Evaluation of cytotoxicity and gelatinases activity in 3T3 fibroblast cell by root repair materials

Biodiversity of endosymbiont fungi associated with a marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea and their potential as antioxidant producers

This study aims to isolate endosymbiontic fungi from the marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea and to explore their antioxidant potential. Marine-derived fungi, with their vast biodiversity, are considered a promising source of novel antioxidants which can replace synthetic ones. Marine sponges have previously reported bioactive properties that could ameliorate oxidative stress, particularly their associated fungi, producing high-frequency bioactive molecules (adaptogenic molecules) in response to stressors. 19 endosymbiont fungi associated with marine sponges were isolated, and their extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities. Extract of an endosymbiont fungus, isolate SPG6, identified as Alternaria destruens, through surface electron microscopy (SEM) and ITS gene sequencing, showed broad range antioxidant activities (EC50 values) (free radical scavenging 32.54 mg L-1, Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity < 0.078 g L-1, total reducing power 0.114 g L-1, Chelating power 0.262 g L-1, H2O2 scavenging activity < 0.078 g L-1, and Superoxide radical scavenging activity > 5.0 g L-1). The extract of isolate SPG6 was fractioned and analyzed through GC-MS. Marine sponge-associated endosymbiont fungi are a rich source of antioxidant molecules.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03972-1.

Comparing cytocompatibility of two fluoride-containing solutions and two resin-based restorative materials-a pilot study

Background

Cytocompatibility should always be considered, especially if the surface of treated carious lesions is close to soft tissue or is accidentally exposed to the oral soft tissue by the clinician.

Methods

The aim of the present study was to compare the cytocompatibility of two fluoride-containing liquids and two resin-containing restorative materials with buccal mucosa fibroblasts. The fluoride-containing materials were silver diamine fluoride and water-based silver fluoride.

Results

The statistical analysis was completed by comparing the positive control growth of the buccal mucosa fibroblasts to the growth of cells exposed to various materials. The one-way ANOVA with Tukey's HSD result was completed. All the assessed materials compared to the control wells for both the 24 and 48 h time intervals indicated a significant cytocompatibility result, except for the test wells with Stela (SDI) at the 24 h time interval. There was no significant difference between the step 2 liquids and the two dental materials in cytocompatibility at the 24 h interval. All four materials indicated no significant differences between the cytocompatibility of any dental materials for 48 h.

Conclusion

The cytocompatibility assessment for Riva Star and Riva Star Aqua with the direct method in a full dispensing drop is not viable for step 1 of the fluoride-containing liquids. The use of Stela Light Cure is a suitable material that will be in contact with buccal mucosa as it showed potential for increased cytocompatibility compared to Riva Light Cure. Riva Star Aqua is more cytocompatible than Riva Star.

Acenocoumarol Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Activity via the Suppression of NF-κB and MAPK Pathways in RAW 264.7 Cells

The repurposing of already-approved drugs has emerged as an alternative strategy to rapidly identify effective, safe, and conveniently available new therapeutic indications against human diseases. The current study aimed to assess the repurposing of the anticoagulant drug acenocoumarol for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., atopic dermatitis and psoriasis) and investigate the potential underlying mechanisms. For this purpose, we used murine macrophage RAW 264.7 as a model in experiments aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of acenocoumarol in inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines. We demonstrate that acenocoumarol significantly decreases nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG)E₂, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Acenocoumarol also inhibits the expression of NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, potentially explaining the acenocoumarol-induced decrease in NO and PGE₂ production. In addition, acenocoumarol inhibits the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAPK, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), in addition to decreasing the subsequent nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). This indicates that acenocoumarol attenuates the macrophage secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and NO, inducing iNOS and COX-2 expression via the inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that acenocoumarol can effectively attenuate the activation of macrophages, suggesting that acenocoumarol is a potential candidate for drug repurposing as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Formulation Development of Fast Dissolving Microneedles Loaded with Cubosomes of Febuxostat: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Febuxostat is a widely prescribed drug for the treatment of gout, which is a highly prevalent disease worldwide and is a major cause of disability in mankind. Febuxostat suffers from several limitations such as gastrointestinal disturbances and low oral bioavailability. Thus, to improve patient compliance and bioavailability, transdermal drug delivery systems of Febuxostat were developed for obtaining enhanced permeation. Cubosomes of Febuxostat were prepared using a bottom-up approach and loaded into a microneedle using a micromolding technique to achieve better permeation through the skin. Optimization of the process and formulation parameters were achieved using our design of experiments. The optimized cubosomes of Febuxostat were characterized for various parameters such as % entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, Polydispersity index, Transmission electron microscopy, in vitro drug release, Small angle X-ray scattering, etc. After loading it in the microneedle it was characterized for dissolution time, axial fracture force, scanning electron microscopy, in vitro drug release, pore closure kinetics, etc. It was also evaluated for various ex vivo characterizations such as in vitro cell viability, ex vivo permeation, ex vivo fluorescence microscopy and histopathology which indicates its safety and better permeation. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies proved enhanced bioavailability compared with the marketed formulation. Pharmacodynamic study indicated its effectiveness in a disease-induced rat model. The developed formulations were then subjected to the stability study, which proved its stability.

Uniaxial and Coaxial Nanofibers PCL/Alginate or PCL/Gelatine Transport and Release Tamoxifen and Curcumin Affecting the Viability of MCF7 Cell Line

Breast cancer is the second cause of cancer death in women worldwide. The search for therapeutic and preventive alternatives has increased in recent years. One synthetic drug for patients with hormone receptor-positive tumours is tamoxifen citrate (TMX). Curcumin (Cur) is a natural compound that is being tested. Both were coupled with nanoscale-controlled and sustained release systems to increase the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce adverse effects. We produced a controlled release system based on uniaxial and coaxial polymeric nanofibers of polycaprolactone (PCL), alginate (Alg) and gelatine (Gel) for the transport and release of TMX and Cur, as a new alternative to breast cancer treatment. Nanofibers combining PCL-Alg and PCL-Gel were fabricated by the electrospinning technique and physicochemically characterised by thermal analysis, absorption spectroscopy in the infrared region and X-ray diffraction. Morphology and size were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the release profile of TMX and Cur was obtained by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Additionally, the cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cell line MCF7 and peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a healthy donor were evaluated by a Resazurin reduction assay. These assays showed that PCL-TMX nanofiber was highly toxic to both cell types, while PCL-Cur was less toxic.

Arabinoxylan-Based Microcapsules Being Loaded with Bee Products as Bioactive Food Components Are Able to Modulate the Cell Migration and Inflammatory Response-In Vitro Study

The aim of the research was to use bioactive heteropolysaccharides isolated from rye bran to obtain innovative systems for the controlled release of bioactive compounds. The core of the obtained encapsulates was honey and royal jelly. It was shown for the first time that preparations effectively ameliorated inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages, decreasing the secretion of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO). The in vitro digestion process revealed that bee products’ encapsulates were stronger oxidative stress reducers and had sustained ability to reduction in inflammation state mediators. The lack of inhibitory effect on migration rate of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) endothelial cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (NIH-3T3), both cell models involved in wound healing process, additionally identified these preparations as agents potentially used in the management of inflammatory response. In the process of a simulated digestion in vitro, the innovative microcapsules showed 85% higher biostability and two to ten times better bioavailability, compared to natural bee products.

Polycaprolactone nanofibers as an adjuvant strategy for Tamoxifen release and their cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women, and tamoxifen citrate (TMX) is accepted widely for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. Several local drug-delivery systems, including nanofibers, have been developed for antitumor treatment. Nanofibers are biomaterials that mimic the natural extracellular matrix, and they have been used as controlled release devices because they enable highly efficient drug loading. The purpose of the present study was to develop polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers incorporating TMX for use in the treatment of breast tumors. Pristine PCL and PCL-TMX nanofibers were produced by electrospinning and characterized physiochemically using different techniques. In addition, an in vitro study of TMX release from the nanofibers was performed. The PCL-TMX nanofibers showed sustained TMX release up to 14 h, releasing 100% of the TMX. The Resazurin reduction assay was used to evaluate the TMX cytotoxicity on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and PBMCs human. The PCL-TMX nanofiber was cytotoxic toPBMCs and MCF-7. Based on these results, the PCL-TMX nanofibers developed have potential as an alternative for local chronic TMX use for breast cancer treatment, however tissue tests must be done.

Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterization of Novel Dicyclopropyl-Thiazole Compounds as Nontoxic and Promising Antifungals

There is a need to search for new antifungals, especially for the treatment of the invasive Candida infections, caused mainly by C. albicans. These infections are steadily increasing at an alarming rate, mostly among immunocompromised patients. The newly synthesized compounds (3a-3k) were characterized by physicochemical parameters and investigated for antimicrobial activity using the microdilution broth method to estimate minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Additionally, their antibiofilm activity and mode of action together with the effect on the membrane permeability in C. albicans were investigated. Biofilm biomass and its metabolic activity were quantitatively measured using crystal violet (CV) staining and tetrazolium salt (XTT) reduction assay. The cytotoxic effect on normal human lung fibroblasts and haemolytic effect were also evaluated. The results showed differential activity of the compounds against yeasts (MIC = 0.24-500 µg/mL) and bacteria (MIC = 125-1000 µg/mL). Most compounds possessed strong antifungal activity (MIC = 0.24-7.81 µg/mL). The compounds 3b, 3c and 3e, showed no inhibitory (at 1/2 × MIC) and eradication (at 8 × MIC) effect on C. albicans biofilm. Only slight decrease in the biofilm metabolic activity was observed for compound 3b. Moreover, the studied compounds increased the permeability of the membrane/cell wall of C. albicans and their mode of action may be related to action within the fungal cell wall structure and/or within the cell membrane. It is worth noting that the compounds had no cytotoxicity effect on pulmonary fibroblasts and erythrocytes at concentrations showing anticandidal activity. The present studies in vitro confirm that these derivatives appear to be a very promising group of antifungals for further preclinical studies.

A novel bioactive nanoparticle synthesized by conjugation of 3-chloropropyl trimethoxy silane functionalized Fe3O4 and 1-((3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene)-2-(4-phenylthiazol-2-yl) hydrazine: assessment on anti-cancer against gastric AGS cancer cells

Gastric cancer is one of the common types of cancer around the world which has few therapeutic options. Nitrogen heterocyclic derivatives such as thiazoles are used as the basis for the progression of the drugs. The objective of this study was to synthesize the 1-((3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) methylene)-2-(4-phenylthiazol-2-yl) hydrazine (TP) conjugating with (3-Chloropropyl) trimethoxysilane (CPTMOS)-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) for anti-cancer activities against gastric AGS cancer cell line. The synthesized Fe₃O₄@CPTMOS/TP NPs were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM and Zeta potential analyses. To evaluate the toxicity of the above compound after AGS cell culture in RPMI₁₆₄₀ medium, the cells were treated at different concentrations for 24 h. The viability of the cells was investigated by MTT assay. Moreover, apoptosis induced by Fe₃O₄@CPTMOS/TP NPs was assessed by Hoechst 33432 staining, oxygen activity specification evaluation, caspase-3 activity assay, cell cycle analysis and annexin V/PI staining followed by flow cytometry analysis. The IC₅₀ value in AGS cells was estimated to be 95.65 µg/ml. The flow cytometry results of Fe₃O₄@CPTMOS/TP NPs revealed a large number of cells in the apoptotic regions compared to the control cells and the cells treated with TP. In addition, the amount of ROS production and caspase-3 activity increased in the treated cells with Fe₃O₄@CPTMOS/TP NPs. The percentage of inhibited cancer cells in the G₀/G₁ phase increased under the treatment in the binding state to the nonionic iron oxide nanoparticles. Overall, this study showed that Fe₃O₄@CPTMOS/TP NP had effect on induction of apoptosis and inhibiting the growth of AGS cancer cells. Thus, Fe₃O₄@CPTMOS/TP NP can be considered as a new anti-cancer candid for next phase of studies on mouse models.

Nanofibrillar cellulose wound dressing supports the growth and characteristics of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells without cell adhesion coatings

BACKGROUND

In the field of regenerative medicine, delivery of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hASCs) has shown great promise to promote wound healing. However, a hostile environment of the injured tissue has shown considerably to limit the survival rate of the transplanted cells, and thus, to improve the cell survival and retention towards successful cell transplantation, an optimal cell scaffold is required. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of wood-derived nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) wound dressing as a cell scaffold material for hASCs in order to develop a cell transplantation method free from animal-derived components for wound treatment.

METHODS

Patient-derived hASCs were cultured on NFC wound dressing without cell adhesion coatings. Cell characteristics, including cell viability, morphology, cytoskeletal structure, proliferation potency, and mesenchymal cell and differentiation marker expression, were analyzed using cell viability assays, electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and quantitative or reverse transcriptase PCR. Student's t test and one-way ANOVA followed by a Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc test were used to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

hASCs were able to adhere to NFC dressing and maintained high cell survival without cell adhesion coatings with a cell density-dependent manner for the studied period of 2 weeks. In addition, NFC dressing did not induce any remarkable cytotoxicity towards hASCs or alter the morphology, proliferation potency, filamentous actin structure, the expression of mesenchymal vimentin and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins collagen I and fibronectin, or the undifferentiated state of hASCs.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result, NFC wound dressing offers a functional cell culture platform for hASCs to be used further for in vivo wound healing studies in the future.

Polycaprolactone nanofibers loaded oxytetracycline hydrochloride and zinc oxide for treatment of periodontal disease

Periodontal diseases (PD) are mixed bacterial infections caused by microorganisms that colonize the tooth surface, leading to destructions at tooth-supporting tissues. Several local delivery systems, as nanofibers, have been developed for the treatment of PD. The purpose of the present study was developing polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers incorporating two antibacterial agents, OTC and ZnO, for use in the treatment of PD. Nanofibers were produced by electrospinning method: PCL loaded with ZnO (PCL-Z), PCL loaded with OTC (PCL-OTC), PCL loaded with OTC and ZnO (PCL-OTCz) and pristine PCL (PCL-P). The nanofibers were characterized physicochemically using different techniques. In addition, in vitro study of the OTC release from the nanofibers was performed. The PCL-OCT showed sustained release of the drug up to 10 h, releasing 100% of OTC. However, the PCL-OTCz nanofiber showed a slow release of OTC up to 120 h (5th day) with 54% of drug retention. The cytotoxicity assay showed that PCL-OTC nanofiber was slightly cytotoxic after 48 h and the other nanofibers were non-cytotoxic. The antibacterial activity of the nanofibers was evaluated by qualitative and quantitative analysis and against mixed bacterial culture, composed of four Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria involved in periodontal diseases. The disk diffusion method showed that the PCL-OTC displayed higher inhibition zone than PCL-OTCz (p < 0.001). The quantitative analysis, evaluated by broth culture, showed that the PCL-OTC and PCL-OTCz exhibited excellent activity against a mixed bacterial culture with growth inhibition of 98.0% and 97.5%, respectively. Based on these results, the PCL-OTCz nanofibers developed have great potential as a drug delivery system for the PD treatment.