Antidiabetic potential of thiazolidinedione derivatives with efficient design, molecular docking, structural activity relationship, and biological activity: an update review (2021-2023)

Thiazolidinedione has been used successfully by medicinal chemists all over the world in the development of potent antidiabetic derivatives. The few compounds with excellent antidiabetic potency that we have identified in this review could be used as a lead for further research into additional antidiabetic mechanisms. The information provided in this review regarding the design, biological activity, structure-activity relationships, and docking studies may be useful for scientists who wish to further explore this scaffold in order to fully utilize its biological potential and develop antidiabetic agents that would overcome the limitations of currently available medications for the treatment of diabetes. This review outlines the antidiabetic potential of Thiazolidinedione-based derivatives that have been published in the year 2021- till date.

Phytochemistry and biological activity of Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers

Erigeron annuus L. is a flowering herb of North America, Europe, Asia and Russia. This plant is used as folk medicine in China for the cure of indigestion, enteritis, epidemic hepatitis, haematuria and diabetes. Phytochemical studies showed the presence of 170 bioactive compounds like coumarins, flavonoids, terpenoids, polyacetylenic compounds; γ-pyrone derivatives, sterols and various caffeoylquinic acids derived from the essential oil and organic extracts from its various parts such as aerial parts, roots, leaves, stems and flowers. The pharmacological studies demonstrated various extracts and the compounds of E. annuus to exhibit anti-fungal, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, phytotoxic, cytoprotective, antiobesity and antioxidant activities. This article covers a critical compendious on geographical distribution, botanical description, phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of E. annuus. However, further in-depth studies are needed to determine the medical uses of E. annuus and its chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and clinical applications.

Development and validation of simultaneous quantification method for gemcitabine and betulinic acid: augmenting industrial application

Combinatorial treatment utilizing a nucleoside analogue gemcitabine (GEM), with a characteristic pentacyclic triterpenoid betulinic acid (BET), has exhibited empowering adequacy in the therapy of cancer. It lessens the advancement of collagen and upgrades the saturation of tumour medicines. With the advancement in nanotechnology, the co-loaded formulation urges for a validated method of estimation. The purposed work entails a robust, simple, and economical analytical method for the simultaneous estimation of GEM and BET through RP-HPLC. Orthophosphoric acid (0.1%)-acetonitrile was considered as the mobile phase for the detection of GEM and BET at 248 nm and 210 nm with retention times of 5 min and 13 min, respectively. The method was further validated as per the regulatory guidelines with all the parameters found within the limit. The developed method with adequate resolution and quantification was found to be linear, accurate, precise, robust, and stable with an intra- and inter-day variability of less than 2%. The method was found specific for GEM and BET with no matrix interference of drug-spiked FBS samples. To demonstrate the applicability of the developed method, a nano-formulation containing GEM and BET was prepared and assessed for various parameters including encapsulation efficiency, loading efficiency, drug release, and drug stability. The method developed can be a possible tool for the simultaneous quantification of GEM-BET in analytical and biological samples.

Anti-scatter grid artifact elimination for high-resolution x-ray imaging detectors without a prior scatter distribution profile

Using anti-scatter grids with high-resolution imaging detectors could result in grid-line artifacts, with increasing severity as detector resolution improves. Grid-line mask subtraction can result in residual artifacts that are due to residual scatter penetrating the grid and not subtracted. By subtracting this residual scatter, the grid artifacts can be minimized. In the previous works, an initial residual-scatter estimate was derived by placing lead markers on a test object; however, any change in the object geometry requires a new scatter estimate. Such a method is impractical to implement during a clinical procedure. In this work, we present a new method to derive the initial scatter estimate to eliminate grid-line artifacts during a procedure. A standard stationary Smit-Roentgen x-ray grid (line density - 70 lines/cm, grid ratio - 13:1) was used with a high-resolution CMOS detector (Dexela Model 1207, pixel size - 75 μm) to image an anthropomorphic head phantom. The initial scatter estimate was derived from the image itself and the grid artifacts were eliminated using recursive correction estimation; this result was compared to that with the estimate derived from placing lead markers on the phantom. In both cases, the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was improved compared to the original image with grid artifacts. Percentage differences in CNR's for three regions between the images corrected with the two estimates were less than 5%. With the new method no a priori scatter distribution profiles are needed, eliminating the need to have libraries of pre-calculated scatter profiles and making the implementation more clinically practical.

Histopathological Analysis of Neoplastic and Non-Neoplastic Lesions of Ovary : A 4 Year Study in Eastern Nepal

IntroductionOvarian neoplastic and nontineoplastic lesions form a pelvic mass and cause gynaecological problems. Therefore, proper recognization and classification is important for appropriate therapy.ObjectiveTo study the morphological patiern and classify the neoplastic and nontineoplastic ovarian lesions in terms of age and size.MethodologyA retrospective study conducted at Sriram Diagnostic Clinic, Biratnagar, Nepal and Birat Medical College, Tankisinwari, Morang, Nepal during a period of March 2012 to February 2016. All abdominal hysterectomy specimens with bilateral or unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and all ovarian surgeries presenting with either solid or cystic ovarian lesions were included in the study for histopathological analysis. Normal appearing ovaries on gross and microscopic examination were excluded from the study.ResultsA total of 522 cases were studied. Out of which 329 (63%) were non-neoplastic and 193 (37%) were neoplastic. Follicular cysts comprised of 112 (34%) cases, and it was the most common non neoplastic lesion. The age of patients with non-neoplastic lesions and neoplastic lesions varied from 16-54 years and 13-72 years respectively. Size of nonneoplastic and neoplastic lesions varied from 2-12 cm and 2- 19 cm respectively. Among the 193 neoplastic ovarian lesions, 181 (94 %) were benign, as well as 4 (2%) were borderline and 8 (4 %) were malignant. Mature cystic teratoma was the commonest benign tumor followed by Serous cystadenoma. Serous cystadenocarcinoma was the commonest occurring malignant tumor followed by Mucinouscystadenocarcinoma.ConclusionVarying types of both non neoplastic and neoplastic ovarian lesion were seen. Among the non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesion, the most commonly encountered lesion was follicular cyst and mature cystic teratoma respectively.Birat Journal of Health SciencesVol.2/No.1/Issue 2/ Jan - April 2017, Page: 168-174

Blood Bank Service: An Experience at Newly Established Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Tankisinuwari, Morang, Nepal

IntroductionBlood bank service facility of blood collection, storage and dispatching began from 19 June 2016 in the new blood bank and transfusion service unit, at Birat Medical College & Teaching Hospital, Tankisinuwari, Morang, Nepal, with the support of Nepal Red Cross Society. As the supply of blood is finite, the inappropriate use of blood transfusion units and its component in the world exist, hence there is a need to monitor and regulate these services.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to know and identify different blood groups and its utilization pattern to meet the demand for future preparedness and to identify the total blood unit, which are being, replaced back.MethodologyThis retrospective study was conducted at BMCTH, Tankisinuwari, Morang for component dispatches from 19th June, 2016 to 19th February, 2017. Requisitions for whole blood requirement for patients from various departments were reviewed regarding the department request, the whole blood requested and whether being replaced, blood group and socio-demographic profile.ResultsOut of 193 transfusion units dispatched, 28 patients were male and 165 patients were females respectively B positive blood groups were most common, followed by A positive, O positive, AB positive, both AB and O negate respectively. The largest numbers of requisitions were from Gynecology and Obstetrics ward in the hospital, while 22 requisites were from other health centers. Majority of the requisitions were for 51- 60 years age group from the local district Morang. The total number of blood units replaced were 38, out of which 5 for males and 33 for females respectively.ConclusionB positive was the predominant requested blood group, with Gynecology and Obstetrics ward demanding the most requests, among 51-60 years age group from Morang district. The total blood units being replaced were very less in number with some requisition forms, which lacked essential details.Birat Journal of Health Sciences Vol.2/No.1/Issue 2/ Jan - April 2017, Page: 98-101

Sclerosing Stromal Tumor of Ovary: A Case Report

A case of 32 year old female of pelvic pain for one month and with past history of hysterectomy performed two year back. Clinical examination revealed palpable abdominal pelvic mass. Ultrasonography showed right pelvic mass arising from right adnexa measuring 15cm x 15 cm, predominantly solid with some cystic areas. The patient was suspected of having a malignant ovarian tumor and hence operated. A histopathological diagnosis revealed sclerosing stromal tumor of ovary. Sex cord-stromal tumors account for approximately 8% of all ovarian tumor and prevalence of sclerosing stromal tumor of ovary is 1.5% to 6% .This rare neoplasm is not always possible to predict pre-operatively on the basis of clinical and radiological findings. Histologically, it is characterized by several unique features including pseudolobulation, sclerosis, and prominent vascularity. Sclerosing stromal tumor is rare but possibility of this tumor should be considered in young patients with ovarian mass having the characteristic histopathological morphology.Birat Journal of Health Sciences 2016 1(1): 83-86

Real time implementation of anti-scatter grid artifact elimination method for high resolution x-ray imaging CMOS detectors using Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)

Scatter is one of the most important factors effecting image quality in radiography. One of the best scatter reduction methods in dynamic imaging is an anti-scatter grid. However, when used with high resolution imaging detectors these grids may leave grid-line artifacts with increasing severity as detector resolution improves. The presence of such artifacts can mask important details in the image and degrade image quality. We have previously demonstrated that, in order to remove these artifacts, one must first subtract the residual scatter that penetrates through the grid followed by dividing out a reference grid image; however, this correction must be done fast so that corrected images can be provided in real-time to clinicians. In this study, a standard stationary Smit-Rontgen x-ray grid (line density - 70 lines/cm, grid ratio - 13:1) was used with a high-resolution CMOS detector, the Dexela 1207 (pixel size - 75 micron) to image anthropomorphic head phantoms. For a 15 × 15 cm field-of-view (FOV), scatter profiles of the anthropomorphic head phantoms were estimated then iteratively modified to minimize the structured noise due to the varying grid-line artifacts across the FOV. Images of the head phantoms taken with the grid, before and after the corrections, were compared, demonstrating almost total elimination of the artifact over the full FOV. This correction is done fast using Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), with 7-8 iterations and total time taken to obtain the corrected image of only 87 ms, hence, demonstrating the virtually real-time implementation of the grid-artifact correction technique.

A β-galactosidase probe for the detection of cellular senescence by mass cytometry

Enzyme substrates for mass cytometry applications enable new dimensions in multiparametric cellular assays.

Scatter estimation and removal of anti-scatter grid-line artifacts from anthropomorphic head phantom images taken with a high resolution image detector

In radiography, one of the best methods to eliminate image-degrading scatter radiation is the use of anti-scatter grids. However, with high-resolution dynamic imaging detectors, stationary anti-scatter grids can leave grid-line shadows and moiré patterns on the image, depending upon the line density of the grid and the sampling frequency of the x-ray detector. Such artifacts degrade the image quality and may mask small but important details such as small vessels and interventional device features. Appearance of these artifacts becomes increasingly severe as the detector spatial resolution is improved. We have previously demonstrated that, to remove these artifacts by dividing out a reference grid image, one must first subtract the residual scatter that penetrates the grid; however, for objects with anatomic structure, scatter varies throughout the FOV and a spatially differing amount of scatter must be subtracted. In this study, a standard stationary Smit-Rontgen X-ray grid (line density - 70 lines/cm, grid ratio - 13:1) was used with a high-resolution CMOS detector, the Dexela 1207 (pixel size - 75 micron) to image anthropomorphic head phantoms. For a 15 × 15cm FOV, scatter profiles of the anthropomorphic head phantoms were estimated then iteratively modified to minimize the structured noise due to the varying grid-line artifacts across the FOV. Images of the anthropomorphic head phantoms taken with the grid, before and after the corrections, were compared demonstrating almost total elimination of the artifact over the full FOV. Hence, with proper computational tools, anti-scatter grid artifacts can be corrected, even during dynamic sequences.

Focal Spot Deblurring for High Resolution Direct Conversion X-ray Detectors

Small pixel high resolution direct x-ray detectors have the advantage of higher spatial sampling and decreased blurring characteristic. The limiting factors for such systems becomes the degradation due to the focal spot size. One solution is a smaller focal spot; however, this can limit the output of the x-ray tube. Here a software solution of deconvolving with an estimated focal spot blur is presented. To simulate images from a direct detector affected with focal-spot blur, first a set of high-resolution stent images (FRED from Microvention, Inc., Tustin, CA) were acquired using a 75μm pixel size Dexela-Perkin-Elmer detector and frame averaged to reduce quantum noise. Then the averaged image was blurred with a known Gaussian blur. To add noise to the blurred image a flat-field image was multiplied with the blurred image. Both the ideal and the noisy-blurred images were then deconvolved with the known Gaussian function using either threshold-based inverse filtering or Weiner deconvolution. The blur in the ideal image was removed and the details were recovered successfully. However, the inverse filtering deconvolution process is extremely susceptible to noise. The Weiner deconvolution process was able to recover more of the details of the stent from the noisy-blurred image, but for noisier images, stent details are still lost in the recovery process.

Development and characterization of Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine prepared using different polysaccharide chain lengths

Capsular polysaccharide conjugates of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) are important components of several mono- or multi-valent childhood vaccines. However, their access to the most needy people is limited due to their high cost. As a step towards developing a cost effective and more immunogenic Hib conjugate vaccine, we present a method for the preparation of Hib capsular polysaccharide (PRP)-tetanus toxoid (TT) conjugates using optimized PRP chain length and conjugation conditions. Reactive aldehyde groups were introduced into the polysaccharides by controlled periodate oxidation of the native polysaccharide, which were subsequently covalently linked to hydrazide derivatized tetanus toxoid by means of reductive amination. Native polysaccharides were reduced to average 100 or 50kDa polysaccharide and 10kDa oligosaccharides in a controlled manner. Various conjugates were prepared using Hib polysaccharide and oligosaccharide yielding conjugates with polysaccharide to protein ratios in the range of 0.25-0.5 (w/w) and free saccharide levels of less than 10%. Immunization of Sprague Dawley rats with the conjugates elicited specific antibodies to PRP. The low molecular weight PRP-TT conjugates were found to be more immunogenic as compared to their high molecular weight counterparts and the PRP-TT reference vaccine.

Anti-scatter grid artifact elimination for high resolution x-ray imaging CMOS detectors

Higher resolution in dynamic radiological imaging such as angiography is increasingly being demanded by clinicians; however, when standard anti-scatter grids are used with such new high resolution detectors, grid-line artifacts become more apparent resulting in increased structured noise that may overcome the contrast signal improvement benefits of the scatter-reducing grid. Although grid-lines may in theory be eliminated by dividing the image of a patient taken with the grid by a flat-field image taken with the grid obtained prior to the clinical image, unless the remaining additive scatter contribution is subtracted in real-time from the dynamic clinical image sequence before the division by the reference image, severe grid-line artifacts may remain. To investigate grid-line elimination, a stationary Smit Röntgen X-ray grid (line density: 70 lines/cm, grid ratio 13:1) was used with both a 75 micron-pixel CMOS detector and a standard 194 micron-pixel flat panel detector (FPD) to image an artery block insert placed in a modified uniform frontal head phantom for a 20 × 20cm FOV (approximately). Contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured with and without scatter subtraction prior to grid-line correction. The fixed pattern noise caused by the grid was substantially higher for the CMOS detector compared to the FPD and caused a severe reduction of CNR. However, when the scatter subtraction corrective method was used, the removal of the fixed pattern noise (grid artifacts) became evident resulting in images with improved CNR.

Isolation and molecular identification of Mycoplasma equigenitalium from equine genital tracts in northern India

Although Mycoplasma equigenitalium has been implicated in equine reproductive problems, its prevalence is largely unexplored due to the lack of specific diagnostic tests. To address this limitation, the authors developed and optimized species-specific primer pairs that target M. eguigenitalium rpoB (RNA polymerase B subunit) gene sequences. The specificity of the PCR assay developed in this study was determined using 12 field isolates including the type strain of M. equigenitalium and other Mycoplasma species. In the field study, a total of 122 mare and stallion samples comprising of 50 clinical and 72 random samples were subjected to species-specific PCR assay to detect M. equigenitalium in equine genital tracts. Mycoplasma equigenitalium (MEG) species-specific PCR detected 22.13% positive samples; however, only 9.01% of the samples were found to be positive using the conventional culture technique. The PCR established in this study could be used for rapid, specific and accurate diagnosis of M. equigenitalium strains. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report addressing the development and evaluation of species-specific PCR to detect M. equigenitalium.

Workflow for the use of a high-resolution image detector in endovascular interventional procedures

Endovascular image-guided intervention (EIGI) has become the primary interventional therapy for the most widespread vascular diseases. These procedures involve the insertion of a catheter into the femoral artery, which is then threaded under fluoroscopic guidance to the site of the pathology to be treated. Flat Panel Detectors (FPDs) are normally used for EIGIs; however, once the catheter is guided to the pathological site, high-resolution imaging capabilities can be used for accurately guiding a successful endovascular treatment. The Micro-Angiographic Fluoroscope (MAF) detector provides needed high-resolution, high-sensitivity, and real-time imaging capabilities. An experimental MAF enabled with a Control, Acquisition, Processing, Image Display and Storage (CAPIDS) system was installed and aligned on a detector changer attached to the C-arm of a clinical angiographic unit. The CAPIDS system was developed and implemented using LabVIEW software and provides a user-friendly interface that enables control of several clinical radiographic imaging modes of the MAF including: fluoroscopy, roadmap, radiography, and digital-subtraction-angiography (DSA). Using the automatic controls, the MAF detector can be moved to the deployed position, in front of a standard FPD, whenever higher resolution is needed during angiographic or interventional vascular imaging procedures. To minimize any possible negative impact to image guidance with the two detector systems, it is essential to have a well-designed workflow that enables smooth deployment of the MAF at critical stages of clinical procedures. For the ultimate success of this new imaging capability, a clear understanding of the workflow design is essential. This presentation provides a detailed description and demonstration of such a workflow design.

miRNA-transcription factor interactions: a combinatorial regulation of gene expression

Developmental processes require a precise spatio-temporal regulation of gene expression wherein a diverse set of transcription factors control the signalling pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNA molecules have recently drawn attention for their prominent role in development and disease. These tiny sequences are essential for regulation of processes, including cell signalling, cell development, cell death, cell proliferation, patterning and differentiation. The consequence of gene regulation by miRNAs is similar to that by transcription factors (TFs). A regulatory cascade essential for appropriate execution of several biological events is triggered through a combinatorial action of miRNAs and TFs. These two important regulators share similar regulatory logics and bring about a cooperative action in the gene regulatory network, dependent on the binding sites present on the target gene. The review addresses the biogenesis and nomenclature of miRNAs, outlines the mechanism of action and regulation of their expression, and focuses on the combinatorial action of miRNAs and TFs for the expression of genes in various regulatory cascades.

Accuracy of first-trimester ultrasound in the diagnosis of early embryonic demise: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate, by systematic review of the literature, the accuracy of first-trimester ultrasound in diagnosing early embryonic demise.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE (1951-2011), Embase (1980-2011) and the Cochrane Library (2010) for relevant citations. The reference lists of all known primary and review articles were examined. Language restrictions were not applied. Studies which evaluated the accuracy of first-trimester ultrasonography in pregnant women for the diagnosis of early embryonic demise were selected in a two-stage process and their data extracted by two reviewers. Accuracy measures including sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios (LRs) for abnormal and normal test results were calculated for each study and for each test threshold.

RESULTS

Eight primary articles with four test categories (18 2 × 2 tables), involving 872 women, evaluated the accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing early embryonic demise. The lower limit of the 95% CI for specificity was > 0.95 in only two tests. These were an empty gestational sac with mean diameter of ≥ 25 mm and absent yolk sac with a mean gestational sac diameter of ≥ 20 mm (specificity, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.96-1.00 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a paucity of high-quality, prospective data on which to base guidelines for the accurate diagnosis of early pregnancy demise. The findings are limited by the small number of studies and patients, the age of the studies, inclusion of symptomatic and asymptomatic women and variable reference standards for diagnosis of early pregnancy demise. Before guidelines for the safe management of threatened miscarriage can be formulated, there is an urgent need for an appropriately powered, prospective study using current ultrasound technology and an agreed reference standard for pregnancy success or loss.

Future innovations in anti-platelet therapies

Platelets have long been recognized to be of central importance in haemostasis, but their participation in pathological conditions such as thrombosis, atherosclerosis and inflammation is now also well established. The platelet has therefore become a key target in therapies to combat cardiovascular disease. Anti-platelet therapies are used widely, but current approaches lack efficacy in a proportion of patients, and are associated with side effects including problem bleeding. In the last decade, substantial progress has been made in understanding the regulation of platelet function, including the characterization of new ligands, platelet-specific receptors and cell signalling pathways. It is anticipated this progress will impact positively on the future innovations towards more effective and safer anti-platelet agents. In this review, the mechanisms of platelet regulation and current anti-platelet therapies are introduced, and strong, and some more speculative, potential candidate target molecules for future anti-platelet drug development are discussed.

Effects of dentifrices on artificial caries like lesions: an in vitro pH cycling study

AIM

To evaluate remineralising effects of three dentifrices, Vicco by Vicco Labs, India, Perioe Cavity Care by LG Care, Korea and Colgate Total by Colgate-Palmolive, Thailand on artificial caries like lesions.

DESIGN

In vitro single-section and pH cycling model.

METHODS

Extracted third molars were painted with nail varnish, leaving 1 mm wide windows before placing demineralising solution for 96h to produce artificial carious lesions 150-200 miocrom deep. Teeth were then cut longitudinally into 100-150 microm thick sections and randomly assigned to three groups. Polarised light microscopy and microradiography were used to evaluate lesion depth, before and after the 10 day pH cycle. Sections in Group A were treated with Vicco by Vicco Labs, India (-ve control), Group B were treated with Perioe Cavity Care by LG Care, Korea and Group C were treated with Colgate Total by Colgate-Palmolive, Thailand.

RESULTS

Mean lesion depths in Groups B and C reduced by 7% and 12% respectively, whereas lesion depth increased by 13% in Group A. Comparisons made among groups using ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests showed that three groups were significantly different from each other (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioe Cavity Care and Colgate Total remineralised initial carious lesions. However, the remineralising potential of Colgate Total was higher than that of Perioe Cavity Care.

The nuclear envelope, human genetic diseases and ageing

Here we present an overview of the experimental evidence and of the conceptual basis for the involvement of lamins and nuclear envelope proteins in a group of genetic diseases collectively referred to as laminopathies. Some of these diseases affect a specific tissue (skeletal and/or cardiac muscles, subcutaneous fat, peripheral nerves), while others affect a variety of tissues; this suggests that the pathogenic mechanism of laminopathies could reside in the alteration of basic mechanisms affecting gene expression. On the other hand, a common feature of cells from laminopathic patients is represented by nuclear shape alterations and heterochromatin rearrangements. The definition of the role of lamins in the fine regulation of heterochromatin organization may help understanding not only the pathogenic mechanism of laminopathies but also the molecular basis of cell differentiation and ageng.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the macaque sperm associated antigen 9 (SPAG9): an orthologue of human SPAG9 gene

The present study was conducted to isolate macaque proteomic homologue of human SPAG9 (EMBL nomenclature human sperm associated antigen 9: hSPAG9; Shankar et al., 1998: Biochem Biophys Res Commun 243:561-565) in order to find out whether the macaque can provide a suitable model for examining its immunocontraception effects. Macaque SPAG9 was cloned and sequenced from the macaque testis cDNA library. The macaque cDNA contained open reading frame encoding 712 amino acids. A 84.9% and 94% homology between macaque and human SPAG9 was found at protein and DNA levels. Northern analysis and RNA in situ hybridization experiments revealed testis- and stage-specific expressions of macaque SPAG9 mRNA, mainly confined to round spermatid suggesting haploid germ cell expression. Anti-human SPAG9 antibodies recognized native SPAG9 in macaque sperm extract in Western blotting and the acrosomal compartment region of macaque sperm in indirect immunofluorescence. Flow cytometry analysis further revealed surface localization of macaque SPAG9 in live macaque sperm. The amino acid sequence data for nonhuman primate SPAG9 suggest that antibodies generated by vaccinating macaque with hSPAG9 will recognize nonhuman primate SPAG9, supporting the testing of SPAG9 contraceptive vaccine based on hSPAG9 in the nonhuman primate model.

Characterization of the human cytomegalovirus UL34 gene

UL34 encodes the transcriptional repressor of the human cytomegalovirus immune evasion gene, US3, and is essential for viral replication in tissue culture. Two different monocistronic transcripts originate from UL34 at early and late times postinfection and encode two predominant proteins and a third, minor protein. The UL34 proteins are differentially expressed throughout the viral replication cycle, with both proteins localizing to the nucleus and repressing expression of the US3 gene.

Caspase-3 is dually regulated by apoptogenic factors mitochondrial release and by SAPK/JNK metabolic pathway in leukemic cells exposed to etoposide-ionizing radiation combined treatment

Ionizing radiation induces a series of multiple intracellular events which can lead to activation of caspases, cytoplasmic proteases involved in the occurrence of apoptosis. The response of leukemic cells to ionizing radiation is amplified when they have been pre-treated with the anticancer drug etoposide, therefore the aim of this work has been to establish the lowest etoposide concentration combined with the lowest ionizing radiation dose to obtain the best antineoplastic response. Two leukemic cell lines, HL-60 and Jurkat, employed in this study demonstrated different sensitivities to ionizing radiation and to etoposide treatment, with Jurkat T cells requiring a higher dose (1 microM) to display cell cycle perturbation and apoptotic DNA damage similar to those seen in HL-60. We hypothesize that this kind of response could be mediated by mitochondrial release of apoptogenic factors and by SAPK/JNK metabolic pathway activation, both leading to caspase-3 cleavage. All in all these results provide insight into the sensitivity or resistance of leukemic cells to antineoplastic agents and identify molecular targets for rational therapeutic intervention strategies.

Protein kinase C zeta nuclear translocation mediates the occurrence of radioresistance in friend erythroleukemia cells

Friend erythroleukemia cells require high doses (15 Gy) of ionizing radiation to display a reduced rate of proliferation and an increased number of dead cells. Since ionizing radiation can activate several signaling pathways at the plasma membrane which can lead to the nuclear translocation of a number of proteins, we looked at the intranuclear signaling system activated by Protein Kinases C, being this family of enzymes involved in the regulation of cell growth and death. Our results show an early and dose-dependent increased activity of zeta and epsilon isoforms, although PKC zeta is the only isoform significantly active and translocated into the nuclear compartment upon low (1.5 Gy) and high (15 Gy) radiation doses. These observations are concomitant and consistent with an increase in the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 level upon both radiation doses. Our results point at the involvement of the PKC pathway in the survival response to ionizing radiation of this peculiar cell line, offering PKC zeta for consideration as a possible target of pharmacological treatments aimed at amplifying the effect of such a genotoxic agent.