Application of High-Resolution Infrared Thermography to Study the Effects of Technologically Processed Antibodies on the Near-Surface Layer of Aqueous Solutions

A new class of biologics is obtained using the technologically processed of antibodies (TPA), which are used as the initial substance, and their dilution at each stage is accompanied by a controlled external vibrational (mechanical) treatment. This article focuses on the development and validation of a novel technique that can be applied for assessing the identity of TPA-based drugs. It has previously been found that after such treatment, the resulting solution either acquired new properties that were not present in the initial substance or a quantitative change in properties compared to the initial substance was observed. The use of mechanical treatment during the manufacture of the TPA-based drugs can cause the formation of new bonds between the solvent and antibody molecules. These changes manifest themselves in altered adsorption at the surface of the test solutions, which results in the formation of a near-surface film. One of the indicators of such events is the change in the surface temperature of the solution, which can be analyzed using high-resolution thermography. Unlike other methods, the high-resolution thermography allows the near-surface layer of a heterogeneous aqueous solution to be clearly visualized and quantified. A number of experiments were performed: seven replicates of sample preparations were tested; the influence of factors "day" or "operator" was investigated during 12 days of testing by two operators. The method also allowed us to distinguish between technologically processed antibodies and samples containing technologically processed buffer. The thermographic analysis has proven to be a simple, specific, and reproducible technique that can be used to analyze the identity of TPA-based drugs, regardless of the dosage form tested.

A novel technique for studying the effects of technologically processed antibodies by evaluating the rate of oxidation of ascorbic acid during the reduction of the green-blue ABTS + radical

Since the pharmaceutical market is developing, there is a need for novel techniques for determining the physical-chemical properties of drug solutions. Drugs based on technologically processed antibodies (TPA) are an example of compounds that require a methodology for studying their effects. It has been shown that the process of external impacts during the manufacture of TPA-based drugs can induce breaking of intermolecular and intramolecular bonds in the solvent molecules, providing the emergence of new bonds with the molecules of the substance used for the manufacture of an active pharmaceutical ingredient. This article focuses on the technique applied for assessing the mentioned effect of TPA and consists in spectrophotometric observation of the oxidation process of ascorbic acid (AA) in the solution. The amount of oxidized AA was detected using ABTS·+(2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical-cation, which, when interacting with AA, is reduced and changes the color from green-blue to colorless. This technique showed the reproducibility of statistically significant differences in the amount of oxidized AA in the presence of TPA compared to controls and can be used to detect the changes in the properties of solutions exposed to the effect of the TPA samples.

Molecular Signal Transfer of Highly Diluted Antibodies to Interferon-Gamma Regarding Kind, Time, and Distance of Exposition

Physicochemical examinations of very high dilution (UHD) solutions subjected to certain physical factors (such as shaking) are becoming more frequent and are increasingly producing conclusive results. A much less studied phenomenon is the transfer of molecular information (i.e., UHD signals of dilute substances) from one liquid to another without an intermediate liquid phase. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of such a transfer of the UHD signal from the UHD solutions to the receiver solution, in particular, if the molecular source used in the donor solutions was the biologically active antibodies to interferon-gamma molecule. We were especially interested in how the transfer of the UHD signal is affected by the time of exposure of the receiver to the donor, the distance between the two, and how the transfer is affected by activation (striking) versus exposure alone. Signal transfer was evaluated by differential measurements of electrical conductivity, ORP, pH, and UV/VIS spectroscopy of the exposed liquid. The results showed that activation strongly influences signal transfer and that this can be compensated to some extent by prolonged direct exposure. In principle, exposure time has a positive effect on signal transfer. Interestingly, the results of different distances between the donor and receiver showed similar changes in the parameters in the range of 0-4 cm, as estimated in this study. While the study mainly confirms the two hypotheses, it also raises a number of new questions and provides clues for further research.

Analysis of General Toxicity of Ergoferon

For antibody-based drugs, it is important and relevant to study their toxic effects, which can often become limiting when prescribing this type of therapy. General toxicity of antiviral drug Ergoferon based on technologically processed antibodies was studied on sexually mature animals. Analysis of acute toxicity showed the absence of lethal outcomes when the drug was administered to adult rats at the maximum tolerated doses. In a study of repeated dose toxicity, no adverse effects of the drug were detected.

Study of the Effects of Highly Diluted Sodium Sulfate and Interferon-Gamma

High dilutions of solutions containing extremely small amounts of the initial substance can modify the biological effects of the initial substance molecules. Using terahertz spectroscopy, we studied the possibility of modifying the physicochemical properties of the initial substance by adding high dilutions of high-molecular-weight (IFNγ) and low-molecular-weight (Na2SO4) compounds. In addition, the modifying effect produced by high dilutions of a low-molecular electrolyte (a solution of Na2SO4 salt) on the initial substance was confirmed by conductometry. This method allows measuring electrical conductivity that also depends on the physicochemical properties of the solution, namely, the number of ions and velocity of their movement. Statistically significant differences were shown between terahertz and conductometric characteristics of the initial solution (inorganic salt Na2SO4 or a protein IFNγ) and a solution, where high dilutions of the same substances were added in different concentrations. Interestingly, the differences were more pronounced for the biological molecule. Thus, it has been shown that high dilutions can change the properties of the initial solution; the effect is more pronounced for the protein solution.

Modeling of protein hydration dynamics is supported by THz spectroscopy of highly diluted solutions

In this investigation, we report the effect on the microscopic dynamics and interactions of the cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and antibodies to IFN-γ (anti-IFN-γ) and to the interferon gamma receptor 1 (anti-IFNGR1) prepared in highly dilute (HD) solutions of initial proteins. THz spectroscopy measurements have been conducted as a means to analyze and characterize the collective dynamics of the HD samples. MD simulations have also been performed that have successfully reproduced the observed signatures from experimental measurement. Using this joint experimental-computational approach we determine that the HD process associated with the preparation of the highly diluted samples used in this investigation induces a dynamical transition that results in collective changes in the hydrogen-bond network of the solvent. The dynamical transition in the solvent is triggered by changes in the mobility and hydrogen-bonding interactions of the surface molecules in the HD samples and is characterized by dynamical heterogeneity. We have uncovered that the reorganization of the sample surface residue dynamics at the solvent-protein interface leads to both structural and kinetic heterogeneous dynamics that ultimately create interactions that enhance the binding probability of the antigen binding site. Our results indicate that the modified interfacial dynamics of anti-IFN-γ and anti-IFGNR1 that we probe experimentally are directly associated with alterations in the complementarity regions of the distinct antibodies that designate both antigen-antibody affinity and recognition.

Efficacy of the Technologically Processed Antibodies to the Brain-Specific S100 Protein in a Rat Model of Hemorrhagic Stroke

We studied the ability of technologically processed antibodies to the brain-specific S100 protein (drug Prospekta) to reduce the brain lesion area, neurological disorders, and mortality in a rat model of hemorrhagic stroke. Technologically processed antibodies to S100 exerted a positive effect on all these parameters (brain lesion area, survival rate, neurological status according to the Menzies scale, and proportion of contralateral turns). This allows us to recommend further research into the spectrum of pharmacological activity and the mechanism of action of technologically processed antibodies to S100 in order to expand the indications for their use after the necessary clinical trials.

Highly Diluted Antibodies to eNOS Restore Endothelium Function in Aortic Rings From Hypertensive Rats

Background

Nitric oxide (NO) as a vaso- and cardio-protective agent could reduce vasomotor dysfunction in different cardiovascular diseases. One of the current therapeutics targeted at NO availability in the vascular wall are highly diluted antibodies to endothelial NO-synthase (eNOS). This drug has previously shown its endothelium-protective effect and effectiveness in reducing hypertension. Current study was dedicated to evaluate the direct impact of highly diluted antibodies to eNOS on the vessel constriction and dilation ex vivo.

Methods

For that purpose, we used thoracic aortas dissected from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. Endothelium-dependent relaxation in the presence of highly diluted antibodies to eNOS (1 mL) was examined after phenylephrine-induced pre-constriction of the aorta rings in response to gradually increased acetylcholine concentration (1 nM to 10 µM).

Results

Highly diluted antibodies to eNOS enhanced acetylcholine-induced relaxation in a statistically significant manner. Moreover, it was demonstrated that observed effect was similar to perindopril, a well-known angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, which works through relaxing and widening blood vessels.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that highly diluted antibodies to eNOS restored impaired endothelium function, as demonstrated by increased relaxation of SHR rats aorta rings. The revealed results suggest beneficial effect of highly diluted antibodies to eNOS to ameliorate hypertension and related diseases.

Nafion Swelling in Salt Solutions in a Finite Sized Cell: Curious Phenomena Dependent on Sample Preparation Protocol

When a membrane of Nafion swells in water, polymer fibers "unwind" into the adjoining liquid. They extend to a maximum of about ~300 μm. We explore features of Nafion nanostructure in several electrolyte solutions that occur when the swelling is constrained to a cell of size less than a distance of 300 μm. The constraint forces the polymer fibers to abut against the cell windows. The strongly amphiphilic character of the polymer leads to a shear stress field and the expulsion of water from the complex swollen fiber mixture. An air cavity is formed. It is known that Nafion membrane swelling is highly sensitive to small changes in ion concentration and exposure to shaking. Here we probe such changes further by studying the dynamics of the collapse of the induced cavity. Deionized water and aqueous salt solutions were investigated with Fourier IR spectrometry. The characteristic times of collapse differ for water and for the salt solutions. The dynamics of the cavity collapse differs for solutions prepared by via different dilution protocols. These results are surprising. They may have implications for the standardization of pharmaceutical preparation processes.

Optical Properties of Crystalline Lactose Fluidized with Dilutions of Various Substances in the Terahertz Frequency Range

Lactose is a commonly used component of pharmaceutical medications in tablet form. It was previously shown that lactose changes conformationally after saturation in fluidized beds with active pharmaceutical ingredients obtained by repeated dilution of antibodies to interferon-gamma in combination with an external intensive vibration treatment. Moreover, it was revealed that these solutions are self-organized dispersed systems in which nano-objects are formed. Their biological activity and mechanism of action were previously established as well. The current work was dedicated to investigating the optical properties of fluidized lactose powders in the terahertz frequency range. Spectral analyses of powders of crystalline lactose saturated in fluidized beds with a diluted solution of either glycine buffer, antibodies to interferon-gamma, or water were carried out, intact lactose served as a control. All powders were tableted before testing. In the course of the study, the macroscopic parameters of the tablets were established, at which they had a stable shape and their THz optical properties had no parasitic diffraction losses. These tablets were analyzed using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in the frequency range of 0.2–2.6 THz. The differentiation between the spectra was conducted using a principal component analysis. The differences between intact lactose and the lactose saturated with any of studied solutions were demonstrated. Additionally, lactose saturated with solutions of multiple dilutions of a substance (antibodies or glycine buffer) differed not only from intact lactose, but also from lactose saturated with a diluted solution of water. Moreover, discrimination of lactose formulations saturated with different substances (antibodies or glycine buffer) was also possible. Additionally, intact lactose differed from lactose saturated with diluted water. The methods reported could be useful for the quality control of the medications based on the technology of repeated dilution of an original substance.

The Electrostatic Model of Homeopathy: The Mechanism of Physicochemical Activities of Homeopathic Medicines

This paper attempts to propose a model, called the electrostatic model of homeopathy, to explain a mechanism for the physicochemical activities of highly diluted homeopathic medicines (HMs). According to this proposed model, the source of HMs' action is dipole orientations as electrostatic imprints of the original molecules carried by diluent molecules (such as sugar molecules) or potentization-induced aqueous nanostructures. The nanoscale domains' contact charging and dielectric hysteresis play critical roles in the aqueous nanostructures' or sugar molecules' acquisition of the original molecules' dipole orientations. The mechanical stress induced by dynamization (vigorous agitation or trituration) is a crucial factor that facilitates these phenomena. After dynamization is completed, the transferred charges revert to their previous positions but, due to dielectric hysteresis, they leave a remnant polarization on the aqueous nanostructures or sugar molecules' nanoscale domains. This causes some nanoscale domains of the aqueous nanostructures or sugar molecules to obtain the original substance molecules' dipole orientations. A highly diluted HM may have no molecule of the original substance, but the aqueous nanostructures or sugar molecules may contain the original substance's dipole orientations. Therefore, HMs can precisely aim at the biological targets of the original substance molecules and electrostatically interact with them as mild stimuli.

New insights into the microscopic interactions associated with the physical mechanism of action of highly diluted biologics

In this investigation, we report the effect on the microscopic dynamics and interactions of the cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and antibodies to IFN-γ (anti-IFN-γ) and to the interferon gamma receptor 1 (anti-IFNGR1) prepared in exceptionally dilute solutions of initial proteins. Using both THz spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations we have uncovered that the high dilution method of sample preparation results in the reorganization of the sample surface residue dynamics at the solvent-protein interface that leads to both structural and kinetic heterogeneous dynamics that ultimately create interactions that enhance the binding probability of the antigen binding site. Our results indicate that the modified interfacial dynamics of anti-IFN-γ and anti-IFGNR1 that we probe experimentally are directly associated with alterations in the complementarity regions of the distinct antibodies that designate both antigen-antibody affinity and recognition.

Piezoelectric and dielectric properties of Bi3TiNbO9 prepared by hot pressing from powders activated using the serial dilution method

Bi-based layer structure ferroelectrics are the most promising compounds for the fabrication of high-temperature piezoelectric materials. Studies aiming to develop and optimize the techniques to produce efficient high-density piezoelectric ceramics, and to investigate the effects of ceramics production conditions on their structure and functional properties, have become high-priority objectives of modern piezo-engineering. We applied ultra high dilution (UHD) technology to pre-treat Bi₃TiNbO₉ powders and used hot pressing to prepare perovskite-layer structured ceramic specimens. Main characteristics of the synthesized piezoelectric ceramic specimens (the dimensions of the Bi₃TiNbO₉ orthorhombic unit cell, dielectric permittivity, dielectric loss, piezoelectric coefficient d₃₃ and pyroelectric coefficient p^σ) and their temperature-dependent variations were studied using piezoelectric, dielectric, and pyroelectric measurements. X-ray diffraction studies demonstrated that the prepared ceramics were single phased, and highly textured, as their plate-like crystallites were preferentially aligned perpendicularly to the pressure axis on hot pressing. For d₃₃, an increase in values of more than 20% was found for samples obtained using a combined modification of the UHD technology and hot pressing (12 pC/N) relative to intact samples, and more than two times relative to unmodified Bi₃TiNbO₉ ceramics (6 pC/N). Due to their characteristics, the obtained ceramics are promising materials for high-temperature applications; of particular interest is potential use, as electroacoustic transducers and sensors for operation at high temperatures. Thus, the UHD technology can modify the properties of ceramics and is relatively easy to implement. This makes it attractive for use in various fields of science and technology.

Insights into the Mechanism of Action of Highly Diluted Biologics

The therapeutic use of Abs in cancer, autoimmunity, transplantation, and other fields is among the major biopharmaceutical advances of the 20th century. Broader use of Ab-based drugs is constrained because of their high production costs and frequent side effects. One promising approach to overcome these limitations is the use of highly diluted Abs, which are produced by gradual reduction of an Ab concentration to an extremely low level. This technology was used to create a group of drugs for the treatment of various diseases, depending on the specificity of the used Abs. Highly diluted Abs to IFN-γ (hd-anti-IFN-γ) have been demonstrated to be efficacious against influenza and other respiratory infections in a variety of preclinical and clinical studies. In the current study, we provide evidence for a possible mechanism of action of hd-anti-IFN-γ. Using high-resolution solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we show that the drug induced conformational changes in the IFN-γ molecule. Chemical shift changes occurred in the amino acids located primarily at the dimer interface and at the C-terminal region of IFN-γ. These molecular changes could be crucial for the function of the protein, as evidenced by an observed hd-anti-IFN-γ-induced increase in the specific binding of IFN-γ to its receptor in U937 cells, enhanced induced production of IFN-γ in human PBMC culture, and increased survival of influenza A-infected mice.