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Choi BK, Katoch N, Park JA, Kim JW, Oh TI, Kim HJ, Woo EJ. Measurement of extracellular volume fraction using magnetic resonance-based conductivity tensor imaging. Front Physiol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.132911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Conductivity tensor imaging (CTI) using MRI is an advanced method that can non-invasively measure the electrical properties of living tissues. The contrast of CTI is based on underlying hypothesis about the proportionality between the mobility and diffusivity of ions and water molecules inside tissues. The experimental validation of CTI in both in vitro and in vivo settings is required as a reliable tool to assess tissue conditions. The changes in extracellular space can be indicators for disease progression, such as fibrosis, edema, and cell swelling. In this study, we conducted a phantom imaging experiment to test the feasibility of CTI for measuring the extracellular volume fraction in biological tissue. To mimic tissue conditions with different extracellular volume fractions, four chambers of giant vesicle suspension (GVS) with different vesicle densities were included in the phantom. The reconstructed CTI images of the phantom were compared with the separately-measured conductivity spectra of the four chambers using an impedance analyzer. Moreover, the values of the estimated extracellular volume fraction in each chamber were compared with those measured by a spectrophotometer. As the vesicle density increased, we found that the extracellular volume fraction, extracellular diffusion coefficient, and low-frequency conductivity decreased, while the intracellular diffusion coefficient slightly increased. On the other hand, the high-frequency conductivity could not clearly distinguish the four chambers. The extracellular volume fraction measured by the spectrophotometer and CTI method in each chamber were quite comparable, i.e., (1.00, 0.98 ± 0.01), (0.59, 0.63 ± 0.02), (0.40, 0.40 ± 0.05), and (0.16, 0.18 ± 0.02). The prominent factor influencing the low-frequency conductivity at different GVS densities was the extracellular volume fraction. Further studies are needed to validate the CTI method as a tool to measure the extracellular volume fractions in living tissues with different intracellular and extracellular compartments.
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Choi BK, Katoch N, Park JA, Kim JW, Oh TI, Kim HJ, Woo EJ. Measurement of extracellular volume fraction using magnetic resonance-based conductivity tensor imaging. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1132911. [PMID: 36875031 PMCID: PMC9983119 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1132911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Conductivity tensor imaging (CTI) using MRI is an advanced method that can non-invasively measure the electrical properties of living tissues. The contrast of CTI is based on underlying hypothesis about the proportionality between the mobility and diffusivity of ions and water molecules inside tissues. The experimental validation of CTI in both in vitro and in vivo settings is required as a reliable tool to assess tissue conditions. The changes in extracellular space can be indicators for disease progression, such as fibrosis, edema, and cell swelling. In this study, we conducted a phantom imaging experiment to test the feasibility of CTI for measuring the extracellular volume fraction in biological tissue. To mimic tissue conditions with different extracellular volume fractions, four chambers of giant vesicle suspension (GVS) with different vesicle densities were included in the phantom. The reconstructed CTI images of the phantom were compared with the separately-measured conductivity spectra of the four chambers using an impedance analyzer. Moreover, the values of the estimated extracellular volume fraction in each chamber were compared with those measured by a spectrophotometer. As the vesicle density increased, we found that the extracellular volume fraction, extracellular diffusion coefficient, and low-frequency conductivity decreased, while the intracellular diffusion coefficient slightly increased. On the other hand, the high-frequency conductivity could not clearly distinguish the four chambers. The extracellular volume fraction measured by the spectrophotometer and CTI method in each chamber were quite comparable, i.e., (1.00, 0.98 ± 0.01), (0.59, 0.63 ± 0.02), (0.40, 0.40 ± 0.05), and (0.16, 0.18 ± 0.02). The prominent factor influencing the low-frequency conductivity at different GVS densities was the extracellular volume fraction. Further studies are needed to validate the CTI method as a tool to measure the extracellular volume fractions in living tissues with different intracellular and extracellular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bup Kyung Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nitish Katoch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Ae Park
- Division of Applied RI, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woong Kim
- Department of Radiology, Chosun University Hospital and Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Tong In Oh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung Je Woo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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de Carvalho Lima EN, Barros Martins GL, Diaz RS, Schechter M, Piqueira JRC, Justo JF. Effects of Carbon Nanomaterials and Aloe vera on Melanomas—Where Are We? Recent Updates. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102004. [PMID: 36297440 PMCID: PMC9607275 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that affects approximately 140,000 people worldwide each year, with a high fatality rate. Available treatment modalities show limited efficacy in more severe cases. Hence, the search for new treatment modalities, including immunotherapies, for curing, mitigating, and/or preventing cancer is important and urgently needed. Carbon nanoparticles associated with some plant materials, such as Aloe vera, have shown appealing antineoplastic activity, derived mainly from the compounds aloin, aloe-emodin, barbaloin acemannan, and octapeptide, thus representing new possibilities as antitumor agents. This systematic review aims to arouse interest and present the possibilities of using Aloe vera combined with carbon-based nanomaterials as an antineoplastic agent in the treatment and prevention of melanoma. Limitations and advances in melanoma treatment using functionalized carbon nanomaterials are discussed here. Moreover, this review provides the basis for further studies designed to fully explore the potential of carbon nanomaterials associated with Aloe vera in the treatment of various cancers, with a focus on melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elidamar Nunes de Carvalho Lima
- Telecommunication and Control Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Luciano Gualberto, Travessa 3, 158, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
- Electronic Systems Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-5647 or +55-11-96326-5550
| | - Guilherme Leão Barros Martins
- Telecommunication and Control Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Luciano Gualberto, Travessa 3, 158, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Sobhie Diaz
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Mauro Schechter
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Castilho Piqueira
- Telecommunication and Control Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Luciano Gualberto, Travessa 3, 158, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - João Francisco Justo
- Electronic Systems Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
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Farabegoli F, Pinheiro M. Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Delivery in Lipid-Based Nanoparticles: Potentiality and Perspectives for Future Applications in Cancer Chemoprevention and Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:809706. [PMID: 35496283 PMCID: PMC9046542 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.809706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoprevention is a strategy aimed to not only reduce the risk but also delay the development or recurrence of cancer. An ideal chemopreventive agent is not dangerous and ought not to result in side effects or damage to human health. In this context, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is considered a suitable chemopreventive agent, but its clinical use is limited by many factors, namely, the difference in source, administration, individual metabolism, absorption, and distribution. Genetic and dietary differences greatly cause this variability, which has limited the rational use of EGCG in chemoprevention and, particularly, the definition of a safe and efficient concentration. In the present mini review, the main limitations to a complete understanding of the use of EGCG as a chemopreventive agent will be briefly illustrated. This review also indicates the introduction and trialing of lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs) as a proper strategy to deliver EGCG at a well-defined concentration for better investigation of the chemopreventive activity. Finally, some examples of cancers that might benefit from EGCG treatment in different stages of the disease are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvia Farabegoli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Fulvia Farabegoli,
| | - Marina Pinheiro
- LAQV, Rede de Química e Tecnologia (REQUIMTE), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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Dysregulation of PER3 clock gene and its only pseudogene in colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes. ARCH BIOL SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.2298/abs220223009n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The period (PER) family genes (PER1, PER2, and PER3) play a fundamental role
in regulating the day/night cycle. PER3 has a pseudogene variant, PER3P1 or
PER4, whose role and expression pattern is unclear in human health and
diseases. This study was performed to evaluate the expression levels of
normal PER family members and the PER3P1 pseudogene in colorectal cancer
(CRC) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Blood samples were taken from 50 diabetic
patients and analyzed using real-time PCR for quantification of PER3 and
PER3P1 expression. Colorectal tumor tissues of 50 individuals were also used
to evaluate the expression of PER members. All PER members, including
PER3P1, were found to be downregulated in colorectal tumor samples. Blood
samples collected from diabetic subjects revealed an opposite expression
pattern; both PER3 and its pseudogene were found to be upregulated when
compared to the control group. Our results reveal coordination between the
expression pattern of PER3P1 and normal PER family genes. Based on our
findings and the pathological importance of this pseudogene, it can be
suggested that PER3P1 may be one of the key regulators of the molecular
clock network and PER family expression. This hypothesis needs to be
confirmed by further studies.
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Hawner M, Ducho C. Cellular Targeting of Oligonucleotides by Conjugation with Small Molecules. Molecules 2020; 25:E5963. [PMID: 33339365 PMCID: PMC7766908 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug candidates derived from oligonucleotides (ON) are receiving increased attention that is supported by the clinical approval of several ON drugs. Such therapeutic ON are designed to alter the expression levels of specific disease-related proteins, e.g., by displaying antigene, antisense, and RNA interference mechanisms. However, the high polarity of the polyanionic ON and their relatively rapid nuclease-mediated cleavage represent two major pharmacokinetic hurdles for their application in vivo. This has led to a range of non-natural modifications of ON structures that are routinely applied in the design of therapeutic ON. The polyanionic architecture of ON often hampers their penetration of target cells or tissues, and ON usually show no inherent specificity for certain cell types. These limitations can be overcome by conjugation of ON with molecular entities mediating cellular 'targeting', i.e., enhanced accumulation at and/or penetration of a specific cell type. In this context, the use of small molecules as targeting units appears particularly attractive and promising. This review provides an overview of advances in the emerging field of cellular targeting of ON via their conjugation with small-molecule targeting structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Ducho
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2 3, 66 123 Saarbrücken, Germany;
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Bowers RR, Delaney JR, Spyropoulos DD. Treating the Disease, Not the Symptom: Beyond NSAIDs. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:363-365. [PMID: 32348732 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Mitigating inflammation is clearly important in cancer prevention and control. Traditionally, pharmaceuticals have taken the lead in this problem. In an attempt to 'head them off at the pass', this Forum takes a hard look at the concept of 'better living through chemicals' and limiting proinflammatory chemicals entering the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert R Bowers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Joe R Delaney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Demetri D Spyropoulos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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Perinatal Bisphenol A Exposure Induces Chronic Inflammation in Rabbit Offspring via Modulation of Gut Bacteria and Their Metabolites. mSystems 2017; 2:mSystems00093-17. [PMID: 29034330 PMCID: PMC5634791 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00093-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that environmental toxicants may influence inflammation-promoted chronic disease susceptibility during early life. BPA, an environmental endocrine disruptor, can transfer across the placenta and accumulate in fetal gut and liver. However, underlying mechanisms for BPA-induced colonic and liver inflammation are not fully elucidated. In this report, we show how perinatal BPA exposure in rabbits alters gut microbiota and their metabolite profiles, which leads to colonic and liver inflammation as well as to increased gut permeability as measured by elevated serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in the offspring. Also, perinatal BPA exposure leads to reduced levels of gut bacterial diversity and bacterial metabolites (short-chain fatty acids [SCFA]) and elevated gut permeability—three common early biomarkers of inflammation-promoted chronic diseases. In addition, we showed that SCFA ameliorated BPA-induced intestinal permeability in vitro. Thus, our study results suggest that correcting environmental toxicant-induced bacterial dysbiosis early in life may reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Bisphenol A (BPA) accumulates in the maturing gut and liver in utero and is known to alter gut bacterial profiles in offspring. Gut bacterial dysbiosis may contribute to chronic colonic and systemic inflammation. We hypothesized that perinatal BPA exposure-induced intestinal (and liver) inflammation in offspring is due to alterations in the microbiome and colonic metabolome. The 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis revealed differences in beta diversity with a significant reduction in the relative abundances of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers such as Oscillospira and Ruminococcaceae due to BPA exposure. Furthermore, BPA exposure reduced fecal SCFA levels and increased systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. BPA exposure-increased intestinal permeability was ameliorated by the addition of SCFA in vitro. Metabolic fingerprints revealed alterations in global metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Thus, our findings indicate that perinatal BPA exposure may cause gut bacterial dysbiosis and altered metabolite profiles, particularly SCFA profiles, leading to chronic colon and liver inflammation. IMPORTANCE Emerging evidence suggests that environmental toxicants may influence inflammation-promoted chronic disease susceptibility during early life. BPA, an environmental endocrine disruptor, can transfer across the placenta and accumulate in fetal gut and liver. However, underlying mechanisms for BPA-induced colonic and liver inflammation are not fully elucidated. In this report, we show how perinatal BPA exposure in rabbits alters gut microbiota and their metabolite profiles, which leads to colonic and liver inflammation as well as to increased gut permeability as measured by elevated serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in the offspring. Also, perinatal BPA exposure leads to reduced levels of gut bacterial diversity and bacterial metabolites (short-chain fatty acids [SCFA]) and elevated gut permeability—three common early biomarkers of inflammation-promoted chronic diseases. In addition, we showed that SCFA ameliorated BPA-induced intestinal permeability in vitro. Thus, our study results suggest that correcting environmental toxicant-induced bacterial dysbiosis early in life may reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life.
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Tušimová E, Kováčik A, Halenár M, Michalcová K, Zbyňovská K, Kolesárová A, Kopčeková J, Valuch J, Kolesárová A. Does apricot seeds consumption cause changes in human urine? POTRAVINARSTVO 2017. [DOI: 10.5219/755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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10
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Marino M. Xenoestrogens challenge 17β-estradiol protective effects in colon cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2014; 6:67-73. [PMID: 24653796 PMCID: PMC3955780 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v6.i3.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Several epidemiological, cellular, and molecular studies demonstrate the role of environmental chemicals with endocrine disrupting activities, typical of Westernized societies, in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases including cancer. Nonetheless this information, the design and execution of studies on endocrine disruptors are not yet cognizant that the specific actions of individual hormones often change with development and ageing, they may be different in males and females and may be mediated by different receptors isoforms expressed in different tissues or at different life stages. These statements are particularly true when assessing the hazard of endocrine disruptors against 17β-estradiol (E2) actions in that this hormone is crucial determinant of sex-related differences in anatomical, physiological, and behavioral traits which characterize male and female physiology. Moreover, E2 is also involved in carcinogenesis. The oncogenic effects of E2 have been investigated extensively in breast and ovarian cancers where hormone-receptor modulators are now an integral part of targeted treatment. Little is known about the E2 preventive signalling in colorectal cancer, although this disease is more common in men than women, the difference being more striking amongst pre-menopausal women and age-matched men. This review aims to dissect the role and action mechanisms of E2 in colorectal cancer evaluating the ability of estrogen disruptors (i.e., xenoestrogens) in impair these E2 actions. Data discussed here lead to define the possible role of xenoestrogens in the impairment and/or activation of E2 signals important for colorectal cancer prevention.
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Abstract
Tea is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, and green tea is the least processed from the buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. The most abundant component of green tea is (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been the focus of many cell culture, animal and clinical trials, revealing that EGCG possesses antiproliferative, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and chemopreventive effects. In this review we briefly summarize the mechanism of action(s) of the green tea component EGCG, highlighting recent advances in the epigenetic regulation by EGCG. Additionally, we provide an overview of mouse chemoprevention studies and EGCG chemoprevention clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schramm
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA
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