Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Salvia verticillata and Filipendula ulmaria Extracts: Optimization of Synthesis, Biological Activities, and Catalytic Properties

The study's objective was to obtain silver nanoparticles (SVAgNP and FUAgNP) using aqueous extracts of Salvia verticillata and Filipendula ulmaria. The optimal conditions for nanoparticle synthesis were determined and obtained; nanoparticles were then characterized using UV-Vis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). SVAgNP and FUAgNP possessed a crystalline structure with 48.42% and 60.41% silver weight, respectively. The highest percentage of nanoparticles in the solution had a diameter between 40 and 70 nm. In DPPH˙ and ABTS˙⁺ methods, FUAgNP (IC₅₀ 15.82 and 59.85 µg/mL, respectively) demonstrated a higher antioxidant capacity than SVAgNP (IC₅₀ 73.47 and 79.49 µg/mL, respectively). Obtained nanoparticles also showed pronounced antibacterial activity (MIC ˂ 39.1 µg/mL for most of the tested bacteria), as well as high biocompatibility with the human fibroblast cell line MRC-5 and significant cytotoxicity on some cancer cell lines, especially on the human colon cancer HCT-116 cells (IC₅₀ 31.50 and 66.51 µg/mL for SVAgNP and FUAgNP, respectively). The nanoparticles demonstrated high catalytic effectiveness in degrading Congo red dye with NaBH₄. The results showed a rapid and low-cost methodology for the synthesis of AgNPs using S. verticillata and F. ulmaria with promising biological potential.

The effects of Interleukin-6 on viability, redox homeostasis and migration capacity of human placental cells JEG-3 in chemically induced hypoxia

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation exerting an important role in the immune and inflammatory response. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three increasing concentrations of IL-6 (1 pg/mL, 5 pg/mL, and 10 pg/mL) on cell viability, redox homeostasis parameters (O2∙, NO2-, glutathione) and migratory potential in human trophoblast cell line JEG-3 under chemically induced hypoxia in short-term (24 h) and long-term (72 h) exposure. The obtained results show a dose-dependent reduction of cell viability and NO levels, while the concentration of O2 ∙increased. Levels of total glutathione increased in a dose-dependent manner compared to control cells, suggesting its significant antioxidative contribution in hypoxic conditions. The migratory potential of cells was significantly elevated in the two highest applied doses implying the disturbance of cell invasive homeostasis at its pathological concentrations, which could represent a risk factor in some pregnancy disorders.

Anti-Tumor Mechanisms of Novel 3-(4-Substituted Benzyl)-5-Isopropil-5- Phenylhydantoin Derivatives in Human Colon Cancer Cell Line

BACKGROUND

Hydantoin and its newly synthesized derivatives have recently become a focus of interest due to their numerous biological activities and newly emerging beneficial effects in different pathological conditions, including cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible anti-tumor mechanisms of a series of newly synthesized 3-(4-substituted benzyl)-5-isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin derivatives in different aspects of cell physiology of human colon cancer cell line, HCT-116.

METHODS

The increasing concentrations of derivatives (0.01µM up to 100µM) were applied to cells during 24h, 48h, and 72h after which the evaluation of proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative/anti-oxidative status, nitrite production, and migration/invasion potential of treated cells was performed.

RESULTS

All tested compounds expressed the dose- and time-dependent anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities against HCT-116 cells. The investigated derivatives induced a decrease in levels of oxidative stress parameters and an increase in levels of nitrite production by treated cells suggesting their significant antioxidative effects. The cell migration index and expression level of tumor invasion-promoting metalloproteinase- 9 (MMP-9) gene were significantly decreased after treatment with the tested hydantoin derivatives implicating their inhibitory role in colon cancer cell motility and invasion processes. The mRNA level of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene as a pro-inflammatory gene related to colorectal carcinogenesis was reduced compared to values in the non-treated control cells indicating the significant anti-inflammatory/anti-tumor effects of these compounds.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results show the significant anti-tumor potential of tested derivatives, especially 3- benzyl-5-isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin and 3-(4-chlorobenzyl)-5-isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin, suggesting their potential usage in the development of more effective chemotherapies.

Antiproliferative and antimigratory effects of 3-(4-substituted benzyl)-5- isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin derivatives in human breast cancer cells

In this study, a series of synthesized 3-(4-substituted benzyl)-5-isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin derivatives as a potential antiproliferative and antimigratory agents were investigated. The possible antitumor mechanisms of investigated hydantoin derivatives were examined on human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The cells were treated with different concentrations of compounds (from 0.01 µM to 100 µM) during 24 h and 72 h. The proliferation index, nitric oxide production, apoptosis rate, and migration capacity were measured. The cell invasion potential was examined by measuring the level of MMP-9 and COX-2 gene expression. All tested compounds expressed antiproliferative activity and induced dose- and time-dependent increase in the level of nitrites. The investigated molecules significantly decreased cell survival rate, migration capacity and the expression levels of genes included in the process of tumor invasion. Obtained data suggest that the tested hydantoin derivatives express considerable antitumor activity by reducing cell division rate, elevating apoptosis level, and inhibiting the motility and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. The results obtained in this study indicate that investigated compounds express potential as a novel chemotherapeutic agents against breast cancer growth and progression.

Anaesthesia in colorectal carcinoma surgery at the Clinic for Digestive Surgery from 1997 to 2007

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancers are one of the most present neoplasms in human population. This pathology is one of the most frequent ones at the Clinic for Digestive Surgery in Belgrade.

AIM

To investigate if there were any changes in both number and structure of patients with colorectal cancers (age, gender, co-morbidity) as well as in both type and duration of surgical procedures and in providing and maintaining anaesthesia in patients with this disease.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study. Research materials were anaesthesiological cards written for patients undergoing surgery in order to treat colorectal cancers at the Clinic for Digestive surgery in both 1997 and 2007. Demographics, co-morbidity, ASA score were the parameters we followed in our survey as well as the type of the resection and duration of these surgical interventions. Besides that providing and maintaining anaesthesia and balance of circulatory volume were considered too.

RESULTS

The number of the colorectal surgical interventions has been increased up to 489 (13.1% of all) in 2007 comparing to the number of 379 (13.55% of all) in 1997. The percentage has remained the same because the number of all surgical procedures has been increased. The percentage of the rectal resections is increased highly significante in 2007 (50.1% in 1997; 62.6% in 2007). During the same year the duration of the operations was shortened (mean value 176.31 minutes in 1997, 157.5 minutes in 2007). In 2007 highly statistically significant is bigger amount of colloid and crystalloid infusions that were given for supplementation of circulatory volume (mean value 3294.89 ml in 2007; 2552.22 ml in 1997). On the other hand lower amount of blood was given in 2007 than in 1997 (mean value 102.76 opposite to 488.07) what is statisticly significant. The number of the patients with co-morbidities is not statisticly importantly changed in these two followed years. Anaesthesiology technique has been changed and is monitored by higher use of inhalation anesthetics. They were used more in 2007 (29.65%) for these types of surgical procedures than in 1997 when they had been used almost never.

CONCLUSION

In these two followed years there have been significant changes in surgical interventions (type and duration of the operation). Surgical teams are higher specialised for the procedures they use modern technology such as stapplers have better equipment for diagnosing the illnes. The use of modern inhalation anaesthetics has been increased along with reduced amount of blood and derivates used for supplementation of circulatory volume.

Persistent hepatic venous plexus in a patient with Sturge-Weber syndrome

A patient with extensive facial and intracranial features of Sturge-Weber syndrome was found to have a persistent primitive hepatic venous plexus, characterized by three additional vessels arising from the inferior vena cava, circulating between liver segments, which formed a common trunk in the supra-hepatic region that flowed into the right atrium. To the best of our knowledge, this hepatic finding has not been previously described in association with Sturge-Weber syndrome.

Increased Toll-like receptor 4 expression in infants with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis

The fusion protein of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) binds to the pattern recognition receptors, TLR4 and CD14, and initiates innate immunity response to the virus. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of TLR4 on peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes in peripheral blood of infants in both acute and convalescent phase of RSV bronchiolitis (n = 26). In addition, TNF-alpha expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes was also assessed. The results showed TLR4 to be expressed predominantly by monocytes in both sick infants and controls. During the acute phase of infection monocytes up-regulated TLR4 in eight infants, which returned to the levels recorded in controls 4-6 weeks from infection. There was no difference in the percentage of TNF-alpha secreting monocytes. Of the clinical parameters tested, minimal oxygen saturation was found to correlate negatively with this expression in the group of infants with increased TLR4. Additional studies are under way to correlate this finding with the outcome of the immune response to RSV.

[Occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases in Vojvodina during the last 20 years]

INTRODUCTION

Sexually transmitted diseases are the most often registered communicable diseases in a great number of countries. The aim of this study was to analyze dynamics and distribution of gonorrhea, syphilis and scabies in Vojvodina region during the last twenty years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Epidemiological characteristics of gonorrhea, syphilis and scabies were analyzed on the basis of data obtained from the Section of Epidemiology of the Institute of Public Health in Novi Sad. The research included the period between 1980 and 1999, with sex and age distribution of patients. Morbidity rates were given per number of inhabitants of Vojvodina.

RESULTS

In the period between 1980-1999 there were 454 registered patients with the diagnosis of syphilis in Vojvodina. The morbidity ratio was highest in 1980 (3.41/100.000), and lowest in 1991 (0.24/100.000). In the twenty-year period there were more patients with gonorrhea, than patients with syphilis. There were 44.621 registered patients with gonorrhea. The maximum morbidity ratio was in 1980 (25.09/100.000), but the minimum was in 1998 (1.68/100.000). Within the examined period scabies was recorded in 56.490 patients. The highest morbidity ratio was in 1984 (232.37/100.000) and the lowest was in 1992 (73.56/100.000).

DISCUSSION

The average morbidity ratio of syphilis in USA, between 1992-1994, was 11.8/100.000 and at the same time in Vojvodina it was only 0.42/100.000. In Vojvodina most patients with this disease were 20-39 years old. In the same period in USA the ratio of gonorrhea patients was 309/100.000 and in Vojvodina it was 2/100.000. In this group also, most patients were 20-39 years old. However, scabies mostly appeared at the age of 7-14.

CONCLUSION

According to the obtained results, the number of registered patients with these three diseases in Vojvodina stagnates or it decreases. In order to deal with real data, it is necessary to report these diseases regularly.

[Etiopathogenic importance of human herpes viruses type 6, 7 and 8 in manifestations of certain skin diseases]

INTRODUCTION

In the past few years new human herpes viruses (HHV): HHV-6, -7 and -8 have been discovered. According to the most recent literature, they might have an important role in etiopathogenesis of some dermatological diseases. HUMAN HERPESVIRUS 6: HHV-6 was isolated in 1984 from peripheral blood lymphocytes of AIDS patients and patients with different lymphoproliferative diseases. Up to now, two variants of this virus have been identified, A and B, which differ in genetic, biological and immunological characteristics. The etiological importance of variant A, has not yet been clarified, while variant B is considered to be the major cause of many diseases, such as exanthema subitum in infants. In many cases primary infection is associated with elevated temperature, without rash. HUMAN HERPESVIRUS 7: HHV-7 was isolated in 1990 from activated peripheral blood CD4+ T cells of healthy persons. The virus is ubiquitous and more than 80% of babies and infants are affected. Presence of DNA sequences of this virus in mononuclear cells of peripheral blood, skin and plasma of pityriasis rosea patients, points to possible connection between this illness and HHV-7 infection. HUMAN HERPESVIRUS 8: HHV-8 was first identified in tissue samples of patients with Kaposi's sarcoma associated with AIDS in 1994. DNA virus sequences were also isolated in HIV negative persons with Kaposis's sarcoma. Presence of virus can be established in mononuclear cells of peripheral blood, endothelial cells that cover vascular spaces and spindle cells within skin changes. Modes of transmission are still not clarified. However, HHV-8 was identified in some other dermatological diseases as well.

[Chronic venous insufficiency and compression therapy]

INTRODUCTION

Disorders of venous circulation are among most frequent diseases in the human population. During recent years there has been increased interest in physiopathology of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), due to development of more accurate diagnostic methods and new therapeutic techniques. Considering patophysiology of CVI and its consequences the crucial points are stasis and reflux of blood flow, with increase of intravascular pressure.

CLASSIFICATION AND THERAPY OF CVI

Empirical experience and theoretical models suggest that progression of the disease can be stopped or reverted by correction of stasis. Today, this is the main direction in all therapeutic approaches. Compression therapy represents the most successful conservative technique. In this article we are presenting basic principles of the compression therapy of CVI. Evidence for the physiologic effect of compression therapy are decrease of edema, softening of lipodermatosclerosis, acceleration of venous flow, decrease in venous volume, blood shift into central compartments, reduction of venous refluxes, influence on arterial flow and improvement of microcirculation and lymph drainage. There are several types of compression devices: elastic stockings, elastic bandages, inelastic bandages, intermittent pneumatic compression devices. Other advantages of compression therapy are decrease of hospital treatment and better quality of life for patients with CVI.

[Microcirculatory changes in chronic venous insufficiency]

INTRODUCTION

The venous system of lower leg can be topographically divided into two subsystems: superficial (extrafascial) and profound (subfascial). Functionally, we can divide circulation in to macrocirculation (arteries and veins) and microcirculation (arterioles, capillaries, and venules). Blood flow towards heart can be disturbed by different pathological conditions, and than chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) develops. First alterations occurs in macrocirculation, and after some period changes in microcirculation also appear. Those changes are leading to the ultimate stage in CVI--venous ulcer.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Previous conceptions that alterations in microcirculation in CVI are consequences of venous stasis, high pressure in capillaries and anoxic tissue are still actual. Observations that partial pressure of oxygen is higher in venous blood of lower limbs with ulceration than in limbs without ulceration lead to hypothesis that blood is passing directly from arterioles to venules over arterio-venous temperature-regulating shunts in dermis. Histological and electron-microscopic examinations certain alterations in the structure of capillaries. Raised pressure in these altered capillaries leads to exudation of plasma and fibrinogen in the interstitial space. Soluble fibrinogen is transformed to insoluble fibrin and forms fibrin cuffs. These cuffs are a barrier for normal diffusion of oxygen. Recently, it was observed that blood cells can adhere to the endothelial cells--Leukocyte trapping hypothesis. It can be explained by slower blood flow velocity and also by expression of certain endothelial and leukocyte adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). This causes congestion of white blood cells which leads to tissue damage due to secretion of inflammatory mediators.

[Skin diseases and hepatitis virus C infection]

INTRODUCTION

Using a creative molecularbiologic technique in 1989 Choo and co-workers isolated a new virus of hepatitis C, an agent responsible for numerous cases of parenterally transmissible viral hepatitis. Hepatitis C virus is a RNA virus with unique genomic organisation. Six genotypes of hepatitis C virus have been identified, which differ in geographical distribution, tendency towards chronicity and sensitivity to antiviral therapy. Transmission occurs due to apparent and inapparent parenteral procedures (after transfusion, transplantation, transplacentally, during lactation, sexually or after accidental injury of medical staff). Mode of transmission through intact skin or mucosa has not been proved yet. Due to development of laboratory methods for detection of anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies and obligation for routine testing of blood donors for hepatitis C in majority of countries in the world, risk of post-transfusion hepatitis C is minimised to less than 1%. In 70% of patients the infection runs a chronic course, affecting numerous extrahepatic organ systems, including skin.

VASCULITIS ASSOCIATED WITH MIXED ESSENTIAL CRYOGLOBULINEMIA

Mixed essential cryoglobulinemia is a disorder with deposition of circulating immune complexes in small and medium blood vessels. Clinical characteristics comprise palpable purpura on lower extremities, arthralgias and weakness. It might occur during autoimmune disorders, liver diseases and viral infections, among which hepatitis C infection has a central part. Mixed cryoglobulins can be detected in 35-54% of patients with hepatitis C and symptomatic vasculitis associated cryoglobulinemia, decreased C4 component of complement, positive rheumatoid factor and elevation of hepatic enzymes occurs in 10-21% of patients. Findings of anti-hepatic C virus antibodies and/or viral RNA in 96% of patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia can be considered as a definitive proof of etiopathogenetic association between hepatitis C infection and mixed cryoglobulinemia. Interferon alpha therapy is a first-choice therapy, although transient responses are frequent.

PORPHYRIA CUTANEA TARDA

Hepatitis C infection has recently been recognised as an important precipitating factor of clinical porphyria cutanea tarda sympotomatology. Apart from high level of seropositivity among porphyria cutanea tarda patients (62-100%), association between these two entities hasn't been clearly revealed yet. The question whether hepatitis C infection is enough to be the only precipitating factor, or other hepatotoxic cofactors are necessary, still exits. Interferon therapy has been a meter of several studies, but no definite recommendations had been given about its administration in these cases.

LICHEN PLANUS

About possible association between lichen planus and chronic liver diseases, and hepatitis C infection as well, suggest 35% prevalence of hepatic disorders in patients with lichen planus, and 9.8-23% of hepatitis C virus seropositivity. The clinical picture of lichen planus in hepatitis C virus infection is characterised by generalised skin lesions, with erosive involvement of oral mucous membrane, and by chronic course. Therapeutical efficiency of interferon is unpredictable, with possible improvement, cure or deterioration of lichen planus.

OTHER DERMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Other dermatological disorders (erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme, urticaria) may be direct consequences of hepatitis C infection, of other extrahepaic non-dermatological manifestations, or fortuitous reports.

CONCLUSION

Considering big pathogenetic potentials of hepatitis C virus with possible skin involvement, and proved association between cutaneous necrotising vasculitis with mixed essential cryoglobulinemia, porphyria cutanea tarda, lichen planus and chronic hepatitis C infection, all patients with these disorders should be tested for hepatitis C and all cases of hepatitis C should be searched for signs and symptoms of these skin diseases.

[Persistent dyschromic erythema]

INTRODUCTION

Erythema dyschromicum perstans (ashy dermatosis) is a very rare skin disease included in the group of acquired, idiopathic hypermelanosis, with development of blue-gray macules. This disease appears more frequently in dark coloured persons, especially women in the first and second life decade.

CASE REPORT

A male patient, 42 years of age, was admitted to Clinic of Dermatovenereology in Novi Sad due to appearance of slightly pruriginous, brown-reddish macules on the trunk, upper and lower extremities, without affecting the skin of the face, scalp, palm soles and visible mucous membranes. Later, the color of the macules changed into blue-gray and new lesions appeared in axilla and flexor side of the big joints, with active, erythematous and thin raised borders. Laboratory findings showed no abnormalities; antinuclear antibodies were negative. Histopathological examination of the skin specimens (which were taken from two different places) showed vacuolar degeneration of the basal cell layer, numerous pigmentophages in papillary dermis and presence of lymphohistiocytic infiltrate in dermis. No history of drug intake or exposure to UV light was established.

DISCUSSION

Ashy dermatosis is included in the group of hypermelanosis of unknown origin. As possible etiological factors we can mention ingestion of ammonium nitrate, environmental pollution, hypersensitivity to cobalt chloride and postinflammatory pigmentation. Clinical characteristics: occurrence of blue-gray and gray macules on the trunk, face, neck and extremities (absence on the palms, soles, visible mucous membranes, scalp and nails). In the active phase of the disease, these macules are surrounded by erythematous and thin, raised borders. The lesions are mostly permanent. Due to clinical, histopathological, immunofluorescent and electron microscopy established similarities with lichen planus, it is considered that ashy dermatosis is a variant of lichen planus. Absence of previous drug intake, exposure to UV light, absence of the antinuclear antibodies, clinical picture and histological findings confirm the diagnosis of erythema dyschromicum perstans.

CONCLUSION

This case of ashy dermatosis shows that there is a need for differential diagnosis of acquired skin pigmentations, because this dermatosis must also be taken into consideration.

[Immunologic response in patients with atopic dermatitis]

It is a well known fact that atopic dermatitis, as one of the clinical manifestations of atopic syndrome, is characterized by a number of immunologic disorders. In 17 patients with atopic dermatitis we examined: systemic cellular immunity, production of total serum IgE, specific IgE to certain aero-allergens, cutaneous hypersensitivity of an early type to aero-allergens and chemotaxis activity of neutrophils and monocytes. Increased production of IgE proved to be the main disorder which confirms increased values of the total IgE in serum, specific IgE to inhalatory allergens and cutaneous hypersensitivity of an early type to inhalatory allergens in 11 (64.70%) patients. In regard to aero-allergens the most common atopics are pollens and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Decreased number of CD8+ T-lymphocytes and decreased chemotaxis activity of neutrophils was established in some cases.