1
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Zhang W, Dong C, Li Z, Shi H, Xu Y, Zhu M. Serum targeted metabolomics uncovering specific amino acid signature for diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 252:116457. [PMID: 39241676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116457] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a hepatobiliary malignancy which accounts for approximately 5-10 % of primary liver cancers and has a high mortality rate. The diagnosis of iCCA remains significant challenges owing to the lack of specific and sensitive diagnostic tests available. Hence, improved methods are needed to detect iCCA with high accuracy. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of serum amino acid profiling combined with machine learning modeling for the diagnosis of iCCA. A comprehensive analysis of 28 circulating amino acids was conducted in a total of 140 blood samples from patients with iCCA and normal individuals. We screened out 6 differentially expressed amino acids with the criteria of |Log2(Fold Change, FC)| > 0.585, P-value < 0.05, variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1.0 and area under the curve (AUC) > 0.8, in which amino acids L-Asparagine and Kynurenine showed an increasing tendency as the disease progressed. Five frequently used machine learning algorithms (Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Supporting Vector Machine, Neural Network and Naïve Bayes) for diagnosis of iCCA based on the 6 circulating amino acids were established and validated with high sensitivity and good overall accuracy. The resulting models were further improved by introducing a clinical indicator, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). This study introduces a new approach for identifying potential serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of iCCA with high accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chuntao Dong
- Nanjing High-Tech Precision Medicine Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Zhaosheng Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Huina Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yijun Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Mingchen Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China.
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2
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Hasterok S, Jankovskaja S, Miletic Dahlström R, Prgomet Z, Ohlsson L, Björklund S, Gustafsson A. Exploring the Surface: Sampling of Potential Skin Cancer Biomarkers Kynurenine and Tryptophan, Studied on 3D Melanocyte and Melanoma Models. Biomolecules 2024; 14:815. [PMID: 39062529 PMCID: PMC11274760 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Early detection of cancer via biomarkers is vital for improving patient survival rates. In the case of skin cancers, low-molecular-weight biomarkers can penetrate the skin barrier, enabling non-invasive sampling at an early stage. This study focuses on detecting tryptophan (Trp) and kynurenine (Kyn) on the surface of reconstructed 3D melanoma and melanocyte models. This is examined in connection with IDO-1 and IL-6 expression in response to IFN-γ or UVB stimulation, both crucial factors of the melanoma tumor microenvironment (TME). Using a polystyrene scaffold, full-thickness human skin equivalents containing fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and melanocytes or melanoma cells were developed. The samples were stimulated with IFN-γ or UVB, and Trp and Kyn secretion was measured using HPLC-PDA and HPLC-MS. The expression of IDO-1 and IL-6 was measured using RT-qPCR. Increased Trp catabolism to Kyn was observed in IFN-γ-stimulated melanoma and melanocyte models, along with higher IDO-1 expression. UVB exposure led to significant changes in Kyn levels but only in the melanoma model. This study demonstrates the potential of skin surface Trp and Kyn monitoring to capture TME metabolic changes. It also lays the groundwork for future in vivo studies, aiding in understanding and monitoring skin cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Hasterok
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Skaidre Jankovskaja
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Ruzica Miletic Dahlström
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Zdenka Prgomet
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
- Section for Oral Biology and Pathology, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, 214 21 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Lars Ohlsson
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Björklund
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Anna Gustafsson
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
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3
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Mojsiewicz-Pieńkowska K, Bazar D, Filipecki J, Chamerski K. Investigating the Free Volumes as Nanospaces in Human Stratum Corneum Lipid Bilayers Using Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6472. [PMID: 38928177 PMCID: PMC11203785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This work is the first one that provides not only evidence for the existence of free volumes in the human stratum corneum but also focuses on comparing these experimental data, obtained through the unique positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) method, with theoretical values published in earlier works. The mean free volume of 0.269 nm was slightly lower than the theoretical value of 0.4 nm. The lifetime τ3 (1.83 ns with a coefficient of variation CV of 3.21%) is dependent on the size of open sites in the skin. This information was used to calculate the free volume radius R (0.269 nm with CV 2.14%), free volume size Vf (0.081 nm3 with CV 4.69%), and the intensity I3 (9.01% with CV 10.94%) to estimate the relative fractional free volume fv (1.32 a.u. with CV 13.68%) in human skin ex vivo. The relation between the lifetime of o-Ps (τ3) and the radius of free volume (R) was formulated using the Tao-Eldrup model, which assumes spherical voids and applies to sites with radii smaller than 1 nm. The results indicate that PALS is a powerful tool for confirming the existence of free volumes and determining their size. The studies also focused on describing the probable locations of these nanospaces in SC lipid bilayers. According to the theory, these play an essential role in dynamic processes in biological systems, including the diffusion of low-molecular-weight hydrophobic and moderately hydrophilic molecules. The mechanism of their formation has been determined by the molecular dynamics of the lipid chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Mojsiewicz-Pieńkowska
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. Józefa Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Dagmara Bazar
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. Józefa Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Jacek Filipecki
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science & Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Częstochowa, Armii Krajowej 13/15, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland; (J.F.); (K.C.)
| | - Kordian Chamerski
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science & Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Częstochowa, Armii Krajowej 13/15, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland; (J.F.); (K.C.)
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4
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Morin M, Björklund S, Nilsson EJ, Engblom J. Bicontinuous Cubic Liquid Crystals as Potential Matrices for Non-Invasive Topical Sampling of Low-Molecular-Weight Biomarkers. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2031. [PMID: 37631245 PMCID: PMC10459996 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Many skin disorders, including cancer, have inflammatory components. The non-invasive detection of related biomarkers could therefore be highly valuable for both diagnosis and follow up on the effect of treatment. This study targets the extraction of tryptophan (Trp) and its metabolite kynurenine (Kyn), two compounds associated with several inflammatory skin disorders. We furthermore hypothesize that lipid-based bicontinuous cubic liquid crystals could be efficient extraction matrices. They comprise a large interfacial area separating interconnected polar and apolar domains, allowing them to accommodate solutes with various properties. We concluded, using the extensively studied GMO-water system as test-platform, that the hydrophilic Kyn and Trp favored the cubic phase over water and revealed a preference for locating at the lipid-water interface. The interfacial area per unit volume of the matrix, as well as the incorporation of ionic molecules at the lipid-water interface, can be used to optimize the extraction of solutes with specific physicochemical characteristics. We also observed that the cubic phases formed at rather extreme water activities (>0.9) and that wearing them resulted in efficient hydration and increased permeability of the skin. Evidently, bicontinuous cubic liquid crystals constitute a promising and versatile platform for non-invasive extraction of biomarkers through skin, as well as for transdermal drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Morin
- Biofilms—Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden (S.B.); (E.J.N.)
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Björklund
- Biofilms—Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden (S.B.); (E.J.N.)
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Emelie J. Nilsson
- Biofilms—Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden (S.B.); (E.J.N.)
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Johan Engblom
- Biofilms—Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden (S.B.); (E.J.N.)
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
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5
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Morin M, Runnsjö A, Ruzgas T, Engblom J, Björklund S. Effects of storage conditions on permeability and electrical impedance properties of the skin barrier. Int J Pharm 2023; 637:122891. [PMID: 36997077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various skin preservation protocols on in vitro drug permeation, epidermal-dermal drug distribution, and electrical impedance properties of skin membranes. Acyclovir (AC) and methyl salicylate (MS) were selected as model drugs due to their different physicochemical properties and skin metabolic profiles. In particular, AC is relatively hydrophilic (logP -1.8) and not expected to be affected by skin metabolism, while MS is relatively lipophilic (logP 2.5) and susceptible to metabolism, being a substrate for esterase residing in skin. Skin from pig ears was used and freshly excised into split-thickness membranes, which were divided and immediately stored at five different storage conditions: a) 4 °C overnight (fresh control), b) 4 °C for 4 days, c and d) -20 °C for 6 weeks and one year, respectively, and e) -80 °C for 6 weeks. Based on the combined results, general trends are observed showing that fresh skin is associated with lower permeation of both model drugs and higher skin membrane electrical resistance, as compared to the other storage conditions. Interestingly, in the case of fresh skin, significantly lower amounts of MS are detected in the epidermis and dermis compartments, implying higher levels of ester hydrolysis of MS (i.e., higher esterase activity). In line with this, the concentration of salicylic acid (SA) extracted from the dermis is significantly higher for fresh skin, as compared to the other storage conditions. Nevertheless, for all storage conditions, substantial amounts of SA are detected in the receptor medium, as well as in the epidermis and dermis, implying that esterase activity is maintained to some extent in all cases. For AC, which is not expected to be affected by skin metabolism, freeze storage (protocols c-e) is observed to result in higher accumulation of AC in the epidermis, as compared to the case of fresh skin, while the AC concentration in dermis is unaffected. These observations can be rationalized primarily by the observed lower permeability of fresh skin towards this hydrophilic substance. Finally, a strong correlation between AC permeation and electrical skin resistance is shown for individual skin membranes irrespective of storage condition, while the corresponding correlation for MS is inferior. On the other hand, a strong correlation is shown for individual membranes between MS permeation and electrical skin capacitance, while a similar correlation for AC is lower. The observed correlations between drug permeability and electrical impedance open up for standardizing in vitro data for improved analysis and comparisons between permeability results obtained with skin stored at different conditions.
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6
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Jankovskaja S, Morin M, Gustafsson A, Anderson CD, Lehoczki B, Engblom J, Björklund S, Rezeli M, Marko-Varga G, Ruzgas T. Non-Invasive, Topical Sampling of Potential, Low-Molecular Weight, Skin Cancer Biomarkers: A Study on Healthy Volunteers. Anal Chem 2022; 94:5856-5865. [PMID: 35394278 PMCID: PMC9022073 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring of low-molecular weight cancer biomarkers, such as tryptophan (Trp) and its derivative kynurenine (Kyn), might be advantageous to non-invasive skin cancer detection. Thus, we assessed several approaches of topical sampling of Trp and Kyn, in relation to phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr), on the volar forearm of six healthy volunteers. The sampling was performed with three hydrogels (made of agarose or/and chitosan), hydrated starch films, cotton swabs, and tape stripping. The biomarkers were successfully sampled by all approaches, but the amount of collected Kyn was low, 20 ± 10 pmol/cm2. Kyn quantification was below LOQ, and thus, it was detected only in 20% of topical samples. To mitigate variability problems of absolute amounts of sampled amino acids, Tyr/Trp, Phe/Trp, and Phe/Tyr ratios were assessed, proving reduced inter-individual variation from 79 to 45% and intra-individual variation from 42 to 21%. Strong positive correlation was found between Phe and Trp, pointing to the Phe/Trp ratio (being in the 1.0-2.0 range, at 95% confidence) being least dependent on sampling materials, approaches, and sweating. This study leads to conclusion that due to the difficulty in quantifying less abundant Kyn, and thus the Trp/Kyn ratio, the Phe/Trp ratio might be a possible, alternative biomarker for detecting skin cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skaidre Jankovskaja
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden.,Biofilms─Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden
| | - Maxim Morin
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden.,Biofilms─Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden
| | - Anna Gustafsson
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden.,Biofilms─Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden
| | - Chris D Anderson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden.,Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Boglarka Lehoczki
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden.,Biofilms─Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden
| | - Johan Engblom
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden.,Biofilms─Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Björklund
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden.,Biofilms─Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden
| | - Melinda Rezeli
- Clinical Protein Science and Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Lund 221 00, Sweden
| | - György Marko-Varga
- Clinical Protein Science and Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Lund 221 00, Sweden
| | - Tautgirdas Ruzgas
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden.,Biofilms─Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, Malmö 214 28, Sweden
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7
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Morin M, Jankovskaja S, Ruzgas T, Henricson J, Anderson CD, Brinte A, Engblom J, Björklund S. Hydrogels and Cubic Liquid Crystals for Non-Invasive Sampling of Low-Molecular-Weight Biomarkers-An Explorative In Vivo Study. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:313. [PMID: 35214046 PMCID: PMC8879558 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular composition of human skin is altered due to diseases, which can be utilized for non-invasive sampling of biomarkers and disease diagnostics. For this to succeed, it is crucial to identify a sampling formulation with high extraction efficiency and reproducibility. Highly hydrated skin is expected to be optimal for increased diffusion of low-molecular-weight biomarkers, enabling efficient extraction as well as enhanced reproducibility as full hydration represents a well-defined endpoint. Here, the aim was to explore water-based formulations with high water activities, ensuring satisfactory skin hydration, for non-invasive sampling of four analytes that may serve as potential biomarkers, namely tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and kynurenine. The included formulations consisted of two hydrogels (chitosan and agarose) and two different liquid crystalline cubic phases based on the polar lipid glycerol monooleate, which were all topically applied for 2 h on 35 healthy subjects in vivo. The skin status of all sampling sites was assessed by electrical impedance spectroscopy and transepidermal water loss, enabling explorative correlations between biophysical properties and analyte abundancies. Taken together, all formulations resulted in the successful and reproducible collection of the investigated biomarkers. Still, the cubic phases had an extraction capacity that was approximately two times higher compared to the hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Morin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden; (M.M.); (S.J.); (T.R.); (J.E.)
- Biofilms–Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Skaidre Jankovskaja
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden; (M.M.); (S.J.); (T.R.); (J.E.)
- Biofilms–Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tautgirdas Ruzgas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden; (M.M.); (S.J.); (T.R.); (J.E.)
- Biofilms–Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Joakim Henricson
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Local Health Care Services in Central Östergötland, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Chris D. Anderson
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Anders Brinte
- ImaGene-iT, Medicon Village, SE-223 63 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Johan Engblom
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden; (M.M.); (S.J.); (T.R.); (J.E.)
- Biofilms–Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Björklund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden; (M.M.); (S.J.); (T.R.); (J.E.)
- Biofilms–Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
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8
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Morin M, Björklund S, Jankovskaja S, Moore K, Delgado-Charro MB, Ruzgas T, Guy RH, Engblom J. Reverse Iontophoretic Extraction of Skin Cancer-Related Biomarkers. Pharmaceutics 2021; 14:79. [PMID: 35056976 PMCID: PMC8778044 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive methods for early diagnosis of skin cancer are highly valued. One possible approach is to monitor relevant biomarkers such as tryptophan (Trp) and kynurenine (Kyn), on the skin surface. The primary aim of this in vitro investigation was, therefore, to examine whether reverse iontophoresis (RI) can enhance the extraction of Trp and Kyn, and to demonstrate how the Trp/Kyn ratio acquired from the skin surface reflects that in the epidermal tissue. The study also explored whether the pH of the receiver medium impacted on extraction efficiency, and assessed the suitability of a bicontinuous cubic liquid crystal as an alternative to a simple buffer solution for this purpose. RI substantially enhanced the extraction of Trp and Kyn, in particular towards the cathode. The Trp/Kyn ratio obtained on the surface matched that in the viable skin. Increasing the receiver solution pH from 4 to 9 improved extraction of both analytes, but did not significantly change the Trp/Kyn ratio. RI extraction of Trp and Kyn into the cubic liquid crystal was comparable to that achieved with simple aqueous receiver solutions. We conclude that RI offers a potential for non-invasive sampling of low-molecular weight biomarkers and further investigations in vivo are therefore warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Morin
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden; (S.B.); (S.J.); (T.R.)
- Biofilms—Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Björklund
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden; (S.B.); (S.J.); (T.R.)
- Biofilms—Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Skaidre Jankovskaja
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden; (S.B.); (S.J.); (T.R.)
- Biofilms—Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Kieran Moore
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; (K.M.); (M.B.D.-C.); (R.H.G.)
| | - Maria Begoña Delgado-Charro
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; (K.M.); (M.B.D.-C.); (R.H.G.)
| | - Tautgirdas Ruzgas
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden; (S.B.); (S.J.); (T.R.)
- Biofilms—Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Richard H. Guy
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; (K.M.); (M.B.D.-C.); (R.H.G.)
| | - Johan Engblom
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden; (S.B.); (S.J.); (T.R.)
- Biofilms—Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
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9
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Szczepanczyk M, Ruzgas T, Gullfot F, Gustafsson A, Björklund S. Catalase Activity in Keratinocytes, Stratum Corneum, and Defatted Algae Biomass as a Potential Skin Care Ingredient. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1868. [PMID: 34944684 PMCID: PMC8699009 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of reactive oxygen species presents a destructive challenge for the skin organ and there is a clear need to advance skin care formulations aiming at alleviating oxidative stress. The aim of this work was to characterize the activity of the antioxidative enzyme catalase in keratinocytes and in the skin barrier (i.e., the stratum corneum). Further, the goal was to compare the activity levels with the corresponding catalase activity found in defatted algae biomass, which may serve as a source of antioxidative enzymes, as well as other beneficial algae-derived molecules, to be employed in skin care products. For this, an oxygen electrode-based method was employed to determine the catalase activity and the apparent kinetic parameters for purified catalase, as well as catalase naturally present in HaCaT keratinocytes, excised stratum corneum samples collected from pig ears with various amounts of melanin, and defatted algae biomass from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Taken together, this work illustrates the versatility of the oxygen electrode-based method for characterizing catalase function in samples with a high degree of complexity and enables the assessment of sample treatment protocols and comparisons between different biological systems related to the skin organ or algae-derived materials as a potential source of skin care ingredients for combating oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Szczepanczyk
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, 214 32 Malmö, Sweden; (M.S.); (T.R.); (A.G.)
- Biofilms-Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 214 32 Malmö, Sweden
- Simris Alg AB, 276 50 Hammenhög, Sweden;
| | - Tautgirdas Ruzgas
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, 214 32 Malmö, Sweden; (M.S.); (T.R.); (A.G.)
- Biofilms-Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 214 32 Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Anna Gustafsson
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, 214 32 Malmö, Sweden; (M.S.); (T.R.); (A.G.)
- Biofilms-Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 214 32 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Björklund
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, 214 32 Malmö, Sweden; (M.S.); (T.R.); (A.G.)
- Biofilms-Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 214 32 Malmö, Sweden
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Hoang VC, Shafaat A, Jankovskaja S, Gomes VG, Ruzgas T. Franz cells for facile biosensor evaluation: A case of HRP/SWCNT-based hydrogen peroxide detection via amperometric and wireless modes. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 191:113420. [PMID: 34182432 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Reducing animal use in biosensor research requires broader use of in vitro methods. In this work, we present a novel application of Franz cells suitable for biosensor development and evaluation in vitro. The work describes how Franz cell can be equipped with electrodes enabling characterization of biosensors in close proximity to skin. As an example of a sensor, hydrogen peroxide biosensor was prepared based on horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-modified textile. The electrode exhibited lower detection limit of 0.3 μM and sensitivity of 184 μA mM-1 cm-2. The ability of this biosensor to monitor H2O2 penetration through skin and dialysis membranes was evaluated in Franz cell setup in amperometric and wireless modes. The results also show that catalase activity present in skin is a considerable problem for epidermal sensing of H2O2. This work highlights opportunities and obstacles that can be addressed by assessment of biosensors in Franz cell setup before progressing to their testing in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Chinh Hoang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06, Malmö, Sweden; Biofilms - Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06, Malmö, Sweden; The University of Sydney, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Atefeh Shafaat
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06, Malmö, Sweden; Biofilms - Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Skaidre Jankovskaja
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06, Malmö, Sweden; Biofilms - Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Vincent G Gomes
- The University of Sydney, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Tautgirdas Ruzgas
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06, Malmö, Sweden; Biofilms - Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, SE-205 06, Malmö, Sweden.
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