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Tabassum S, Khan MN, Faiz N, Almas, Yaseen B, Ahmad I. Cold atmospheric plasma-activated medium for potential ovarian cancer therapy. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:834. [PMID: 39042272 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09795-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has emerged as an innovative tool with broad medical applications, including ovarian cancer (OC) treatment. By bringing CAP in close proximity to liquids such as water or cell culture media, solutions containing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are generated, called plasma-activated media (PAM). In this systematic review, we conduct an in-depth analysis of studies focusing on PAM interactions with biological substrates. We elucidate the diverse mechanisms involved in the activation of different media and the complex network of chemical reactions underlying the generation and consumption of the prominent reactive species. Furthermore, we highlight the promises of PAM in advancing biomedical applications, such as its stability for extended periods under appropriate storage conditions. We also examine the application of PAM as an anti-cancer and anti-metastatic treatment for OC, with a particular emphasis on its ability to induce apoptosis via distinct signaling pathways, inhibit cell growth, suppress cell motility, and enhance the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy. Finally, the future outlook of PAM therapy in biomedical applications is speculated, with emphasis on the safety issues relevant to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Tabassum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Almas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Yaseen
- Department of Gynaecology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Iftikhar Ahmad
- Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (IRNUM), Peshawar, Pakistan.
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Clemen R, Miebach L, Singer D, Freund E, von Woedtke T, Weltmann KD, Bekeschus S. Oxidized Melanoma Antigens Promote Activation and Proliferation of Cytotoxic T-Cell Subpopulations. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2404131. [PMID: 38958560 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202404131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests the role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in regulating antitumor immune effects and immunosuppression. RONS modify biomolecules and induce oxidative post-translational modifications (oxPTM) on proteins that can alarm phagocytes. However, it is unclear if and how protein oxidation by technical means could be a strategy to foster antitumor immunity and therapy. To this end, cold gas plasma technology producing various RONS simultaneously to oxidize the two melanoma-associated antigens MART and PMEL is utilized. Cold plasma-oxidized MART (oxMART) and PMEL (oxPMEL) are heavily decorated with oxPTMs as determined by mass spectrometry. Immunization with oxidized MART or PMEL vaccines prior to challenge with viable melanoma cells correlated with significant changes in cytokine secretion and altered T-cell differentiation of tumor-infiltrated leukocytes (TILs). oxMART promoted the activity of cytotoxic central memory T-cells, while oxPMEL led to increased proliferation of cytotoxic effector T-cells. Similar T-cell results are observed after incubating splenocytes of tumor-bearing mice with B16F10 melanoma cells. This study, for the first time, provides evidence of the importance of oxidative modifications of two melanoma-associated antigens in eliciting anticancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Clemen
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lea Miebach
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Debora Singer
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Rostock University Medical Center, Strempelstr. 13, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Eric Freund
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wien University Medical Center, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Thomas von Woedtke
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Greifswald University Medical Center, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Klaus-Dieter Weltmann
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Rostock University Medical Center, Strempelstr. 13, 18057, Rostock, Germany
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Schmidt A, Singer D, Aden H, von Woedtke T, Bekeschus S. Gas Plasma Exposure Alters Microcirculation and Inflammation during Wound Healing in a Diabetic Mouse Model. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:68. [PMID: 38247492 PMCID: PMC10812527 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes can disrupt physiological wound healing, caused by decreased levels or impaired activity of angiogenic factors. This can contribute to chronic inflammation, poor formation of new blood vessels, and delayed re-epithelialization. The present study describes the preclinical application of medical gas plasma to treat a dermal, full-thickness ear wound in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Gas plasma-mediated effects occurred in both sexes but with gender-specific differences. Hyperspectral imaging demonstrated gas plasma therapy changing microcirculatory parameters, particularly oxygen saturation levels during wound healing, presumably due to the gas plasma's tissue delivery of reactive species and other bioactive components. In addition, gas plasma treatment significantly affected cell adhesion by regulating focal adhesion kinase and vinculin, which is important in maintaining skin barrier function by regulating syndecan expression and increasing re-epithelialization. An anticipated stimulation of blood vessel formation was detected via transcriptional and translational increase of angiogenic factors in gas plasma-exposed wound tissue. Moreover, gas plasma treatment significantly affected inflammation by modulating systemic growth factors and cytokine levels. The presented findings may help explain the mode of action of successful clinical plasma therapy of wounds of diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Schmidt
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Debora Singer
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Rostock University Medical Center, Strempelstr. 13, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Henrike Aden
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas von Woedtke
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Greifswald University Medical Center, Sauerbruchstr., 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Rostock University Medical Center, Strempelstr. 13, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Clemen R, Minkus L, Singer D, Schulan P, von Woedtke T, Wende K, Bekeschus S. Multi-Oxidant Environment as a Suicidal Inhibitor of Myeloperoxidase. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1936. [PMID: 38001789 PMCID: PMC10668958 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12111936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue inflammation drives the infiltration of innate immune cells that generate reactive species to kill bacteria and recruit adaptive immune cells. Neutrophil activation fosters the release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme, a heme-containing protein generating hypochlorous acid (HOCl) from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and chloride ions. MPO-dependent oxidant formation initiates bioactive oxidation and chlorination products and induces oxidative post-translational modifications (oxPTMs) on proteins and lipid oxidation. Besides HOCl and H2O2, further reactive species such as singlet oxygen and nitric oxide are generated in inflammation, leading to modified proteins, potentially resulting in their altered bioactivity. So far, knowledge about multiple free radical-induced modifications of MPO and its effects on HOCl generation is lacking. To mimic this multi-oxidant microenvironment, human MPO was exposed to several reactive species produced simultaneously via argon plasma operated at body temperature. Several molecular gas admixes were used to modify the reactive species type profiles generated. MPO was investigated by studying its oxPTMs, changes in protein structure, and enzymatic activity. MPO activity was significantly reduced after treatment with all five tested plasma gas conditions. Dynamic light scattering and CD-spectroscopy revealed altered MPO protein morphology indicative of oligomerization. Using mass spectrometry, various oxPTMs, such as +1O, +2O, and +3O, were determined on methionine and cysteine (Cys), and -1H-1N+1O was detected in asparagine (Asp). The modification types identified differed between argon-oxygen and argon-nitrogen plasmas. However, all plasma gas conditions led to the deamidation of Asp and oxidation of Cys residues, suggesting an inactivation of MPO due to oxPTM-mediated conformational changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Clemen
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lara Minkus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Debora Singer
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Rostock University Medical Center, Strempelstr. 13, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Paul Schulan
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas von Woedtke
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Greifswald University Medical Center, Sauerbruchstr., 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Kristian Wende
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Rostock University Medical Center, Strempelstr. 13, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Bekeschus S. Medical gas plasma technology: Roadmap on cancer treatment and immunotherapy. Redox Biol 2023; 65:102798. [PMID: 37556976 PMCID: PMC10433236 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite continuous therapeutic progress, cancer remains an often fatal disease. In the early 2010s, first evidence in rodent models suggested promising antitumor action of gas plasma technology. Medical gas plasma is a partially ionized gas depositing multiple physico-chemical effectors onto tissues, especially reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Today, an evergrowing body of experimental evidence suggests multifaceted roles of medical gas plasma-derived therapeutic ROS/RNS in targeting cancer alone or in combination with oncological treatment schemes such as ionizing radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Intriguingly, gas plasma technology was recently unraveled to have an immunological dimension by inducing immunogenic cell death, which could ultimately promote existing cancer immunotherapies via in situ or autologous tumor vaccine schemes. Together with first clinical evidence reporting beneficial effects in cancer patients following gas plasma therapy, it is time to summarize the main concepts along with the chances and limitations of medical gas plasma onco-therapy from a biological, immunological, clinical, and technological point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany; Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Rostock University Medical Center, Strempelstr. 13, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
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Argon Humidification Exacerbates Antimicrobial and Anti-MRSA kINPen Plasma Activity. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020257. [PMID: 36836614 PMCID: PMC9968137 DOI: 10.3390/life13020257] [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: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gas plasma is a medical technology with antimicrobial properties. Its main mode of action is oxidative damage via reactive species production. The clinical efficacy of gas plasma-reduced bacterial burden has been shown to be hampered in some cases. Since the reactive species profile produced by gas plasma jets, such as the kINPen used in this study, are thought to determine antimicrobial efficacy, we screened an array of feed gas settings in different types of bacteria. Antimicrobial analysis was performed by single-cell analysis using flow cytometry. We identified humidified feed gas to mediate significantly greater toxicity compared to dry argon and many other gas plasma conditions. The results were confirmed by inhibition zone analysis on gas-plasma-treated microbial lawns grown on agar plates. Our results may have vital implications for clinical wound management and potentially enhance antimicrobial efficacy of medical gas plasma therapy in patient treatment.
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Mrochen DM, Miebach L, Skowski H, Bansemer R, Drechsler CA, Hofmanna U, Hein M, Mamat U, Gerling T, Schaible U, von Woedtke T, Bekeschus S. Toxicity and virucidal activity of a neon-driven micro plasma jet on eukaryotic cells and a coronavirus. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 191:105-118. [PMID: 36041652 PMCID: PMC9420207 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Plasma medicine is a developing field that utilizes the effects of cold physical plasma on biological substrates for therapeutic purposes. Approved plasma technology is frequently used in clinics to treat chronic wounds and skin infections. One mode of action responsible for beneficial effects in patients is the potent antimicrobial activity of cold plasma systems, which is linked to their unique generation of a plethora of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS). During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it became increasingly clear that societies need novel ways of passive and active protection from viral airway infections. Plasma technology may be suitable for superficial virus inactivation. Employing an optimized neon-driven micro plasma jet, treatment time-dependent ROS production and cytotoxic effects to different degrees were found in four different human cell lines with respect to their metabolic activity and viability. Using the murine hepatitis virus (MHV), a taxonomic relative of human coronaviruses, plasma exposure drastically reduced the number of infected murine fibroblasts by up to 3000-fold. Direct plasma contact (conductive) with the target maximized ROS production, cytotoxicity, and antiviral activity compared to non-conductive treatment with the remote gas phase only. Strikingly, antioxidant pretreatment reduced but not abrogated conductive plasma exposure effects, pointing to potential non-ROS-related mechanisms of antiviral activity. In summary, an optimized micro plasma jet showed antiviral activity and cytotoxicity in human cells, which was in part ROS-dependent. Further studies using more complex tissue models are needed to identify a safe dose-effect window of antiviral activity at modest toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Mrochen
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lea Miebach
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany; Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Thoracic Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henry Skowski
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Robert Bansemer
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Chiara A Drechsler
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greifswald University Medical Center, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ulfilas Hofmanna
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Manuel Hein
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, Program Area Infections, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Parkallee, 23845, Borstel, Germany
| | - Uwe Mamat
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, Program Area Infections, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Parkallee, 23845, Borstel, Germany; Leibniz Research Alliance INFECTIONS, Germany
| | - Torsten Gerling
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schaible
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, Program Area Infections, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Parkallee, 23845, Borstel, Germany; Leibniz Research Alliance INFECTIONS, Germany; Leibniz Research Alliance HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES, Germany
| | - Thomas von Woedtke
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany; Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Greifswald University Medical Center, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Germany; Leibniz Research Alliance HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany; Leibniz Research Alliance HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES, Germany.
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