The Role of Autophagy and Apoptosis in the Combined Action of Plasma-Treated Saline, Doxorubicin, and Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on K562 Myeloid Leukaemia Cells

Progesterone decreases viability and up regulates membrane progesterone receptors expression on the human Chronic Myeloid Leukemia cell line

Progesterone (P4) has an important effect (activatory or inhibitory) on cell proliferation. Although there is evidence of the impact of progesterone on sex-linked cancers, it can affect other cancer cells expressing P4 receptors (PRs). We evaluated the expression of membrane P4 receptors (mPRs) and the viability in progesterone-treated K562 cells to inspect the possible effects route of progesterone on this (CML) cancer cell line. K562 cells were exposed to various concentrations of progesterone or no exposure for 48 and 72 h. The percentage of viability and cells that expressed mPRα and mPRβ were evaluated by MTT test and flow cytometry respectively. Progesterone significantly increased the expression of mPRα and especially mPRβ on the surface of K562 cells and significantly decreased their viability (p ≤ 0.05). Progesterone can reduce viability in K562 cells. Our findings showed that progesterone affects its receptor expression on K562 cells. Thus it may influence the performance of K562 cells in addition to its direct effects on these cells (via binding to its receptors).

Antitumor progestins activity: Cytostatic effect and immune response

Progestins are used to treat some hormone-sensitive tumors. This review discusses the mechanisms of progestins' effects on tumor cells, the differences in the effects of progesterone and its analogs on different tumor types, and the influence of progestins on the antitumor immune response. Progestins cause a cytostatic effect, but at the same time they can suppress the antitumor immune response, and this can promote the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. Such progestins as dienogest, megestrol acetate and levonorgestrel increase the activity of NK-cells, which play a major role in the body's fight against tumor cells. The use of existing progestins and the development of new drugs with gestagenic activity may hold promise in oncotherapy.

Bacterial Decontamination of Water-Containing Objects Using Piezoelectric Direct Discharge Plasma and Plasma Jet

Cold atmospheric plasma has become a widespread tool in bacterial decontamination, harnessing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to neutralize bacteria on surfaces and in the air. This technology is often employed in healthcare, food processing, water treatment, etc. One of the most energy-efficient and universal methods for creating cold atmospheric plasma is the initiation of a piezoelectric direct discharge. The article presents a study of the bactericidal effect of piezoelectric direct discharge plasma generated using the multifunctional source "CAPKO". This device allows for the modification of the method of plasma generation "on the fly" by replacing a unit (cap) on the working device. The results of the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in a buffer solution in the modes of direct discharge in air and a plasma jet with an argon flow are presented. The bactericidal effect of these types of plasma against the bacteria E. coli BL21 (DE3) was studied. The issues of scaling the treatment technique are considered.

Epidermal growth factor potentiates EGFR(Y992/1173)-mediated therapeutic response of triple negative breast cancer cells to cold atmospheric plasma-activated medium

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) holds promise as a cancer-specific treatment that selectively kills various types of malignant cells. We used CAP-activated media (PAM) to utilize a range of the generated short- and long-lived reactive species. Specific antibodies, small molecule inhibitors and CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing approaches showed an essential role for receptor tyrosine kinases, especially epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, in mediating triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell responses to PAM. EGF also dramatically enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of PAM against TNBC cells. Site-specific phospho-EGFR analysis, signal transduction inhibitors and reconstitution of EGFR-depleted cells with EGFR-mutants confirmed the role of phospho-tyrosines 992/1173 and phospholipase C gamma signaling in up-regulating levels of reactive oxygen species above the apoptotic threshold. EGF-triggered EGFR activation enhanced the sensitivity and selectivity of PAM effects on TNBC cells. The proposed approach based on the synergy of CAP and EGFR-targeted therapy may provide new opportunities to improve the clinical management of TNBC.

Advancements in Plasma Agriculture: A Review of Recent Studies

This review is devoted to a topic of high interest in recent times-the use of plasma technologies in agriculture. The increased attention to these studies is primarily due to the demand for the intensification of food production and, at the same time, the request to reduce the use of pesticides. We analyzed publications, focusing on research conducted in the last 3 years, to identify the main achievements of plasma agrotechnologies and key obstacles to their widespread implementation in practice. We considered the main types of plasma sources used in this area, their advantages and limitations, which determine the areas of application. We also considered the use of plasma-activated liquids and the efficiency of their production by various types of plasma sources.