EVALUATION OF THE CARIOGENICITY OF PREBIOTIC (1→3)-α-D-GLUCOOLIGOSACCHARIDES

One of the important features of prebiotics is their beneficial effect on the health of the host, which consists in the inhibition of the growth of harmful bacteria, including strains causing caries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cariogenic potential of a hydrolyzate of (1→3)-α-D-glucan (GOS) isolated from fruiting bodies of Laetiporus sulphureus, consisting of (1→3)-α-D-glucooligosaccharides (85.6%) and glucose (14.4%). The study was conducted in cultures of cariogenic bacteria belonging to the genus Streptococcus (S. mutans CAPM 6067, S. sobrinus DSMZ 20381, S. sobrinus/downei CCUG 21020, and S. sanguis ATCC 10556). The investigation of the cariogenicity of GOS included examination of the influence of the preparation on the growth of the above mentioned bacteria, their ability to synthesize mutan, and the formation of a sucrose-dependent biofilm. GOS significantly inhibited the growth of the investigated streptococci, and the observed beneficial effect was stronger than the changes induced by a commercial prebiotic preparation containing a mixture of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Furthermore, GOS inhibited the mutan synthesis by the above mentioned bacteria but did not exert an impact on the formation of artificial dental plaque. In conclusion, the studies conducted showed low cariogenicity of GOS and confirmed the safety of its use as a dietary supplement.

Colon cancer-derived conditioned medium induces differentiation of THP-1 monocytes into a mixed population of M1/M2 cells

Macrophages play an important role in the immune response and in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. It is well known that many tumors recruit monocytes from circulation and influence their differentiation, mainly into suppressive M2-like subsets. Since there are contradictory data concerning the importance of macrophages for colon cancer progression, we used in our experiments four colon cancer cell lines representing different stages of tumor development (HT29, LS180, SW948, SW620). An acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 was used as a human model of monocytes. Our work revealed that conditioned medium from the tumor cell lines induced activation and differentiation of THP-1 cells. The changes involved increased expression of CD68, a macrophage differentiation marker. Moreover, we also observed increased expression of CD206 and CD163, which are widely considered as markers of tumor-associated macrophages. The tumor-derived conditioned medium decreased the proliferation of THP-1 cells and blocked their cell cycle at the G1 stage. The tumor-conditioned medium also upregulated the production of several cytokines and chemokines characteristic of both M1 and M2 subsets and induced the expression of important pro-angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in THP-1 cells. Moreover, the tumor-conditioned medium induced the expression of galectin-3, which is implicated in malignant transformation, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, that is, a key enzyme of the kynurenine pathway. Our data suggest that tumor cells can actively influence the phenotype of monocytes and switch their differentiation into a population of non-adherent mixed M1 and M2 cells. These preliminary studies suggest that colon cancer cells produce soluble factors that influence monocyte differentiation, most probably into suppressive subsets. These data provide a better understanding of the influence of colon cancer on polarization of monocytes.

A New Method for the Isolation of Ergosterol and Peroxyergosterol as Active Compounds of Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca and in Vitro Antiproliferative Activity of Isolated Ergosterol Peroxide

In the present study, ergosterol peroxide and ergosterol were isolated for the first time from fresh fruit bodies of Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca (False Chanterelle). The substances were characterized mainly by spectroscopic methods (¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, DEPT-45, DEPT-90, DEPT-135, 2D-NMR). In our study, a new specific thin layer chromatographic method was developed for determination of ergosterol and ergosterol peroxide in H.aurantiaca extract. The method is based on the separation of n-hexane extract on silica gel (Silica Gel G) TLC plates using the optimized solvent system toluene/ethyl acetate (3:1; v/v). The main advantages of the developed method are the simplicity of operation and the low cost. The in vitro study results revealed the antiproliferative properties of ergosterol peroxide against LS180 human colon cancer cells. The described effect was attributed both to altered mitochondrial activity and decreased DNA synthesis. Additionally, in the same concentration range the investigated compound was not toxic to CCD 841 CoTr human colon epithelial cells. The present study suggests that fruit bodies of H. aurantiaca have great potential for producing substances and extracts with potential applications in medicine.

Synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of novel azolo- and azinothiazinones containing 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl substituent as anticancer agents

ABSTRACT

We reported the synthesis and characterization of a series of azolo- and azino[1,3]thiazinones containing the 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl substituent. The compounds were prepared by a new one-step reaction of aryl-modified sulfinylbis[(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)methanethione]s and the corresponding aminoazolo(azino)carboxamides. Their chemical structures were confirmed by IR, NMR: 1H, 13C, HSQC, and EI-MS spectral data. The compounds inhibited proliferation and viability of lung cancer A549, colon cancer HT-29, and glioma C6 cells in a structure- and concentration-dependent manner. The activity of some analogues was below 10 μmol dm-3 (IC50). Glioma C6 cells were the most sensitive to tested compounds. Generally, the derivatives were not toxic for the skin fibroblast HSF culture. Moreover, some of them exerted a protective effect on the treated normal cells. Evaluation of compound properties in silico showed that they possess significant drug-like characteristics and most of them display a low toxicity.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Relationship between COPD and lower socioeconomic status in farmers from South-Eastern Poland (Lublin region)

INTRODUCTION

Lower socioeconomic status is considered to be an independent risk factor of chronic conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD, one of the major public health problems worldwide, is a chronic inflammatory lung disease of a multifactorial background. COPD morbidity in rural areas has been higher than in urban settings, as apart from the major causative factor, tobacco smoking, the burden of this disease in rural environments is also connected to additional occupational factors (organic dusts). The management of chronic diseases seems to be particularly difficult in rural areas. The aim of the study was to analyze the socioeconomic status of farmers suffering from COPD in comparison to healthy farmers.

METHODS

Thirty farmers with COPD and 34 healthy farmers from the Lublin region (Poland) were investigated based on the area of land they possessed (an indicator used in the health insurance system in Poland to classify farmers). The farmers from five rural communes were selected by general practitioners. Statistical analysis was performed by non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test for the differences between area of farms. The p < 0.05 level was considered as significant.

RESULTS

Area of land (median: 1.5 ha, 25th-75th percentile: 1.0-4.0) owned by farmers with COPD was significantly lower than area of farms belonging to healthy farmers (median: 7.0 ha, 25th-75th percentile: 3.0-10.0) (p < 0001, Mann-Whitney U-test).

CONCLUSIONS

In rural areas individuals with COPD are characterized by significantly lower socioeconomic status than healthy persons. COPD is a major health problem, especially in rural areas, which may indicate that policy-makers should consider addressing equity in COPD management in rural areas.

Cathelicidin LL-37 in bronchoalveolar lavage and epithelial lining fluids from healthy individuals and sarcoidosis patients

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology most often characterized by pulmonary manifestations. Changes in an innate immune system, involving antimicrobial peptides, have been noted during the course of pulmonary sarcoidosis. This study focuses on the level of LL-37 peptide, the only human cathelicidin, additionally characterized by a wide range of pleiotropic activities, in pulmonary sarcoidosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted in groups of 32 patients with sarcoidosis and 12 healthy individuals. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) sampling, followed by LL-37 measurements by mass spectrometry combined with previous immunoaffinity purification, was performed. Based on urea levels, concentrations of LL-37 in epithelial lining fluid (ELF) were calculated. The levels of LL-37 peptide in BALF samples derived from patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis (median: 17.45 pg/ml, 25th-75th percentile: 8.05-28.33 pg/ml) were significantly higher compared to the healthy group (median: 6.38 pg/ml, 25th-75th percentile: 4.90-11.55 pg/ml) (U Mann-Whitney test, p=0.04). Assessment of LL-37 in ELF confirmed the differences across the groups that were observed in BALF. The level of LL-37 in patients with sarcoidosis (median: 2.25 ng/ml, 25th-75th percentile: 1.03-5.06 ng/ml) was again higher compared to healthy individuals (median: 0.62 ng/ml, 25th-75th percentile: 0.43-2.17 ng/ml) (p=0.06, Mann-Whitney U test). The results of this study demonstrate that the level of LL-37 peptide is elevated in pulmonary compartment affected by sarcoidosis. This might have a meaning in the pathomechanism of the disease, especially taking into consideration versatile activity of human cathelicidin revealed in numerous experimental studies during the last years.

Cathelicidin LL-37 in bronchoalveolar lavage and epithelial lining fluids from COPD patients and healthy individuals

Innate immunity is currently under scope of interest concerning its role in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Antimicrobial peptides constitute a potent part of this fast response system. Here, we focus on the role of a specific antimicrobial peptide, the only human cathelicidin, the pleiotropic LL-37 peptide, in the development of COPD under clinical conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in groups of 43 patients with COPD (previously classified according to GOLD) and 12 healthy individuals. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) sampling, followed by LL-37 measurements by mass spectrometry combined with previous immunoaffinity purification, was performed. Based on urea levels, concentrations of LL-37 in epithelial lining fluid (ELF) were calculated. Additionally, an antimicrobial assay of growth inhibition of two bacterial species, often involved in COPD development mechanisms, by purchased LL-37 was conducted. Altogether, 55 BALF samples were analyzed. LL-37 levels were significantly higher in BALF from patients in early stages of COPD (GOLD I-II) compared to BALFs from healthy individuals. The same was true for ELF. Cathelicidin’s concentration was significantly lower in both BALF and ELF from patients in advanced COPD (GOLD III-IV). The significantly elevated LL-37 levels both in BALF and ELF in patients with COPD at stage GOLD I-II together with reduced levels in advanced (COPD stage III-IV) further supports the innate immunity involvement in COPD pathology and suggests a profound change in non-specific immunity during the disease progression.

Anticancer properties of polysaccharides isolated from fungi of the Basidiomycetes class

Basidiomycete mushrooms represent a valuable source of biologically active compounds with anticancer properties. This feature is primarily attributed to polysaccharides and their derivatives. The anticancer potential of polysaccharides is linked to their origin, composition and chemical structure, solubility and method of isolation. Moreover, their activity can be significantly increased by chemical modifications. Anticancer effects of polysaccharides can be expressed indirectly (immunostimulation) or directly (cell proliferation inhibition and/or apoptosis induction). Among the wide range of polysaccharides with documented anticancer properties, lentinan, polysaccharide-K (PSK) and schizophyllan deserve special attention. These polysaccharides for many years have been successfully applied in cancer treatment and their mechanism of action is the best known.

Mouse model of hypersensitivity pneumonitis after inhalation exposure to different microbial antigens associated with organic dusts

The aim of this study was to reproduce in laboratory conditions hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) pathogenesis in a new animal model predictive of the human response, and to select the microbial antigen associated with organic dust that exerts the strongest pathogenic effect on the respiratory organ. To achieve this goal, mice of the strain C57BL/6J prone to fibrosis were exposed for 1 hour daily up to 28 days to the inhalation of aerosols of each of the 5 microbial components of organic dusts whose conjunction with the occurrence of HP has been confirmed by numerous authors: Pantoea agglomerans saline extract (SE), P. agglomerans microvesicle-bound endotoxin, Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula SE, Aspergillus fumigatus SE, saline extract of dust from a grain sample overgrown with S. rectivirgula and Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, and a saline solvent (PBS) was used as a control. Exposure of the animals to organic dust components was conducted using a novel inhalation challenge set. Lung samples were collected from untreated mice and from mice exposed for 7 and 28 days, and examined by digitalized histopathology and biochemistry for the presence of inflammatory changes and fibrosis. P. agglomerans SE appeared to be the sole antigen which evoked a statistically significant fibrosis and a significant increase of hydroxyproline in the lungs of mice exposed for 28 days to this extract, both compared to the mice untreated and to those exposed to the solvent. P. agglomerans SE also evoked the strongest and statistically significant inflammatory response in the lungs of the mice, both after 7 and 28 days of exposure. After 7 days, significant inflammatory changes were also found in mice exposed to A. fumigatus SE, and after 28 days in mice exposed to all antigens. In conclusion, our results allow us to define a useful animal model of HP which can be a supplement for now commonly used bleomycin model. This model should comprise: present set of instruments for inhalation, mice of the line C57BL/6J and the saline extract of P. agglomerans as the antigen. For a better understanding of the presented results, a detailed study covering immunological investigations, focused on the mechanism of antigen action, are needed.

Cathelicidin LL-37, granzymes, TGF-beta1 and cytokines levels in induced sputum from farmers with and without COPD

The cathelicidin LL-37 is an antimicrobial and lipopolysaccharide neutralizing peptide, possessing pro-inflammatory, tissue repair and remodeling activities. Recent reports indicate that the progression of COPD might be connected with increased levels of LL-37. The numerous experimental data show the potential role of LL-37 in the response to the exposure to organic dust (containing lipopolysaccharide and microorganisms) which is one of the major COPD causative factors. This work strives to further prove the role of LL-37 in the development of COPD. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 farmers in the early stages of COPD according to GOLD, 36 healthy farmers and 16 healthy urban dwellers. Collection of induced-sputum samples and lung function testing were conducted before and after work. The quantification of the LL-37 in sputum samples was performed by mass spectrometry and radioisotope techniques. Levels of granzymes A and B, IL-8, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta1 in sputum were measured by ELISA technique. Statistical analysis was conducted by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Significantly higher levels of LL-37 were observed in sputum samples from farmers with COPD compared to healthy individuals. The concentration of LL-37 in sputum from farmers was significantly higher compared to urban dwellers. The same was true for both granzymes A and B. The results of this study suggest that LL-37 and granzymes A and B may add to the development of COPD. The results suggest also their role in an organism's response to organic dust exposure.

A novel inhalation challenge set to study animal model of allergic alveolitis

A novel inhalation challenge set for the study of experimental allergic alveolitis (hypersensitivity pneumonitis) in mice was designed. A finely dispersed aerosol of allergenic extract generated by the commercial ultrasonic nebulizer "TAJFUN MU1" (produced by Medbryt, Warsaw, Poland) was transported to the airtight inhalation chamber. In the chamber were placed 15 perforated containers made of transparent plastic, each containing one mouse. They were coupled in 3 units, each consisted of 5 containers. The constant flow of aerosol through the chamber was assured by commercial vacuum pump "PL 2/3" (AGA LABOR S.C., Warsaw, Poland). The applied set enabled the natural exposure of mice via the inhalation route to known quantities of allergen (usually microbial) suspended in saline, and then dispersed in form of fine aerosol by ultrasonic nebulizer. This method assures the penetration of allergen into the deep parts of lungs, alveoli and bronchioli. The detailed study of histopathological and biochemical changes in the lungs of exposed animals will be the subject of further publications. So far, the retention of endotoxin in the lungs of mice exposed to the extract of a Gram-negative bacterium Pantoea agglomerans and appearance of positive serologic reactions to this extract indicate the effectiveness of the method.

Farnesylation of Ydj1 is required for in vivo interaction with Hsp90 client proteins

Ydj1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an abundant cytosolic Hsp40, or J-type, molecular chaperone. Ydj1 cooperates with Hsp70 of the Ssa family in the translocation of preproteins to the ER and mitochondria and in the maturation of Hsp90 client proteins. The substrate-binding domain of Ydj1 directly interacts with steroid receptors and is required for the activity of diverse Hsp90-dependent client proteins. However, the effect of Ydj1 alteration on client interaction was unknown. We analyzed the in vivo interaction of Ydj1 with the protein kinase Ste11 and the glucocorticoid receptor. Amino acid alterations in the proposed client-binding domain or zinc-binding domain had minor effects on the physical interaction of Ydj1 with both clients. However, alteration of the carboxy-terminal farnesylation signal disrupted the functional and physical interaction of Ydj1 and Hsp90 with both clients. Similar effects were observed upon deletion of RAM1, which encodes one of the subunits of yeast farnesyltransferase. Our results indicate that farnesylation is a major factor contributing to the specific requirement for Ydj1 in promoting proper regulation and activation of diverse Hsp90 clients.