Protective effects of an extract of the freshwater microalga Scenedesmus rubescens on UV-irradiated skin cells

BACKGROUND

Skin ageing results from intrinsic but also extrinsic factors of which UV irradiation is a main cause. It is hence of interest to have means to protect skin from UV irradiation-induced damage. We selected an extract of the freshwater microalga Scenedesmus rubescens and assessed its potential to protect skin from photoageing caused by UV irradiation.

METHODS

Skin cells in vitro and ex vivo were analysed for markers of UV irradiation-induced photodamage such as decreased viability, decreased collagen content, hyperpigmentation and sunburn cells.

RESULTS

We found that a dry extract of the microalga Scenedesmus rubescens was able to suppress cellular signs of ageing induced by UV irradiation. It enhanced dermal fibroblast viability, rescued dermal collagen content, inhibited the formation of sunburn cells and inhibited tyrosinase activity.

CONCLUSION

An extract of Scenedesmus rubescens showed broad activity against markers of UV irradiation-induced cutaneous ageing. It may therefore be used as a preventive or regenerative agent for anti-ageing strategies.

Characterization of activating mutations of NOTCH3 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and anti-leukemic activity of NOTCH3 inhibitory antibodies

Notch receptors have been implicated as oncogenic drivers in several cancers, the most notable example being NOTCH1 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). To characterize the role of activated NOTCH3 in cancer, we generated an antibody that detects the neo-epitope created upon gamma-secretase cleavage of NOTCH3 to release its intracellular domain (ICD3), and sequenced the negative regulatory region (NRR) and PEST domain coding regions of NOTCH3 in a panel of cell lines. We also characterize NOTCH3 tumor-associated mutations that result in activation of signaling and report new inhibitory antibodies. We determined the structural basis for receptor inhibition by obtaining the first co-crystal structure of a NOTCH3 antibody with the NRR protein and defined two distinct epitopes for NRR antibodies. The antibodies exhibit potent anti-leukemic activity in cell lines and tumor xenografts harboring NOTCH3 activating mutations. Screening of primary T-ALL samples reveals that two of 40 tumors examined show active NOTCH3 signaling. We also identified evidence of NOTCH3 activation in 12 of 24 patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models, two of which exhibit activation of NOTCH3 without activation of NOTCH1. Our studies provide additional insights into NOTCH3 activation and offer a path forward for identification of cancers that are likely to respond to therapy with NOTCH3 selective inhibitory antibodies.

Mechanisms of apoptosis after ischemia and reperfusion: role of the renin-angiotensin system

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis plays a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases. We examined the influence of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on different regulators of apoptosis using an isolated hemoperfused working porcine heart model of acute ischemia (2 h), followed by reperfusion (4 h).

METHODS AND RESULTS

23 porcine hearts were randomized to 5 groups: hemoperfused non-infarcted hearts (C), infarcted hearts (MI: R. circumflexus), infarcted hearts treated with quinaprilat (Q), infarcted hearts treated with angiotensin-I (Ang I), and infarcted hearts treated with angiotensin-I and quinaprilat (QA). Fas, Bax, bcl-2 and p53 proteins were increased in MI hearts and further elevated by Ang I. Quinaprilat reduced Bax and p53. Bcl-2 was elevated in Q and reduced in QA. An early upregulation of caspase-3 gene and protein expression was detected in MI and Ang I hearts compared to C. Q reduced caspase-3 gene expression, but had no effect on caspase-3 and Fas protein.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the RAS plays a pivotal role in cardiac apoptosis which is the early and predominant form of death in myocardial infarction. Ischemia/reperfusion induces programmed cell death via extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Early treatment with quinaprilat attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Adenosine increases interleukin 6 release and decreases tumour necrosis factor release from rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells, ovarian cells, anterior pituitary cells, and peritoneal macrophages

Adenosine modifies interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) release from immune tissues. Because adenosine alters endocrine function and endocrine cells secrete cytokines, its effects on IL-6 and TNF release from rat adrenals, ovaries, and anterior pituitaries were compared with its effects on cytokine release from rat peritoneal macrophages. Adenosine increased basal IL-6 release and decreased basal TNF release from adrenal zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata/reticularis cells. IL-6 and TNF release from zona glomerulosa cells was greater (20x) than that of other adrenal cells. An A2 agonist modified adrenal IL-6 and TNF release at lower concentrations than an A1 agonist. Adenosine augmented adrenal IL-6 release stimulated by endotoxin (LPS), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), adrenocorticotrophic hormone, and angiotensin II. LPS- and IL-1 beta-stimulated adrenal TNF release was inhibited by adenosine. Adenosine increased IL-6 release and inhibited TNF release from ovarian cells. Anterior pituitary cells released IL-6, but no detectable TNF. Adenosine, via A2 receptors, stimulated IL-6 secretion from these cells. Peritoneal macrophage IL-6 release was increased and TNF release decreased by adenosine. Thus, in immune and endocrine tissues, adenosine increases IL-6 release, but inhibits TNF release.

[Insulin injection aid. Experiences with its use in Type II diabetes patients]

This article reports on the experience gained with an insulin injection aid for use by type II diabetics. The baseline data provided by a questionnaire survey are discussed in detail. The "pen" proved simple to use and was readily accepted. A number of shortcomings were identified and improvements suggested. The significantly superior metabolic control observed in patients using such aids is briefly discussed. In addition, detailed consideration is given to the models presently available and desirable future prospects are identified.

[Attitude to the special education student with reference to social integration in early adulthood--studies in a rural district]

This paper deals with cognition of attitudes to pupils from a special school for mentally retarded children in a rural district on the base of using polarity profiles. Although children from Secondary Schools and adults have little understanding of the retarded children's handicaps, they do not appear to hold one-sided stereotyped opinions and in the areas of social behavior and ways of working positive attributes of the personality are emphasized. In comparison with this results recorded self-assessments of former pupils of special schools, together with the assessments of others, in real working situations show a satisfactory level of integration, although after initial difficulties. Opportunities for advice and care are considered necessary, even after pupils have left school.

Effects of NaCl and CaCl(2) on Cell Enlargement and Cell Production in Cotton Roots

In many crop species, supplemental Ca(2+) alleviates the inhibition of growth typical of exposure to salt stress. In hydroponically grown cotton seedlings (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv Acala SJ-2), both length and weight of the primary root were enhanced by moderate salinities (25 to 100 millimolar NaCl) in the presence of 10 millimolar Ca(2+), but the roots became thinner. Anatomical analysis showed that the cortical cells of these roots were longer and narrower than those of the control plants, while cortical cells of roots grown at the same salinities but in the presence of only 0.4 millimolar Ca(2+) became shorter and more nearly isodiametrical. Cell volume, however, was not affected by salinities up to 200 millimolar NaCl at either 0.4 or 10 millimolar Ca(2+). Our observations suggest Ca(2+)-dependent effects of salinity on the cytoskeleton. The rate of cell production declined with increasing salinity at 0.4 millimolar Ca(2+) but at 10 millimolar Ca(2+) was not affected by salinities up to 150 millimolar NaCl.

Research in mental retardation in the German Democratic Republic (GDR)

Research in mental retardation in the GDR has been influenced primarily by the brain damage--development theory, which assumes biological as well as social determinants in human development. The theory was based on the results of brain damage (encephalopathy) research, which distinguishes between primary and secondary symptoms of mental retardation. The importance of social factors such as family conditions for development was demonstrated in a variety of studies, including research with adopted children. Positive results have been achieved with early education programming for developmentally disabled children, as well as with medical treatment for some genetically induced metabolic disorders. Results from longitudinal studies suggest that intelligence continues to develop in educable mentally retarded adolescents. New diagnostic methods have been developed; test of motor skills, visuomotor coordination, and a developmental test for young infants. Further developments of traditional school entrance diagnosis for special education classes is reported. Several studies show that there has been some success in the vocational and social integration of mentally retarded persons in the GDR.

[Condition analysis of behavior disorders in children and adolescents in residential treatment in a district town]

The psychological-statistical analysis of the resolutions concerning accommodation in a home by the Youth Welfare Services of the town of Rostock in 1973 includes 75 children and young people with (dissocial) behaviour disorders, their average age at that time being 14.0 years. The main phenomena were playing truant or idling, running away as well as difficulties regarding discipline. A remarkable fact is the large percentage of parents with lacking vocational training and the frequency of families with more than four children (10 times as high as the average of the population) with the rate of divorces being at the same time high (39%). 55 per cent of the persons with behaviour disorders did not have a normal school development, for example the percentage of the children attending schools for backward children was 14 times as high as the average of the other school children. As a consequence, the necessity of making an early use of advisory and educational measures is pointed out, especially in cases of such families with many children who are lacking the basic conditions for an education.

[On connection between music therapy and music pedagogics during childhood (author's transl)]

In this article is explained, that, in spite of existing communities between music therapy and cooperating remedial education on the one hand and music education on the other, we can separate with regard to the method music therapy as one form of psychotherapy from educational influence. But in practice at therapy of children with psychical disturbances we always must take into considerations the education object in view.

[Possibilities of behavior therapy in childhood]

The author, after discussing methods of conditioning and their theoretical substantiation, describes the behavior disorders, forms of malconduct, and development disorders where methods of behavior therapy have so far been made successful use of. Possibilities of, and technical problems associated with, the treatment of nocturnal enuresis are discussed in addition to methods of treatment of autistic, electively mutistic, and stuttering children. Also discussed in this paper are methods of behavior therapy of states of anxiety, phobias, and hypermotor conditions as well as the instruction of educators in the use methods developed on the lines of behavior therapy. Behavior therapy is characterized as a form of psychotherapy which cannot replace general pedagogic influences.

[Musical-rhythmic discrimination ability and recall in children with reading and spelling disorders]

Thirty 9- to 11-year-old children of normal intelligence, who are poor readers and spellers, were tested using shortened series of problems of the Seashore test of musical talents as well as Colured Progressive Matrices. Also, the children had to write from dictation using Kossakowski's table of words. All of the problems, with the exception of writing from dictation, were also presented to, and solved by, a correspondingly composed reference group of thirty normal schoolchildren. There were found considerable statistically significant group differences especially in respect of the ability to absorb successions of tones and distinguish between different tone colors and intensities of sound. The importance of these results to the development of methods of early diagnosis is discussed in detail.