Transcriptome-based identification of new anti-inflammatory and vasodilating properties of the n-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid in vascular endothelial cell under proinflammatory conditions [corrected]

Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Novel Water-Soluble Cationic Platinum(II) Organometallic Complexes with Phenanthroline and Imidazolic Ligands

Platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents are widely used in the treatment of cancer. However, their effectiveness is limited by severe adverse reactions, drug resistance, and poor water solubility. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of new water-soluble cationic monofunctional platinum(II) complexes starting from the [PtCl(η1-C2H4OEt)(phen)] (1, phen=1,10-phenanthroline) precursor, specifically [Pt(NH3)(η1-C2H4OEt)(phen)]Cl (2), [Pt(1-hexyl-1H-imidazole)(η1-C2H4OEt)(phen)]Cl (3), and [Pt(1-hexyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole)(η1-C2H4OEt)(phen)]Cl (4), which deviate from traditional requirements for antitumor activity. These complexes were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects in comparison to cisplatin, using immortalized cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa), human renal carcinoma cells (Caki-1), and normal human renal cells (HK-2). While complex 2 showed minimal effects on the cell lines, complexes 3 and 4 demonstrated higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin. Notably, complex 4 displayed the highest cytotoxicity in both cancer and normal cell lines. However, complex 3 exhibited the highest selectivity for renal tumor cells (Caki-1) among the tested complexes, compared to healthy cells (HK-2). This resulted in a significantly higher selectivity than that of cisplatin and complex 4. Therefore, complex 3 shows potential as a leading candidate for the development of a new generation of platinum-based anticancer drugs, utilizing biocompatible imidazole ligands while demonstrating promising anticancer properties.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and pulmonary arterial hypertension: Insights and perspectives

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and progressive disorder that affects the pulmonary vasculature. Although recent developments in pharmacotherapy have extended the life expectancy of PAH patients, their 5-year survival remains unacceptably low, underscoring the need for multitarget and more comprehensive approaches to managing the disease. This should incorporate not only medical, but also lifestyle interventions, including dietary changes and the use of nutraceutical support. Among these strategies, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are emerging as promising agents able to counteract the inflammatory component of PAH. In this narrative review, we aim at analysing the preclinical evidence for the impact of n-3 PUFAs on the pathogenesis and the course of PAH. Although evidence for the role of n-3 PUFAs deficiencies in the development and progression of PAH in humans is limited, preclinical studies suggest that these dietary components may influence several aspects of the pathobiology of PAH. Further clinical research should test the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs on top of approved clinical management. These studies will provide evidence on whether n-3 PUFAs can genuinely serve as a valuable tool to enhance the efficacy of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of PAH.

Current Epidemiological Status and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Serratia marcescens

The spread of antibiotic resistance represents a serious worldwide public health issue, underscoring the importance of epidemiology research in determining antimicrobial strategies. The purpose of this research was to investigate antibiotic resistance in Serratia marcescens isolates from clinical samples over seven years at the University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona" in Salerno, Italy. S. marcescens is an important opportunistic pathogen associated with a wide spectrum of clinical diseases, including pneumonia, keratitis, meningitis, and urinary tract and wound infections. Outbreaks of nosocomial infections by S. marcescens strains have been documented in high-risk settings, mainly affecting immunocompromised patients and newborns. The primary objective of this study is to assess the rates of antibiotic resistance over the years to deal with a future emergency which includes the failure of various therapies due to antibiotic resistance. During the investigation, a total of 396 species of S. marcescens were isolated from various clinical samples, mainly from broncho-aspirates and sputum (31.6%) and blood cultures (21.5%). Antibiotics that showed the greatest susceptibility included ceftazidime/avibactam, amikacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and selected members of the cephalosporin class. However, a disconcerting trend of increasing rates of carbapenem resistance was outlined over the observation period. The absence of effective countermeasures, combined with growing antibiotic resistance that negates the effectiveness of multiple antibiotics, highlights the potential for S. marcescens infections to trigger serious clinical complications and increased mortality rates. The surveillance of Serratia marcescens infections constitutes a pivotal element in refining empiric therapy to mitigate the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) impairs hypoxia-induced cellular and exosomal overexpression of immune-checkpoints and immunomodulatory molecules in different subtypes of breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Tumor cells express immune-checkpoint molecules to suppress anti-tumor immune responses. In part, immune evasion takes place by secreting exosomes bearing immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules and their inducing and/or regulating agents e.g., microRNAs (miRs). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on the expression of some selected immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules and their regulating miRs under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions in triple negative (TNBC) invasive and triple positive non-invasive breast cancer cell lines.

METHODS

MDA-MB-231 and BT-474 cells were treated with 100 µM DHA under hypoxic and normoxic conditions for 24 h. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifuge and confirmed by electron microscope and anti-CD9, -CD63, -CD81 immunoblotting. Total RNA from cells and exosomes were extracted and expression of CD39, CD73, CD47, CD80, PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4 genes and their related miRs were evaluated by quantitative Real-time PCR.

RESULTS

This study showed significant over-expression of immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules under hypoxic condition. Treatment with DHA resulted in a significant decrease in immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecule expression as well as an upregulation of their regulatory miRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

DHA supplementation may be utilized in breast cancer therapy for down-regulation of cellular and exosomal immune escape-related molecules.

Activity of Colocasia esculenta (Taro) Corms against Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cells: Chemical Study and Molecular Characterization

Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott is a tuberous plant, also known as taro, employed as food worldwide for its renowned nutritional properties but also traditionally used in several countries for medical purposes. In this study, methanolic extracts were prepared from the corms and leaves of Colocasia, subsequently fractionated via molecular exclusion chromatography (RP-HPLC) and their anti-tumor activity assessed in an in vitro model of gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS cells). Vorm extract and isolated fractions II and III affected AGS cell vitality in a dose-dependent manner through the modulation of key proteins involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle processes, such as caspase 3, cyclin A, cdk2, IkBα, and ERK. To identify bioactive molecules responsible for anti-tumoral activity fractions II and III were further purified via RP-HPLC and characterized via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) techniques. The procedure enabled the identification of ten compounds including lignans and neolignans, some isolated for the first time in taro, uncommon megastigmane derivatives, and a gallic acid derivative. However, none of the isolated constituents showed efficacy equivalent to that of the fractions and total extract. This suggests that the whole Colocasia phytocomplex has intriguing anti-tumor activity against gastric cancer.

Couroupita guianensis bark decoction: From Amazonian medicine to the UHPLC-HRMS chemical profile and its role in inflammation processes and re-epithelialization

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In the Amazon rainforest, the shamans of the Mayantuyacu site use the healing virtues of decoctions and teas from different parts of the Couroupita guianensis Aubl. (Lecythidaceae) trees as remedies in Ashaninka medicine. However, composition of the remedy and the underlying mechanism remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to compare the metabolite profile of Couroupita guianensis bark decoction produced by Amazonian shamans with that obtained under standardised laboratory conditions and to investigate biological properties of both decoction and isolated constituents in skin wound healing process and inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical analyses were carried out by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with UV and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry detectors (UHPLC-UV-HRMS). 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments were performed to identify the main decoction constituents. The decoction and pure compound effect on keratinocyte migration was determined by the in vitro wound healing model; the mechanism of action was elucidated by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

UHPLC-UV-HRMS analysis revealed the occurrence of polyphenolic compounds as catechins, ellagitannins and, notably, of unusual sulphated derivatives of ellagic acid isolated for the first time from Couroupita guianensis bark. A new natural sulphated molecule [4-(2″-O-sulphate- β-D-glucuronopyranosyl) ellagic acid] was identified as the potential active compound responsible for the efficacy of bark decoction stimulating wound healing in human HaCaT keratinocytes. The molecular mechanism involved the induction of pro-migratory pathways mediated by ERK and AKT phosphorylation and the increase of MMP2 expression in HaCaT cells. At the same time, the treatment inhibited inflammation interfering with NFkB activation.

CONCLUSION

Beyond identifying a new bioactive compound, the overall results scientifically validate the traditional use of Couroupita guianensis bark decoction as an anti-inflammatory remedy. Moreover, the beneficial effects on keratinocytes suggest promising therapeutic applications in skin diseases.

Docosahexaenoic acid may inhibit immune evasion of colorectal cancer cells through targeting immune checkpoint and immunomodulator genes and their controlling microRNAs

Colorectal cancer is one of the major concerns in both developed and developing societies. Because of the serious side effects of the current treatments, novel therapy agents have been developed that target immune checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules in the tumor environment. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fatty acid on the expression of immune checkpoint molecule, PD-L1, and immunomodulatory molecules, CD47 and CD39, and their controlling miRNAs in the colorectal cancer cell lines. Human colorectal cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2 were treated with 100 μM DHA and 50 μM LA for 24 h under the normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Total RNA was extracted and the qRT-PCR was performed to analyze the expression of the studied genes and miRNAs. The western blotting technique was also used for validation. The qRT-PCR results showed that DHA treatment decreased the expression of the PD-L1, CD47, and CD39 genes, but decreases these genes controlling miRNAs, mir-424, mir-133a, and mir-142, respectively. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that PD-L1 protein expression decreased after DHA treatment. LA administration had no inhibitory effect on the studied genes. This study showed that DHA may have anti-cancer properties by downregulation of proteins involved in the immune evasion of colorectal tumors. DHA could be used as a potential immune checkpoint inhibitor for the treatment of colorectal cancers.

Anti-angiogenic activity of Gracilaria coronopifolia J.G. Agardh extract by lowering the levels of trace metals (iron, zinc and copper) in duck chorioallantoic membrane and in vitro activation of AMP-kinase

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an intracellular energy sensor important in metabolic regulation, cell growth, and survival. However, the specific role of AMPK signaling pathway in the inhibition of angiogenesis remains unclear. The study highlights the activity on AMP activated protein kinase signaling pathways of a marine algae, Gracilaria coronopifolia, and its effects on angiogenesis. It was found that the most potent extract, GCD, inhibited angiogenesis significantly in the duck chorioallantoic membrane assay and also activated the enzyme AMP-kinase, in vitro. The dichloromethane extract was found most active in inhibiting angiogenesis in the duck chorioallantoic membrane (IC₅₀ = 1.21 μg/mL) followed by GCH (IC₅₀ = 3.08 μg/mL) (p = 0.479) and GCM (IC₅₀ = 8.93 μg/mL) (p = 0.042). Benferroni post hoc analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the percent inhibitions of GCH and GCM extracts (p = 0.479). Consequently, angiogenic inhibition caused lowering of iron, zinc, and copper levels in the duck CAM. Thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the components of each extracts. Notably, this is the first report on the kinase activity of a red algae G. coronopifolia extracts and a colorimetric-based quantification of angiogenesis based on metal content of CAM. Our data also suggest a novel therapeutic approach for inhibiting angiogenesis through the AMPK pathway.

The transcriptomic and epigenetic map of vascular quiescence in the continuous lung endothelium

Maintenance of a quiescent and organotypically-differentiated layer of blood vessel-lining endothelial cells (EC) is vital for human health. Yet, the molecular mechanisms of vascular quiescence remain largely elusive. Here we identify the genome-wide transcriptomic program controlling the acquisition of quiescence by comparing lung EC of infant and adult mice, revealing a prominent regulation of TGFß family members. These transcriptomic changes are distinctly accompanied by epigenetic modifications, measured at single CpG resolution. Gain of DNA methylation affects developmental pathways, including NOTCH signaling. Conversely, loss of DNA methylation preferentially occurs in intragenic clusters affecting intronic enhancer regions of genes involved in TGFβ family signaling. Functional experiments prototypically validated the strongly epigenetically regulated inhibitors of TGFβ family signaling SMAD6 and SMAD7 as regulators of EC quiescence. These data establish the transcriptional and epigenetic landscape of vascular quiescence that will serve as a foundation for further mechanistic studies of vascular homeostasis and disease-associated activation.

The vascular system is made up of vessels including arteries, capillaries and veins that carry blood throughout the body. The inner surfaces of these blood vessels are lined with a thin layer of cells, called endothelial cells, which form a barrier and a communicating interface between the circulation and the surrounding tissue.

Early in an organism’s life, when the vascular system is still growing, endothelial cells increase in number by dividing into more cells. In adulthood, as the vascular system reaches its full size, the endothelial cells maintain a stable number. As a result, an adult’s vascular system has a resting layer of endothelial cells that does not divide. This is known as vascular quiescence, and scientists know little about how the body achieves and maintains it.

To unravel the mechanisms controlling vascular quiescence, Schlereth et al. studied endothelial cells taken from blood vessels in the lungs of newborn and adult mice. By comparing all the genes present at both developmental stages, the changes of gene activity in these cells could be measured. The results showed that the activity of genes strongly correlated with so called epigenetic changes in the genes involved in vascular quiescence. These are DNA modifications that can alter the function of a gene without affecting its underlying sequence.

Two genes in particular (Smad6 and Smad7) appeared to play an important role in vascular quiescence. Their corresponding proteins, SMAD6 and SMAD7, inhibit another group of proteins (TGFβ family) important for cell growth. The results showed that the endothelial cells in adult mice produced more SMAD6 and SMAD7 than in young mice. Therefore, endothelial cells of adult mice stop to increase in number and to migrate.

For the first time ever, Schlereth et al. have provided an extensive comparative analysis of gene activity and epigenetic changes to study vascular quiescence. The findings open a new chapter of vascular biology and will serve as a foundation for future research into the mechanisms of vascular quiescence. Problems in maintaining a resting layer of cells may lead to vascular dysfunction, which is associated with a wide range of diseases, such as stroke, heart disease and cancer making it a leading cause of death. In future, scientists may be able to develop new treatments that target specific molecules to help the body achieve a resting blood vessel system.

Cannabis and Pain: A Clinical Review

Introduction: Cannabis has been used for medical purposes across the world for centuries. As states and countries implement medical and recreational cannabis policies, increasing numbers of people are using cannabis pharmacotherapy for pain. There is a theoretical rationale for cannabis' efficacy for pain management, although the subjective pain relief from cannabis may not match objective measurements of analgesia. As more patients turn to cannabis for pain relief, there is a need for additional scientific evidence to evaluate this increase. Materials and Methods: Research for this review was performed in the PubMed/National Library of Medicine database. Discussion: Preclinical studies demonstrate a narrow therapeutic window for cannabis as pharmacotherapy for pain; the body of clinical evidence for this indication is not as extensive. A recent meta-analysis of clinical trials of cannabis and cannabinoids for pain found modest evidence supporting the use of cannabinoid pharmacotherapy for pain. Recent epidemiological studies have provided initial evidence for a possible reduction in opioid pharmacotherapy for pain as a result of increased implementation of medical cannabis regimens. Conclusion: With increased use of medical cannabis as pharmacotherapy for pain comes a need for comprehensive risk-benefit discussions that take into account cannabis' significant possible side effects. As cannabis use increases in the context of medical and recreational cannabis policies, additional research to support or refute the current evidence base is essential to attempt to answer the questions that so many healthcare professionals and patients are asking.

Evidence of a DHA Signature in the Lipidome and Metabolome of Human Hepatocytes

Cell supplementation with bioactive molecules often causes a perturbation in the whole intracellular environment. Omics techniques can be applied for the assessment of this perturbation. In this study, the overall effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on cultured human hepatocyte lipidome and metabolome has been investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in combination with traditional techniques. The effect of two additional bioactives sharing with DHA the lipid-lowering effect—propionic acid (PRO) and protocatechuic acid (PCA)—has also been evaluated in the context of possible synergism. NMR analysis of the cell lipid extracts showed that DHA supplementation, alone or in combination with PCA or PRO, strongly altered the cell lipid profile. The perfect discrimination between cells receiving DHA (alone or in combination) and the other cells reinforced the idea of a global rearrangement of the lipid environment induced by DHA. Notably, gas chromatography and fluorimetric analyses confirmed the strong discrimination obtained by NMR. The DHA signature was evidenced not only in the cell lipidome, but also in the metabolome. Results reported herein indicate that NMR, combined with other techniques, represents a fundamental approach to studying the effect of bioactive supplementation, particularly in the case of molecules with a broad spectrum of mechanisms of action.

Antitumour and antiangiogenic activities of [Pt(O,O'-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] in a xenograft model of human renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It is thought that the mechanism of action of anticancer chemotherapeutic agents is mainly due to a direct inhibition of tumour cell proliferation. In tumour specimens, the endothelial cell proliferation rate increases, suggesting that the therapeutic effects of anticancer agents could also be attributed to inhibition of tumour angiogenesis. Hence, we investigated the potential effects of [Pt(O,O'-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] ([Pt(DMS)]), a new platinum drug for non-genomic targets, on human renal carcinoma and compared them with those of the well-established anticancer drug, cisplatin.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Tumour growth, tumour cell proliferation and microvessel density were investigated in a xenograft model of renal cell carcinoma, developed by injecting Caki-1 cells into BALB/c nude mice. The antiangiogenic potential of compounds was also investigated using HUVECs.

KEY RESULTS

Treatment of the Caki-1 cells with cisplatin or [Pt(DMS)] resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cell survival, but the cytotoxicity of [Pt(DMS)] was approximately fivefold greater than that of cisplatin. [Pt(DMS)] was much more effective than cisplatin at inhibiting tumour growth, proliferation and angiogenesis in vivo, as well as migration, tube formation and MMP1, MMP2 and MMP9 secretion of endothelial cells in vitro. Whereas, cisplatin exerted a greater cytotoxic effect on HUVECs, but did not affect tube formation or the migration of endothelial cells. In addition, treatment of the xenograft mice with [Pt(DMS)] decreased VEGF, MMP1 and MMP2 expressions in tumours.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The antiangiogenic and antitumour activities of [Pt(DMS)] provide a solid starting point for its validation as a suitable candidate for further pharmacological testing.