Comparative Analysis of Leishmania major Nucleoside Hydrolases Toward Selecting Multi-target Strategy

PURPOSE

Leishmania causes multiple types of leishmaniasis in different parts of the world. It has a lack of metabolic machine to produce purine bases. Therefore, the parasite produces purine bases through the breakdown of nutritional nucleotides and it makes the nucleoside hydrolases (NHs) good drug targets. They have different substrate-preferring (SP) types. Our objectives were modeling and comparative analysis of these protein structures for Leishmania major.

METHOD

In this work, available sequences for all SP types of L. major NH enzymes including inosine-uridine preferring NH (IUNH), inosine-guanosine preferring NH (IGNH), and inosine-adenosine-guanosine preferring NH (IAGNH) were used to make 24 structural models via SWISS-MODEL and LOMETS. After evaluating the structural models, three enzyme structures were finalized and used to analyze substrate-binding pockets.

RESULTS

The three SP types of L. major NH enzymes that can breakdown purine nucleosides were highly different in terms of sequence, structure, and profile of interacting residues within the substrate-binding pockets. In this study, new enzyme structures have been presented for three SP types and they have been compared in different aspects and it indicated that they were very different from each other.

CONCLUSION

Although, previously indicated that from these three SP types in genera other than Leishmania, the role of IGNH and IAGNH was greater than IUNH in supplying purine bases, till this work, just IUNH has been structurally studied and used in drug-design investigations for Leishmania. Therefore, we are offering to use all three SP types of NHs as multi-target strategy in anti-leishmaniosis drug-design studies.

Co-encapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs into niosomal nanocarrier for enhanced breast cancer therapy: In silico and in vitro studies

Combination therapy has been considered one of the most promising approaches for improving the therapeutic effects of anticancer drugs. This is the first study that uses two different antioxidants in full-characterized niosomal formulation and thoroughly evaluates their synergistic effects on breast cancer cells. In this study, in-silico studies of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs (ascorbic acid: Asc and curcumin: Cur) interactions and release were investigated and validated by a set of in vitro experiments to reveal the significant improvement in breast cancer therapy using a co-delivery approach by niosomal nanocarrier. The niosomal nanoparticles containing surfactants (Span 60 and Tween 60) and cholesterol at 2:1 M ratio were prepared through the film hydration method. A systematic evaluation of nanoniosomes was carried out. The release profile demonstrated two phases (initial burst followed by sustained release) and a pH-dependent release schedule over 72 h. The optimized niosomal preparation displayed superior storage stability for up to 2 months at 4 °C, exhibiting extremely minor changes in pharmaceutical encapsulation efficiency and size. Free dual drugs (Asc + Cur) and dual-drug loaded niosomes (Niosomal (Asc + Cur)) enhanced the apoptotic activity and cytotoxicity and inhibited cell migration which confirmed the synergistic effect of co-encapsulated drugs. Also, significant up-regulation of p53 and Bax genes was observed in cells treated with Asc + Cur and Niosomal (Asc + Cur), while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene was down-regulated. These results were in correlation with the increase in the enzyme activity of SOD, CAT, and caspase, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon treatment with the mentioned drugs. Furthermore, these anti-cancer effects were higher when using Niosomal (Asc + Cur) than Asc + Cur. Histopathological examination also revealed that Niosomal (Asc + Cur) had a lower mitosis index, invasion, and pleomorphism than Asc + Cur. These findings indicated that niosomal formulation for co-delivery of Asc and Cur would offer a promising delivery system for an effective breast cancer treatment.

Nano-Stevia reduces the liver injury caused by streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats by targeting PEPCK/GCK genes, INSR pathway and apoptosis

Objectives

Extensive application of stevia in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been proven by a large number of previous studies. We prepared stevia loaded in nanoniosomes (nanostevia) to improve its bioavailability, functionality, and stability and explore its protective effects and underlying mechanisms in the liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Single-dose intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg body weight) was used to establish diabetic model. The mRNA levels of PEPCK and GCK genes and the protein level of INSR were evaluated by Real time-PCR and Western blot assays, respectively. TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptotic cell death in the liver tissue.

Results

Diabetic rats exhibited significantly reduced levels of INSR (*** P < 0.001) as well as elevated levels of PEPCK (*** P < 0.001). Both stevia and nano-stevia were capable of increasing levels of GCK and INSR and reducing levels of PEPCK (## P < 0.01 and ### P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, significantly increased number of apoptotic cell death was seen in the liver tissue of diabetic rats (*** P < 0.001) which was markedly mitigated by treatment with both Stevia and nano-Stevia (#P < 0.05 and ## P < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Both stevia and nano-stevia demonstrates potent anti-apoptotic activity in the liver tissue of diabetic rats by targeting PEPCK/GCK genes and INSR pathway. These finding show that nano-stevia has more potential to reduce the liver injury caused by STZ-induced diabetes in rats and hence can be considered a valid agent and alternative therapy for attenuating complications of type 2 DM.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01278-2.

Tyrosol-loaded Nano-niosomes Attenuate Diabetic Injury by Targeting Glucose Metabolism, Inflammation, and Glucose Transfer

INTRODUCTION

Regarding the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, it has become a global concern, making it imperative to control. Chemical drugs commonly recommended for diabetes treatment cause many complications and drug resistance over time.

METHODS

The polyphenol tyrosol has many health benefits, including anti-diabetic properties. Tyrosol's efficacy can be significantly increased when it is used as a niosome in the treatment of diabetes. In this study, Tyrosol and nano-Tyrosol are examined for their effects on genes implicated in type 2 diabetes in streptozotocin-treated rats. Niosome nanoparticles containing 300 mg surfactant (span60: tween60) and 10 mg cholesterol were hydrated in thin films with equal molar ratios. After 72 hours, nano-niosomal formulas were assessed for their physicochemical properties. MTT assays were conducted on HFF cells to assess the cellular toxicity of the nano niosome contacting optimal Tyrosol. Finally, the expression of PEPCK, GCK, TNF-ɑ, IL6, GLUT2 and GLUT9 was measured by real time PCR.

RESULTS

Physiochemical properties of the SEM images of niosomes loaded with Tyrosol revealed that the nanoparticles had a vehicular structure. In this study, there were two stages of release: initial release (8 hours) and sustainable release (72 hours). Meanwhile, free form drugs were considerably more toxic than niosomal drugs in terms of their cellular toxicity. An in vivo comparison of oral Tyrosol gavage with nano-Tyrosol showed a significant increase in GCK (P<0.001), GLUT2 (P<0.001), and GLUT9 (P<0.001). Furthermore, nano-Tyrosol decreased the expression of TNF-ɑ (P<0.05), PEPCK (P<0.001), and IL-6 (P<0.05) that had been increased by diabetes mellitus. The results confirmed nano-Tyrosol's anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that nano-Tyrosol has potential applications in diabetes treatment and associated inflammation. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanism of action.

Efficient targeting of HIF-1α mediated by YC-1 and PX-12 encapsulated niosomes: potential application in colon cancer therapy

A number of molecular biofactors have been documented in pathogenesis and poor prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Among them, the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF-1a) is frequently reported to become over-expressed, and its targeting could restrict and control a variety of essential hallmarks of CRC. Niosomes are innovative drug delivery vehicles with the encapsulating capacity for co-loading both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs at the same time. Also, they can enhance the local accumulation while minimizing the dose and side effects of drugs. YC-1 and PX-12 are two inhibitors of HIF-1a. The purpose of this work was to synthesize dual-loaded YC-1 and PX-12 niosomes to efficiently target HIF-1α in CRC, HT-29 cells. The niosomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method, then the niosomal formulation of YC-1 and PX-12 (NIO/PX-YC) was developed and optimized by the central composition method (CCD) using the Box-Behnken design in terms of size, polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency (EE). Also, they are characterized by DLS, FESEM, and TEM microscopy, as well as FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release kinetics, and stability were assessed. Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell cycle studies were performed after the treatment of HT-29 cells with NIO/PX-YC. The expression of HIF-1αat both mRNA and protein levels were studied after NIO/PX-YC treatment. The prepared NIO/PX-YC showed a mean particle size of 185 nm with a zeta potential of about-7.10 mv and a spherical morphology. Also, PX-12 and YC-1 represented the entrapment efficiency of about %78 and %91, respectively, with a sustainable and controllable release. The greater effect of NIO/PX-YC than the free state of PX-YC on the cell survival rate, cell apoptosis, and HIF-1α gene/protein expression were detected (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dual loading of niosomes with YC-1 and PX-12 enhanced the effect of drugs on HIF-1α inhibition, thus boosting their anticancer effects.

Evaluation of the expression level of some coding and non-coding genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancers arising from the head and neck region. There is growing evidence that lncRNAs play an important role in OSCC progression. The study aims to investigate correlations between the expression levels of LncRNAs of PARROT, MYCNUT, DANCR, and KTN1-AS1 with clinicopathological characteristics and finding suitable biomarkers for OSCC.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Total lncRNAs related to cancers and HNSC trascriptomics data were downloaded from lncRNADisease v2.0 database and xenabrowser, respectively. Then, ACO was perfomed on shared of LncRNAs between two databases. Finally, some lncRNAs were proposed as potential biomarkers. Thirty biopsies samples from patients with the OSCC and 30 healthy subjects were collected by the surgery. Questionnaires including clinical and demographic data were filled for all cases. Using Real-time PCR, the expression levels of PARROT, MYCNUT, DANCR, and KTN1-AS1 lncRNAs were quantified.

RESULT

According to the results,17 novel gene symbol was identified.All the candidate lncRNAs the expression levels of PARROT, MYCNUT, DANCR, and KTN1-AS1 were remarkably upregulated in OSCC tumors in comparison with control group (RQ: 10.00 (P < 0.0001), RQ: 2.920 (P < 0.0001), RQ: 1.623 (P = 0.002), and 4.467 (P < 0.0001), respectively). Also, we found significant associations between tumor lncRNAs expression of PARRPT and DANCER and tumor metastasis (P = 0.009, and P = 0.005, respectively). Additionally, lncRNA KTN1-AS1 expression level was significantly higher in the patients with tumor size more than 3 cm, in comparison with tumor less than 3 cm (P = 0.005). According ROC analysis, all these candidate lncRNAs can be a significant predictor for OSCC (AUC of PARROT lncRNA = 69.72%, AUC of MYCNUT = 98.22%, AUC of DANCR = 74.83%, and AUC of KTN1-AS1 = 99.22%).

CONCLUSION

we found that overexpression levels of PARROT, MYCNUT, DANCR, and KTN1-AS1 lncRNAs were correlated with poor clinicopathological characteristics in patients with OSCC. Also, PARROT, MYCNUT, DANCR, and KTN1-AS1 are novel biomarker for the detection of OSCC.

Oral administration of nano-tyrosol reversed the diabetes-induced liver damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objectives

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Tyrosol and Nano-tyrosol on the cellular arrangement, collagen disposition, protein level of insulin receptor (INSR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in both control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). Experimental rats were administered Tyrosol and Nano-tyrosol 1 ml intra-gastrically at a dose of 20 mg/kg once a day for 30 days. Then, rats were sacrificed according to ethical principles. Livers were removed and processed for histological studies using the paraffin technique. Furthermore, non-paraffin sections were used for the INSR-1 western blot technique.

Results

At the end of the experiments, the rats in diabetic control and plain niosome groups exhibited a significant increase in collagen disposition (p < 0.001), and apoptotic cells (p < 0.001), as well as decreased total protein levels of INSR (p < 0.001), and SOD activity (p < 0.001) in the hepatic cells. Oral administration of Tyrosol and Nano-tyrosol to diabetic rats reversed all the above-mentioned parameters to near normal levels (p < 0.001). Nano-tyrosol showed the highest significant effect rather than Tyrosol.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggested the beneficial effects of Tyrosol and especially Nano-tyrosol on decreasing the adverse effects of diabetes.

Intra-gastrically administration of Stevia and particularly Nano-Stevia reversed the hyperglycemia, anxiety, and memory impairment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Type II diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders considered chronic hyperglycemia resulting from deficits in insulin secretion or insulin function. This disease usually links with various psychological problems such as anxiety and cognitive dysfunctions. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a natural and healthy substitute sweetener for sugar and artificial sweeteners. It has become essential for human diets and food manufacturers. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of Stevia and Nano-stevia on the regulation of anxiety and memory processes in male diabetic rats. The elevated plus-maze (EPM) test-retest procedure was used to assess anxiety and memory in male diabetic rats. The findings exhibited that induction of diabetes caused a distorted cellular arrangement in the liver tissue of male rats. On the other hand, intra-gastrically administration of Stevia (1 ml/kg) and nano-Stevia (1 ml/kg) indicated a normal appearance in the liver tissue of male diabetic rats. Moreover, induction of diabetes caused the augmentation of blood glucose, reduction in time spent in%open-arm time (%OAT) on the test day, and enhancement of%OAT on the retest day. Therefore, induction of diabetes in rats produced hyperglycemia, anxiogenic effect, and memory impairment and these responses were reversed by drug treatment. Furthermore, intra-gastrically application of Stevia (1 ml/kg) and nano-Stevia (1 ml/kg) reversed the hyperglycemia, anxiogenic effect, and memory impairment in male diabetic rats. Interestingly, Nano-Stevia exhibited the highest significant response rather than Stevia. In conclusion, the results of this research suggested the beneficial properties of Stevia and particularly Nano-Stevia on inducing anti-diabetic effects, anxiolytic behavior, as well as memory improvement in male diabetic rats.

Chitosan -based nanoniosome for potential wound healing applications: Synergy of controlled drug release and antibacterial activity

This study aims to develop a niosomal platform which can delivery drugs such as tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) to treat bacterial infections in wounds. To this end, chitosan (CS) was used to obtain a controlled drug release and at the same time antibacterial activity. By design of experiments the niosome encapsulated TCH (TCH-Nio) were optimized for their particle size and encapsulation efficiency, followed by analysis of the release profile of TCH and stability of TCH-Nio and TCH-Nio@CS. The antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of the fabricated nanoparticles were investigated as well. The release rate of TCH from TCH-Nio@CS in all conditions is less than TCH-Nio. In addition, higher temperature increases the release rate of drug from these formulations. The size, polydispersity index, and encapsulation efficacy of TCH-Nio and TCH-Nio@CS were more stable in 4 °C compared to 25 °C. TCH, TCH-Nio, and TCH-Nio@CS had MIC values of 7.82, 3.91, and 1.95 μg/mL for Escherichia coli, 3.91, 1.95, and 0.98 μg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 1.96, 0.98, and 0.49 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Coating of chitosan on niosome encapsulated TCH (TCH-Nio@CS) led to a reduced burst release of TCH from niosome (TCH-Nio), and enabled 2-fold higher antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against the tested bacterial pathogens E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, compared to the uncoated TCH-Nio, and 4-folder higher than the TCH solution, suggesting the synergetic effect of niosome encapsulation and chitosan coating. Moreover, the formulated niosomes displayed no in vitro toxicity toward the human foreskin fibroblast cells (HFF). Both TCH-Nio and TCH-Nio@CS were found to down-regulate the expression of certain biofilm genes, i.e., csgA, ndvB, and icaA in the tested bacteria, which might partially explain the improved antibacterial activity compared to TCH. The obtained results demonstrated that TCH-Nio@CS is capable of controlled drug release, leading to high antibacterial efficacy. The established platform of TCH-Nio@CS enlighten a clinic potential toward the treatment of bacterial infections in skin wounds, dental implants and urinary catheter.

The effects of supplementation of Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae on biochemical, inflammatory and antioxidant responses in diabetic rats

Diabetes is accompanied by inflammation and oxidation. Supplementation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds can prevent the progression of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation of Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae (NOM) on the inflammatory and antioxidant responses in diabetic rats. Sixty male rats were divided into six groups as diabetic and non-diabetic rats receiving 0, 10 and 20 mg/kg of body weight of NOM daily for 21 days. Body weight, the serum concentrations of insulin and glucose and the tissue concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were assessed. The results showed that induction of diabetes significantly reduced the body weight, the serum concentrations of insulin and the tissue concentrations of SOD, FRAP and GPx while increasing the concentrations of glucose, MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB and TNF-α. Daily oral administration of NOM (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly maintained the body weight, the serum concentrations of insulin and the tissue concentrations of SOD, FRAP and GPx while preventing the increase in the concentrations of glucose, MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α. In conclusion, diabetes caused inflammation and oxidation while NOM worked as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound.

Anti-regulatory T cell vaccines in immunotherapy: focusing on FoxP3 as target

Anti- tumor vaccination elicits imperfect immune responses against tumor cells; that is related to the presence of suppressive obstacles in the tumor microenvironment. The main members of suppressive milieu of tumor are heteroogenous groups of immune cells in which regulatory T cell is a substantial component. Tregs express different immunomodulatory molecules such as FoxP3. Transcription factor, FoxP3, is a specific intracellular marker of Treg and crucial for Treg development. Therefore it is an attractive target for cancer treatment. This article reviews some recent anti-Treg vaccine focusing on FoxP3 to ameliorate anti-tumor immune responses. Among them, fusion vaccine of FoxP3-Fc(IgG) recombinant DNA vaccine and its accordant protein vaccine represents effective results.