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Wu X, Wen G, Yan L, Wang Y, Ren X, Li G, Luo Y, Shang J, Lu L, Hermenean A, Yao J, Li B, Lu Y, Wu X. Ketamine administration causes cognitive impairment by destroying the circulation function of the glymphatic system. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116739. [PMID: 38759288 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine, as a non-competitive antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, was originally used in general anesthesia. Epidemiological data show that ketamine has become one of the most commonly abused drugs in China. Ketamine administration might cause cognitive impairment; however, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. The glymphatic system is a lymphoid system that plays a key role in metabolic waste removal and cognitive regulation in the central nervous system. METHODS Focusing on the glymphatic system, this study evaluated the behavioral performance and circulatory function of the glymphatic system by building a short-term ketamine administration model in mice, and detected the expression levels of the 5-HT2c receptor, ΔFosb, Pten, Akt, and Aqp4 in the hippocampus. Primary astrocytes were cultured to verify the regulatory relationships among related indexes using a 5-HT2c receptor antagonist, a 5-HT2c receptor short interfering RNA (siRNA), and a ΔFosb siRNA. RESULTS Ketamine administration induced ΔFosb accumulation by increasing 5-HT2c receptor expression in mouse hippocampal astrocytes and primary astrocytes. ΔFosb acted as a transcription factor to recognize the AATGATTAAT bases in the 5' regulatory region of the Aqp4 gene (-1096 bp to -1087 bp), which inhibited Aqp4 expression, thus causing the circulatory dysfunction of the glymphatic system, leading to cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS Although this regulatory mechanism does not involve the Pten/Akt pathway, this study revealed a new mechanism of ketamine-induced cognitive impairment in non-neuronal systems, and provided a theoretical basis for the safety of clinical treatment and the effectiveness of withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wu
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, China
| | - Gehua Wen
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, China
| | - Lei Yan
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, China
| | - Yexin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry in Congenital Malformation, Affiliated Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinghua Ren
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry in Congenital Malformation, Affiliated Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guiji Li
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry in Congenital Malformation, Affiliated Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Luo
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, China
| | - Junbo Shang
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, China
| | - Lei Lu
- Department of pediatrics Neonatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60615, USA
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - Jun Yao
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, China
| | - Baoman Li
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, China.
| | - Yan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry in Congenital Malformation, Affiliated Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Xu Wu
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, China.
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Herman H, Rata DM, Cadinoiu AN, Atanase LI, Hermenean A. Colloidal and Biological Characterization of Dual Drug-Loaded Smart Micellar Systems. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1189. [PMID: 38732658 PMCID: PMC11085147 DOI: 10.3390/polym16091189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Smart polymeric micelles (PMs) are of great interest in drug delivery owing to their low critical micellar concentration and sizes. In the present study, two different pH-sensitive poly(2-vinyl pyridine)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (P2VP-b-PEO) copolymer samples were used for the encapsulation of paclitaxel (PTX), ursolic acid (UA), and dual loading of PTX and UA. Based on the molecular features of copolymers, spherical PMs with sizes of around 35 nm and 140 nm were obtained by dialysis for P2VP55-b-PEO284 and P2VP274-b-PEO1406 samples, respectively. The micellar sizes increased after loading of both drugs. Moreover, drug encapsulation and loading efficiencies varied from 53 to 94% and from 3.2 to 18.7% as a function of the copolymer/drug ratio, molar mass of copolymer sample, and drug type. By FT-IR spectroscopy, it was possible to demonstrate the drug loading and the presence of some interactions between the polymer matrix and loaded drugs. In vitro viability was studied on 4T1 mammary carcinoma mouse cells as a function of time and concentration of drug-loaded PMs. UA-PMs and free PMs alone were not effective in inhibiting the tumor cell growth whereas a viability of 40% was determined for cells treated with both PTX- and PTX/UA-loaded PMs. A synergic effect was noticed for PTX/UA-loaded PMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (A.H.)
| | - Delia M. Rata
- Faculty of Medicine, “Apollonia” University of Iasi, Pacurari Street, No. 11, 700511 Iasi, Romania; (D.M.R.); (A.N.C.)
| | - Anca N. Cadinoiu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Apollonia” University of Iasi, Pacurari Street, No. 11, 700511 Iasi, Romania; (D.M.R.); (A.N.C.)
| | - Leonard I. Atanase
- Faculty of Medicine, “Apollonia” University of Iasi, Pacurari Street, No. 11, 700511 Iasi, Romania; (D.M.R.); (A.N.C.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (A.H.)
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Voicu SN, Gheran CV, Balta C, Hermenean A, Callewaert M, Chuburu F, Dinischiotu A. In Vivo Evaluation of Innovative Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents Designed for Bioimaging Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1064. [PMID: 38674983 PMCID: PMC11054998 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was the investigation of biochemical and histological changes induced in different tissues, as a result of the subcutaneous administration of Gd nanohydrogels (GdDOTA⸦CS-TPP/HA) in a CD-1 mouse strain. The nanohydrogels were obtained by encapsulating contrast agents (GdDOTA) in a biocompatible polymer matrix composed of chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) through the ionic gelation process. The effects of Gd nanohydrogels on the redox status were evaluated by measuring specific activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as oxidative stress markers, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and protein-reactive carbonyl groups (PRCG), in the liver, kidney, and heart tissues. The nitrosylated proteins expression were analyzed with Western Blot and the serum biochemical markers were measured with spectrophotometric methods. Also, a histological analysis of CD-1 mouse tissues was investigated. These results indicated that Gd nanohydrogels could potentially be an alternative to current MRI contrast agents thanks to their low toxicity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorina Nicoleta Voicu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (S.N.V.); (C.V.G.)
| | - Cecilia Virginia Gheran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (S.N.V.); (C.V.G.)
| | - Cornel Balta
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Maité Callewaert
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de Reims, CNRS UMR 7312, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne URCA, CEDEX 2, F-51685 Reims, France; (M.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Françoise Chuburu
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de Reims, CNRS UMR 7312, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne URCA, CEDEX 2, F-51685 Reims, France; (M.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (S.N.V.); (C.V.G.)
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Wen G, Zhan X, Xu X, Xia X, Jiang S, Ren X, Ren W, Lou H, Lu L, Hermenean A, Yao J, Gao L, Li B, Lu Y, Wu X. Correction to: Ketamine Improves the Glymphatic Pathway by Reducing the Pyroptosis of Hippocampal Astrocytes in the Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2063. [PMID: 37979037 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03769-y] [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: 11/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gehua Wen
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoni Zhan
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoming Xu
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Xi Xia
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Shukun Jiang
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinghua Ren
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Weishu Ren
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Haoyang Lou
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Lei Lu
- Department of Pediatrics Neonatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60615, USA
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Jun Yao
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Lina Gao
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Baoman Li
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China.
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry in Congenital Malformation, Affiliated Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Xu Wu
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China.
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China.
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Wen G, Zhan X, Xu X, Xia X, Jiang S, Ren X, Ren W, Lou H, Lu L, Hermenean A, Yao J, Gao L, Li B, Lu Y, Wu X. Ketamine Improves the Glymphatic Pathway by Reducing the Pyroptosis of Hippocampal Astrocytes in the Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2049-2062. [PMID: 37840071 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03669-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Ketamine as a glutamate receptor antagonist has a rapid, potent, and long-lasting antidepressant effect, but its specific mechanism is still not fully understood. Depression is associated with elevated levels of glutamate and astrocyte loss in the brain; the exploration of the relationships between ketamine's antidepressant effect and astrocytes has drawn great attention. Astrocytes and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) are essential components of the glymphatic system, which is a brain-wide perivascular pathway to help transport nutrients to the parenchyma and remove metabolic wastes. In this study, we investigated pyroptosis-associated protein Nlrp3/Caspase-1/Gsdmd-N expression in the hippocampus of mice and the toxic effect of high levels of glutamate on primary astrocytes. On this basis, the protective mechanism of ketamine is explored. A single administration of ketamine (10 mg/kg) remarkably relieved anxious and depressive behaviors in the sucrose preference test, elevated plus maze test, and forced swim test. Meanwhile, ketamine reduced the level of hippocampus Nlrp3 and the expression of its downstream molecules in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice model by western blot and reduced the colocalization of Gfap and Gsdmd by nearly 25% via immunofluorescent staining. Ketamine also increased the Gfap-positive cells and AQP4 expression in the hippocampus of the CUMS mice. More important, ketamine increased the distribution of the fluorescent tracer of CUMS mice. Treatment with 128 mM glutamate in cortical and hippocampus astrocytes increased the level of Nlrp3, and Gsdmd-N, and ketamine alleviated high glutamate-induced pyroptosis-associated proteins. In summary, these results suggest that high glutamate-induced astrocyte pyroptosis through the Nlrp3/Caspase-1/Gsdmd-N pathway which was inhibited by ketamine and ketamine can improve the damaged glymphatic function of the CUMS mice. The present study indicates that inhibiting astrocyte pyroptosis and promoting the glymphatic circulation function are a new mechanism of ketamine's antidepressant effect, and astrocyte pyroptosis may be a new target for other antidepressant medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gehua Wen
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoni Zhan
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoming Xu
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Xi Xia
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Shukun Jiang
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinghua Ren
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Weishu Ren
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Haoyang Lou
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Lei Lu
- Department of pediatrics Neonatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60615, U.S., Chicago, USA, IL
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Jun Yao
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Lina Gao
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Baoman Li
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China.
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry in Congenital Malformation, Affiliated Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xu Wu
- China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China.
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China.
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Oatis D, Herman H, Balta C, Ciceu A, Simon-Repolski E, Mihu AG, Lepre CC, Russo M, Trotta MC, Gravina AG, D’Amico M, Hermenean A. Dynamic shifts in lung cytokine patterns in post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease patients: a pilot study. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2024; 15:20406223241236257. [PMID: 38560720 PMCID: PMC10981850 DOI: 10.1177/20406223241236257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pathogenesis of post-COVID interstitial lung disease, marked by lung tissue scarring and functional decline, remains largely unknown. Objectives We aimed to elucidate the temporal cytokine/chemokine changes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from patients with post-COVID interstitial lung disease to uncover potential immune drivers of pulmonary complications. Design We evaluated 16 females diagnosed with post-COVID interstitial lung disease, originating from moderate to severe cases during the second epidemic wave in the Autumn of 2020, treated at the Pneumology Department of the Arad County Clinical Hospital, Romania. Their inflammatory response over time was compared to a control group. Methods A total of 48 BAL samples were collected over three intervals (1, 3, and 6 months) and underwent cytology, gene, and protein expression analyses for pro/anti-inflammatory lung cytokines and chemokines using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results One month after infection, there were significant increases in the levels of IL-6 and IL-8. These levels decreased gradually over the course of 6 months but were still higher than those seen in control. Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha exhibited similar patterns. Persistent elevations were found in IL-10, IL-13, and pro-fibrotic M2 macrophages' chemokines (CCL13 and CCL18) for 6 months. Furthermore, pronounced neutrophilia was observed at 1 month post-COVID, highlighting persistent inflammation and lung damage. Neutrophil efferocytosis, aiding inflammation resolution and tissue repair, was evident at the 1-month time interval. A notable time-dependent reduction in CD28 was also noticed. Conclusion Our research provides insight into the immunological processes that may lead to the fibrotic changes noted in the lungs following COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Oatis
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
- Multidisciplinary Doctoral School, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Erika Simon-Repolski
- Department of Pneumology, Faculty of Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
- Department of Pneumology, Arad Clinical Emergency Hospital, Arad, Romania
| | - Alin Gabriel Mihu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Russo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gerarda Gravina
- Department of Precision Medicine and Complex Operative Unit of Hepatogastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, University Hospital, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 94-96 Revolutiei Av., Arad 310025, Romania
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Trotta MC, Gesualdo C, Lepre CC, Russo M, Ferraraccio F, Panarese I, Marano E, Grieco P, Petrillo F, Hermenean A, Simonelli F, D’Amico M, Bucolo C, Lazzara F, De Nigris F, Rossi S, Platania CBM. Ocular pharmacological and biochemical profiles of 6-thioguanine: a drug repurposing study. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1375805. [PMID: 38590636 PMCID: PMC10999531 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1375805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The purine analog 6-thioguanine (6TG), an old drug approved in the 60s to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), was tested in the diabetic retinopathy (DR) experimental in vivo setting along with a molecular modeling approach. Methods A computational analysis was performed to investigate the interaction of 6TG with MC1R and MC5R. This was confirmed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to high glucose (25 mM) for 24 h. Cell viability in HUVECs exposed to high glucose and treated with 6TG (0.05-0.5-5 µM) was performed. To assess tube formation, HUVECs were treated for 24 h with 6TG 5 µM and AGRP (0.5-1-5 µM) or PG20N (0.5-1-5-10 µM), which are MC1R and MC5R antagonists, respectively. For the in vivo DR setting, diabetes was induced in C57BL/6J mice through a single streptozotocin (STZ) injection. After 2, 6, and 10 weeks, diabetic and control mice received 6TG intravitreally (0.5-1-2.5 mg/kg) alone or in combination with AGRP or PG20N. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed after 4 and 14 weeks after the onset of diabetes. After 14 weeks, mice were euthanized, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed to assess retinal levels of CD34, a marker of endothelial progenitor cell formation during neo-angiogenesis. Results The computational analysis evidenced a more stable binding of 6TG binding at MC5R than MC1R. This was confirmed by the tube formation assay in HUVECs exposed to high glucose. Indeed, the anti-angiogenic activity of 6TG was eradicated by a higher dose of the MC5R antagonist PG20N (10 µM) compared to the MC1R antagonist AGRP (5 µM). The retinal anti-angiogenic effect of 6TG was evident also in diabetic mice, showing a reduction in retinal vascular alterations by FA analysis. This effect was not observed in diabetic mice receiving 6TG in combination with AGRP or PG20N. Accordingly, retinal CD34 staining was reduced in diabetic mice treated with 6TG. Conversely, it was not decreased in diabetic mice receiving 6TG combined with AGRP or PG20N. Conclusion 6TG evidenced a marked anti-angiogenic activity in HUVECs exposed to high glucose and in mice with DR. This seems to be mediated by MC1R and MC5R retinal receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Russo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Franca Ferraraccio
- Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Iacopo Panarese
- Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Ernesto Marano
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filomena De Nigris
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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8
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Cristian RE, Balta C, Herman H, Trica B, Sbarcea BG, Hermenean A, Dinischiotu A, Stan MS. In Vivo Assessment of Hepatic and Kidney Toxicity Induced by Silicon Quantum Dots in Mice. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2024; 14:457. [PMID: 38470787 DOI: 10.3390/nano14050457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
In the last decade, silicon-based quantum dots (SiQDs) have attracted the attention of researchers due to their unique properties for which they are used in medical applications and in vivo imaging. Detection of cytotoxic effects in vivo is essential for understanding the mechanisms of toxicity, a mandatory step before their administration to human subjects. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the in vivo hepatic and renal acute toxicity of SiQDs obtained by laser ablation. The nanoparticles were administrated at different doses (0, 1, 10, and 100 mg of QDs/kg of body weight) by intravenous injection into the caudal vein of Swiss mice. After 1, 6, 24, and 72 h, the animals were euthanatized, and liver and kidney tissues were used in further toxicity tests. The time- and dose-dependent effects of SiQDs on the antioxidant defense system of mice liver and kidney were investigated by quantifying the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase) in correlation with the morphological changes and inflammatory status in the liver and kidneys. The results showed a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and histopathological changes, except for superoxide dismutase, in which no significant changes were registered compared with the control. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical expression of TNF-α was significant at doses over 10 mg of QDs/kg of body weight and were still evident at 72 h after administration. Our results showed that doses under 10 mg of SiQDs/kg of b.w. did not induce hepatic and renal toxicity, providing useful information for further clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana-Elena Cristian
- Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- DANUBIUS Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Splaiul Independentei 296, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Bogdan Trica
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry (INCDCP-ICECHIM), 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Beatrice G Sbarcea
- Materials Characterization Department, National Institute for Research & Development in Electrical Engineering (ICPE-CA), 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna S Stan
- Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
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9
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Marti DT, Nesiu A, Balta C, Olariu TR, Mihu AG, Hermenean A, Oatis DA. Retrospective Analysis of Vitamin D Deficiency in an Adult Population of Arad County, Western Romania (2019-2022). Life (Basel) 2024; 14:274. [PMID: 38398782 PMCID: PMC10890605 DOI: 10.3390/life14020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D, a steroid hormone synthesized primarily in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet light, is widely deficient across global populations. This study aimed to fill the data gap in Western Romania by measuring 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in a cohort of 7141 from Arad County. It was observed that women, younger adults (18-29 years), and older adults (70-79 years) had notably lower vitamin D levels compared to the average population. Additionally, there was a rise in vitamin D levels over the four-year span of 2018-2022, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our research provides fresh data on those most susceptible to vitamin D deficiency and lays the groundwork for educational campaigns on vitamin D supplementation benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Teodora Marti
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (D.T.M.); (A.N.); (D.A.O.)
| | - Alexandru Nesiu
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (D.T.M.); (A.N.); (D.A.O.)
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alin Gabriel Mihu
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (D.T.M.); (A.N.); (D.A.O.)
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- Bioclinica Medical Analysis Laboratory, Dreptatii Street, nr. 23, 310300 Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (D.T.M.); (A.N.); (D.A.O.)
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Daniela Adriana Oatis
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (D.T.M.); (A.N.); (D.A.O.)
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
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10
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Hermenean A, Dossi E, Hamilton A, Trotta MC, Russo M, Lepre CC, Sajtos C, Rusznyák Á, Váradi J, Bácskay I, Budai I, D’Amico M, Fenyvesi F. Chrysin Directing an Enhanced Solubility through the Formation of a Supramolecular Cyclodextrin-Calixarene Drug Delivery System: A Potential Strategy in Antifibrotic Diabetes Therapeutics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:107. [PMID: 38256940 PMCID: PMC10819853 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Calixarene 0118 (OTX008) and chrysin (CHR) are promising molecules for the treatment of fibrosis and diabetes complications but require an effective delivery system to overcome their low solubility and bioavailability. Sulfobutylated β-cyclodextrin (SBECD) was evaluated for its ability to increase the solubility of CHR by forming a ternary complex with OTX008. The resulting increase in solubility and the mechanisms of complex formation were identified through phase-solubility studies, while dynamic light-scattering assessed the molecular associations within the CHR-OTX008-SBECD system. Nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and computational studies elucidated the interactions at the molecular level, and cellular assays confirmed the system's biocompatibility. Combining SBECD with OTX008 enhances CHR solubility more than using SBECD alone by forming water-soluble molecular associates in a ternary complex. This aids in the solubilization and delivery of CHR and OTX008. Structural investigations revealed non-covalent interactions essential to complex formation, which showed no cytotoxicity in hyperglycemic in vitro conditions. A new ternary complex has been formulated to deliver promising antifibrotic agents for diabetic complications, featuring OTX008 as a key structural and pharmacological component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Eleftheria Dossi
- Centre for Defence Chemistry, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of United Kingdom, Shrivenham, Swindon SN6 8LA, UK;
| | - Alex Hamilton
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre (BMRC), Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK;
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Marina Russo
- Doctoral School of National Interest in Public Administration and Innovation for Disability and Social Inclusion, Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- School of Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (M.D.)
- Doctoral School of Translational Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Csilla Sajtos
- Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (C.S.); (Á.R.)
| | - Ágnes Rusznyák
- Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (C.S.); (Á.R.)
- Institute of Healthcare Industry, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Judit Váradi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Ildikó Bácskay
- Institute of Healthcare Industry, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - István Budai
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Debrecen, Ótemető Street 2-4, H-4028 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Ferenc Fenyvesi
- Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (C.S.); (Á.R.)
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11
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Trotta MC, Gesualdo C, Russo M, Lepre CC, Petrillo F, Vastarella MG, Nicoletti M, Simonelli F, Hermenean A, D’Amico M, Rossi S. Changes in Circulating Acylated Ghrelin and Neutrophil Elastase in Diabetic Retinopathy. Medicina (Kaunas) 2024; 60:118. [PMID: 38256379 PMCID: PMC10820226 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The role and the levels of ghrelin in diabetes-induced retinal damage have not yet been explored. The present study aimed to measure the serum levels of total ghrelin (TG), and its acylated (AG) and des-acylated (DAG) forms in patients with the two stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR), non-proliferative (NPDR) and proliferative (PDR). Moreover, the correlation between serum ghrelin and neutrophil elastase (NE) levels was investigated. Materials and Methods: The serum markers were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 12 non-diabetic subjects (CTRL), 15 diabetic patients without DR (Diabetic), 15 patients with NPDR, and 15 patients with PDR. Results: TG and AG serum levels were significantly decreased in Diabetic (respectively, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 vs. CTRL), NPDR (p < 0.01 vs. Diabetic), and in PDR patients (p < 0.01 vs. NPDR). AG serum levels were inversely associated with DR abnormalities (microhemorrhages, microaneurysms, and exudates) progression (r = -0.83, p < 0.01), serum neutrophil percentage (r = -0.74, p < 0.01), and serum NE levels (r = -0.73, p < 0.01). The latter were significantly increased in the Diabetic (p < 0.05 vs. CTRL), NPDR (p < 0.01 vs. Diabetic), and PDR (p < 0.01 vs. PDR) groups. Conclusions: The two DR stages were characterized by decreased AG and increased NE levels. In particular, serum AG levels were lower in PDR compared to NPDR patients, and serum NE levels were higher in the PDR vs. the NPDR group. Together with the greater presence of retinal abnormalities, this could underline a distinctive role of AG in PDR compared to NPDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (M.N.); (F.S.)
| | - Marina Russo
- PhD Course in National Interest in Public Administration and Innovation for Disability and Social Inclusion, Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- School of Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maria Giovanna Vastarella
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maddalena Nicoletti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (M.N.); (F.S.)
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (M.N.); (F.S.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310144 Arad, Romania;
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (M.N.); (F.S.)
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12
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Trotta MC, Herman H, Ciceu A, Mladin B, Rosu M, Lepre CC, Russo M, Bácskay I, Fenyvesi F, Marfella R, Hermenean A, Balta C, D’Amico M. Chrysin-based supramolecular cyclodextrin-calixarene drug delivery system: a novel approach for attenuating cardiac fibrosis in chronic diabetes. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1332212. [PMID: 38169923 PMCID: PMC10759242 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1332212] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cardiac fibrosis is strongly induced by diabetic conditions. Both chrysin (CHR) and calixarene OTX008, a specific inhibitor of galectin 1 (Gal-1), seem able to reduce transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/SMAD pro-fibrotic pathways, but their use is limited to their low solubility. Therefore, we formulated a dual-action supramolecular system, combining CHR with sulfobutylated β-cyclodextrin (SBECD) and OTX008 (SBECD + OTX + CHR). Here we aimed to test the anti-fibrotic effects of SBECD + OTX + CHR in hyperglycemic H9c2 cardiomyocytes and in a mouse model of chronic diabetes. Methods: H9c2 cardiomyocytes were exposed to normal (NG, 5.5 mM) or high glucose (HG, 33 mM) for 48 h, then treated with SBECD + OTX + CHR (containing OTX008 0.75-1.25-2.5 µM) or the single compounds for 6 days. TGF-β/SMAD pathways, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) and Gal-1 levels were assayed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) or Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Adult CD1 male mice received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dosage of 102 mg/kg body weight. From the second week of diabetes, mice received 2 times/week the following i.p. treatments: OTX (5 mg/kg)-SBECD; OTX (5 mg/kg)-SBECD-CHR, SBECD-CHR, SBECD. After a 22-week period of diabetes, mice were euthanized and cardiac tissue used for tissue staining, ELISA, qRT-PCR aimed to analyse TGF-β/SMAD, extracellular matrix (ECM) components and Gal-1. Results: In H9c2 cells exposed to HG, SBECD + OTX + CHR significantly ameliorated the damaged morphology and reduced TGF-β1, its receptors (TGFβR1 and TGFβR2), SMAD2/4, MAPKs and Gal-1. Accordingly, these markers were reduced also in cardiac tissue from chronic diabetes, in which an amelioration of cardiac remodeling and ECM was evident. In both settings, SBECD + OTX + CHR was the most effective treatment compared to the other ones. Conclusion: The CHR-based supramolecular SBECD-calixarene drug delivery system, by enhancing the solubility and the bioavailability of both CHR and calixarene OTX008, and by combining their effects, showed a strong anti-fibrotic activity in rat cardiomyocytes and in cardiac tissue from mice with chronic diabetes. Also an improved cardiac tissue remodeling was evident. Therefore, new drug delivery system, which could be considered as a novel putative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diabetes-induced cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Russo
- PhD Course in National Interest in Public Administration and Innovation for Disability and Social Inclusion, Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- School of Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Ildikó Bácskay
- Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute of Healthcare Industry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Fenyvesi
- Department of Molecular and Nanopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Raffaele Marfella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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Balta C, Herman H, Ciceu A, Mladin B, Rosu M, Sasu A, Peteu VE, Voicu SN, Balas M, Gherghiceanu M, Dinischiotu A, Olah NK, Hermenean A. Phytochemical Profiling and Anti-Fibrotic Activities of the Gemmotherapy Bud Extract of Corylus avellana in a Model of Liver Fibrosis on Diabetic Mice. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1771. [PMID: 37371866 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to explore the hepatoprotective effects of the gemmotherapy bud extract of Corylus avellana in a model of liver fibrosis on diabetic mice. An evaluation of total flavonoids and polyphenols contents and LC/MS analyses were performed. Experimental fibrosis was induced with CCl4 (2 mL/kg by i.p. injections twice a week for 7 weeks) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Our results showed a content of 6-7% flavonoids, while hyperoside and chlorogenic acids were highlighted in the bud extract. Toxic administration of CCl4 increased oxidative stress, mRNA expression of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad 2/3, and reduced Smad 7 expression. Furthermore, up-regulation of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) revealed an activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), while collagen I (Col I) up-regulation and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) unbalance led to an altered extracellular matrix enriched in collagen, confirmed as well by a trichrome stain and electron microscopy analysis. Treatment with gemmotherapy extract significantly restored the liver architecture and the antioxidant balance, and significantly decreased collagen deposits in the liver and improved the liver function. Our results suggest that Corylus avellana gemmotherapy extract may have anti-fibrotic effects and could be useful in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. The hepatoprotective mechanism is based on HSC inhibition, a reduction in oxidative stress and liver damage, a downregulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and a MMPs/TIMP rebalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Bianca Mladin
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Alciona Sasu
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | | | - Sorina Nicoleta Voicu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Balas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Neli Kinga Olah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
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Lepre CC, Russo M, Trotta MC, Petrillo F, D'Agostino FA, Gaudino G, D'Amico G, Campitiello MR, Crisci E, Nicoletti M, Gesualdo C, Simonelli F, D'Amico M, Hermenean A, Rossi S. Inhibition of Galectins and the P2X7 Purinergic Receptor as a Therapeutic Approach in the Neurovascular Inflammation of Diabetic Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119721. [PMID: 37298672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most frequent microvascular retinal complication of diabetic patients, contributing to loss of vision. Recently, retinal neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration have emerged as key players in DR progression, and therefore, this review examines the neuroinflammatory molecular basis of DR. We focus on four important aspects of retinal neuroinflammation: (i) the exacerbation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress; (ii) the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome; (iii) the role of galectins; and (iv) the activation of purinergic 2X7 receptor (P2X7R). Moreover, this review proposes the selective inhibition of galectins and the P2X7R as a potential pharmacological approach to prevent the progression of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Claudia Lepre
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310144 Arad, Romania
| | - Marina Russo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Ph.D. Course in Translational Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Anna D'Agostino
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gaudino
- School of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rosaria Campitiello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, ASL Salerno, 84124 Salerno, Italy
| | - Erminia Crisci
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maddalena Nicoletti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310144 Arad, Romania
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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15
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Trotta MC, Herman H, Balta C, Rosu M, Ciceu A, Mladin B, Gesualdo C, Lepre CC, Russo M, Petrillo F, Pieretti G, Simonelli F, Rossi S, D’Amico M, Hermenean A. Oral Administration of Vitamin D3 Prevents Corneal Damage in a Knock-Out Mouse Model of Sjögren's Syndrome. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020616. [PMID: 36831152 PMCID: PMC9953695 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with dry eye development during Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Here, we investigated whether repeated oral vitamin D3 supplementation could prevent the corneal epithelium damage in an SS mouse model. METHODS 30 female mouse knock-out for the thrombospondin 1 gene were randomized (six per group) in untreated mice euthanized at 6 weeks as negative control (C-) or at 12 weeks as the positive control for dry eye (C+). Other mice were sacrificed after 6 weeks of oral vitamin D3 supplementation in the drinking water (1000, 8000, and 20,000 IU/kg/week, respectively). RESULTS The C+ mice showed alterations in their corneal epithelial morphologies and thicknesses (p < 0.01 vs. C-), while the mice receiving 8000 (M) and 20,000 (H) IU/kg/week of vitamin D3 showed preservation of the corneal epithelium morphology and thickness (p < 0.01 vs. C+). Moreover, while the C+ mice exhibited high levels and activity of corneal tumor necrosis factor alpha converting enzyme (TACE), neovascularization and fibrosis markers; these were all reduced in the M and H mice. CONCLUSIONS Oral vitamin D3 supplementation appeared to counteract the negative effect of TACE on corneal epithelium in a mouse model of SS-associated dry eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Russo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gorizio Pieretti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
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16
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Gharbia S, Nazarie SR, Dinescu S, Balta C, Herman H, Peteu VE, Gherghiceanu M, Hermenean A, Costache M. Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) Supplemented with Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) Attenuate Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway in Chemical-Induced Liver Fibrosis Associated with Diabetes. Cells 2022; 11:3338. [PMID: 36359733 PMCID: PMC9653841 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis can develop on the background of hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus. However, xenobiotic-related factors may accelerate diabetes-associated liver fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to assess the antfibrotic effect of ADSC and HGF therapy and to establish the cellular and molecular mechanisms through in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro, TGF-β1-activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were cocultured with ADSCs or HGF, and the expression of several fibrosis markers was investigated. The antifibrotic effect of the ADSCs, HGF, and ADSCs supplemented with HGF was further assessed in vivo on diabetic mice with liver fibrosis experimentally induced. In vitro results showed the inhibition of HSC proliferation and decrease in fibrogenesis markers. Coadministration of ADSCs and HGF on diabetic mice with liver fibrosis enhanced antifibrotic effects confirmed by the downregulation of Col I, α-SMA, TGF-β1, and Smad2, while Smad7 was upregulated. Moreover, stem cell therapy supplemented with HGF considerably attenuated inflammation and microvesicular steatosis, decreased collagen deposits, and alleviated liver fibrosis. In conclusion, the HGF-based ADSC therapy might be of interest for the treatment of liver fibrosis in diabetic patients, consecutive aggression exerts by different environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Gharbia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Simona-Rebeca Nazarie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | | | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Marieta Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
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17
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Trotta MC, Petrillo F, Gesualdo C, Rossi S, Corte AD, Váradi J, Fenyvesi F, D’Amico M, Hermenean A. Effects of the Calix[4]arene Derivative Compound OTX008 on High Glucose-Stimulated ARPE-19 Cells: Focus on Galectin-1/TGF-β/EMT Pathway. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27154785. [PMID: 35897964 PMCID: PMC9332238 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a neurovascular disease characterized by the reduction of retina integrity and functionality, as a consequence of retinal pigment epithelial cell fibrosis. Although galectin-1 (a glycan-binding protein) has been associated with dysregulated retinal angiogenesis, no evidence has been reported about galectin-1 roles in DR-induced fibrosis. ARPE-19 cells were cultured in normal (5 mM) or high glucose (35 mM) for 3 days, then exposed to the selective galectin-1 inhibitor OTX008 (2.5–5–10 μM) for 6 days. The determination of cell viability and ROS content along with the analysis of specific proteins (by immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA) or mRNAs (by real time-PCR) were performed. OTX008 5 μM and 10 μM improved cell viability and markedly reduced galectin-1 protein expression in cells exposed to high glucose. This was paralleled by a down-regulation of the TGF-β/, NF-kB p65 levels, and ROS content. Moreover, epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers were reduced by OTX008 5 μM and 10 μM. The inhibition of galectin-1 by OTX008 in DR may preserve retinal pigment epithelial cell integrity and functionality by reducing their pro-fibrotic phenotype and epithelial–mesenchymal transition phenomenon induced by diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (S.R.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (S.R.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Alberto Della Corte
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (S.R.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Judit Váradi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.V.); (F.F.)
| | - Ferenc Fenyvesi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.V.); (F.F.)
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
- Correspondence:
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18
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Oatis D, Simon-Repolski E, Balta C, Mihu A, Pieretti G, Alfano R, Peluso L, Trotta MC, D’Amico M, Hermenean A. Cellular and Molecular Mechanism of Pulmonary Fibrosis Post-COVID-19: Focus on Galectin-1, -3, -8, -9. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8210. [PMID: 35897786 PMCID: PMC9332679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a consequence of the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), which finally leads to lung scarring. Although the pulmonary fibrogenesis is almost known, the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its post effects added new particularities which need to be explored. Many questions remain about how pulmonary fibrotic changes occur within the lungs of COVID-19 patients, and whether the changes will persist long term or are capable of resolving. This review brings together existing knowledge on both COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis, starting with the main key players in promoting pulmonary fibrosis, such as alveolar and endothelial cells, fibroblasts, lipofibroblasts, and macrophages. Further, we provide an overview of the main molecular mechanisms driving the fibrotic process in connection with Galactin-1, -3, -8, and -9, together with the currently approved and newly proposed clinical therapeutic solutions given for the treatment of fibrosis, based on their inhibition. The work underlines the particular pathways and processes that may be implicated in pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis post-SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. The recent data suggest that galectin-1, -3, -8, and -9 could become valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of lung fibrosis post-COVID-19 and promising molecular targets for the development of new and original therapeutic tools to treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Oatis
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- Doctoral School of Biology, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Erika Simon-Repolski
- Doctoral School of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- Department of Pneumology, Arad Clinical Emergency Hospital, 310031 Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310144 Arad, Romania;
| | - Alin Mihu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Gorizio Pieretti
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Roberto Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences “DAMSS”, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luisa Peluso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.T.); (M.D.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310144 Arad, Romania;
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
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19
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Pop C, Hermenean A, Moș L, Cotoraci C. Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolic Events in COVID-19 Patients after Hospital Discharge: Aspects to Consider. Rev Cardiovasc Med 2022. [DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2306219] [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: 11/06/2022] Open
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20
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Hermenean A, Oatis D, Herman H, Ciceu A, D’Amico G, Trotta MC. Galectin 1-A Key Player between Tissue Repair and Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105548. [PMID: 35628357 PMCID: PMC9142121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins are ten family members of carbohydrate-binding proteins with a high affinity for β galactose-containing oligosaccharides. Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is the first protein discovered in the family, expressed in many sites under normal and pathological conditions. In the first part of the review article, we described recent advances in the Gal-1 modulatory role on wound healing, by focusing on the different phases triggered by Gal-1, such as inflammation, proliferation, tissue repair and re-epithelialization. On the contrary, Gal-1 persistent over-expression enhances angiogenesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) production via PI3K/Akt pathway activation and leads to keloid tissue. Therefore, the targeted Gal-1 modulation should be considered a method of choice to treat wound healing and avoid keloid formation. In the second part of the review article, we discuss studies clarifying the role of Gal-1 in the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, liver, renal, pancreatic and pulmonary fibrosis. This evidence suggests that Gal-1 may become a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of tissue fibrosis and a promising molecular target for the development of new and original therapeutic tools to treat fibrosis in different chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Hermenean
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (A.C.); (G.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Daniela Oatis
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (A.C.); (G.D.)
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (A.C.); (G.D.)
| | - Giovanbattista D’Amico
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (A.C.); (G.D.)
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
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21
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Trotta MC, Gesualdo C, Petrillo F, Lepre CC, Della Corte A, Cavasso G, Maggiore G, Hermenean A, Simonelli F, D’Amico M, Rossi S. Resolution of Inflammation in Retinal Disorders: Briefly the State. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4501. [PMID: 35562891 PMCID: PMC9100636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The most frequent retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and posterior uveitis, are underlined by oxidative stress or aging-induced retinal inflammation, which contributes to vision impairing or loss. Resolution of inflammation is emerging as a critical phase able to counteract the inflammatory process leading to the progression of retinal damage. Particularly, pro-resolving mediators (PMs) play a key role in the modulation of inflammatory exudates and could be considered a new target to be investigated in different inflammatory-autoimmune pathologies. Here, we highlight the most recent studies concerning the role of the main PMs (lipoxins, resolvins, prtectins, maresins and annexins) in retinal inflammation, in order to collect the best evidence in the field of inflammatory retinal damage resolution and to propose novel pharmacological approaches in the management of the most common retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (F.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio 6, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (A.D.C.); (G.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (F.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (F.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Alberto Della Corte
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio 6, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (A.D.C.); (G.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Giancuomo Cavasso
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio 6, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (A.D.C.); (G.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Giulia Maggiore
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio 6, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (A.D.C.); (G.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (F.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio 6, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (A.D.C.); (G.C.); (F.S.)
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22
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Trotta MC, Gesualdo C, Petrillo F, Cavasso G, Corte AD, D'Amico G, Hermenean A, Simonelli F, Rossi S. Serum Iba-1, GLUT5, and TSPO in Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy: New Biomarkers for Early Retinal Neurovascular Alterations? A Pilot Study. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:16. [PMID: 35285861 PMCID: PMC8934554 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.3.16] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study explored the possibility of highlighting early retinal neurovascular alterations of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by monitoring in DR patients the serum levels of microglial biomarkers ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), glucose transporter 5 (GLUT5), and translocator protein (TSPO), along with serum changes of the endothelial dysfunction marker arginase-1. Methods Serum markers were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 50 patients: 12 non-diabetic subjects, 14 diabetic patients without DR, 13 patients with non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and 11 patients with proliferative DR (PDR). The results were correlated with hyperreflective retinal spots (HRS), observed with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results Although HRS were absent in diabetic patients without DR, NPDR patients showed an average of 4 ± 1 HRS, whereas the highest presence was detected in PDR patients, with 8 ± 1 HRS (P < 0.01 vs. NPDR). HRS were positively correlated (P < 0.01) with serum levels of arginase-1 (r = 0.91), Iba-1 (r = 0.96), GLUT5 (r = 0.94), and TSPO (r = 0.88). Moreover, serum proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines showed a positive correlation (P < 0.01) with HRS number and the serum markers analyzed. Conclusions Serum markers of microglial activation positively correlate with retinal HRS in NPDR and PDR patients. Translational Relevance These data corroborate the possibility of highlighting early retinal neurovascular changes due to diabetes by monitoring circulating microglial markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giancuomo Cavasso
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Della Corte
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanbattista D'Amico
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
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23
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Șerban MV, Nazarie (Ignat) SR, Dinescu S, Radu IC, Zaharia C, Istrătoiu EA, Tănasă E, Herman H, Gharbia S, Baltă C, Hermenean A, Costache M. Silk ProteinsEnriched Nanocomposite Hydrogels Based on Modified MMT Clay and Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane Sulfonic Acid) Display Favorable Properties for Soft Tissue Engineering. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2022; 12:nano12030503. [PMID: 35159848 PMCID: PMC8839072 DOI: 10.3390/nano12030503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Due to their remarkable structures and properties, three-dimensional hydrogels and nanostructured clay particles have been extensively studied and have shown a high potential for tissue engineering as solutions for tissue defects. In this study, four types of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid/montmorillonite (HEMA/AMPSA/MMT) hydrogels enriched with sericin, and fibroin were prepared and studied in the context of regenerative medicine for soft tissue regenerative medicine. Our aim was to obtain crosslinked hydrogel structures using modified montmorillonite clay as a crosslinking agent. In order to improve the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility, silk proteins were further incorporated within the hydrogel matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) were performed to prove the chemical structures of the modified MMT and nanocomposite hydrogels. Swelling and rheological measurements showed the good elastic behavior of the hydrogels due to this unique network structure in which modified MMT acts as a crosslinking agent. Hydrogel biocompatibility was assessed by MTT, LDH and LIVE/DEAD assays. The hydrogels were evaluated for their potential to support adipogenesis in vitro and human stem cells isolated from adipose tissue were seeded in them and induced to differentiate. The progress was assessed by evaluation of expression of adipogenic markers (ppar-γ2, perilipin) evaluated by qPCR. The potential of the materials to support tissue regeneration was further evaluated on animal models in vivo. All materials proved to be biocompatible, with better results on the 95% HEMA 5% AMPSA enriched with sericin and fibroin material. This composition promoted a better development of adipogenesis compared to the other compositions studied, due the addition of sericin and fibroin. The results were confirmed in vivo as well, with a better progress of soft tissue regeneration after implantation in mice. Therefore, hydrogel 95% HEMA 5% AMPSA enriched with sericin as well as fibroin showed the best results that recommend it for future soft tissue engineering application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Violeta Șerban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.Ș.); (S.-R.N.); (M.C.)
| | - Simona-Rebeca Nazarie (Ignat)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.Ș.); (S.-R.N.); (M.C.)
| | - Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.Ș.); (S.-R.N.); (M.C.)
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (A.H.)
| | - Ionuț-Cristian Radu
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (I.-C.R.); (C.Z.); (E.-A.I.); (E.T.)
| | - Cătălin Zaharia
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (I.-C.R.); (C.Z.); (E.-A.I.); (E.T.)
| | - Elena-Alexandra Istrătoiu
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (I.-C.R.); (C.Z.); (E.-A.I.); (E.T.)
| | - Eugenia Tănasă
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (I.-C.R.); (C.Z.); (E.-A.I.); (E.T.)
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, ”Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (S.G.); (C.B.)
| | - Sami Gharbia
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, ”Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (S.G.); (C.B.)
| | - Cornel Baltă
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, ”Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (S.G.); (C.B.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, ”Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (S.G.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (A.H.)
| | - Marieta Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.Ș.); (S.-R.N.); (M.C.)
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
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24
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Nazarie (Ignat) SR, Gharbia S, Hermenean A, Dinescu S, Costache M. Regenerative Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells' (MSCs) Secretome for Liver Fibrosis Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413292. [PMID: 34948088 PMCID: PMC8705326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injuries lead to liver fibrosis and then to end-stage liver cirrhosis. Liver transplantation is often needed as a course of treatment for patients in critical conditions, but limitations associated with transplantation prompted the continuous search for alternative therapeutic strategies. Cell therapy with stem cells has emerged as an attractive option in order to stimulate tissue regeneration and liver repair. Transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could trans-differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells and, moreover, show anti-fibrotic and immunomodulatory effects. However, cell transplantation may lead to some uncontrolled side effects, risks associated with tumorigenesis, and cell rejection. MSCs' secretome includes a large number of soluble factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs), through which they exert their therapeutic role. This could represent a cell-free strategy, which is safer and more effective than MSC transplantation. In this review, we focus on cell therapies based on MSCs and how the MSCs' secretome impacts the mechanisms associated with liver diseases. Moreover, we discuss the important therapeutic role of EVs and how their properties could be further used in liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona-Rebeca Nazarie (Ignat)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (S.-R.N.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
| | - Sami Gharbia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (S.-R.N.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (S.-R.N.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (S.-R.N.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Marieta Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (S.-R.N.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
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25
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Gesualdo C, Balta C, Platania CBM, Trotta MC, Herman H, Gharbia S, Rosu M, Petrillo F, Giunta S, Della Corte A, Grieco P, Bellavita R, Simonelli F, D'Amico M, Hermenean A, Rossi S, Bucolo C. Fingolimod and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Drug Repurposing Study. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:718902. [PMID: 34603029 PMCID: PMC8484636 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.718902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the interactions between fingolimod, a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) agonist, and melanocortin receptors 1 and 5 (MCR1, MCR5). In particular, we investigated the effects of fingolimod, a drug approved to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, on retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of diabetic retinopathy (DR). We showed, by a molecular modeling approach, that fingolimod can bind with good-predicted affinity to MC1R and MC5R. Thereafter, we investigated the fingolimod actions on retinal MC1Rs/MC5Rs in C57BL/6J mice. Diabetes was induced in C57BL/6J mice through streptozotocin injection. Diabetic and control C57BL/6J mice received fingolimod, by oral route, for 12 weeks and a monthly intravitreally injection of MC1R antagonist (AGRP), MC5R antagonist (PG20N), and the selective S1PR1 antagonist (Ex 26). Diabetic animals treated with fingolimod showed a decrease of retinal vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), compared to diabetic control group. Fingolimod co-treatment with MC1R and MC5R selective antagonists significantly (p < 0.05) increased retinal VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFA levels compared to mice treated with fingolimod alone. Diabetic animals treated with fingolimod plus Ex 26 (S1PR1 selective blocker) had VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFA levels between diabetic mice group and the group of diabetic mice treated with fingolimod alone. This vascular protective effect of fingolimod, through activation of MC1R and MC5R, was evidenced also by fluorescein angiography in mice. Finally, molecular dynamic simulations showed a strong similarity between fingolimod and the MC1R agonist BMS-470539. In conclusion, the anti-angiogenic activity exerted by fingolimod in DR seems to be mediated not only through S1P1R, but also by melanocortin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Hildegard Herman
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Sami Gharbia
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | | | - Salvatore Giunta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alberto Della Corte
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Pharmacy Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Pharmacy Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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26
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Hudita A, Radu IC, Galateanu B, Ginghina O, Herman H, Balta C, Rosu M, Zaharia C, Costache M, Tanasa E, Velonia K, Tsatsakis A, Hermenean A. Bioinspired silk fibroin nano-delivery systems protect against 5-FU induced gastrointestinal mucositis in a mouse model and display antitumor effects on HT-29 colorectal cancer cells in vitro. Nanotoxicology 2021; 15:973-994. [PMID: 34213984 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2021.1943032] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), is the second cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide is one of the most prevalent types of cancers. Conventional treatment continues to rely on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, but for advanced cases, adjuvant chemotherapy remains the main approach for improving surgical outcomes and lower the disease recurrence probability. Chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity is the main dose-limiting factor for many chemotherapeutic regimens, including 5-FU, and one of the biggest oncological challenges. Up to 40% of the patients receiving 5-FU get mucositis, 10-15% of which develop severe symptoms. In this context, our study aimed to develop a bioinspired nanosized drug delivery system as a strategy to reduce 5-FU associated side effects, such as GI mucositis. To this end, SF-based nanoparticles were prepared and characterized in terms of size and morphology, as well as in terms of in vitro antitumoral activity on a biomimetic colorectal cancer model by investigation of apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, and release of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the capacity of the SF-based nanocarriers to offer intestinal protection against 5-FU-induced GI mucositis was evaluated in vivo using a mouse model that mimics the chemotherapy-associated gut mucositis occurring in colorectal cancer. Our studies show that silk fibroin nanoparticles efficiently deliver 5-FU to tumor cells in vitro while protecting against drug-induced GI mucositis in a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hudita
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - I C Radu
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - B Galateanu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - O Ginghina
- Department of Surgery, "Sf. Ioan" Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department II, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - H Herman
- Institute of Life Science, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - C Balta
- Institute of Life Science, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - M Rosu
- Institute of Life Science, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - C Zaharia
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - M Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - E Tanasa
- University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - K Velonia
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - A Tsatsakis
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - A Hermenean
- Institute of Life Science, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
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27
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Trotta MC, Gharbia S, Herman H, Mladin B, Hermenean A, Balta C, Cotoraci C, Peteu VE, Gesualdo C, Petrillo F, Galdiero M, Alfano R, Gherghiceanu M, D’Amico M, Rossi S, Hermenean A. Sex and Age-Related Differences in Neuroinflammation and Apoptosis in Balb/c Mice Retina Involve Resolvin D1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6280. [PMID: 34208040 PMCID: PMC8230628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The pro-resolving lipid mediator Resolvin D1 (RvD1) has already shown protective effects in animal models of diabetic retinopathy. This study aimed to investigate the retinal levels of RvD1 in aged (24 months) and younger (3 months) Balb/c mice, along with the activation of macro- and microglia, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation. (2) Methods: Retinas from male and female mice were used for immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. (3) Results: Endogenous retinal levels of RvD1 were reduced in aged mice. While RvD1 levels were similar in younger males and females, they were markedly decreased in aged males but less reduced in aged females. Both aged males and females showed a significant increase in retinal microglia activation compared to younger mice, with a more marked reactivity in aged males than in aged females. The same trend was shown by astrocyte activation, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and nitrosative stress, in line with the microglia and Müller cell hypertrophy evidenced in aged retinas by electron microscopy. (4) Conclusions: Aged mice had sex-related differences in neuroinflammation and apoptosis and low retinal levels of endogenous RvD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (M.G.)
| | - Sami Gharbia
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Andrei Hermenean
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Av., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.H.); (M.G.)
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Coralia Cotoraci
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania;
| | - Victor Eduard Peteu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei Av., 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (S.R.)
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, P.zza Università 2, 95131 Catania, Italy;
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (M.G.)
| | - Roberto Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences “DAMSS”, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.zza L. Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Av., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.H.); (M.G.)
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei Av., 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (M.G.)
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (S.R.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310144 Arad, Romania;
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28
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Brandão F, Costa C, Bessa MJ, Dumortier E, Debacq-Chainiaux F, Hubaux R, Salmon M, Laloy J, Stan MS, Hermenean A, Gharbia S, Dinischiotu A, Bannuscher A, Hellack B, Haase A, Fraga S, Teixeira JP. Genotoxicity and Gene Expression in the Rat Lung Tissue following Instillation and Inhalation of Different Variants of Amorphous Silica Nanomaterials (aSiO 2 NM). Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:1502. [PMID: 34200147 PMCID: PMC8228975 DOI: 10.3390/nano11061502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Several reports on amorphous silica nanomaterial (aSiO2 NM) toxicity have been questioning their safety. Herein, we investigated the in vivo pulmonary toxicity of four variants of aSiO2 NM: SiO2_15_Unmod, SiO2_15_Amino, SiO2_7 and SiO2_40. We focused on alterations in lung DNA and protein integrity, and gene expression following single intratracheal instillation in rats. Additionally, a short-term inhalation study (STIS) was carried out for SiO2_7, using TiO2_NM105 as a benchmark NM. In the instillation study, a significant but slight increase in oxidative DNA damage in rats exposed to the highest instilled dose (0.36 mg/rat) of SiO2_15_Amino was observed in the recovery (R) group. Exposure to SiO2_7 or SiO2_40 markedly increased oxidative DNA lesions in rat lung cells of the exposure (E) group at every tested dose. This damage seems to be repaired, since no changes compared to controls were observed in the R groups. In STIS, a significant increase in DNA strand breaks of the lung cells exposed to 0.5 mg/m3 of SiO2_7 or 50 mg/m3 of TiO2_NM105 was observed in both groups. The detected gene expression changes suggest that oxidative stress and/or inflammation pathways are likely implicated in the induction of (oxidative) DNA damage. Overall, all tested aSiO2 NM were not associated with marked in vivo toxicity following instillation or STIS. The genotoxicity findings for SiO2_7 from instillation and STIS are concordant; however, changes in STIS animals were more permanent/difficult to revert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Brandão
- EPIUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal; (F.B.); (C.C.); (M.J.B.); (J.P.T.)
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-053 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, U. Porto—University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Costa
- EPIUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal; (F.B.); (C.C.); (M.J.B.); (J.P.T.)
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-053 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Bessa
- EPIUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal; (F.B.); (C.C.); (M.J.B.); (J.P.T.)
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-053 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, U. Porto—University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Elise Dumortier
- Unité de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire (URBC), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis), University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium; (E.D.); (F.D.-C.)
| | - Florence Debacq-Chainiaux
- Unité de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire (URBC), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis), University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium; (E.D.); (F.D.-C.)
| | - Roland Hubaux
- StratiCELL Laboratories, Research and Development, 5032 Les Isnes, Belgium; (R.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Michel Salmon
- StratiCELL Laboratories, Research and Development, 5032 Les Isnes, Belgium; (R.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Julie Laloy
- Namur Nanosafety Centre, Department of Pharmacy, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis), University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium;
| | - Miruna S. Stan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.S.); (A.H.); (S.G.); (A.D.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.S.); (A.H.); (S.G.); (A.D.)
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Sami Gharbia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.S.); (A.H.); (S.G.); (A.D.)
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.S.); (A.H.); (S.G.); (A.D.)
| | - Anne Bannuscher
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany; (A.B.); (A.H.)
- Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI), University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Bryan Hellack
- Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology (IUTA) e.V., 47229 Duisburg, Germany;
- German Environment Agency (UBA), 06844 Dessau-Roβlau, Germany
| | - Andrea Haase
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany; (A.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Sónia Fraga
- EPIUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal; (F.B.); (C.C.); (M.J.B.); (J.P.T.)
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-053 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- EPIUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal; (F.B.); (C.C.); (M.J.B.); (J.P.T.)
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-053 Porto, Portugal
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Balas M, Popescu Din IM, Hermenean A, Cinteza LO, Dinischiotu A. Exposure to Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Coated with Phospholipid-Based Polymeric Micelles Induces Renal Transitory Biochemical and Histopathological Changes in Mice. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:2605. [PMID: 34067676 PMCID: PMC8156474 DOI: 10.3390/ma14102605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The renal toxicity induced by the intravenously injected iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) encapsulated in phospholipid-based polymeric micelles was studied in CD1 mice for 2 weeks. Two doses of 5 and 15 mg of Fe/kg bodyweight of NPs or saline solution (control) were tested, and the levels of antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress parameters, and the expressions of kidney fibrosis biomarkers were analyzed. The enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the kidney were significantly decreased compared to the control in the first 3 days followed by a recovery up to 14 days. Concomitantly, a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) levels and a decrease in protein thiol groups were recorded. Moreover, increases in the expressions of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were observed in mouse tissue samples in the first week, which were more pronounced for the higher dose. The results suggested the role of oxidative stress as a mechanism for induced toxicity in mice kidneys after the IV administration of IONPs encapsulated in phospholipid-based polymeric micelles but also the capacity of the kidneys' defense systems to revert efficiently the biochemical modifications that were moderate and for short duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Balas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.B.); (I.M.P.D.)
| | - Ioana Mihaela Popescu Din
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.B.); (I.M.P.D.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 1 Feleacului Street, 310396 Arad, Romania
| | - Ludmila Otilia Cinteza
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Regina Elisabeta Blvd, 030018 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.B.); (I.M.P.D.)
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30
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D'Onofrio N, Scisciola L, Sardu C, Trotta MC, De Feo M, Maiello C, Mascolo P, De Micco F, Turriziani F, Municinò E, Monetti P, Lombardi A, Napolitano MG, Marino FZ, Ronchi A, Grimaldi V, Hermenean A, Rizzo MR, Barbieri M, Franco R, Campobasso CP, Napoli C, Municinò M, Paolisso G, Balestrieri ML, Marfella R. Glycated ACE2 receptor in diabetes: open door for SARS-COV-2 entry in cardiomyocyte. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2021; 20:99. [PMID: 33962629 PMCID: PMC8104461 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-021-01286-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale About 50% of hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) developed myocardial damage. The mechanisms of direct SARS-CoV-2 cardiomyocyte infection include viral invasion via ACE2-Spike glycoprotein-binding. In DM patients, the impact of glycation of ACE2 on cardiomyocyte invasion by SARS-CoV-2 can be of high importance. Objective To evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in cardiomyocytes from heart autopsy of DM cases compared to Non-DM; to investigate the role of DM in SARS-COV-2 entry in cardiomyocytes. Methods and results We evaluated consecutive autopsy cases, deceased for COVID-19, from Italy between Apr 30, 2020 and Jan 18, 2021. We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 in cardiomyocytes, expression of ACE2 (total and glycosylated form), and transmembrane protease serine protease-2 (TMPRSS2) protein. In order to study the role of diabetes on cardiomyocyte alterations, independently of COVID-19, we investigated ACE2, glycosylated ACE2, and TMPRSS2 proteins in cardiomyocytes from DM and Non-DM explanted-hearts. Finally, to investigate the effects of DM on ACE2 protein modification, an in vitro glycation study of recombinant human ACE2 (hACE2) was performed to evaluate the effects on binding to SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. The authors included cardiac tissue from 97 autopsies. DM was diagnosed in 37 patients (38%). Fourth-seven out of 97 autopsies (48%) had SARS-CoV-2 RNA in cardiomyocytes. Thirty out of 37 DM autopsy cases (81%) and 17 out of 60 Non-DM autopsy cases (28%) had SARS-CoV-2 RNA in cardiomyocytes. Total ACE2, glycosylated ACE2, and TMPRSS2 protein expressions were higher in cardiomyocytes from autopsied and explanted hearts of DM than Non-DM. In vitro exposure of monomeric hACE2 to 120 mM glucose for 12 days led to non-enzymatic glycation of four lysine residues in the neck domain affecting the protein oligomerization. Conclusions The upregulation of ACE2 expression (total and glycosylated forms) in DM cardiomyocytes, along with non-enzymatic glycation, could increase the susceptibility to COVID-19 infection in DM patients by favouring the cellular entry of SARS-CoV2. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-021-01286-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia D'Onofrio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Scisciola
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Celestino Sardu
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marisa De Feo
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Ciro Maiello
- Unit of Cardiac Surgery and Transplants, AORN Ospedali dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Mascolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine Forensic Pathology Service, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco De Micco
- Department of Experimental Medicine Forensic Pathology Service, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Turriziani
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Municinò
- Department of Forensic, Evaluative and Necroscopic Medicine, ASL Napoli 2 NORD, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Monetti
- Department of Forensic, Evaluative and Necroscopic Medicine, ASL Napoli 2 NORD, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Lombardi
- Department of Forensic, Evaluative and Necroscopic Medicine, ASL Napoli 2 NORD, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Federica Zito Marino
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Ronchi
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Grimaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Science, Vasile Goldis Western University, Arad, Romania
| | - Maria Rosaria Rizzo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Michelangela Barbieri
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Renato Franco
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Pietro Campobasso
- Department of Experimental Medicine Forensic Pathology Service, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Napoli
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Municinò
- Department of Forensic, Evaluative and Necroscopic Medicine, ASL Napoli 2 NORD, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Paolisso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy.,Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Marfella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy.,Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
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31
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Vicas SI, Laslo V, Timar AV, Balta C, Herman H, Ciceu A, Gharbia S, Rosu M, Mladin B, Chiana L, Prokisch J, Puschita M, Miutescu E, Cavalu S, Cotoraci C, Hermenean A. Nano Selenium-Enriched Probiotics as Functional Food Products against Cadmium Liver Toxicity. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:2257. [PMID: 33925590 PMCID: PMC8123892 DOI: 10.3390/ma14092257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since cadmium is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems for humans, it is necessary to find bioremediation solutions to reduce its harmful effects. The main goal of our work was to develop a functional food based on elemental selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) obtained by green synthesis using Lactobacillus casei and to validate their ability to annihilate the hepatic toxic effects induced by cadmium. The characterization of SeNPs was assessed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, DLS and TEM. In order to investigate the dose-dependent protective effects of SeNPs on Cd liver toxicity, mice were assigned to eight experimental groups and fed by gavage, with 5 mg/kg b.w. cadmium, respectively, with co-administration with SeNPs or lacto-SeNPs (LSeNPs) in 3 doses (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days. The protective effect was demonstrated by the restoration of blood hepatic markers (AST, ALT, GGT and total bilirubin) and antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of mice plasma by the FRAP assay, revealed the highest antioxidant capacity for the 0.2 mg/kg LSeNPs group. Histopathological analysis demonstrated the morphological alteration in the group that received only cadmium and was restored after the administration of SeNPs or LSeNPs, while the immunohistochemical analysis of the bcl family revealed anti-apoptotic effects; the Q-PCR analysis showed an upregulation of hepatic inflammatory markers for the group exposed to Cd and a decreased value for the groups receiving oral SeNPs/ LSeNPs in a dose-dependent manner. The best protective effects were obtained for LSeNPs. A functional food that includes both probiotic bacteria and elemental SeNPs could be successfully used to annihilate Cd-induced liver toxicity, and to improve both nutritional values and health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ioana Vicas
- Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 24 Gen. Magheru St., 410048 Oradea, Romania; (S.I.V.); (V.L.); (A.V.T.)
| | - Vasile Laslo
- Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 24 Gen. Magheru St., 410048 Oradea, Romania; (S.I.V.); (V.L.); (A.V.T.)
| | - Adrian Vasile Timar
- Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 24 Gen. Magheru St., 410048 Oradea, Romania; (S.I.V.); (V.L.); (A.V.T.)
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Sami Gharbia
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Marcel Rosu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Laurentiu Chiana
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Science, University of Oradea, 1 University St., 410087 Oradea, Romania; (L.C.)
| | - József Prokisch
- Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.P.)
| | - Maria Puschita
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (M.P.); (E.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Eftimie Miutescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (M.P.); (E.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 10 Pta 1 Decembrie St., 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Coralia Cotoraci
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (M.P.); (E.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (B.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu St., 310414 Arad, Romania; (M.P.); (E.M.); (C.C.)
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Hermenean A, Trotta MC, Gharbia S, Hermenean AG, Peteu VE, Balta C, Cotoraci C, Gesualdo C, Rossi S, Gherghiceanu M, D'Amico M. Corrigendum: Changes in Retinal Structure and Ultrastructure in the Aged Mice Correlate with Differences in the Expression of Selected Retinal miRNAs. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:652905. [PMID: 33790799 PMCID: PMC8006936 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.652905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sami Gharbia
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Coralia Cotoraci
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Popescu RG, Bulgaru C, Untea A, Vlassa M, Filip M, Hermenean A, Marin D, Țăranu I, Georgescu SE, Dinischiotu A. The Effectiveness of Dietary Byproduct Antioxidants on Induced CYP Genes Expression and Histological Alteration in Piglets Liver and Kidney Fed with Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:148. [PMID: 33671978 PMCID: PMC7919288 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of a byproduct mixture derived from grapeseed and sea buckthorn oil industry to mitigate the harmful damage produced by ochratoxin A and aflatoxin B1 at hepatic and renal level in piglets after weaning. Forty cross-bred TOPIGS-40 hybrid piglets after weaning were assigned to three experimental groups (E1, E2, E3) and one control group (C), and fed with experimental diets for 30 days. The basal diet was served as a control and contained normal compound feed for starter piglets without mycotoxins. The experimental groups were fed as follows: E1-basal diet plus a mixture (1:1) of two byproducts (grapeseed and sea buckthorn meal); E2-the basal diet experimentally contaminated with mycotoxins (479 ppb OTA and 62ppb AFB1); and E3-basal diet containing 5% of the mixture (1:1) of grapeseed and sea buckthorn meal and contaminated with the mix of OTA and AFB1. After 4 weeks, the animals were slaughtered, and tissue samples were taken from liver and kidney in order to perform gene expression and histological analysis. The gene expression analysis showed that when weaned piglets were fed with contaminated diet, the expression of most analyzed genes was downregulated. Among the CYP450 family, CYP1A2 was the gene with the highest downregulation. According to these results, in liver, we found that mycotoxins induced histomorphological alterations in liver and kidney and had an effect on the expression level of CYP1A2, CYP2A19, CYP2E1, and CYP3A29, but we did not detect important changes in the expression level of CY4A24, MRP2 and GSTA1 genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roua Gabriela Popescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei No. 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.P.); (A.D.)
| | - Cristina Bulgaru
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, National Institute for Research and Development for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Calea Bucuresti No. 1, Balotesti, 077015 Ilfov, Romania; (C.B.); (A.U.); (D.M.)
| | - Arabela Untea
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, National Institute for Research and Development for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Calea Bucuresti No. 1, Balotesti, 077015 Ilfov, Romania; (C.B.); (A.U.); (D.M.)
| | - Mihaela Vlassa
- Raluca Ripan Institute for Research in Chemistry, Babeş Bolyai University, 30 Fântânele Street, 400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.V.); (M.F.)
| | - Miuta Filip
- Raluca Ripan Institute for Research in Chemistry, Babeş Bolyai University, 30 Fântânele Street, 400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.V.); (M.F.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Daniela Marin
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, National Institute for Research and Development for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Calea Bucuresti No. 1, Balotesti, 077015 Ilfov, Romania; (C.B.); (A.U.); (D.M.)
| | - Ionelia Țăranu
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, National Institute for Research and Development for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Calea Bucuresti No. 1, Balotesti, 077015 Ilfov, Romania; (C.B.); (A.U.); (D.M.)
| | - Sergiu Emil Georgescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei No. 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.P.); (A.D.)
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei No. 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.P.); (A.D.)
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Cotoraci C, Ciceu A, Sasu A, Hermenean A. Natural Antioxidants in Anemia Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041883. [PMID: 33668657 PMCID: PMC7918704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Anemia, characterized by a decrease of the hemoglobin level in the blood and a reduction in carrying capacity of oxygen, is a major public health problem which affects people of all ages. The methods used to treat anemia are blood transfusion and oral administration of iron-based supplements, but these treatments are associated with a number of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain, which limit its long-term use. In addition, oral iron supplements are poorly absorbed in the intestinal tract, due to overexpression of hepcidin, a peptide hormone that plays a central role in iron homeostasis. In this review, we conducted an analysis of the literature on biologically active compounds and plant extracts used in the treatment of various types of anemia. The purpose of this review is to provide up-to-date information on the use of these compounds and plant extracts, in order to explore their therapeutic potential. The advantage of using them is that they are available from natural resources and can be used as main, alternative, or adjuvant therapies in many diseases, such as various types of anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralia Cotoraci
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (A.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Alciona Sasu
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (A.C.); (A.H.)
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania
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Stan MS, Badea S, Hermenean A, Herman H, Trica B, Sbarcea BG, Dinischiotu A. New Insights into the Cell Death Signaling Pathways Triggered by Long-Term Exposure to Silicon-Based Quantum Dots in Human Lung Fibroblasts. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:nano11020323. [PMID: 33513804 PMCID: PMC7911990 DOI: 10.3390/nano11020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This report is the first research study that aims to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in the in vitro pulmonary cytotoxicity triggered by long-term exposure to silicon-based quantum dots (QDs). Human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cell line) were exposed to 5 µg/mL silicon-based QDs for 5 weeks and the concentration was increased up to 40 µg/mL QDs during the next 4 weeks. Cell viability and population doubling level were calculated based on Trypan blue staining. The expression levels of proteins were established by Western blotting and the telomeres’ length was determined through Southern blotting. Prolonged exposure of lung fibroblasts to QDs reduced the cell viability by 10% compared to untreated cells. The level of p53 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) expression increased during the exposure, the peak intensity being registered after the seventh week. The expressions of autophagy-related proteins, Beclin-1 and LC-3, were higher compared to untreated cells. Regarding the protein expression of Nrf-2, a progressive decrease was noticed, suggesting the downregulation of a cytoprotective response to oxidative stress. In contrast, the heat shock proteins’ (HSPs) expression was increased or maintained near the control level during QDs exposure in order to promote cell survival. Furthermore, the telomeres’ length was not reduced during this exposure, indicating that QDs did not induce cellular senescence. In conclusion, our study shows that silicon-based QDs triggered the activation of apoptotic and autophagy pathways and downregulation of survival signaling molecules as an adaptive response to cellular stress which was not associated with telomeres shortening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miruna S. Stan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.S.); (S.B.); (A.H.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest–ICUB, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gheorghe Polizu Str., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Smaranda Badea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.S.); (S.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.S.); (S.B.); (A.H.)
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Trica
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry (INCDCP-ICECHIM), 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Beatrice G. Sbarcea
- Materials Characterization Department, National Institute for Research & Development in Electrical Engineering (ICPE-CA), 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (B.G.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.S.); (S.B.); (A.H.)
- Correspondence: (B.G.S.); (A.D.)
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Hermenean A, Trotta MC, Gharbia S, Hermenean AG, Peteu VE, Balta C, Cotoraci C, Gesualdo C, Rossi S, Gherghiceanu M, D'Amico M. Changes in Retinal Structure and Ultrastructure in the Aged Mice Correlate With Differences in the Expression of Selected Retinal miRNAs. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:593514. [PMID: 33519453 PMCID: PMC7838525 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.593514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Age and gender are two important factors that may influence the function and structure of the retina and its susceptibility to retinal diseases. The aim of this study was to delineate the influence that biological sex and age exert on the retinal structural and ultrastructural changes in mice and to identify the age-related miRNA dysregulation profiles in the retina by gender. Experiments were undertaken on male and female Balb/c aged 24 months (approximately 75–85 years in humans) compared to the control (3 months). The retinas were analyzed by histology, transmission electron microscopy, and age-related miRNA expression profile analysis. Retinas of both sexes showed a steady decline in retinal thickness as follows: photoreceptor (PS) and outer layers (p < 0.01 for the aged male vs. control; p < 0.05 for the aged female vs. control); the inner retinal layers were significantly affected by the aging process in the males (p < 0.01) but not in the aged females. Electron microscopy revealed more abnormalities which involve the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch’s membrane, outer and inner layers, vascular changes, deposits of amorphous materials, and accumulation of lipids or lipofuscins. Age-related miRNAs, miR-27a-3p (p < 0.01), miR-27b-3p (p < 0.05), and miR-20a-5p (p < 0.05) were significantly up-regulated in aged male mice compared to the controls, whereas miR-20b-5p was significantly down-regulated in aged male (p < 0.05) and female mice (p < 0.05) compared to the respective controls. miR-27a-3p (5.00 fold; p < 0.01) and miR-27b (7.58 fold; p < 0.01) were significantly up-regulated in aged male mice vs. aged female mice, whereas miR-20b-5p (−2.10 fold; p < 0.05) was significantly down-regulated in aged male mice vs. aged female mice. Interestingly, miR-27a-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-20a-5p, and miR-20b-5p expressions significantly correlated with the thickness of the retinal PS layer (p < 0.01), retinal outer layers (p < 0.01), and Bruch’s membrane (p < 0.01). Our results showed that biological sex can influence the structure and function of the retina upon aging, suggesting that this difference may be underlined by the dysregulation of age-related mi-RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sami Gharbia
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Coralia Cotoraci
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Ofiteru AM, Becheru DF, Gharbia S, Balta C, Herman H, Mladin B, Ionita M, Hermenean A, Burns JS. Qualifying Osteogenic Potency Assay Metrics for Human Multipotent Stromal Cells: TGF-β2 a Telling Eligible Biomarker. Cells 2020; 9:E2559. [PMID: 33260388 PMCID: PMC7760953 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Potency assays are critical for regenerative medicine, addressing the known challenge of functional heterogeneity among human multipotent stromal cells (hMSC). Necessary laboratory cell expansion allows analysis before implantation in the patient. Levels of induction of five signature gene biomarkers, ALPL, COL1A2, DCN, ELN and RUNX2, constituted a previously reported proof-of-principle osteogenic potency assay. We tested assay modification to enhance reproducibility using six consistent bone marrow derived hBM-MSC and explored applicability to three adipose tissue derived hAT-MSC. Using a potent proprietary osteogenic induction factor, the GUSB/YWAHZ reference gene pair provided real time PCR consistency. The novel assay conditions supported the concept that genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins one week after osteogenic induction were informative. Nonetheless, relatively low induction of COL1A2 and ELN encouraged search for additional biomarkers. TGFB2 mRNA induction, important for osteogenic commitment, was readily quantifiable in both hBM-MSC and hAT-MSC. Combined with DCN, TGFB2 mRNA induction data provided discriminatory power for resolving donor-specific heterogeneity. Histomorphometric decorin and TGF-β2 protein expression patterns in eight-week heterotopic bone implants also discriminated the two non-bone-forming hMSC. We highlight progress towards prompt osteogenic potency assays, needed by current clinical trials to accelerate improved intervention with enhanced stem cell therapy for serious bone fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustin M. Ofiteru
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.F.B.); (M.I.)
| | - Diana F. Becheru
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.F.B.); (M.I.)
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sami Gharbia
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Mariana Ionita
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.F.B.); (M.I.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Jorge S. Burns
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.F.B.); (M.I.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Taranu I, Hermenean A, Bulgaru C, Pistol GC, Ciceu A, Grosu IA, Marin DE. Diet containing grape seed meal by-product counteracts AFB1 toxicity in liver of pig after weaning. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2020; 203:110899. [PMID: 32678747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Liver is the earliest target for AFB1 toxicity in both human and animals. In the last decade, plant derived by-products have been used in animal feed to reduce AFB1 induced toxicity. In the present study we investigated whether the presence of 8% grape seed meal by-product is able to counteract the hepatotoxic effects produced by AFB1 in liver of pig after weaning exposed to the toxin through the contaminated feed for 28 days. Twenty four weaned cross-bred TOPIGS-40 piglets with an average body weight of 9.13±0.03 were allocated to the following experimentally treatments: control diet without AFB1 (normal compound feed for weaned pigs); contaminated diet with 320 mg kg-1 AFB1; GSM diet (compound feed plus 8% grape seed meal) and AFB1+GSM diet (320 mg kg-1 AFB1 contaminated feed plus 8% grape seed meal). Pigs fed AFB1 diet had altered performance, body weight decreasing with 25.1% (b.w.: 17.17 kg for AFB1 vs 22.92 kg for control). Exposure of piglets to AFB1 contaminated diet caused liver oxidative stress as well as liver histological damage, manly characterized by inflammatory infiltrate, fibrosis and parenchyma cells vacuolation when compared to control and GSM meal group. 94.12% of the total analysed genes (34) related to inflammation and immune response was up-regulated. The addition of GSM into the AFB1 diet diminished the gene overexpression and ameliorate histological liver injuries and oxidative stress. The protective effect of GSM diet in diminishing the AFB1 harmful effect was mediated through the decreasing of gene and protein expression of MAPKs and NF-κB signalling overexpressed by AFB1 diet. The inclusion of grape seed by-products in the diet of pigs after weaning might be used as a novel nutritional intervention to reduce aflatoxin toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionelia Taranu
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, National Institute for Research and Development for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Calea Bucuresti No. 1, Balotesti, Ilfov, 077015, Romania.
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Aurel Ardelean Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Cristina Bulgaru
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, National Institute for Research and Development for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Calea Bucuresti No. 1, Balotesti, Ilfov, 077015, Romania
| | - Gina Cecilia Pistol
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, National Institute for Research and Development for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Calea Bucuresti No. 1, Balotesti, Ilfov, 077015, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iulian Alexandru Grosu
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, National Institute for Research and Development for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Calea Bucuresti No. 1, Balotesti, Ilfov, 077015, Romania
| | - Daniela Eliza Marin
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, National Institute for Research and Development for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Calea Bucuresti No. 1, Balotesti, Ilfov, 077015, Romania
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Petrillo F, Trotta MC, Bucolo C, Hermenean A, Petrillo A, Maisto R, Pieretti G, Pietropaolo M, Ferraraccio F, Gagliano C, Galdiero M, D'Amico M. Resolvin D1 attenuates the inflammatory process in mouse model of LPS-induced keratitis. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:12298-12307. [PMID: 33058526 PMCID: PMC7686975 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the lipid mediator Resolvin D1 in experimental keratitis. C57BL/6J mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (2 µg/eye), and after 24 hours, the corneal damage was assessed. Clinical score was quantified, and corneal inflammatory biomarkers were detected by immunohistochemistry. A robust accumulation of sub‐epithelial macrophages and polymorphonuclear leucocytes, chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1 (also known as keratinocyte‐derived chemokine), interleukin‐10 and promoters of apoptosis was also observed in lipopolysaccharide‐treated mice. Formyl peptide receptor 2 corneal expression was also assessed. The corneal stroma treated with lipopolysaccharide was characterized by presence of macrophages of M1‐like subtype and immature fibroblastic cells, marked with Ki67, not fully differentiated in fibroblasts. Indeed, the staining of the cornea with anti‐vimentin antibodies, a marker of differentiated myofibroblasts, was very faint. Resolvin D1 attenuated all the inflammatory parameters assessed in the present study, except for IL‐10. In conclusion, the data presented here seem to be consistent with the hypothesis that Resolvin D1 protected the cornea from the lipopolysaccharide‐induced keratitis by acting on several inflammatory components of this damage, pivoted by Formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) activation and macrophages‐leucocytes activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania 'L.Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Science, Vasile Goldis Western University, Arad, Romania
| | - Arianna Petrillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania 'L.Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Maisto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania 'L.Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Gorizio Pieretti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania'L. Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Pietropaolo
- General Directorate of the University Polyclinic 'L. Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Franca Ferraraccio
- Department of Clinical, Public and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- Eye Clinic, University of Catania and Santa Marta Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania 'L.Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania 'L.Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
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Vlasceanu GM, Șelaru A, Dinescu S, Balta C, Herman H, Gharbia S, Hermenean A, Ionita M, Costache M. Comprehensive Appraisal of Graphene-Oxide Ratio in Porous Biopolymer Hybrids Targeting Bone-Tissue Regeneration. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2020; 10:nano10081444. [PMID: 32722040 PMCID: PMC7466474 DOI: 10.3390/nano10081444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The bone-tissue engineering (BTE) field is continuously growing due to a major need for bone substitutes in cases of serious traumas, when the bone tissue has reduced capacity for self-regeneration. So far, graphene oxide (GO)-reinforced natural materials provide satisfactory results for BTE, for both in vitro and in vivo conditions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility of a new biocomposite consisting of chitosan and fish gelatin crosslinked with genipin and loaded with various concentrations of GO (0.5, 1, 2, 3 wt.%) for prospective BTE applications. Scaffold characterizations revealed a constant swelling degree and good resistance to enzyme degradation. The composites presented a porous structure with pores of similar size, thus mimicking the bone structure. In vitro biocompatibility assays demonstrated an overall beneficial interaction between preosteoblasts, and these particular composites, particularly with 0.5 wt.% GO, reinforced composition. Next, the materials were implanted subcutaneously in 6-week old CD1 mice for in vivo evaluation of biocompatibility and inflammatory activity. Immunohistochemical staining revealed maximal cell infiltration and minimal inflammatory reaction for fish gelatin/chitosan/genipin with 0.5 wt.% GO scaffold, thus demonstrating the best biocompatibility for this particular composition, confirming the in vitro results. This study revealed the potential use of fish gelatin/chitosan GO composites for further implementation in the BTE field.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Mihail Vlasceanu
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Șelaru
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (A.Ș.); (S.D.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- Department of Immunology, National Institute for Research and Development in Biomedical Pathology and Biomedical Sciences “Victor Babes”, Spl. Independentei 99-101, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (A.Ș.); (S.D.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- Aurel Ardelean Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.)
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Aurel Ardelean Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.)
| | - Sami Gharbia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (A.Ș.); (S.D.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- Aurel Ardelean Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (A.Ș.); (S.D.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- Aurel Ardelean Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Godis Western University of Arad, Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (C.B.); (H.H.)
| | - Mariana Ionita
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-2140-22709
| | - Marieta Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (A.Ș.); (S.D.); (S.G.); (A.H.); (M.C.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
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Petre A, Balta C, Herman H, Gharbia S, Codreanu A, Onita-Mladin B, Anghel-Zurbau N, Hermenean AG, Ignat SR, Dinescu S, Urzica I, Drafta S, Oancea L, Hermenean A. A novel experimental approach to evaluate guided bone regeneration (GBR) in the rat femur using a 3D-printed CAD/CAM zirconia space-maintaining barrier. J Adv Res 2020; 28:221-229. [PMID: 33364058 PMCID: PMC7753221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Obtaining a certain bone volume is an important goal in implantology or orthopedics. Thus, after tooth extraction, quite a lot of horizontal and vertical alveolar bone is lost in time and can be detrimental to the implant treatment outcome, while the treatment of critical bone defects is a considerable challenge for surgery. Objectives In this study we designed a new in vivo model as an useful experimental tool to assess guided bone regeneration (GBR) using a computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD-CAM) space-maintaining barrier. Methods The barrier was 3D printed with three progressive heights, surgically placed on rat femur, and GBR results were analyzed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks by X-ray and bone mineral density analysis, histology/morphometry and by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry for osteogenesis and angiogenesis evaluation. Results The obtained results show that the proposed experimental model provides a real-time useful information on progressive bone tissue formation, which depends on the volume of isolated space created for GBR and on molecular events that lead to satisfactory vertical and horizontal bone augmentation and osteointegration. Conclusion In conclusion, the proposed customized three-dome space-maintaining barrier is suitable as an experimental tool to assess the potential of using the designed barriers in dentistry and orthopedics to promote the formation of new bone and determine their space- and time-dependent limitations. Meanwhile, guided bone augmentation for dentistry requires subsequent evaluation on an alveolar bone preclinical model followed by clinical implementation.
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Key Words
- Bioengineering
- Bone regeneration
- Bone remodeling
- CAD/CAM, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing
- DAPI, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole
- Dentistry
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- GAPDH, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- GBR, guided bone regeneration
- Guided tissue regeneration
- IVC, individually ventilated cage
- OCN, osteocalcin
- OPN, osteopontin
- OSX, osterix
- Orthodontics
- PBS, phosphate-buffered saline
- PCL, poly(e-caprolactone)
- PDGFRβ, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β
- PFA, paraformaldehyde
- PGA, poly(glycolic acid)
- PLA, poly(lactic acid)
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- VEGFR, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor
- Zirconia
- ePTFE, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Petre
- Occlusion and Fixed Prosthodontic Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - Sami Gharbia
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ada Codreanu
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - Bianca Onita-Mladin
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Anghel-Zurbau
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania
| | - Andrei-Gelu Hermenean
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona-Rebeca Ignat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iuliana Urzica
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Lasers Department, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sergiu Drafta
- Occlusion and Fixed Prosthodontic Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Luminita Oancea
- Occlusion and Fixed Prosthodontic Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Romania
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Maisto R, Trotta MC, Petrillo F, Izzo S, Cuomo G, Alfano R, Hermenean A, Barcia JM, Galdiero M, Platania CBM, Bucolo C, D'Amico M. Corrigendum: Resolvin D1 Modulates the Intracellular VEGF-Related miRNAs of Retinal Photoreceptors Challenged With High Glucose. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:871. [PMID: 32612528 PMCID: PMC7308723 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Maisto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Izzo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cuomo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, VasileGoldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Jorge Miquel Barcia
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia "Saint Vicente Martir", Valencia, Spain
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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43
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Popescu Din IM, Balas M, Hermenean A, Vander Elst L, Laurent S, Burtea C, Cinteza LO, Dinischiotu A. Novel Polymeric Micelles-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for In Vivo Bioimaging of Liver: Toxicological Profile and Contrast Enhancement. Materials (Basel) 2020; 13:E2722. [PMID: 32549296 PMCID: PMC7345181 DOI: 10.3390/ma13122722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic nanoparticles are intensively studied for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as contrast agents but yet there remained some gaps regarding their toxicity potential and clinical implications of their biodistribution in organs. This study presents the effects induced by magnetite nanoparticles encapsulated in polymeric micelles (MNP-DSPE-PEG) on biochemical markers, metabolic functions, and MRI signal in CD1 mice liver. Three groups of animals, one control and the other ones injected with a suspension of five, respectively, 15 mg Fe/kg bw nanoparticles, were monitored up to 14 days. The results indicated the presence of MNP-DSPE-PEG in the liver in the first two days of the experiment. The most significant biochemical changes also occurred in the first 3 days after exposure when the most severe histological changes were observed. The change of the MRI signal intensity on the T2-weighted images and increased transverse relaxation rates R2 in the liver were observed after the first minutes from the nanoparticle administration. The study shows that the alterations of biomarkers level resulting from exposure to MNP-DSPE-PEG are restored in time in mice liver. This was associated with a significant contrast on T2-weighted images and made us conclude that these nanoparticles might be potential candidates for use as a contrast agent in liver medical imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Mihaela Popescu Din
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91–95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (I.M.P.D.); (A.D.)
| | - Mihaela Balas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91–95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (I.M.P.D.); (A.D.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania;
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 1 Feleacului street, 310396 Arad, Romania
| | - Luce Vander Elst
- Department of General, Organic and Biomedical Chemistry, NMR and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons, 19, Avenue Maistriau, Mendeleev Building, B-7000 Mons, Belgium; (L.V.E.); (S.L.); (C.B.)
| | - Sophie Laurent
- Department of General, Organic and Biomedical Chemistry, NMR and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons, 19, Avenue Maistriau, Mendeleev Building, B-7000 Mons, Belgium; (L.V.E.); (S.L.); (C.B.)
| | - Carmen Burtea
- Department of General, Organic and Biomedical Chemistry, NMR and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons, 19, Avenue Maistriau, Mendeleev Building, B-7000 Mons, Belgium; (L.V.E.); (S.L.); (C.B.)
| | - Ludmila Otilia Cinteza
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Regina Elisabeta Blvd, 030018 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91–95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (I.M.P.D.); (A.D.)
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Bannuscher A, Hellack B, Bahl A, Laloy J, Herman H, Stan MS, Dinischiotu A, Giusti A, Krause BC, Tentschert J, Roșu M, Balta C, Hermenean A, Wiemann M, Luch A, Haase A. Metabolomics profiling to investigate nanomaterial toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Nanotoxicology 2020; 14:807-826. [DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2020.1764123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bannuscher
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
- Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Bryan Hellack
- Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology (IUTA) e.V, Duisburg, Germany
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Dessau, Germany
| | - Aileen Bahl
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Julie Laloy
- Department of Pharmacy, Namur Nanosafety Centre, NARILIS, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Miruna S. Stan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anna Giusti
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin-Christoph Krause
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jutta Tentschert
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel Roșu
- Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Martin Wiemann
- IBE R&D Institute for Lung Health gGmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Luch
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Haase
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
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45
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Popescu RG, Voicu SN, Gradisteanu Pircalabioru G, Ciceu A, Gharbia S, Hermenean A, Georgescu SE, Panaite TD, Dinischiotu A. Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Bilberry and Walnut Leaves Powder on the Digestive Performances and Health of Tetra SL Laying Hens. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050823. [PMID: 32397418 PMCID: PMC7278370 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In poultry, diet composition influences growth performance, egg production, as well as digestion. In this study, the effects of dietary additives obtained from bilberry and walnut leaves powder on the digestive performances of Tetra SL hens were evaluated by histologic and morphometric analyses of the intestinal mucosa as well as by the enzymatic activity measurements of alpha-amylase, invertase, maltase, and trypsin correlated with cecum microbiota. Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dietary inclusion of two additives at the final concentration of 0.5% bilberry (E1) and 1% walnut (E2) leaves powder in the basal diet on digestive health of hens. A total number of 90 Tetra SL hens were divided into two experimental groups (E1 and E2) and one control group (C) consisting of 30 hens each. After four weeks, 10 hens of each group were sacrificed and tissue samples and intestinal content were taken from the duodenum, jejunum, and cecum in order to perform histological, enzymatic, and microbiota analyses. In groups E1 and E2, the histological analysis showed a significant increase of villus height, resulting probably in increased absorption of nutrients in duodenum and jejunum. A decrease in the specific activity of alpha-amylase and trypsin in E1 and E2 for both duodenum and jejunum compared to the control one was also recorded. In addition, the maltase and invertase specific activity in duodenum increased, a tendency that was kept for maltase but not for invertase in jejunum. The cecal microbiota of E1 and E2 individuals was characterized by an increase of Firmicutes and Lactobacilli and a decrease of Enterobacteriaceae. In conclusion, our results indicate that bilberry and walnut leaves additives in feed may improve the health status of the poultry gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roua Gabriela Popescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.P.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (S.E.G.); (A.D.)
| | - Sorina Nicoleta Voicu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.P.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (S.E.G.); (A.D.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Titu Maiorescu University, 004051 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-21-318-1575
| | | | - Alina Ciceu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.P.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (S.E.G.); (A.D.)
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Sami Gharbia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.P.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (S.E.G.); (A.D.)
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Experimental and Applied Biology, “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Sergiu Emil Georgescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.P.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (S.E.G.); (A.D.)
| | - Tatiana Dumitra Panaite
- National Research and Development Institute for Animal Biology (IBNA Balotești), 077015 Ilfov, Romania;
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.G.P.); (A.C.); (S.G.); (S.E.G.); (A.D.)
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46
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Maisto R, Trotta MC, Petrillo F, Izzo S, Cuomo G, Alfano R, Hermenean A, Barcia JM, Galdiero M, Platania CBM, Bucolo C, D'Amico M. Resolvin D1 Modulates the Intracellular VEGF-Related miRNAs of Retinal Photoreceptors Challenged With High Glucose. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:235. [PMID: 32210819 PMCID: PMC7069219 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulation of retinal photoreceptors with elevated glucose concentration (30 mM) for 96 h, served as diabetic retinopathy in vitro model to study Resolvin D1 (50 nM) effects on neovascularization. VEGF and anti-angiogenic miR-20a-3p, miR-20a-5p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-20b expression was assessed either in photoreceptors exposed to HG or in exosomes released by those cells. High glucose increased VEGF levels and concurrently decreased anti-angiogenic miRNAs content in photoreceptors and exosomes. RvD1 reverted the effects of glucose damage in photoreceptors and exosomal pro-angiogenic potential, tested with the HUVEC angiogenesis assay. By activating FPR2 receptor, RvD1 modulated both the expression of anti-angiogenic miRNA, which decrease VEGF, and the pro-angiogenic potential of exosomes released by primary retinal cells. HUVEC transfection with miR-20a-3p, miR-20a-5p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-20b antagomirs, followed by exposure to exosomes from photoreceptors, confirmed the VEGF-related miRNAs mechanism and the anti-angiogenic effects of RvD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Maisto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Izzo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cuomo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Jorge Miquel Barcia
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia "Saint Vicente Martir", Valencia, Spain
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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47
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Trotta MC, Pieretti G, Petrillo F, Alessio N, Hermenean A, Maisto R, D'Amico M. Resolvin D1 reduces mitochondrial damage to photoreceptors of primary retinal cells exposed to high glucose. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:4256-4267. [PMID: 31612492 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
No study has investigated the interaction of Resolvin D1 (RvD1) with mitochondrial damage of retinal cells caused by diabetes. This study aims to investigate the effects of RvD1 (50 nM) on morphological and biochemical indicators of mitochondrial damage in primary retinal cells exposed to 30 mM d-glucose high glucose (HG). HG-cells exhibited photoreceptor damage characterized by short and small mitochondria with prevalent mitochondrial disruption, fragmentation, and aggregation. The cells had low mitochondrial transporters TIMM44 and TOMM40, Connexin 43, NAD/NADH ratio, and ATP levels, whereas increased cytosolic cytochrome c. Moreover, they expressed high cytosolic metalloproteinase matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and MMP-2 activity. HG-cells treated with RvD1 (50 nM) showed reduced reactive oxygen species levels, improved mitochondrial morphology and function, promoted mitochondrial DNA repair by OGG1, and reduced cell apoptosis and metalloproteinase activity. Therefore, RvD1 induces protection from high glucose-load to the retinal cell and promotes their survival by decreasing cytosolic MMP and mitochondrial damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gorizio Pieretti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicola Alessio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Life Science, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Rosa Maisto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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48
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Dinescu S, Ionita M, Ignat SR, Costache M, Hermenean A. Graphene Oxide Enhances Chitosan-Based 3D Scaffold Properties for Bone Tissue Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5077. [PMID: 31614903 PMCID: PMC6834324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The main goal of bone tissue engineering (BTE) is to refine and repair major bone defects based on bioactive biomaterials with distinct properties that can induce and support bone tissue formation. Graphene and its derivatives, such as graphene oxide (GO), display optimal properties for BTE, being able to support cell growth and proliferation, cell attachment, and cytoskeleton development as well as the activation of osteogenesis and bone development pathways. Conversely, the presence of GO within a polymer matrix produces favorable changes to scaffold morphologies that facilitate cell attachment and migration i.e., more ordered morphologies, greater surface area, and higher total porosity. Therefore, there is a need to explore the potential of GO for tissue engineering applications and regenerative medicine. Here, we aim to promote one novel scaffold based on a natural compound of chitosan, improved with 3 wt.% GO, for BTE approaches, considering its good biocompatibility, remarkable 3D characteristics, and ability to support stem cell differentiation processes towards the bone lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Mariana Ionita
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Simona-Rebeca Ignat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Marieta Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
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49
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Váradi J, Hermenean A, Gesztelyi R, Jeney V, Balogh E, Majoros L, Malanga M, Fenyvesi É, Szente L, Bácskay I, Vecsernyés M, Fehér P, Ujhelyi Z, Vasvári G, Árvai I, Rusznyák Á, Balta C, Herman H, Fenyvesi F. Pharmacokinetic Properties of Fluorescently Labelled Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9100509. [PMID: 31546989 PMCID: PMC6843445 DOI: 10.3390/biom9100509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) is utilized in the formulation of pharmaceutical products and recently orphan designation was granted for the treatment of Niemann–Pick disease, type C. The exact mechanism of HPBCD action and side effects are not completely explained. We used fluorescently labelled hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (FITC-HPBCD) to study its pharmacokinetic parameters in mice and compare with native HPBCD data. We found that FITC-HPBCD has fast distribution and elimination, similar to HPBCD. Interestingly animals could be divided into two groups, where the pharmacokinetic parameters followed or did not follow the two-compartment, first-order kinetic model. Tissue distribution studies revealed, that a significant amount of FITC-HPBCD could be detected in kidneys after 60 min treatment, due to its renal excretion. Ex vivo fluorescent imaging showed that fluorescence could be measured in lung, liver, brain and spleen after 30 min of treatment. To model the interaction and cellular distribution of FITC-HPBCD in the wall of blood vessels, we treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with FITC-HPBCD and demonstrated for the first time that this compound could be detected in the cytoplasm in small vesicles after 30 min of treatment. FITC-HPBCD has similar pharmacokinetic to HPBCD and can provide new information to the detailed mechanism of action of HPBCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Váradi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Vasile Goldiș' Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu Street, 310414 Arad, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței Street, no. 91-95, 050095, sector 5, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rudolf Gesztelyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktória Jeney
- MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4012 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Enikő Balogh
- MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4012 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Milo Malanga
- Cyclolab Cyclodextrin R&D Laboratory Ltd., H-1097 Illatos St. 7., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Fenyvesi
- Cyclolab Cyclodextrin R&D Laboratory Ltd., H-1097 Illatos St. 7., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lajos Szente
- Cyclolab Cyclodextrin R&D Laboratory Ltd., H-1097 Illatos St. 7., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Bácskay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Miklós Vecsernyés
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Pálma Fehér
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Ujhelyi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Vasvári
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- University of Debrecen, Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Árvai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Rusznyák
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- University of Debrecen, Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Cornel Balta
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Vasile Goldiș' Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu Street, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Vasile Goldiș' Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu Street, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Ferenc Fenyvesi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
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Stan MS, Voicu SN, Caruntu S, Nica IC, Olah NK, Burtescu R, Balta C, Rosu M, Herman H, Hermenean A, Dinischiotu A. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of a Thuja occidentalis Mother Tincture for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8090416. [PMID: 31546840 PMCID: PMC6770683 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8090416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of chronic autoimmune and idiopathic disorders that are characteristic of industrialized countries. In contrast to drug therapies, which exert several side effects, herbal remedies have constantly attracted the attention of researchers. Therefore, in the present study, a mother tincture (MT) from fresh, young, non-woody Thuja occidentalis L. branches with leaves was obtained using distillation-based techniques. Further, this was used to assess its in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities and anti-inflammatory properties, and to validate it as a potential phytotherapeutic treatment for IBD. The characterization of the tincture included common phytochemical screening assays for antioxidant capacity measurement, cell viability assays on Caco-2 colon cells, and in vivo assessment of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by histopathological and ultrastructural analysis of the intestinal mucosa, measurement of reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and gene expression of the inflammation markers (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α) in intestine after oral administration to an experimental mouse model of colon inflammation (colitis) developed by intrarectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). Our study proved that administration of 25 or 50 mg T. occidentalis MT/kg of body weight/day by gavage for 7 days succeeded in inhibiting the inflammatory process induced by TNBS in the intestine, most probably because of its rich contents of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These data could contribute to the formulation of therapeutic products based on T. occidentalis that could come to the aid of IBD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miruna Silvia Stan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Sorina Nicoleta Voicu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Sonia Caruntu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
| | - Ionela Cristina Nica
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Neli-Kinga Olah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
- SC PlantExtrakt SRL, 407059 Radaia, Cluj, Romania.
| | | | - Cornel Balta
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
| | - Marcel Rosu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania.
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
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