions

Cryopreservation promotes breast cancer cells in terms of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis induction, thus increasing metastasis risk.

Piceatannol-Loaded Emulsomes Exhibit Enhanced Cytostatic and Apoptotic Activities in Colon Cancer Cells

Piceatannol (PIC), a naturally occurring polyphenolic stilbene, has pleiotropic pharmacological activities. It has reported cytotoxic activities against different cancer cells. In the present study, PIC emulsomes (PIC-E) were formulated and assessed for cytotoxic activity. A Box–Behnken design was employed to investigate the influence of formulation factors on particle size and drug entrapment. After optimization, the formulation had a spherical shape with a particle size of 125.45 ± 1.62 nm and entrapment efficiency of 93.14% ± 2.15%. Assessment of cytotoxic activities indicated that the optimized PIC-E formula exhibited significantly lower IC₅₀ against HCT 116 cells. Analysis of the cell cycle revealed the accumulation of cells in the G2-M phase as well as increased cell fraction in the sub-G1 phase, an indication of apoptotic-enhancing activity. Staining of cells with Annexin V indicated increased early and late apoptosis. Further, the cellular contents of caspase - 3 and Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expression were significantly elevated by PIC-E. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was disturbed and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was increased. In conclusion, PIC-E exhibited superior cell death-inducing activities against HCT 116 cells as compared to pure PIC. This is mediated, at least partly, by enhanced pro-apoptotic activity, disruption of MMP, and stimulation of ROS generation.

Adaptive changes induced by noble-metal nanostructures in vitro and in vivo

The unique features of noble-metal nanostructures (NMNs) are leading to unprecedented expansion of research and exploration of their application in therapeutics, diagnostics and bioimaging fields. With the ever-growing applications of NMNs, both therapeutic and environmental NMNs are likely to be exposed to tissues and organs, requiring careful studies towards their biological effects in vitro and in vivo. Upon NMNs exposure, tissues and cells may undergo a series of adaptive changes both in morphology and function. At the cellular level, the accumulation of NMNs in various subcellular organelles including lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and nucleus may interfere with their functions, causing changes in a variety of cellular functions, such as digestion, protein synthesis and secretion, energy metabolism, mitochondrial respiration, and proliferation. In animals, retention of NMNs in metabolic-, respiratory-, immune-related, and other organs can trigger significant physiological and pathological changes to these organs and influence their functions. Exploring how NMNs interact with tissues and cells and the underlying mechanisms are of vital importance for their future applications. Here, we illustrate the characteristics of NMNs-induced adaptive changes both in vitro and in vivo. Potential strategies in the design of NMNs are also discussed to take advantage of beneficial adaptive changes and avoid unfavorable changes for the proper implementation of these nanoplatforms.

Optimized Icariin Phytosomes Exhibit Enhanced Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis-Inducing Activities in Ovarian Cancer Cells

Icariin (ICA) is a flavonol glycoside that has pleiotropic pharmacological actions. It has cytotoxic effects against ovarian cancer cells and increases their chemosensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. Phytosomes are identified for their potential in drug delivery of cytotoxic agents. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the potential enhancement of ICA cytotoxicity activity in OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells via its formulation in phytosomes. ICA-phytosomal formulation was optimized using a Box-Behnken design. Particle size, shape, and in vitro drug release were used to characterize the optimized formula. The optimized formulation exhibited enhanced in vitro drug release. ICA-phytosomes exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cells. Cell cycle analysis indicated accumulation of cells challenged with ICA-phytosomes in G2/M and pre-G1 phases. Staining of cells with annexin V indicated significant elevation of percentage cells with early and late apoptosis as well as total cell death. In addition, the formulation significantly disturbed mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular content of caspase 3. In addition, intracellular release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was enhanced by ICA-phytosomes. In conclusion, phytosome formulation of ICA significantly potentiates its cytotoxic activities against OVCAR-3 cells. This is mediated, at least partly, by enhanced ICA cellular permeation, apoptosis, and ROS.