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Anas Z, Hasan SFS, Moiz MA, Zuberi MAW, Shah HH, Ejaz A, Dave T, Panjwani MH, Rauf SA, Hussain MS, Waseem R. The role of hydrogels in the management of brain tumours: a narrative review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:2004-2010. [PMID: 38576913 PMCID: PMC10990399 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional therapeutic techniques for brain tumours have limitations and side effects, necessitating the need for alternative treatment options. MRI-monitored therapeutic hydrogel systems show potential as a non-surgical approach for brain tumour treatment. Hydrogels have unique physical and chemical properties that make them promising for brain tumour treatment, including the ability to encapsulate therapeutic agents, provide sustained and controlled drug release, and overcome the blood-brain barrier for better penetration. By combining hydrogel systems with MRI techniques, it is possible to develop therapeutic approaches that provide real-time monitoring and controlled release of therapeutic agents. Surgical resection remains important, but there is a growing need for alternative approaches that can complement or replace traditional methods. The objective of this comprehensive narrative review is to evaluate the potential of MRI-monitored therapeutic hydrogel systems in non-surgical brain tumour treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tirth Dave
- Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
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Mulè S, Ferrari S, Rosso G, Brovero A, Botta M, Congiusta A, Galla R, Molinari C, Uberti F. The Combined Antioxidant Effects of N-Acetylcysteine, Vitamin D3, and Glutathione from the Intestinal-Neuronal In Vitro Model. Foods 2024; 13:774. [PMID: 38472887 DOI: 10.3390/foods13050774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic oxidative stress has been consistently linked to age-related diseases, conditions, and degenerative syndromes. Specifically, the brain is the organ that significantly contributes to declining quality of life in ageing. Since the body cannot completely counteract the detrimental effects of oxidative stress, nutraceuticals' antioxidant properties have received significant attention in recent years. This study assesses the potential health benefits of a novel combination of glutathione, vitamin D3, and N-acetylcysteine. To examine the combination's absorption and biodistribution and confirm that it has no harmful effects, the bioavailability of the mixture was first evaluated in a 3D model that mimicked the intestinal barrier. Further analyses on the blood-brain barrier was conducted to determine the antioxidant effects of the combination in the nervous system. The results show that the combination reaches the target and successfully crosses the blood-brain and intestinal barriers, demonstrating enhanced advantages on the neurological system, such as a reduction (about 10.5%) in inflammation and enhancement in cell myelination (about 20.4%) and brain tropism (about 18.1%) compared to the control. The results support the cooperative effect of N-acetylcysteine, vitamin D3, and glutathione to achieve multiple health benefits, outlining the possibility of an alternative nutraceutical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mulè
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, UPO, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Sara Ferrari
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, UPO, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Giorgia Rosso
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, UPO, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Arianna Brovero
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, UPO, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Mattia Botta
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, UPO, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Alessia Congiusta
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, UPO, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Rebecca Galla
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, UPO, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
- Noivita S.r.l.s., Spin Off of University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Claudio Molinari
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, UPO, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Francesca Uberti
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Piemonte Orientale, UPO, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
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Hatlen RR, Rajagopalan P. Environmental interplay: Stromal cells and biomaterial composition influence in the glioblastoma microenvironment. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:421-436. [PMID: 33276155 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most deadly form of brain cancer. Recurrence is common, and established therapies have not been able to significantly extend overall patient survival. One platform through which GBM research can progress is to design biomimetic systems for discovery and investigation into the mechanisms of invasion, cellular properties, as well as the efficacy of therapies. In this review, 2D and 3D GBM in vitro cultures will be discussed. We focus on the effects of biomaterial properties, interactions between stromal cells, and vascular influence on cancer cell survival and progression. This review will summarize critical findings in each of these areas and how they have led to a more comprehensive scientific understanding of GBM. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most deadly form of brain cancer. Recurrence is common, and established therapies have not been able to significantly extend overall patient survival. One platform through which GBM research can progress is to design biomimetic systems for discovery and investigation into the mechanisms of invasion, cellular properties, as well as the efficacy of therapies. In this review, 2D and 3D GBM in vitro cultures will be discussed. We focus on the effects of biomaterial properties, interactions between stromal cells and vascular influence on cancer cell survival and progression. This review will summarize critical findings in each of these areas and how they have lead to a more comprehensive scientific understanding of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalyn R Hatlen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
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Jogalekar MP, Veerabathini A, Gangadaran P. Recent developments in autophagy-targeted therapies in cancer. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 246:207-212. [PMID: 33167689 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220966545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy plays a crucial role in cellular development and differentiation as well as in the maintenance of homeostasis in healthy cells. Autophagy is well documented in neurodegenerative disorders, aging, and infectious diseases. However, recognizing its significance in cancer has always been challenging due to its tumor-promoting and suppressive attributes. Various modulators targeting key components of autophagy machinery directly or indirectly have been developed over the years, and have shown promising results in preclinical models. Some of these compounds are even being tested in clinical trials for safety and efficacy. A detailed review of strategies used to target autophagy in cancer is presented including our opinion on developing better therapies and outstanding issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi P Jogalekar
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Prakash Gangadaran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea.,BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
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Jogalekar MP, Serrano EE. Total RNA Isolation from Separately Established Monolayer and Hydrogel Cultures of Human Glioblastoma Cell Line. Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3305. [PMID: 31528666 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytoma is an invasive carcinoma occurring in the nervous system and currently lacks effective treatment options. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and tumor progression is needed in order to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in in vitro culture systems have demonstrated that the use of three-dimensional (3D) culture models could be more relevant for this purpose as compared to monolayer or two-dimensional (2D) models due to their resemblance to in vivo cancer pathology. High-throughput techniques such as RNA sequencing, microarray analyses and cloning could provide useful insights into the relevance of these systems to the native tissue. Previous studies have reported RNA extraction protocols needed for such applications. We have modified these protocols to suit the isolation of total RNA from monolayer and hydrogel cultures of astrocytoma established using basement membrane matrix, Geltrex™. We have used this method to demonstrate the differences in the expression of genes involved in autophagy, a process deregulated in many cancer types, in monolayer and hydrogel cultures using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). This protocol can be adopted by the researchers who wish to understand the molecular basis of gene expression in hydrogel cultures of normal as well as cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi P Jogalekar
- Molecular Biology Program, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Elba E Serrano
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
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Jogalekar MP, Serrano EE. Morphometric analysis of a triple negative breast cancer cell line in hydrogel and monolayer culture environments. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4340. [PMID: 29473000 PMCID: PMC5817938 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a belligerent carcinoma that is unresponsive to targeted receptor therapies. Development of new treatment strategies would benefit from an expanded repertoire of in vitro cell culture systems, such as those that support tridimensional growth in the presence of hydrogel scaffolds. To this end, we established protocols for maintenance of the TNBC cell line HCC70 in monolayer culture and in a commercially available basement membrane matrix hydrogel. We evaluated the general morphology of cells grown in both conditions with light microscopy, and examined their subcellular organization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Phase contrast and confocal microscopy showed the prevalence of irregularly shaped flattened cells in monolayer cultures, while cells maintained in hydrogel organized into multi-layered spheroids. A quantitative ultrastructural analysis comparing cells from the two culture conditions revealed that cells that formed spheroids comprised a greater number of mitochondria, autophagic vacuoles and intercellular junctions than their monolayer counterparts, within the equivalent area of sampled tissue. These observations suggest that triple negative breast cancer cells in culture can alter their organelle content, as well as their morphology, in response to their microenvironment. Methods presented here may be useful for those who intend to image cell cultures with TEM, and for investigators who seek to implement diverse in vitro models in the search for therapeutic molecular targets for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi P Jogalekar
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States of America
| | - Elba E Serrano
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States of America
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