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Panagiotopoulos AA, Konstantinou E, Pirintsos SA, Castanas E, Kampa M. Mining the ZINC database of natural products for specific, testosterone-like, OXER1 antagonists. Steroids 2023; 199:109309. [PMID: 37696380 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
OXER1, the receptor for the oxidized arachidonic acid metabolite 5-oxo-ETE has been reported to play a significant role in inflammatory responses, being responsible for leucocyte chemotactic responses. Recently, we have identified OXER1 (GPR170) as a membrane receptor for androgens in prostate and breast cancer cells. Testosterone action via OXER1 induces specific Ca2+ release from intracellular organelles, modifies polymerized actin distribution induces apoptosis and decreases cancer cell migration. These actions are antagonized by 5-oxo-ETE. In addition, 5-oxo-ETE through a Gαi protein decreases cAMP, an action antagonized by testosterone. In this work, we mined the ZINC15 database, using QSAR, for natural compounds able to signal through Gαi and Gβγ simultaneously, mimicking testosterone actions, as well as for specific Gβγ interactors, inhibiting 5-oxo-ETE tumor promoting actions. We were able to identify four druggable Gαβγ and seven Gβγ specific OXER1 interactors. We further confirmed by bio-informatic methods their binding to the 5-oxo-ETE/testosterone binding groove of the receptor, their ADME properties and their possible interaction with other receptor and/or enzyme targets. Two compounds, ZINC04017374 (Naphthofluorescein) and ZINC08589130 (Puertogaline A) were purchased, tested in vitro and confirmed their OXER1 Gβγ and Gαβγ activity, respectively. The methodology followed is useful for a better understanding of the mechanism by which OXER1 mediates its actions, it has the potential to provide structural insights, in order to design small molecular specific interactors and ultimately design new anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents. Finally, the methodology may also be useful for identifying specific agonists/antagonists of other GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evangelia Konstantinou
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete, School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Stergios A Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Rethymnon, Greece
| | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete, School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece.
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete, School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece.
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2
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Panagiotopoulos AA, Kalyvianaki K, Serifoglou B, Konstantinou E, Notas G, Castanas E, Kampa M. OXER1 mediates testosterone-induced calcium responses in prostate cancer cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 539:111487. [PMID: 34634385 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In prostate cancer, calcium homeostasis plays a significant role in the disease's development and progression. Intracellular calcium changes are an important secondary signal, triggered by a variety of extracellular stimuli, that controls many cellular functions. One of the main events affecting calcium is androgen signaling. Indeed, via calcium changes, androgens regulate cell processes like cell growth, differentiation and motility. In the present work we explored the nature of the receptor involved in calcium response induced by membrane-acting testosterone in prostate cancer cells. We report that testosterone, independently of the presence of the classical androgen receptor, can rapidly increase intracellular calcium from calcium stores, through the oxoeicosanoid receptor 1 (OXER1) and a specific signaling cascade that triggers calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum. These findings reveal for the first time the receptor involved in the rapid calcium changes induced by androgens. Moreover, they further support the notion that androgens, even in the absence of AR, can still exert specific effects that regulate cancer cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantina Kalyvianaki
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete, School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Bourcin Serifoglou
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete, School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Evangelia Konstantinou
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete, School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Notas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete, School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete, School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece.
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, University of Crete, School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece.
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3
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Kassianos AP, Georgiou A, Kyprianidou M, Lamnisos D, Ļubenko J, Presti G, Squatrito V, Constantinou M, Nicolaou C, Papacostas S, Aydin G, Chong YY, Chien WT, Cheng HY, Ruiz FJ, Garcia-Martin MB, Obando D, Segura-Vargas MA, Vasiliou VS, McHugh L, Höfer S, Baban A, Neto DD, da Silva AN, Monestès JL, Alvarez-Galvez J, Blarrina MP, Montesinos F, Salas SV, Őri D, Kleszcz B, Lappalainen R, Ivanović I, Gosar D, Dionne F, Merwin RM, Chatzittofis A, Konstantinou E, Economidou S, Gloster AT, Karekla M, Constantinidou A. Mental Health and Adherence to COVID-19 Protective Behaviors among Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International, Multinational Cross-Sectional Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6294. [PMID: 34944913 PMCID: PMC8699048 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted during the first COVID-19 wave, to examine the impact of COVID-19 on mental health using an anonymous online survey, enrolling 9565 individuals in 78 countries. The current sub-study examined the impact of the pandemic and the associated lockdown measures on the mental health, and protective behaviors of cancer patients in comparison to non-cancer participants. Furthermore, 264 participants from 30 different countries reported being cancer patients. The median age was 51.5 years, 79.9% were female, and 28% had breast cancer. Cancer participants reported higher self-efficacy to follow recommended national guidelines regarding COVID-19 protective behaviors compared to non-cancer participants (p < 0.01). They were less stressed (p < 0.01), more psychologically flexible (p < 0.01), and had higher levels of positive affect compared to non-cancer participants. Amongst cancer participants, the majority (80.3%) reported COVID-19, not their cancer, as their priority during the first wave of the pandemic and females reported higher levels of stress compared to males. In conclusion, cancer participants appeared to have handled the unpredictable nature of the first wave of the pandemic efficiently, with a positive attitude towards an unknown and otherwise frightening situation. Larger, cancer population specific and longitudinal studies are warranted to ensure adequate medical and psychological care for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelos P. Kassianos
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus; (A.P.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Alexandros Georgiou
- Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, Nicosia 2006, Cyprus; (A.G.); (E.K.); (S.E.)
| | - Maria Kyprianidou
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus; (A.P.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Demetris Lamnisos
- Department of Health Sciences, European University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus;
| | - Jeļena Ļubenko
- Psychological Laboratory, Faculty of Public Health and Social Welfare, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Giovambattista Presti
- Human and Social Sciences Department, University of Enna Kore, 94100 Enna, Italy; (G.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Valeria Squatrito
- Human and Social Sciences Department, University of Enna Kore, 94100 Enna, Italy; (G.P.); (V.S.)
| | | | - Christiana Nicolaou
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3041, Cyprus;
| | | | - Gökçen Aydin
- Department of Psychological Counseling and Guidance, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep 27010, Turkey;
| | - Yuen Yu Chong
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (Y.Y.C.); (W.T.C.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Wai Tong Chien
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (Y.Y.C.); (W.T.C.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Ho Yu Cheng
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (Y.Y.C.); (W.T.C.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Francisco J. Ruiz
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de La Sabana, Chia 140013, Colombia; (F.J.R.); (M.B.G.-M.); (D.O.); (M.A.S.-V.)
| | - Maria B. Garcia-Martin
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de La Sabana, Chia 140013, Colombia; (F.J.R.); (M.B.G.-M.); (D.O.); (M.A.S.-V.)
| | - Diana Obando
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de La Sabana, Chia 140013, Colombia; (F.J.R.); (M.B.G.-M.); (D.O.); (M.A.S.-V.)
| | - Miguel A. Segura-Vargas
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de La Sabana, Chia 140013, Colombia; (F.J.R.); (M.B.G.-M.); (D.O.); (M.A.S.-V.)
| | - Vasilis S. Vasiliou
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork (UCC), T23 XE10 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Louise McHugh
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin 4, Ireland;
| | - Stefan Höfer
- Department of Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Adriana Baban
- Department of Psychology, Babes-Bolyai University, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - David Dias Neto
- ISPA—Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Applied Psychology Research Center Capabilities & Inclusion, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Nunes da Silva
- Department of Psychology, University of Lisbon, 1649-013 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | | | - Javier Alvarez-Galvez
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cadiz, 11009 Cadiz, Spain;
| | | | - Francisco Montesinos
- Instituto ACT, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.P.B.); (F.M.)
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Dorottya Őri
- Department of Mental Health, Heim Pal National Pediatric Institute, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary;
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Raimo Lappalainen
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland;
| | - Iva Ivanović
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Institute for Children’s Diseases, Clinical Centre of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro;
| | - David Gosar
- Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, University Children’s Hospital Ljubljana, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Frederick Dionne
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada;
| | - Rhonda M. Merwin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA;
| | | | | | - Sofia Economidou
- Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, Nicosia 2006, Cyprus; (A.G.); (E.K.); (S.E.)
| | - Andrew T. Gloster
- Division of Clinical Psychology & Intervention Science, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, 4055 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Maria Karekla
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus; (A.P.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Anastasia Constantinidou
- Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, Nicosia 2006, Cyprus; (A.G.); (E.K.); (S.E.)
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus;
- Cyprus Cancer Research Institute, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
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Angelopoulou A, Alexandris N, Konstantinou E, Mesiakaris K, Zanidis C, Farsalinos K, Poulas K. Imiquimod - A toll like receptor 7 agonist - Is an ideal option for management of COVID 19. Environ Res 2020; 188:109858. [PMID: 32846644 PMCID: PMC7309930 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
According to numerous recent publications, the COVID-19 patients have lymphopenia, higher infection-related biomarkers and several elevated inflammatory cytokines (i.e. tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin IL-2R and IL-6). The total number of B cells, T cells and NK cells are significantly decreased. RNA viruses, SARS-CoV-2 included, hit the innate immune system in order to cause infection, through TLRs 3, 7 and 8. Imiquimod is an immune-stimulator that activates TLR 7 and can be used to enhance the innate and adaptive immunity. Preclinical and clinical trials are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Angelopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26500, Greece
| | - Nikos Alexandris
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26500, Greece
| | - Evangelia Konstantinou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26500, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Mesiakaris
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26500, Greece
| | - Charilaos Zanidis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26500, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Farsalinos
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26500, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Poulas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26500, Greece.
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5
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Konstantinou E, Zagoriti Z, Pyriochou A, Poulas K. Microcurrent Stimulation Triggers MAPK Signaling and TGF-β1 Release in Fibroblast and Osteoblast-Like Cell Lines. Cells 2020; 9:E1924. [PMID: 32825091 PMCID: PMC7564311 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Wound healing constitutes an essential process for all organisms and involves a sequence of three phases. The disruption or elongation of any of these phases can lead to a chronic or non-healing wound. Electrical stimulation accelerates wound healing by mimicking the current that is generated in the skin after any injury. Here, we sought to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in the healing process following in vitro microcurrent stimulation-a type of electrotherapy. Our results concluded that microcurrents promote cell proliferation and migration in an ERK 1/2- or p38-dependent way. Furthermore, microcurrents induce the secretion of transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) in fibroblasts and osteoblast-like cells. Interestingly, transcriptomic analysis uncovered that microcurrents enhance the transcriptional activation of genes implicated in Hedgehog, TGF-β1 and MAPK signaling pathways. Overall, our results demonstrate that microcurrents may enhance wound closure through a combination of signal transductions, via MAPK's phosphorylation, and the transcriptional activation of specific genes involved in the healing process. These mechanisms should be further examined in vivo, in order to verify the beneficial effects of microcurrents in wound or fracture healing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Konstantinos Poulas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece; (E.K.); (Z.Z.); (A.P.)
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6
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Kalpadakis C, Pangalis G, Konstantinou E, Vassilakopoulos T, Telonis V, Sachanas S, Tsirkinidis P, Moschogiannis M, Yiakoumis X, Siakantaris M, Tsaftaridis P, Iliakis T, Befani M, Kyrtsonis M, Dimitrakopoulou A, Boutsikas G, Korkolopoulou P, Kontopidou F, Koulieris E, Pontikoglou C, Ximeri M, Psylaki M, Roumelioti M, Rontogiannis D, Papadaki H, Panagiotidis P, Angelopoulou M. CLONAL B-CELL LYMPHOCYTOSIS OF MARGINAL ZONE ORIGIN (CBL-MZ): DESCRIPTION OF MAIN CLINICAL FEATURES, DISEASE EVOLUTION AND OUTCOME IN A SERIES OF 100 PATIENTS. Hematol Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.38_2630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Kalpadakis
- Department of Haematology; University Hospital, University of Crete; Heraklion Crete Greece
| | - G.A. Pangalis
- Department of Haematology; Athens Medical Center; Athens Greece
| | - E. Konstantinou
- Department of Haematology; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - T.P. Vassilakopoulos
- Department of Haematology; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - V. Telonis
- Department of Haematology; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - S. Sachanas
- Department of Haematology; Athens Medical Center; Athens Greece
| | - P. Tsirkinidis
- Department of Haematology; Athens Medical Center; Athens Greece
| | | | - X. Yiakoumis
- Department of Haematology; Athens Medical Center; Athens Greece
| | - M. Siakantaris
- Department of Haematology; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - P. Tsaftaridis
- Department of Haematology; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - T. Iliakis
- Department of Haematology; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - M. Befani
- Department of Haematology; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - M. Kyrtsonis
- 1st Department of Propedeutics; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - A. Dimitrakopoulou
- Immunology Laboratory; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - G. Boutsikas
- Department of Haematology; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - P. Korkolopoulou
- Department of Pathology; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - F. Kontopidou
- Second Department of Internal Medicine; Hippokrateio General Hospital, University of Athens; Athens Greece
| | - E. Koulieris
- Department of Haematology; Athens Medical Center; Athens Greece
| | - C. Pontikoglou
- Department of Haematology; University Hospital, University of Crete; Heraklion Crete Greece
| | - M. Ximeri
- Department of Haematology; University Hospital, University of Crete; Heraklion Crete Greece
| | - M. Psylaki
- Department of Haematology; University Hospital, University of Crete; Heraklion Crete Greece
| | - M. Roumelioti
- 1st Department of Propedeutics; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - D. Rontogiannis
- Department of Anatomic Pathology; Evangelismos General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - H. Papadaki
- Department of Haematology; University Hospital, University of Crete; Heraklion Crete Greece
| | - P. Panagiotidis
- 1st Department of Propedeutics; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - M.K. Angelopoulou
- Department of Haematology; University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital; Athens Greece
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7
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Konstantinou E, Fotopoulou F, Drosos A, Dimakopoulou N, Zagoriti Z, Niarchos A, Makrynioti D, Kouretas D, Farsalinos K, Lagoumintzis G, Poulas K. Tobacco-specific nitrosamines: A literature review. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 118:198-203. [PMID: 29751076 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of chemicals, including several tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA). Most TSNA are formed in tobacco during the post-harvest period, while a number are produced when a cigarette is burned. Considerable evidence supports the role of TSNA important causative factors for cancers of the lung, pancreas, esophagus, and oral cavity in people who use tobacco products. Of the known TSNA, nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK) and N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) are the most carcinogenic. Other TSNA include N'-nitrosoanatabine (NAT) and N-nitrosoanabasine (NAB). New tobacco products (e.g., e-cigarettes) designed to attract consumers who are concerned about the health effects of tobacco have been appearing on the market. Several studies have reported that certain TSNA have been detected in the replacement liquids and vapour of e-cigarettes, but the levels are generally considerably lower than in tobacco cigarettes. Additionally, the FDA recently announced its intention to regulate TSNA in e-cigarettes, cigar tobacco and pipe tobacco. With the rise of new technologies for reducing the use of tobacco products-such as e-cigarettes- to evaluate exposure levels to these harmful chemicals over time, researchers will be monitoring levels of TSNA in the body as a result of the use of these devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Konstantinou
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Foteini Fotopoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Athanasios Drosos
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Nektaria Dimakopoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Zoi Zagoriti
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Athanasios Niarchos
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitra Makrynioti
- Department of Optics & Optometry, School of Health and Caring Professions, University of Applied Sciences (T.E.I. of Western Greece), Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kouretas
- Department of Biochemistry-Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Larissa, 41500, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Farsalinos
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - George Lagoumintzis
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Poulas
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
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8
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Niarchos A, Siora A, Konstantinou E, Kalampoki V, Lagoumintzis G, Poulas K. TA-GC cloning: A new simple and versatile technique for the directional cloning of PCR products for recombinant protein expression. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186568. [PMID: 29091919 PMCID: PMC5665511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last few decades, the recombinant protein expression finds more and more applications. The cloning of protein-coding genes into expression vectors is required to be directional for proper expression, and versatile in order to facilitate gene insertion in multiple different vectors for expression tests. In this study, the TA-GC cloning method is proposed, as a new, simple and efficient method for the directional cloning of protein-coding genes in expression vectors. The presented method features several advantages over existing methods, which tend to be relatively more labour intensive, inflexible or expensive. The proposed method relies on the complementarity between single A- and G-overhangs of the protein-coding gene, obtained after a short incubation with T4 DNA polymerase, and T and C overhangs of the novel vector pET-BccI, created after digestion with the restriction endonuclease BccI. The novel protein-expression vector pET-BccI also facilitates the screening of transformed colonies for recombinant transformants. Evaluation experiments of the proposed TA-GC cloning method showed that 81% of the transformed colonies contained recombinant pET-BccI plasmids, and 98% of the recombinant colonies expressed the desired protein. This demonstrates that TA-GC cloning could be a valuable method for cloning protein-coding genes in expression vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anastasia Siora
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, GR, Patras, Greece
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9
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Katsila T, Konstantinou E, Lavda I, Malakis H, Papantoni I, Skondra L, Patrinos GP. Pharmacometabolomics-aided Pharmacogenomics in Autoimmune Disease. EBioMedicine 2016; 5:40-5. [PMID: 27077110 PMCID: PMC4816847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Inter-individual variability has been a major hurdle to optimize disease management. Precision medicine holds promise for improving health and healthcare via tailor-made therapeutic strategies. Herein, we outline the paradigm of "pharmacometabolomics-aided pharmacogenomics" in autoimmune diseases. We envisage merging pharmacometabolomic and pharmacogenomic data (to address the interplay of genomic and environmental influences) with information technologies to facilitate data analysis as well as sense- and decision-making on the basis of synergy between artificial and human intelligence. Humans can detect patterns, which computer algorithms may fail to do so, whereas data-intensive and cognitively complex settings and processes limit human ability. We propose that better-informed, rapid and cost-effective omics studies need the implementation of holistic and multidisciplinary approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Katsila
- University of Patras, School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, University Campus, Rion, Patras, Greece
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Zoulamoglou M, Piperos T, Konstantinou E, Theodoulou K, Tanteles S, Kyriakou K, Mariolis-Sapsakos T. P330 Sentinel lymph node: a secure technique in breast surgery. Breast 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s0960-9776(15)70360-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Kalles V, Papapanagiotou I, Piperos T, Flessas I, Zoulamoglou M, Konstantinou E, Theodoulou K, Mariolis-Sapsakos T. 467. Morbidity after sentinel lymph node biopsy in primary breast cancer patients. Eur J Surg Oncol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2014.08.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Koutsoumpas A, Giadinis N, Petridou E, Konstantinou E, Brozos C, Lafi S, Fthenakis G, Karatzias H. Consequences of reduced vitamin A administration on mammary health of dairy ewes. Small Rumin Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2012.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Kleontas A, Asteriou C, Lalountas M, Konstantinou E, Barbetakis N. Spontaneous pneumothorax complicating sunitinib therapy. Hippokratia 2011; 15:281-282. [PMID: 22435034 PMCID: PMC3306043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
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Fotis T, Konstantinou E, Mitsos A, Lambrinou E, Bastaki M, Perdikides T, Argiras E. 605. Regional Anaesthesia Is the Anaesthetic Key Point in Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: A Comparison between General and Regional Anaeshesia. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2008. [DOI: 10.1136/rapm-00115550-200809001-00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Theodosopoulou E, Raftopoulos V, Krajewska-Kułak E, Wrońska I, Chatzopulu A, Nikolaos T, Kotrotsiou E, Paralikas T, Konstantinou E, Tsavelas G. A study to ascertain the patients' satisfaction of the quality of hospital care in Greece compared with the patients' satisfaction in Poland. Adv Med Sci 2007; 52 Suppl 1:136-139. [PMID: 18229651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to evaluate the satisfaction of elderly patients, of the hospital care's quality, based on the literature evidence on results of a qualitative research and on a previous developed conceptual frame. MATERIAL AND METHODS We developed the Elderly Patient Satisfaction Scale (EPSS) by using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research. In this study participated 320 elderly patients from Greece (182 male, 138 female) and 240 patients (136 male, 104 female) from Poland (mean age 74.16 +/- 6.14 years). Most of elderly patients were married. Inclusion criteria were: elderly patients over 65 years old, being able to be interviewed, hospitalized for at least three days and not to be suffering from severe mental disease. RESULTS There was no correlation among age and global patients' satisfaction. Men in both of groups were expressed greater satisfaction with perceived quality of doctor care than women. Age positively correlated with question who estimate the satisfaction with the time that doctor spends for medical history taking. Patient's education correlated with question (satisfaction with availability of nurses night). Patient's depression found that affects the quality of hospital care and the satisfaction. Elderly patients were most satisfied with the technical care ability of nurse. The time period of hospital stay is correlated negatively with patient's global satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS No significant difference between the patients from Greece and Poland in majority of dimensions: the satisfaction of elderly patients, of the hospital care's quality was noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Theodosopoulou
- University of Athens, Faculty of Nursing, Hellenic Center for Infections Diseases Control, Greece.
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Theodosopoulou E, Konstantinou E, Toulia G, Koutsopoulou V, Chadzopulu A, Krajewska-Kułak E, Wrońska I, Tsokantaridis C, Kamba E. The attitude of nurses for the enhancement of palliative care in Greece. Rocz Akad Med Bialymst 2005; 50 Suppl 1:57-60. [PMID: 16119628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to estimate the attitude and knowledge of nurses for the development of palliative care in Greece. MATERIAL AND METHODS A certain questionnaire with closed questions was developed and was use as research method to collect all the necessary data to support or question the hypotheses. Eighty one nurses participated in this study. The data collected was analysed using the SPSS software. RESULTS Of the 81 nurses questioned 22 (27.16%) were men and 59 (72.84%) were women. The average was 37.19 +/- 9.16 years of the working Experience was 14.83 +/- 9.02 years in different units, 34.3%. Answered that the palliative care must be specialty, 43.2% specialization and 23.5% course. CONCLUSIONS The majority of nurses believe that if they had working experience in different units this won't give them the capacity to deal with patients who suffer from advanced disease.
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Pliakas G, Konstantinou E, Ignatiades T, Legakis N, Matsiota-Bernard P. Detection of Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus DNA sequences in pericardial fluid in a patient with multicentric Castleman's disease. Clin Microbiol Infect 2002; 8:381-2. [PMID: 12084108 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-0691.2002.00412.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Moharam A, Aleem F, Farmakides G, Schulman H, Maghzangy M, Rashed A, Konstantinou E. Urinary and amniotic epidermal growth factor during normal and abnormal pregnancies. A comparison based upon umbilical Doppler velocimetry. Gynecol Endocrinol 1992; 6:287-92. [PMID: 1492586 DOI: 10.3109/09513599209024993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth retardation is associated with abnormal umbilical flow velocity. We have begun a systematic study of growth factors and their relationship to this specific pattern of growth retardation. Using a specific double-antibody epidermal growth factor (EGF) 125I-radioimmunoassay, we studied urinary EGF in normal pregnancy from 5 to 42 weeks of gestation, and amniotic fluid EGF from 18 to 24 weeks. EGF levels increased from early pregnancy until 21-28 weeks, when they declined to a level at term similar to non-pregnant controls and first-trimester pregnancy levels. There was no significant difference in urinary EGF levels between women delivering appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants, and those delivering small-for-gestational-age infants (SGA). We conclude that the urinary EGF is not different in the SGA pregnancy from normal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Moharam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brookdale Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
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