Use of Hoechst 33342 staining to detect apoptotic changes in bovine mononuclear phagocytes infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Novel high throughput screen reports that benzo(a)pyrene overrides mouse trophoblast stem cell multipotency, inducing SAPK activity, HAND1 and differentiated trophoblast giant cells

INTRODUCTION

Cultured mouse trophoblast stem cells (mTSC) maintain proliferation/normal stemness (NS) under FGF4, which when removed, causes normal differentiation (ND). Hypoxic, or hyperosmotic stress forces trophoblast giant cells (TGC) differentiate. Hypoxic, hyperosmotic, and genotoxic benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), which is found in tobacco smoke, force down-regulation of inhibitor of differentiation (Id)2, enabling TGC differentiation. Hypoxic and hyperosmotic stress induce TGC by SAPK-dependent HAND1 increase. Here we test whether BaP forces mTSC-to-TGC while inducing SAPK and HAND1.

METHODS

Hand1 and SAPK activity were assayed by immunoblot, mTSC-to-TGC growth and differentiation were assayed at Tfinal after 72hr exposure of BaP, NS, ND, Retinoic acid (RA), or sorbitol. Nuclear-stained cells were micrographed automatically by a live imager, and assayed by ImageJ/FIJI, Biotek Gen 5, AIVIA proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) software or open source, CellPose artificial intelligence/AI software.

RESULTS

BaP (0.05-1μM) activated SAPK and HAND1 without diminishing growth. TSC-to-TGC differentiation was assayed with increasingly accuracy for 2-4 N cycling nuclei and >4 N differentiating TGC nuclei, using ImageJ/FIJI, Gen 5, AIVIA, or CellPose AI software. The AIVIA and Cellpose AI software matches human accuracy. The lowest BaP effects on SAPK activation/HAND1 increase are >10-fold more sensitive than similar effects for mESC. RA induces 44-47% 1st lineage TGC differentiation, but the same RA dose induces only 1% 1st lineage mESC differentiation.

DISCUSSION

First, these pilot data suggest that mTSC can be used in high throughput screens (HTS) to predict toxicant exposures that force TGC differentiation. Second, mTSC differentiated more cells than mESC for similar stress exposures, Third, open source AI can replace human micrograph quantitation and enable a miscarriage-predicting HTS.

Mechanisms of gelofusine protection in an in vitro model of polymyxin B-associated renal injury

Polymyxins are a last-resort treatment option for multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections, but they are associated with nephrotoxicity. Gelofusine was previously shown to reduce polymyxin-associated kidney injury in an animal model. However, the mechanism(s) of renal protection has not been fully elucidated. Here, we report the use of a cell culture model to provide insights into the mechanisms of renal protection. Murine epithelial proximal tubular cells were exposed to polymyxin B. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, polymyxin B uptake, mitochondrial superoxide production, nuclear morphology, and apoptosis activation were evaluated with or without concomitant gelofusine. A megalin knockout cell line was used as an uptake inhibition control. Methionine was included in selected experiments as an antioxidant control. A polymyxin B concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability was observed. Increased viability was observed in megalin knockout cells following comparable polymyxin B exposures. Compared with polymyxin B exposure alone, concomitant gelofusine significantly increased cell viability as well as reduced LDH release, polymyxin B uptake, mitochondrial superoxide, and apoptosis. Gelofusine and methionine were more effective at reducing renal cell injury in combination than either agent alone. In conclusion, the mechanisms of renal protection by gelofusine involve decreasing cellular drug uptake, reducing subsequent oxidative stress and apoptosis activation. These findings would be valuable for translational research into clinical strategies to attenuate drug-associated acute kidney injury.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Gelofusine is a gelatinous saline solution with the potential to attenuate polymyxin-associated nephrotoxicity. We demonstrated that the mechanisms of gelofusine renal protection involve reducing polymyxin B uptake by proximal tubule cells, limiting subsequent oxidative stress and apoptosis activation. In addition, gelofusine was more effective at reducing cellular injury than a known antioxidant control, methionine, and a megalin knockout cell line, indicating that gelofusine likely has additional pharmacological properties besides only megalin inhibition.

Hirsutinolide-type sesquiterpenoids with anti-prostate cancer activity from Cyanthillium cinereum

Four previously undescribed hirsutinolide-type sesquiterpenoids, cyanolides A-D (1-4), along with twelve known analogues (5-16), were isolated from the aerial parts of Cyanthillium cinereum. Their structures were determined by comprehensive analysis of NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD spectra. Compound 1 is a rarely occurring hirsutinolide-type sesquiterpenoid with 1,4-ether ring ruptured and containing a chlorine atom, and compounds 13-16 were reported from this plant for the first time. All compounds were tested for their inhibiting effects on prostate cancer cells. As a result, compounds 1, 3, and 8-14 exhibited significant anti-prostate cancer activity against PC-3 and LNCaP cells with IC50 values ranging from 2.2 ± 0.4 to 8.5 ± 0.7 μM and 3.0 ± 0.7 to 10.5 ± 1.1 μM, respectively. The preliminary structure-activity relationship was discussed. Further investigation showed that compound 1 induced apoptosis in PC-3 cells.

Carthamus tinctorius L. Seed and Taraxacum coreanum Attenuate Oxidative Stress Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide in SH-SY5Y Cells

Oxidative stress is closely associated with the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. The seeds of Carthamus tinctorius L. (CTS) and Taraxacum coreanum (TC) are reported as herbal medicines for neuroprotection. This study investigated the protective effect of CTS, TC, and their combination against oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in SH-SY5Y cells. The CTS and TC combination dose-dependently increased DPPH and ·OH radical scavenging activities compared with non-combination. The combination showed a higher increased cell survival rate in H2O2-stimulated SH-SY5Y cells than CTS or TC. Moreover, CTS, TC, and their combination-treated cells reduced LDH release and apoptotic cells. CTS, TC, and their combination also inhibited NO and ROS generation. Further, the combination of up-regulated antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and Bcl-2 protein expressions and down-regulated Bax expression. These findings suggest that the combination of CTS and TC may be beneficial to prevent and treat oxidative stress-mediated neurodegenerative diseases.

Synthesis, Characterization, DNA/HSA Interaction, and Cytotoxic Activity of a Copper(II) Thiolate Schiff Base Complex and Its Corresponding Water-Soluble Stable Sulfinato-O Complex Containing Imidazole as a Co-ligand

A Cu(II) thiolato complex [CuL(imz)] (1) (H₂L = o-HOC₆H₄C(H)=NC₆H₄SH-o) and the corresponding water-soluble stable sulfinato-O complex [CuL'(imz)] (2) (H₂L' = o-HOC₆H₄C(H)=NC₆H₄S(=O)OH) were synthesized and characterized using physicochemical techniques. Compound 2 is found to be a dimer in the solid state as characterized using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. XPS studies clearly showed the differences in the sulfur oxidation states in 1 and 2. Both compounds are found to be monomers in solution as revealed from their four-line X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectra in CH₃CN at room temperature (RT). 1-2 were tested to assess their ability to exhibit DNA binding and cleavage activity. Spectroscopic studies and viscosity experiments suggest that 1-2 bind to CT-DNA through the intercalation mode having moderate binding affinity (K_b ∼ 10⁴ M^-1). This is further supported by molecular docking studies of complex 2 with CT-DNA. Both complexes display significant oxidative cleavage of pUC19 DNA. Complex 2 also showed hydrolytic DNA cleavage. The interaction of 1-2 with HSA revealed that they have strong ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA by a static quenching mechanism (k_q ∼ 10¹³ M^-1 s^-1). This is further complemented by Förster resonance energy transfer studies that revealed binding distances of r = 2.85 and 2.75 nm for 1 and 2, respectively, indicating high potential for energy transfer from HSA to complex. 1-2 were capable of inducing conformational changes of HSA at secondary and tertiary levels as observed from synchronous and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy. Molecular docking studies with 2 indicate that it forms strong hydrogen bonds with Gln221 and Arg222 located near the entrance of site-I of HSA. 1-2 showed potential toxicity in human cervical cancer HeLa cells, lung cancer A549 cells, and cisplatin-resistant breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and appeared to be most potent against HeLa cells (IC₅₀ = 2.04 μM for 1 and 1.86 μM for 2). In HeLa cells, 1-2 mediated cell cycle arrest in S and G2/M phases, which progressed into apoptosis. Apoptotic features seen from Hoechst and AO/PI staining, damaged cytoskeleton actin viewed from phalloidin staining, and increased caspase-3 activity upon treatment with 1-2 collectively suggested that they induced apoptosis in HeLa cells via caspase activation. This is further supported by western blot analysis of the protein sample extracted from HeLa cells treated with 2.

In-depth systems biological evaluation of bovine alveolar macrophages suggests novel insights into molecular mechanisms underlying Mycobacterium bovis infection

OBJECTIVE

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic respiratory infectious disease of domestic livestock caused by intracellular Mycobacterium bovis infection, which causes ~$3 billion in annual losses to global agriculture. Providing novel tools for bTB managements requires a comprehensive understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying the M. bovis infection. Nevertheless, a combination of different bioinformatics and systems biology methods was used in this study in order to clearly understand the molecular regulatory mechanisms of bTB, especially the immunomodulatory mechanisms of M. bovis infection.

METHODS

RNA-seq data were retrieved and processed from 78 (39 non-infected control vs. 39 M. bovis-infected samples) bovine alveolar macrophages (bAMs). Next, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify the co-expression modules in non-infected control bAMs as reference set. The WGCNA module preservation approach was then used to identify non-preserved modules between non-infected controls and M. bovis-infected samples (test set). Additionally, functional enrichment analysis was used to investigate the biological behavior of the non-preserved modules and to identify bTB-specific non-preserved modules. Co-expressed hub genes were identified based on module membership (MM) criteria of WGCNA in the non-preserved modules and then integrated with protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks to identify co-expressed hub genes/transcription factors (TFs) with the highest maximal clique centrality (MCC) score (hub-central genes).

RESULTS

As result, WGCNA analysis led to the identification of 21 modules in the non-infected control bAMs (reference set), among which the topological properties of 14 modules were altered in the M. bovis-infected bAMs (test set). Interestingly, 7 of the 14 non-preserved modules were directly related to the molecular mechanisms underlying the host immune response, immunosuppressive mechanisms of M. bovis, and bTB development. Moreover, among the co-expressed hub genes and TFs of the bTB-specific non-preserved modules, 260 genes/TFs had double centrality in both co-expression and PPI networks and played a crucial role in bAMs-M. bovis interactions. Some of these hub-central genes/TFs, including PSMC4, SRC, BCL2L1, VPS11, MDM2, IRF1, CDKN1A, NLRP3, TLR2, MMP9, ZAP70, LCK, TNF, CCL4, MMP1, CTLA4, ITK, IL6, IL1A, IL1B, CCL20, CD3E, NFKB1, EDN1, STAT1, TIMP1, PTGS2, TNFAIP3, BIRC3, MAPK8, VEGFA, VPS18, ICAM1, TBK1, CTSS, IL10, ACAA1, VPS33B, and HIF1A, had potential targets for inducing immunomodulatory mechanisms by M. bovis to evade the host defense response.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides an in-depth insight into the molecular regulatory mechanisms behind M. bovis infection through biological investigation of the candidate non-preserved modules directly related to bTB development. Furthermore, several hub-central genes/TFs were identified that were significant in determining the fate of M. bovis infection and could be promising targets for developing novel anti-bTB therapies and diagnosis strategies.

Synthesis and biological activity, and molecular modelling studies of potent cytotoxic podophyllotoxin-naphthoquinone compounds

A new approach for the synthesis of podophyllotoxin-naphthoquinone compounds using microwave-assisted three-component reactions is reported in this study. Novel podophyllotoxin-naphthoquinone derivatives with modification on ring E were synthesized. All the synthetic compounds were assessed in terms of their cytotoxicity profile against four cancer cell lines (KB, HepG2, A549, and MCF7), and noncancerous Hek-293 cell lines. Notably, treatment of SK-LU-1 cells with compounds 5a and 5b resulted in G2/M phase arrest of the cell cycle, caspase-3/7 activation, and apoptosis. Additionally, molecular docking studies were performed and showed important interaction of two compounds against residues in the colchicine-binding-site of tubulin as well. Taken together, compounds 5a and 5b were identified as potent anticancer agents.

A new approach for the synthesis of podophyllotoxin-naphthoquinone compounds using microwave-assisted three-component reactions is reported in this study.

Mesalazine induces apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway in K562 cell line

Inflammation is an initial response of the body to infection and relationship between inflammation and cancer has been established. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a central factor in inflammation and its activity contributes to tumor progression and apoptosis prevention consequently leading to cancer promotion. As a result, NF-κB inhibitors can cause apoptosis. In this study, the effect of mesalazine as a NF-κB inhibitor on growth and apoptosis of K562 cells has been investigated. The K562 cells were first cultured in RPMI-1640 medium containing 10.00% fetal bovine serum. After that, they were treated for 72 hr with different concentrations of mesalazine (20.00, 40.00, 60.00 and 80.00 μM mL^-1). The MTT assay was used to evaluate cell viability. Hoechst staining and RT-PCR of apoptosis related genes (Bcl-2 and Bax) were carried out to illustrate apoptosis induction and immunocytochemistry was performed to investigate changes in c-Myc protein level. According to the results of MTT assay, all of applied mesalazine concentrations decreased K562 cells viability. Hoechst staining showed that the fragmented nuclei increased indicating apoptosis induction. Immuno-cytochemical ‎ results showed that mesalazine decreased c-Myc in treated cells. The RT-PCR results also showed an increase in Bax and a decrease in Bcl-2 expressions in mesalazine-treated cells. As the results suggest, mesalazine reduces cell viability by inducing apoptosis in K562 cell line; therefore, it can be used as a candidate for the leukemia treatment.

Exogenous Vitamin D3 Modulates Response of Bovine Macrophages to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Infection and Is Dependent Upon Stage of Johne’s Disease

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the causative agent of ruminant enteritis, targets intestinal macrophages. During infection, macrophages contribute to mucosal inflammation and development of granulomas in the small intestine which worsens as disease progression occurs. Vitamin D₃ is an immunomodulatory steroid hormone with beneficial roles in host-pathogen interactions. Few studies have investigated immunologic roles of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) in cattle, particularly cattle infected with MAP. This study examined the effects of exogenous vitamin D₃ on immune responses of monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs) isolated from dairy cattle naturally infected with MAP. MDMs were pre-treated with ± 100 ng/ml 25(OH)D₃ or ± 4 ng/ml 1,25(OH)₂D₃, then incubated 24 hrs with live MAP in the presence of their respective pre-treatment concentrations. Following treatment with either vitamin D₃ analog, phagocytosis of MAP by MDMs was significantly greater in clinically infected animals, with a greater amount of live and dead bacteria. Clinical cows had significantly less CD40 surface expression on MDMs compared to subclinical cows and noninfected controls. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ also significantly increased nitrite production in MAP infected cows. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment played a key role in upregulating secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-12 while downregulating IL-10, IL-6, and IFN-γ. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ also negatively regulated transcripts of CYP24A1, CYP27B1, DEFB7, NOS2, and IL10. Results from this study demonstrate that vitamin D₃ compounds, but mainly 1,25(OH)₂D₃, modulate both pro- and anti-inflammatory immune responses in dairy cattle infected with MAP, impacting the bacterial viability within the macrophage.

Screening of Apoptosis Pathway-Mediated Anti-Proliferative Activity of the Phytochemical Compound Furanodienone against Human Non-Small Lung Cancer A-549 Cells

Furanodienone (FDN), a major bioactive component of sesquiterpenes produced from Rhizoma Curcumae, has been repeatedly acknowledged for its intrinsic anticancer efficacy against different types of cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cytotoxic potential of furanodienone against human lung cancer (NSCLC A549) cells in vitro, as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms in the induction of apoptosis. Herein, we found that FDN significantly inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, treatment with FDN potentially triggered apoptosis in A549 cells via not only disrupting the nuclear morphology, but by activating capsase-9 and caspase-3 with concomitant modulation of the pro- and antiapoptotic gene expression as well. Furthermore, FDN revealed its competence in inducing cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in A549 cells, which was associated with decreased expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), along with increased expression of CDK inhibitor p21Cip1. Intriguingly, FDN treatment efficiently downregulated the Wnt signaling pathway, which was correlated with increased apoptosis, as well as cell cycle arrest, in A549 cells. Collectively, FDN might represent a promising adjuvant therapy for the management of lung cancer.

Bannaxanthone E Induced Cell-Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Lung Cancer Cell Line

The anti-cancer activity of bannaxanthone E isolated from Garcinia mckeaniana leaves was assessed through a flow cytometric method on human lung SK-LU-1 cancer cells, including cell cycle changes and induction of cell apoptosis. Treatment with bannaxanthone E led to the suppression of cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase to 19.6% at 4 µM, and induced apoptosis via cell morphological changes, increased the fluorescence signal in caspase-3/7 activation, and accumulation of apoptotic cells in the SK-LU-1 line at 4 µM to 25.7%.

Using Omics Approaches in the Discovery of Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Johne's Disease in Sheep and Goats

Simple Summary

Johne’s disease (JD) is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and is an important and emerging problem in livestock. Most JD research has been carried out on cattle, but interest in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of this disease in sheep and goats is greatest in developing countries. Sheep and goats are also a relevant part of livestock production in Europe and Australia, and these species provide an excellent resource to study and better understand the mechanism of survival of MAP and gain insights into possible approaches to control this disease. This review gives an overview of the literature on paratuberculosis in sheep and goats, highlighting the immunological aspects and the potential for “omics” approaches to identify effective biomarkers for the early detection of infection.

Abstract

Johne’s disease (JD) is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and is an important and emerging problem in livestock; therefore, its control and prevention is a priority to reduce economic losses and health risks. Most JD research has been carried out on cattle, but interest in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of this disease in sheep and goats is greatest in developing countries. Sheep and goats are also a relevant part of livestock production in Europe and Australia, and these species provide an excellent resource to study and better understand the mechanism of survival of MAP and gain insights into possible approaches to control this disease. This review gives an overview of the literature on paratuberculosis in sheep and goats, highlighting the immunological aspects and the potential for “omics” approaches to identify effective biomarkers for the early detection of infection. As JD has a long incubation period before the disease becomes evident, early diagnosis is important to control the spread of the disease.

Chemical Constituents of Eupatorium japonicum and Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic, and Apoptotic Activities of Eupatoriopicrin on Cancer Stem Cells

Eupatorium japonicum Thunb. of the plant family Asteraceae is a popular traditional herb in Vietnam. However, its chemical constituents as well as bioactive principles have not been investigated yet. We investigated the phytochemistry of E. japonicum in Vietnam and isolated seventeen compounds (1–17) including phytosterols, terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, fatty alcohols, and fatty acids. They were structurally determined by MS and NMR analysis. Except for compounds 6 and 12, all the other compounds were identified for the first time from E. japonicum. Since many sesquiterpene lactones with α-methylene γ-lactone ring are reported as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents, eupatoriopicrin (10), 1-hydroxy-8-(4,5-dihydroxytigloyloxy)eudesma-4(15),11(13)-dien-6,12-olide (11) were selected among the isolates for biological assays. Compound 10 was identified as the main bioactive sesquiterpene lactone of E. japonicum showing its potent anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity through inhibiting NO production and the growth of HepG2 and MCF-7 human cancer cell lines. For the first time, eupatoriopicrin (10) was demonstrated to strongly inhibit NTERA-2 human cancer stem cell (CSC) line in vitro. It is noticeable that the cytotoxicity of eupatoriopicrin against NTERA-2 cells is mediated by its apoptosis-inducing capability of 10 as demonstrated by the results of Hoechst 33342 staining, flow cytometry apoptosis analysis, and caspase-3 activity assays. The biological activities of the main bioactive constituents 1–7, 10, 12, and 15 supported the reported anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties of extracts from E. japonicum.

The Effect of Ginsenoside RB1, Diazoxide, and 5-Hydroxydecanoate on Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Injury of H9C2 Cardiomyocytes

This study was aimed to investigate whether ginsenoside Rb1 (GS-Rb1) from the cardioprotective Chinese medicine ginseng can reduce hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR)-induced damage to cardiomyocytes by protecting the mitochondria. Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis plays a key role during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). When MIRI occurs, the continuous opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) causes mitochondrial damage and ultimately leads to apoptosis. We treated H9c2 cells, derived from rat embryonic cardiomyoblasts, with GS-Rb1, diazoxide, and 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), using HR to simulate MIRI. We found that GS-Rb1 can reduce mPTP by stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) during HR. This protects the mitochondria by reducing the release of cytochrome c and the expression of cleaved-caspase-3 in the cytoplasm, ultimately reducing apoptosis. During this process, GS-Rb1 and diazoxide showed similar effects. These findings provide some evidence for a protective effect of GS-Rb1 treatment on MIRI.

Interleukin 1 alpha administration is neuroprotective and neuro-restorative following experimental ischemic stroke

Background

Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide despite recent treatment breakthroughs. A primary event in stroke pathogenesis is the development of a potent and deleterious local and peripheral inflammatory response regulated by the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1). While the role of IL-1β (main released isoform) has been well studied in stroke, the role of the IL-1α isoform remains largely unknown. With increasing utilization of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) or thrombectomy to pharmacologically or mechanically remove ischemic stroke causing blood clots, respectively, there is interest in pairing successful cerebrovascular recanalization with neurotherapeutic pharmacological interventions (Fraser et al., J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 37:3531–3543, 2017; Hill et al., Lancet Neurol 11:942–950, 2012; Amaro et al., Stroke 47:2874–2876, 2016).

Methods

Transient stroke was induced in mice via one of two methods. One group of mice were subjected to tandem ipsilateral common carotid artery and middle cerebral artery occlusion, while another group underwent the filament-based middle cerebral artery occlusion. We have recently developed an animal model of intra-arterial (IA) drug administration after recanalization (Maniskas et al., J Neurosci Met 240:22–27, 2015). Sub groups of the mice were treated with either saline or Il-1α, wherein the drug was administered either acutely (immediately after surgery) or subacutely (on the third day after stroke). This was followed by behavioral and histological analyses.

Results

We now show in the above-mentioned mouse stroke models (transient tandem ipsilateral common carotid artery (CCA) and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCA) occlusion, MCA suture occlusion) that IL-1α is neuroprotective when acutely given either intravenously (IV) or IA at low sub-pathologic doses. Furthermore, while IV administration induces transient hemodynamic side effects without affecting systemic markers of inflammation, IA delivery further improves overall outcomes while eliminating these side effects. Additionally, we show that delayed/subacute IV IL-1α administration ameliorates functional deficit and promotes neurorepair.

Conclusions

Taken together, our present study suggests for the first time that IL-1α could, unexpectedly, be an effective ischemic stroke therapy with a broad therapeutic window.

An improved method for isolation of mitochondria from cell lines that enables reconstitution of calcium-dependent processes

Optimum cytosolic calcium concentrations support balanced mitochondrial respiration. However, cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentrations vary among cell types and excess Ca²⁺ can cause mitochondrial dysfunction. We optimized an isolation protocol to eliminate excess Ca²⁺ and thereby minimizing structural damage. Ca²⁺ uptake was monitored by measuring mitochondrial Ca²⁺-dependent PKA activity using cAMP ELISAs, and O₂ consumption levels during mitochondrial respiration using high-resolution respirometry. 3 nM Ca²⁺ was found to increase cAMP levels and produce optimal state III respiration. Hence, optimized isolation of mitochondria from cell lines using calcium denudation provides the best platform for the study of Ca²⁺-dependent regulation of mitochondrial signaling.

Bombesin conjugated solid lipid nanoparticles for improved delivery of epigallocatechin gallate for breast cancer treatment

Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) is a potent anti-cancer therapeutic which effectively controls the growth of cancerous cells through a variety of different pathways. However, its molecular structure is susceptible to modifications due to cellular enzymes affecting its stability, bioavailability and hence, overall efficiency. In this study, we have initially encapsulated EGCG in the matrix of solid lipid nanoparticles to provide a stable drug carrier. To confer additional specificity towards gastrin releasing peptide receptors (GRPR) overexpressed in breast cancer, EGCG loaded nanoparticles were conjugated with a GRPR-specific peptide. In-vitro cytotoxicity studies showed that the peptide-conjugated formulations possessed greater cytotoxicity to cancer cell lines compared to the non-conjugated formulations. Further, in-vivo studies performed on C57/BL6 mice showed greater survivability and reduction in tumour volume in mice treated with peptide-conjugated formulation as compared to the mice treated with non-conjugated formulation or with plain EGCG. These results warrant the potential of the system designed in this study as a novel and effective drug delivery system in breast cancer therapy.

Anti-Tumorigenic Effects of Resveratrol in Lung Cancer Cells Through Modulation of c-FLIP

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties in multiple cancer types. Here we demonstrate that H460 lung cancer cells are more susceptible to resveratrol treatment in comparison to human bronchial epithelial Beas-2B cells. Resveratrol decreases cell viability and proliferation, and induces significant apoptosis in H460 cells. The apoptosis observed was accompanied by an increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, Bid, PARP and caspase 8 activation, and downregulation of pEGFR, pAkt, c-FLIP and NFkB protein expression. Furthermore, treatment with HH2O2 scavenger catalase significantly inhibited resveratrol-induced c-FLIP downregulation, caspase-8 activation and apoptosis. Overexpression of c-FLIP in H460 cells (FLIP cells) resulted in the inhibition of resveratrol-induced HH2O2 production, and a significant increase in resveratrolinduced apoptosis in comparison to H460 cells. In FLIP cells, catalase treatment did not rescue cells from a decrease in cell viability and apoptosis induction by resveratrol as compared to H460 cells. Resveratrol treatment also led to VEGF downregulation in FLIP cells. Furthermore, inhibition of pEGFR or pAkt using erlotinib and LY294002 respectively, enhanced the negative effect of resveratrol on FLIP cell viability and apoptosis. The reverse was observed when FLIP cells were supplemented with EGF, or transfected with WT-AKT plasmid; resulting in a 20% decrease in resveratrol-induced apoptosis. In addition, transfection with WT-AKT plasmid resulted in the inhibition of pro-apoptotic protein activation, and c-FLIP and pAkt downregulation.

CONCLUSION

Overall, resveratrol induced apoptosis in H460 lung cancer cells by specifically targeting pAkt and c-FLIP dowregulation by proteasomal degradation in a EGFR-dependent manner.

Inhibition of Shigella sonnei-induced epithelial barrier disruption by surface-layer associated proteins of lactobacilli from Chinese fermented food

Surface-layer associated proteins (SLAP) of Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei M5-L and Lactobacillus casei Q8-L were examined to identify the functional basis for their protection within intestinal epithelial cells. The results showed that SLAP of M5-L and Q8-L remained active in a trypsin solution and retained a 45-kDa protein band, similar to that observed in controls. In contrast, under conditions of simulated gastric juice, the SLAP were partially degraded. Inhibitory effects of SLAP on adherence of Shigella sonnei to HT-29 cells were assessed with use of exclusion, competition, and replacement assays. In response to M5-L at 50 μg/mL SLAP, an inhibition ratio of 33% was obtained, while for Q8-L at 400 μg/mL SLAP, the inhibition ratio was 48%. Hoechst 33258 test results showed that cells infected with S. sonnei and co-incubated with SLAP of M5-L and Q8-L were only partially apoptotic, with apoptosis rates of 37.67 and 43.67%, respectively. These levels of apoptosis were substantially lower than that observed with cells infected with S. sonnei alone. In addition, the SLAP of Q8-L and M5-L reduced downstream caspase-1 activity and further modified apoptotic cell damage. Finally, SLAP of M5-L and Q8-L were also able to prevent S. sonnei-induced membrane damage by inhibiting delocalization of zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and reducing the amount of occludin produced by S. sonnei.

Cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic role of Terminalia arjuna on oxalate injured renal epithelial cells

Urolithiasis is one of the painful multifactorial disorders caused by metabolic abnormalities influencing the composition of body fluids and urine. The bark of Terminalia arjuna (T. arjuna), very well known in Ayurveda for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, possesses antioxidant and diuretic activity. The present study was undertaken to investigate the antiurolithiatic efficacy of aqueous extract of bark of T. arjuna on oxalate-induced injury to renal tubular epithelial cells. Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were exposed to 2 mM oxalate for 48 h to evaluate the protective effect of T. arjuna aqueous extract on cell viability, CaOx crystal adherence and apoptotic changes caused by oxalate. The results confirmed that oxalate injured MDCK cells were protected by T. arjuna extract. On treatment with a range concentrations, the cell viability increased in a concentration dependent manner. Moreover, the extract prevented the interaction of the calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals with the cell surface and reduced the number of apoptotic cells. The current data suggests that T. arjuna bark confers a cytoprotective role and based on our results it could be a potential candidate from natural plant sources against urolithiasis.

SIRT3 mediates decrease of oxidative damage and prevention of ageing in porcine fetal fibroblasts

AIMS

Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a mitochondria-specific protein required for the deacetylation of metabolic enzymes and the action of oxidative phosphorylation by acting as a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)-dependent deacetylase. SIRT3 increases oxidative stress resistance and prevents mitochondrial decay associated with ageing in response to caloric restriction. However, the effects of SIRT3 on oxidative damage and ageing are not well understood. We investigated the physiological functions of porcine SIRT3 on the damage and ageing in porcine fetal fibroblasts (PFFs).

MAIN METHODS

Overexpression and knockdown of SIRT3 were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. All cells were treated with three different stress reagents 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), methanesulfonic acid methylester (MMS), and tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP), respectively, and then examined by flow cytometry following JC-1 (5, 5', 6, 6'-tetrachloro-1, 1', 3, 3'-tetraethylbenzimidazol-carbocyanine iodide) staining.

KEY FINDINGS

SIRT3 overexpression enhanced the ability of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) to reduce cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which further decreased the damage to the membranes and the organelles of the cells, especially to mitochondria. It inhibited the initial decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, and prevented the decrease of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and activity of Nampt. In contrast, SIRT3 knockdown reduced the ability of SOD2 to increase cellular ROS which was directly correlated with stress-induced oxidative damage and ageing in PFFs.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings identify one function of SIRT3 in PFFs was to dampen cytotoxicity, and, therefore, to decrease oxidative damage and attenuate ageing possibly by enhancing the activity of SOD2.

Lipidomic profile of GM95 cell death induced by Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin

Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin (ATX) is considered as a prototype of cytotoxic bacterial phospholipases C, and is the major virulence factor in C. perfringens-induced gas gangrene. It is known that, depending on the dose, ATX causes membrane disruption and cytolysis or only limited hydrolysis of its substrates. In the latter case, toxin activity leads to the unregulated generation of bioactive lipids that can ultimately induce cell death. We have characterized apoptosis and necrosis in highly ATX-sensitive, ganglioside-deficient cells exposed to different concentrations of ATX and we have studied the lipidomic profile of cells treated with ATX as compared to native cells to detect the main changes in the lipidomic profile and the possible involvement of lipid signals in cell death. ATX causes both apoptosis and necrosis, depending on dose and time. ATX activates cell death, stimulating the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria and the consequent activation of caspases-3. Moreover GM95 cells treated with ATX showed important lipidomic alterations, among them we detected a general decrease in several phospholipid species and important changes in lipids involved in programmed cell death e.g. ceramide. The data suggest two different mechanisms of cell death caused by ATX, one leading to (mainly saturated) glycerophospholipid hydrolysis related to an increase in diacylglycerols and associated to membrane damage and necrosis, and a second mechanism involving chiefly sphingomyelin hydrolysis and generation of proapoptotic lipidic mediators such as ceramide, N-acylethanolamine and saturated non-esterified fatty acids.

Ovariectomy upregulated the expression of Peroxiredoxin 1 &5 in osteoblasts of mice

Peroxiredoxin (PRX), a family of peroxidases, is associated with various biological processes such as the detoxification of oxidants and cell apoptosis. Besides, the anti-apoptosis effect of estrogen results partially from its anti-oxidant function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of PRXs in ovariectomy (OVX) mice and the related anti-oxidative mechanism of estrogen. Eight-week-old mice were subjected to ovariectomy. MC3T3-E1 cells were pretreatment with 17b-estradiol and N-acetyl cysteine followed by oxidative injury induced with H₂O₂. Western blot and real time-PCR were applied to clarify the expressions of PRX1 and caspase-3, with both wild-type and PRX1 knockout MC3T3-E1 cells generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The results showed PRX1 and PRX5 were upregulated in osteoblasts in the proximal tibial metaphysis of ovariectomy mice. Interestingly, PRX1 and PRX5 showed different distribution patterns, with PRX1 mainly accumulated in cell nuclei and PRX5 in the cytoplasm. Gene expression analysis showed significantly reduced expressions of PRX1 and caspase-3 in the pretreatment groups when compared with cells treated with H₂O₂ alone. Also, a decrease of caspase-3 expressions was observed in PRX1 knockout MC3T3-E1 cells with or without H₂O₂ in comparison to wild-type cells. These findings suggested that PRX may play important roles in estrogen-deficient osteoporosis. (200 words).

Mechanistic Insights into the Antilithiatic Proteins from Terminalia arjuna: A Proteomic Approach in Urolithiasis

Kidney stone formation during hyperoxaluric condition is inherently dependent on the interaction between renal epithelial cells and calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. Although modern medicine has progressed in terms of removal of these stones, recurrence and persistent side effects restricts their use. Strategies involving plant based agents which could be used as adjunct therapy is an area which needs to be explored. Plant proteins having antilithiatic activity is a hitherto unexplored area and therefore, we conducted a detailed identification and characterization of antilithiatic proteins from Terminalia arjuna (T. arjuna). Proteins were isolated from the dried bark of T. arjuna and those having molecular weights > 3 kDa were subjected to anion exchange chromatography followed by gel filtration chromatography. Four proteins were identified exhibiting inhibitory activity against CaOx crystallization and crystal growth kinetics The cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic efficacy of these purified proteins was further investigated on oxalate injured renal epithelial cells (MDCK and NRK-52E) wherein, injury due to oxalate was significantly attenuated and led to a dose dependent increase in viability of these cells. These proteins also prevented the interaction of the CaOx crystals to the cell surface and reduced the number of apoptotic cells. Identification of these 4 anionic proteins from the bark of T. arjuna was carried out by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight Mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). This was followed by database search with the MASCOT server and sequence similarity was found with Nuclear pore anchor, DEAD Box ATP-dependent RNA helicase 45, Lon protease homolog 1 and Heat shock protein 90–3. These novel proteins isolated from T. arjuna have the potential to inhibit CaOx crystallization and promote cell survival and therefore, offer novel avenues which need to be explored further for the medical management of urolithiasis.

The Effects of Alpha Boswellic Acid on Reelin Expression and Tau Phosphorylation in Human Astrocytes

Reelin is an extracellular glycoprotein which contributes to synaptic plasticity and function of memory in the adult brain. It has been indicated that the Reelin signaling cascade participates in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Besides the neurons, glial cells such as astrocytes also express Reelin protein. While functional loss of astrocytes has been reported to be associated with AD, dysfunction of astrocytic Reelin signaling pathway has not received much attention. Therefore, we investigated the effects of α-boswellic acid (ABA) as one of the major component of Boswellia serrata resin on primary fetal human astrocytes under a stress paradigm as a possible model for AD through study on Reelin cascade. For this aim, we used streptozotocin (STZ), in which from an outlook generates Alzheimer's hallmarks in astrocytes, and assayed Reelin expression, Tau and Akt phosphorylation as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis in the presences of ABA. Our results indicated that while STZ (100 µM) down-regulated the expression of Reelin, ABA (25 µM) up-regulated its expression (p < 0.01) for 24 h. ABA efficiently reduced hyperphosphorylated Tau (Ser404) in STZ-treated astrocytes (p < 0.01). Furthermore, STZ-induced apoptosis by increasing cleaved caspase three (p < 0.01) and ROS generation (p < 0.01), a further pathological hallmark of Tauopathy. On the other hand, ABA decreased ROS generation and promoted proliferation of astrocytes through elevating Survivin expression (p < 0.01). These results showed that ABA could be considered as a potent therapeutic agent for prevention and decreasing the progression of Alzheimer's hallmarks in astrocytes; however, more in vivo studies would be needed.

Gene Expression and Antimicrobial Activity of Bovine Macrophages in Response to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

We evaluated gene expression and antimicrobial responses of bovine monocyte—derived macrophages incubated with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (M. a. ptb), the causative agent of Johne's disease. Gene expression was evaluated by the use of human noncompetitive high-density oligonucleotide microarrays. Bovine messenger RNA hybridized with 14.2–18.2% of the 12,600 oligonucleotide probe sets. When macrophages incubated with M. a. ptb were compared with nonactivated control macrophages, macrophages activated by addition of interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide, and macrophages incubated with Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium (M. a. a), 47, 79, and 27 genes, respectively, were differentially expressed. Differential expression of six of these genes was confirmed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Several functional assays were performed to evaluate the potential relevance of differentially expressed genes to host defense. Macrophages phagocytizing M. a. a had a greater capacity to kill the organisms and to acidify phagosomes and a greater degree of apoptosis than did macrophages incubated with M. a. ptb. The results of these studies indicate that multiple genes and metabolic pathways are differentially expressed by macrophages ingesting mycobacterial organisms. Although the intracellular fate of mycobacterial organisms appears to be dependent on a complex interaction between macrophage and organism, phagosome acidification and apoptosis may play central roles in organism survival.

RGD-decorated redox-responsived-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate–poly(lactide) nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery

A novel kind of copolymer, TPGS-SS-PLA, was successfully synthesized and applied in targeted drug delivery.

Diospyros perigrena bark extract induced apoptosis in filarial parasite Setaria cervi through generation of reactive oxygen species

CONTEXT

Lymphatic filariasis is a major neglected tropical disease. Diospyros perigrena Gurke (Ebenaceae) was selected for antifilarial chemotherapy because of unavailability of proper medicine. In India, different parts of this plant were used for the treatment of diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, mouth ulcers, and wounds.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was undertaken to access antifilarial potential and mechanism of action of n-butanol extract (NBE) of D. perigrena stem bark on Setaria cervi Rudolphi (Onchocercidae).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro efficacy and apoptotic mechanism were evaluated by Hoechst, TUNEL, DNA fragmentation assay, pro- and anti-apoptotic gene expression in NBE (250, 125, 62.5, 31.25, and 15.6 µg/ml)-treated S. cervi after 24 h of incubation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) up-regulation was also determined by GSH, GST, SOD assays, and super oxide anion level.

RESULTS

Significant in vitro antifilarial activity of NBE was found 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50): adult = 57.6 μg/ml, microfilariae (mf) = 56.1 μg/ml, and lethal dose (LD100) in mf is 187.17 μg/ml) after 24 h of treatment. NBF-induced apoptosis was proved by Hoechst, TUNEL, RT-PCR, and Western blot method. NBF (250 µg/ml) decreased the level of GSH (17.8%) and GST (65.4%), increased SOD activity (1.42-fold) and super oxide anion production (1.32-fold) in the treated parasite which culminated into ROS up-regulation.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

NBE induced apoptosis in different life cycle stages of S. cervi. In future, a detailed study of NBF will give us a novel antifilarial compound which will be used for antifilarial chemotherapy.

Fabrication and cytocompatibility of in situ crosslinked carbon nanomaterial films

Assembly of carbon nanomaterials into two-dimensional (2D) coatings and films that harness their unique physiochemical properties may lead to high impact energy capture/storage, sensors, and biomedical applications. For potential biomedical applications, the suitability of current techniques such as chemical vapor deposition, spray and dip coating, and vacuum filtration, employed to fabricate macroscopic 2D all carbon coatings or films still requires thorough examination. Each of these methods presents challenges with regards to scalability, suitability for a large variety of substrates, mechanical stability of coatings or films, or biocompatibility. Herein we report a coating process that allow for rapid, in situ chemical crosslinking of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into macroscopic all carbon coatings. The resultant coatings were found to be continuous, electrically conductive, significantly more robust, and cytocompatible to human adipose derived stem cells. The results lay groundwork for 3D layer-on-layer nanomaterial assemblies (including various forms of graphene) and also opens avenues to further explore the potential of MWCNT films as a novel class of nano-fibrous mats for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Exon 4-encoded sequence is a major determinant of cytotoxicity of apolipoprotein L1

The apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene (APOL1) product is toxic to kidney cells, and its G1 and G2 alleles are strongly associated with increased risk for kidney disease progression in African Americans. Variable penetrance of the G1 and G2 risk alleles highlights the significance of additional factors that trigger or modify the progression of disease. In this regard, the effect of alternative splicing in the absence or presence of G1 or G2 alleles is unknown. In this study we investigated whether alternative splicing of non-G1, non-G2 APOL1 (APOL1 G0) affects its biological activity. Among seven APOL1 exons, exons 2 and 4 are differentially expressed in major transcripts. We found that, in contrast to APOL1 splice variants B3 or C, variants A and B1 demonstrate strong toxicity in human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells. Subsequently, we established that exon 4 is a major determinant of toxicity of variants A and B1 and that extracellular release of these variants is dispensable for their cytotoxicity. Although only variants A and B1 induced nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy, exon 4-positive and -negative APOL1 variants stimulated perinuclear accumulation of unprocessed autophagosomes. Knockdown of endogenous TFEB did not attenuate APOL1 cytotoxicity, indicating that nuclear translocation of TFEB is dispensable for APOL1 toxicity. Our findings that a human podocyte cell line expresses exon 4-positive and -negative APOL1 transcripts suggest that these variants may play a differential role in podocyte pathology. In summary, we have identified exon 4 as a major determinant of APOL1 G0 cytotoxicity.

Multicomponent 5-fluorouracil loaded PAMAM stabilized-silver nanocomposites synergistically induce apoptosis in human cancer cells

Herein, we report the development of a poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer based multicomponent therapeutic agent forin vitrocancer therapy applications.

Tumor-targeted folate-decorated albumin-stabilised silver nanoparticles induce apoptosis at low concentration in human breast cancer cells

The current study exploits the folate-mediated delivery of bovine serum albumin (BSA) stabilized Ag NPs and thereby overcomes various drawbacks associated with non-specific targeting.

DNA fragmentation and cell cycle arrest: a hallmark of apoptosis induced by Ruta graveolens in human colon cancer cells

In the present study, we investigated the anti-cancer effect of various potencies of Ruta graveolens (Ruta) on COLO-205 cell line, as evidenced by cytotoxicity, migration, clonogenecity, morphological and biochemical changes and modification in the levels of genes associated with apoptosis and cell cycle. On treatment of COLO-205 cells maximal effects were seen with mother tincture (MT) and 30C potencies, wherein decrease in cell viability along with reduced clonogenecity and migration capabilities were noted. In addition morphological and biochemical alterations such as nuclear changes (fragmented nuclei with condensed chromatin) and DNA ladder-like pattern (increased amount of fragmented DNA) in COLO-205 cells indicating apoptotic related cell death were seen. The expression of apoptosis and cell-cycle related regulatory genes assessed by reverse transcriptase-PCR revealed an up-regulation of caspase 9, caspase-3, Bax, p21 and p27 expression and down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression in treated cells. The mode of cell death was suggestive of intrinsic apoptotic pathway along with cell cycle arrest at the G2/M of the cell cycle. Our findings indicate that phytochemicals present in Ruta showed potential for natural therapeutic product development for colon carcinoma.

Achyranthes aspera root extracts induce human colon cancer cell (COLO-205) death by triggering the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and S phase cell cycle arrest

Achyranthes aspera (AA) has been used traditionally for the cure of various disorders. However, the action of root extracts of AA as anticancer agent and its cellular mechanism remain unclear. The aim was to screen the antitumor effect of ethanolic (EAA) and aqueous (AAA) root extracts on the growth of colon cancer COLO-205 cells by testing their cytotoxicity, followed by their effect on clonogenicity, migration, and induction of apoptosis. Mechanisms leading to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were also investigated by expression studies of caspase-9, caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, p16, p21, and p27 genes, followed by flow cytometric analysis for cell cycle distribution. Cytotoxicity screening of AA extracts indicated greater cytotoxic activity of AAA extract against COLO-205 cells. A series of events marked by apoptosis revealed loss of cell viability, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation in AAA treated cells to a greater extent. The mRNA expression levels of caspase-9, caspase-3, Bax, p16, p21, and p27 were markedly increased in the AAA treated cells, along with decreased Bcl-2 expression. The cell cycle arrest at S phase was detected by flow cytometric analysis after treatment with AAA. Overall the study signifies the aqueous extracts as a promising therapeutic candidate against cancer.

Baicalein, an active component of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, prevents lysophosphatidylcholine-induced cardiac injury by reducing reactive oxygen species production, calcium overload and apoptosis via MAPK pathways

Background

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), a metabolite from membrane phospholipids, accumulates in the ischemic myocardium and plays an important role in the development of myocardial dysfunction ventricular arrhythmia. In this study, we investigated if baicalein, a major component of Huang Qui, can protect against lysoPC-induced cytotoxicity in rat H9c2 embryonic cardiomyocytes.

Methods

Cell viability was detected by the MTT assay; ROS levels were assessed using DCFH-DA; and intracellular free calcium concentrations were assayed by spectrofluorophotometer. Cell apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated by the flow cytometry assay and Hoechst staining. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs), which included the ERK, JNK, and p38, and the apoptotic mechanisms including Bcl-2/Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9 and cytochrome c pathways were examined by Western blot analysis. The activation of MAPKs was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

We found that lysoPC induced death and apoptosis of H9c2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Baicalein could prevent lysoPC-induced cell death, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increase of intracellular calcium concentration in H9c2 cardiomyoctes. In addition, baicalein also inhibited lysoPC-induced apoptosis, with associated decreased pro-apoptotic Bax protein, increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, resulting in an increase in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Finally, baicalein attenuated lysoPC-induced the expression of cytochrome c, casapase-3, casapase-9, and the phosphorylations of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38. LysoPC-induced ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 activations were inhibited by baicalein.

Conclusions

Baicalein protects cardiomyocytes from lysoPC-induced apoptosis by reducing ROS production, inhibition of calcium overload, and deactivations of MAPK signaling pathways.

From mouth to macrophage: mechanisms of innate immune subversion by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Johne’s disease (JD) is a chronic enteric infection of cattle caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). The high economic cost and potential zoonotic threat of JD have driven efforts to develop tools and approaches to effectively manage this disease within livestock herds. Efforts to control JD through traditional animal management practices are complicated by MAP’s ability to cause long-term environmental contamination as well as difficulties associated with diagnosis of JD in the pre-clinical stages. As such, there is particular emphasis on the development of an effective vaccine. This is a daunting challenge, in large part due to MAP’s ability to subvert protective host immune responses. Accordingly, there is a priority to understand MAP’s interaction with the bovine host: this may inform rational targets and approaches for therapeutic intervention. Here we review the early host defenses encountered by MAP and the strategies employed by the pathogen to avert or subvert these responses, during the critical period between ingestion and the establishment of persistent infection in macrophages.

Cell-death assessment by fluorescent and nonfluorescent cytosolic and nuclear staining techniques

Apoptosis, a genetically programmed cellular event leads to biochemical and morphological changes in cells. Alterations in DNA caused by several factors affect nucleus and ultimately the entire cell leading to compromised function of the organ and organism. DNA, a master regulator of the cellular events, is an important biomolecule with regards to cell growth, cell death, cell migration and cell differentiation. It is therefore imperative to develop the staining techniques that may lead to visualize the changes in nucleus where DNA is housed, to comprehend the cellular pathophysiology. Over the years a number of nuclear staining techniques such as propidium iodide, Hoechst-33342, 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), Acridine orange-Ethidium bromide staining, among others have been developed to assess the changes in DNA. Some nonnuclear staining techniques such as Annexin-V staining, which although does not stain DNA, but helps to identify the events that result from DNA alteration and leads to initiation of apoptotic cell death. In this review, we have briefly discussed some of the most commonly used fluorescent and nonfluorescent staining techniques that identify apoptotic changes in cell, DNA and the nucleus. These techniques help in differentiating several cellular and nuclear phenotypes that result from DNA damage and have been identified as specific to necrosis or early and late apoptosis as well as scores of other nuclear deformities occurring inside the cells.

Mannosylated lipoarabinomannans from Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis alters the inflammatory response by bovine macrophages and suppresses killing of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium organisms

Analysis of the mechanisms through which pathogenic mycobacteria interfere with macrophage activation and phagosome maturation have shown that engagement of specific membrane receptors with bacterial ligands is the initiating event. Mannosylated lipoarabinomannan (Man-LAM) has been identified as one of the ligands that modulates macrophage function. We evaluated the effects of Man-LAM derived from Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) on bovine macrophages. Man-LAM induced a rapid and prolonged expression of IL-10 message as well as transient expression of TNF-α. Preincubation with Man-LAM for up to 16 h did not suppress expression of IL-12 in response to interferon-γ. Evaluation of the effect of Man-LAM on phagosome acidification, phagosome maturation, and killing of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA) showed that preincubation of macrophages with Man-LAM before addition of MAA inhibited phagosome acidification, phagolysosome fusion, and reduced killing. Analysis of signaling pathways provided indirect evidence that inhibition of killing was associated with activation of the MAPK-p38 signaling pathway but not the pathway involved in regulation of expression of IL-10. These results support the hypothesis that MAP Man-LAM is one of the virulence factors facilitating survival of MAP in macrophages.

Nitric oxide releasing photoresponsive nanohybrids as excellent therapeutic agent for cervical cancer cell lines

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) that can release nitric oxide (NO) on visible-light irradiation were prepared using 2-mercapto-5-nitro benzimidazole (MNBI) as stabilizer. These nanoparticles meet overall prerequisites for biomedical applications like small sizes, water solubility, and stability. It was found that even a very low dosage of MNBI-stabilized GNPs exhibit appreciable tumor cell mortality against cervical cancer cell lines, demonstrating the role of NO in killing cancer cells.

A novel trifluoromethyl benzopyran induces G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells

In the present study, a biologically active 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl piperazin moiety was linked to a 2,2- dimethyl -2H-benzopyran template to generate (3R,4S)-2,2-dimethyl-6-nitro-4-(4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperazin-1-yl) chroman -3-ol (C110g), and the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which C110g exerts cytotoxic effects on the HeLa human cervical cancer cell line were further investigated. C110g suppressed the viability of HeLa cells in both concentration- and time-dependent manner (IC50 of 17 µM) by inducing DNA damage and G1 cell cycle arrest. Characteristic changes in nuclear morphology and Annexin V/PI staining pointed to apoptosis as the mode of cell death. The levels of p53 and p21 were increased in the C110g-treated cells, with a corresponding increase in Bax/Bcl-2 protein ratio. Subsequently, C110g induced the cytoplasmic release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria accompanied by a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspase-3 and -9. These results confirmed that the C110g transduced the apoptotic signal via the mitochondrial pathway. Caspase-8, typically associated with the initiation of the death receptor pathway, was activated, suggesting the extrinsic pathway might also be involved. However, C110g did not result in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Taken together, these findings indicate that the DNA damage-dependent p53-regulated mitochondrial pathway as well as the extrinsic pathway play a crucial role in C110g-induced apoptosis, which provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of trifluoromethyl benzopyrans in cervical cancer.

Mechanisms of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis induced apoptosis and necrosis in bovine macrophages

The interaction between Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) and macrophages is a complex process to maximize the chances of their respective survival. Previous studies have shown that Map induces cell death in macrophages, but the mechanism is not known. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism by which Map induces cell death in bovine macrophages using the fluorescent and electron microscopic techniques. The macrophages infected with an equal number of Map (i.e., multiplicity of infection, MOI=1) showed no changes of cell death, but those macrophages infected at MOI=10 showed the morphological changes consistent with apoptosis. Strikingly, the macrophages infected by Map at MOI=50 showed the changes of apoptosis and necrosis. The Map-induced apoptosis was a caspase-dependent mechanism at MOI=10 while it was caspase- and nitric oxide-independent at MOI=50. The results of the present study suggest that the mitochondrial damage following Map infection initiates the cell death processes in macrophages.