Activation of ERK/NF-kB Pathways Contributes to the Inflammatory Response in Epithelial Cells and Macrophages Following Manganese Exposure

Different types of metals, including manganese (Mn), are constantly encountered in various environmental matrices due to natural and anthropogenic activities. They induce a sustained inflammatory response in various organs, which is considered to be an important priming event in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Mn-induced neuroinflammation and subsequent neurodegeneration are well recognized. However, emerging data suggest that occupationally and environmentally relevant levels may affect various organs, including the lungs. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the effects of Mn (as Mn2+) exposure on the inflammatory response in human normal bronchial (BEAS-2B) and adenocarcinoma alveolar basal (A549) epithelial cells, as well as in murine macrophages (J774). Mn2+ exposure significantly induced mRNA and protein expression of various pro-inflammatory mediators (cytokines and chemokines) in all cells compared to corresponding vehicle controls. Furthermore, Mn2+ treatment also led to increased phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) p65 in both epithelial cells and macrophages. As expected, cells treated with inhibitors of ERK1/2 (PD98059) and NF-kB p65 (IMD0354) effectively mitigated the expression of various pro-inflammatory mediators induced by Mn2+, suggesting that ERK/NF-kB pathways have a critical role in the Mn2+-induced inflammatory response. Further, in vivo studies are required to confirm these in vitro findings to support clinical translation.

Partial characterization of purified glycoprotein from nutshell of Arachis hypogea L. towards macrophage activation and leishmaniacidal activity

Arachis hypogea L. protein fraction-2 (AHP-F2) from the Peanut shell was extracted and characterized and its potent immunomodulatory and anti-leishmanial role was determined in this present study. AHP-F2 was found to be a glycoprotein as the presence of carbohydrates were confirmed by the analysis of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) yielded glucose, galactose, mannose, and xylose. AHP-F2 molecular mass was found to be ∼28 kDa as indicated in MALDI-TOF and peptide mass fingerprinting analysis followed by Mascot search. The peptide matches revealed the similarity of the mannose/glucose binding lectin with 71.07% in the BLAST analysis. After that, the 3D structure of the AHP-F2 model was designed and validated by the Ramachandran plot. The immunomodulatory role of AHP-F2 was established in murine peritoneal macrophages as induction of nitric oxide (NO), and stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12 and IFN-γ) in a dose-dependent manner was observed. Interestingly, it was also found that AHP-F2 has interacted with the innate immune receptor, toll-like receptors (TLRs) as established in molecular docking as well as mRNA expression. The anti-leishmanial potential of AHP-F2 was revealed with a prominent inhibition of amastigote growth within the murine macrophages with prompt induction of nitrite release. Altogether, the isolated AHP-F2 from Arachis hypogea L. has strong immunomodulatory and anti-leishmanial potential which may disclose a new path to treat leishmaniasis.

Unwinding the mechanism of macrophage repolarization potential of Oceanimonas sp. BPMS22-derived protein protease inhibitor through Toll-like receptor 4 against experimental visceral leishmaniasis

The Oceanimonas sp. BPMS22-derived protein protease inhibitor (PPI) has been proven to shift macrophages towards an inflammatory state and reduce Leishmania donovani infection in vitro and in vivo. The current study explored and validated the mechanistic aspects of the PPI and Toll-like receptor (TLR) interaction. The PPI exhibited the upregulation of TLR2, TLR4, and TLR6 during treatment which was proven to orchestrate parasite clearance effectively. An in silico study confirmed the high interaction with TLR4 and PPI. Immune blotting confirmed the significant upregulation of TLR4 in macrophages irrespective of L. donovani infection. Pharmacological inhibition and immune blot study confirmed the involvement of the PPI in TLR4-mediated phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and dephosphorylation of ERK1/2, repolarizing to pro-inflammatory macrophage state against experimental visceral leishmaniasis. In addition, in TLR4 knockdown condition, PPI treatment failed to diminish M2 phenotypical markers (CD68, Fizz1, Ym1, CD206, and MSR-2) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β). Simultaneously, the PPI failed to upregulate the M1 phenotypical markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and IFN-γ) (p < 0.001) during the TLR4 knockdown condition. In the absence of TLR4, the PPI also failed to reduce the parasite load and T-cell proliferation and impaired the delayed-type hypersensitivity response. The absence of pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed during a co-culture study with PPI-treated macrophages (in the TLR4 knockdown condition) with day 10 T-cell obtained from L. donovani-infected mice. This study supports the immunotherapeutic potential of the PPI as it interacted with TLR4 and promoted macrophage repolarization (M2-M1) to restrict the L. donovani parasite burden and helps in the mounting immune response against experimental visceral leishmaniasis.

Oral combination of eugenol oleate and miltefosine induce immune response during experimental visceral leishmaniasis through nitric oxide generation with advanced cytokine demand

Conventional therapy of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) remains challenging with the pitfall of toxicity, drug resistance, and expensive. Hence, urgent need for an alternative approach is essential. In this study, we evaluated the potential of combination therapy with eugenol oleate and miltefosine in Leishmania donovani infected macrophages and in the BALB/c mouse model. The interactions between eugenol oleate and miltefosine were found to be additive against promastigotes and amastigotes with xΣFIC 1.13 and 0.68, respectively. Significantly (p < 0.001) decreased arginase activity, increased nitrite generation, improved pro-inflammatory cytokines, and phosphorylated p38MAPK were observed after combination therapy with eugenol oleate and miltefosine. >80% parasite clearance in splenic and hepatic tissue with concomitant nitrite generation, and anti-VL cytokines productions were observed after orally administered miltefosine (5 mg/kg body weight) and eugenol oleate (15 mg/kg body weight) in L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice. Altogether, this study suggested the possibility of an oral combination of miltefosine with eugenol oleate against visceral leishmaniasis.

Dynamicity in Host Metabolic Adaptation Is Influenced by the Synergistic Effect of Eugenol Oleate and Amphotericin B During Leishmania donovani Infection In Vitro

Immune metabolic adaptation in macrophages by intracellular parasites is recognized to play a crucial role during Leishmania infection. However, there is little accessible information about changes in a metabolic switch in L. donovani infected macrophages. In previous studies, we have reported on the anti-leishmanial synergic effect of eugenol oleate with amphotericin B. In the present study, we demonstrated that glycolytic enzymes were highly expressed in infected macrophages during combinatorial treatment of eugenol oleate (2.5 µM) and amphotericin B (0.3125 µM). Additionally, we found that the biphasic role in arachidonic acid metabolite, PGE2, and LTB4, is released during this treatment. In vitro data showed that COX-2 mediated PGE2 synthesis increased significantly (p<0.01) in infected macrophages. Not only was the level of prostaglandin synthesis decreased 4.38 fold in infected macrophages after treatment with eugenol oleate with amphotericin B. The mRNA expression of PTGES, MPGES, and PTGER4 were also moderately expressed in infected macrophages, and found to be decreased in combinatorial treatment. In addition, NOS2 expression was activated by the phosphorylation of p38MAPK when combination-treated macrophages were promoted to kill intracellular parasites. The findings of the present study indicate that the synergism between eugenol oleate and amphotericin B could play an important role in immune metabolism adaptation with a concomitant increase in host immune response against the intracellular pathogen, L. donovani.

Anti-asthmatic effects of tannic acid from Chinese natural gall nuts in a mouse model of allergic asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, which is characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and airway remodeling. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of tannic acid (TA), a naturally occurring plant-derived polyphenol, in murine asthma model. BALB/c mice were given ovalbumin (OVA) to establish an allergic asthma model. The results revealed that TA treatment significantly decreased OVA-induced AHR, inflammatory cells infiltration, and the expression of various inflammatory mediators (Th2 and Th1 cytokines, eotaxin, and total IgE). Additionally, TA treatment also attenuated increases in mucins (Muc5ac and Muc5b) expression, mucus production in airway goblet cells, mast cells infiltration, and airway remodeling induced by OVA exposure. Furthermore, OVA-induced NF-κB (nuclear factor- kappa B) activation and cell adhesion molecules expression in the lungs was suppressed by TA treatment. In conclusion, TA effectively attenuated AHR, inflammatory response, and airway remodeling in OVA-challenged asthmatic mice. Therefore, TA may be a potential therapeutic option against allergic asthma in clinical settings.

Vitexin isolated from Prosopis cineraria leaves induce apoptosis in K-562 leukemia cells via inhibition of the BCR-ABL-Ras-Raf pathway

OBJECTIVES

Leukemia is one of the severe cancer types all around the globe. Even though some chemotherapeutic drugs are available for treating leukemia, they have various side effects. As an alternative approach, herbal drugs are focused on current research to overcome leukemia. The present work was conducted to investigate the antileukemic mechanism of active phytochemical vitexin, which was isolated from ethno-medicine (Prosopis cineraria leaf) used by traditional healers of West Bengal, India.

METHODS

Antiproliferative mechanisms of selected phyto-compound against K-562 cells were evaluated using cellular uptake, morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential and signaling pathways analysis.

KEY FINDINGS

Vitexin exhibited cytotoxicity by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential (32.40%) and causing DNA fragmentation (84.15%). The western blotting study indicated inhibition of cell survival proteins (BCR, ABL, H-RAS, N-RAS, K-RAS and RAF) and expression of apoptotic proteins (p38, BAX and caspase-9) in leukemia cells upon treatment with vitexin.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, presently investigated phyto-compound vitexin could be considered for developing safe and natural drugs to treat leukemia after conducting suitable preclinical and clinical trials.

Design and development of a compact ion implanter and plasma diagnosis facility based on a 2.45 GHz microwave ion source

A project on developing a 2.45 GHz microwave ion source based compact ion implanter and plasma diagnostic facility has been taken up by the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. It consists of a double-wall ECR plasma cavity, a four-step ridge waveguide, an extraction system, and an experimental beam chamber. The mechanical design has been carried out in such a way that both types of experiments, plasma diagnosis and ion implantation, can be easily accommodated simultaneously and separately. To optimize microwave coupling to the ECR plasma cavity, a four-step ridge waveguide is designed. Microwave coupling simulation for the ECR plasma cavity has been performed at different power inputs using COMSOL Multiphysics. An enhanced electric field profile has been obtained at the center of the ECR plasma cavity with the help of a four-step ridge waveguide compared to the WR284 waveguide. The magnetic field distribution for two magnetic rings and the extraction system's focusing properties have been simulated using the computer simulation technique. A tunable axial magnetic field profile has been obtained with a two permanent magnetic ring arrangement. The dependency of the beam emittance and beam current on accelerating voltages up to 50 kV has been simulated with different ions. It shows that ion masses have a great impact on the beam emittance and output current. This facility has provision for in situ plasma diagnosis using a Langmuir probe and optical emission spectroscopy setups. This system will be used for ion implantation, surface patterning, and studies of basic plasma sciences.

Synergic effect of eugenol oleate with amphotericin B augments anti-leishmanial immune response in experimental visceral leishmaniasis in vitro and in vivo

Present treatment regimen on visceral leishmaniasis has multiple limitations including severe side effects, toxicity, and resistance of Leishmania strains. Amphotericin B is a well-established pharmacologically approved drug; however, mainly toxicity is a foremost issue with that drug. Recently, our group identified eugenol oleate as an anti-leishmanial immunomodulatory compound. The important objectives of this present study was to evaluate the possible synergistic effect of eugenol oleate with amphotericin B to reduce the toxicity of this approved drug. Results obtained from this study signified that combination of eugenol oleate and amphotericin B showed indifferent combinatorial effect against promastigotes with xΣFIC 1.015, while, moderate synergistic activity with xΣFIC 0.456 against amastigotes. It was also notable that eugenol oleate (2.5 μM) with low concentrations of amphotericin B (0.3125 μM) showed 96.45% parasite reduction within L. donovani-infected murine macrophages. Furthermore, eugenol oleate and amphotericin B significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced the nitrite generation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α) in infected macrophages in vitro and in BALB/c mice in vivo. Eugenol oleate (10 mg/Kg b. wt.) with amphotericin B (1 mg/Kg b.wt.) significantly (p < 0.01) controlled the parasite burden in liver by 96.2% and in spleen by 93.12%. Hence, this study strongly suggested the synergic potential of eugenol oleate with low concentration of amphotericin B in experimental visceral leishmaniasis through anti-leishmanial immune response.

Carbon nanotubes for rapid capturing of SARS-COV-2 virus: revealing a mechanistic aspect of binding based on computational studies

We investigate the binding interactions of synthesized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Two essential components of the SARS-CoV-2 structure i.e.6LU7 (main protease of SARS-CoV-2) and 6LZG (spike receptor-binding domain complexed with its receptor ACE2) were used for computational studies. MWCNTs of different morphologies (zigzag, armchair and chiral) were synthesized through a thermal chemical vapour deposition process as a function of pyrolysis temperature. A direct correlation between radius to volume ratio of the synthesized MWCNTs and the binding energies for all three (zigzag, armchair and chiral) conformations were observed in our computational studies. Our result suggests that MWCNTs interact with the active sites of the main protease along with the host angiotensin-converting enzyme2 (ACE2) receptors. Furthermore, it is also observed that MWCNTs have significant binding affinities towards SARS-CoV-2. However, the highest free binding energy of -87.09 kcal mol-1 with 6LZG were shown by the armchair MWCNTs with SARS-CoV-2 through the simulated molecular dynamic trajectories, which could alter the SARS-CoV-2 structure with higher accuracy. The radial distribution function also confirms the density variation as a function of distance from a reference particle of MWCNTs for the study of interparticle interactions of the MWCNT and SARS-CoV-2. Due to these interesting attributes, such MWCNTs could find potential application in personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostic kits.

Synthesis of exfoliated multilayer graphene and its putative interactions with SARS-CoV-2 virus investigated through computational studies

Our work investigates the interaction of synthesized graphene with the SARS-CoV-2 virus using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method. The layer dependent inhibitory effect of graphene nanosheets on spike receptor-binding domain of 6LZG, complexed with host receptor i.e. angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) of SARS-CoV-2 was investigated through computational study. Graphene sample was synthesized using mechanical exfoliation with shear stress and its mechanism of inhibition towards the SARS-CoV-2 virus was explored by molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method. The thermodynamics study for the free binding energy of graphene towards the SARS-CoV-2 virus was analyzed. The binding energy of graphene towards the virus increased with an increasing number of layers. It shows the highest affinity of -17.5 Kcal/mol in molecular docking while ΔG_binding is in the order of -28.01 ± 0.04 5 Kcal/mol for the seven-layers structure. The increase in carbon layers is associated with an increasing number of edge sp³ -type carbon, providing greater curvature, further increase the surface reactivity responsible for high binding efficiency. The MD simulation data reveals the high inhibition efficiency of the synthesized graphene towards SARS-CoV-2 virus which would help to design future in-vitro studies. The graphene system could find potential applications in personal protective equipment and diagnostic kits.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Lead Generation for Human Mitotic Kinesin Eg5 using Structure-based Virtual Screening and Validation by in vitro and Cell-based Assays

BACKGROUND

Human mitotic kinesins play a crucial role in mitotic cell division. Targeting the spindle separation phase of mitosis has gained much attention pharmaceutically in cancer chemotherapy. Spindle segregation is carried out mainly by Eg5 kinesin, and currently, it has many inhibitors in different phases of clinical trials. All the current drug candidates bind un-competitively with ATP/ADP at allosteric site 1 (formed by loop L5, helix α2 and helix α3). Recent experiments show that inhibitors that bind to the site 2 (formed by helix α4 and helix α6) are either competitive or uncompetitive to ATP/ADP.

OBJECTIVES

To identify suitable lead compounds that target the mitotic kinesin Eg5, using in silico screening and their validation using in vitro and cell-based assays.

METHODOLOGY

We have screened for potential inhibitors for human Eg5 (kinesin-5) through structure-based virtual screening and validated the top-scoring compounds using steady-state ATPase assay, differential scanning fluorimetry and microscale thermophoresis. The anticancer activity of the compounds was evaluated in the epithelial (A549) and chronic myelogenous leukaemia (K562) cancer cell lines. A known strong binding inhibitor S-trityl-L-cystine is used as a reference compound.

RESULTS & CONCLUSION

Of the many compounds tested, MM01 and MM03 showed good cell-based activity against the cancer cell lines A549 and K562 and can be further studied in animal models.

Tannic acid alleviates experimental pulmonary fibrosis in mice by inhibiting inflammatory response and fibrotic process

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and irreversible scarring disease in the lung with limited treatment options. Therefore, it is critical to identify new therapeutic options. This study was undertaken to identify the effects of tannic acid (TA), a naturally occurring dietary polyphenol, in a mouse model of PF. Bleomycin (BLM) was intratracheally administered to induce PF. Administration of TA significantly reduced BLM-induced histological alterations, inflammatory cell infiltration and the levels of various inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide, leukotriene B₄ and cytokines). Additionally, treatment with TA also impaired BLM-mediated increases in pro-fibrotic (transforming growth factor-β1) and fibrotic markers (alpha-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, collagen 1 alpha and fibronectin) expression. Further investigation indicated that BLM-induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2) in lungs was suppressed by TA treatment. Findings of this study suggest that TA has the potential to mitigate PF through inhibiting the inflammatory response and fibrotic process in lungs and that TA might be useful for the treatment of PF in clinical practice.

Oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity in leukemia cells induced by active phyto-constituents isolated from traditional herbal drugs of West Bengal

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In search of safe and effective therapeutic agents as alternative to synthetic chemotherapeutics for the treatment of leukemia, the herbal drugs (Leaf of Madhuca longifolia, leaf of Prosopis cineraria and bark of Flacourtia indica) with long traditional use in West Bengal have received our attention.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Present work was conducted to isolate and identify the active compounds of the selected herbal drugs using bio-assay guided fractionation and also to investigate their anticancer mechanism in leukemia cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bio-assay guided fractionation was used for the isolation of active constituents such as myricitrin, vitexin and vanillin from the aqueous extracts of M. longifolia, P. cineraria and F. indica, respectively using liquid partitioning and column chromatography and the compounds were characterized by HPLC, MS and NMR. Dose and time-dependent cytotoxicity of isolated compounds were studied against leukemia cells and their anticancer mechanism such as cell wall damage, nuclear damage, ROS and NO generation, SOD level, LDH release and lipid peroxidation were investigated.

RESULTS

Aqueous extract of M. longifolia, P. cineraria and F. indica exhibited maximum anti-proliferative activity against HL-60 (Acute myeloid leukemia, AML, 72.06%), K-562 (Chronic myeloid leukemia, CML, 42.14%) and Jurkat (Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ALL, 51.71%) cells. Myricitrin, vitexin and vanillin exhibited dose-dependent (IC-50 values 164.4, 147 & 29.22 μg/ml) and time-dependent activity with maximum cytotoxicity at 48 h. All these three compounds caused apoptosis in leukemia cells by inducing free radicals such as ROS (1.33-2.65 Arbitrary units) and NO (11.17-18.53 μM), cell membrane damage and nuclear condensation which were evidenced by increased release of LDH (1326-1439 U/L), improved lipid peroxidation (10.19-14.41 nM/mg protein) and reduced SOD level (6.2-9.21 U/mg protein) in leukemia cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on anti-proliferative activity, the isolated phyto-compounds myrcitrin, vitexin and vanillin from M. longifolia, P. cineraria and F. indica could be developed as natural drugs for treating AML, CML and ALL leukemia types, respectively.

Genome-wide analysis reveals miR-3184-5p and miR-181c-3p as a critical regulator for adipocytes-associated breast cancer

Obesity is considered as an independent risk factor for breast cancer (BCa) and plays a major role in the breast tumor microenvironment. The etiology and mechanisms by which obesity contributes to BCa development is not yet understood. Herein, we show that in vitro coculture of BCa cells with mature adipocytes (MA-BCa) increased proliferation, migration, and invasive phenotype of BCa cells. MA-BCa coculture led to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. To identify microRNAs (miRNAs) in BCa cells that are modulated by the presence of adipocytes, we used small RNA sequencing analysis. Sequencing data revealed that 98 miRNAs were differentially expressed in MA-BCa. Among them, miR-3184-5p and miR-181c-3p were found to be the most upregulated and downregulated miRNAs, and direct targets are FOXP4 and PPARα, respectively. In vitro functional assays using a combination of miR-3184-5p inhibitor and miR-181c-3p mimic synergistically decreased adipocytes-induced cell proliferation and invasive capacity of BCa cells. Gene Set Enrichment analysis indicated that transcription factors were highly enriched followed by protein kinases, oncogene, and protein regulators in MA-BCa. GeneGo Metacore pathway analysis uncovered "NOTCH-induced EMT pathway" was found to be the most abundant in MA-BCa. Consistently, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated markers were also increased in MA-BCa. The disease enrichment analysis of the predict target genes revealed that diabetes mellitus was significantly affected disease in MA-BCa. Taken together, our data suggest that miRNA-based regulatory mechanism associated with deregulation of pathways and biological functions orchestrated by adipocytes-secreted factors might drive the BCa progression and metastasis in obese patients.

Potential anti-proliferative activity of AgNPs synthesized using M. longifolia in 4T1 cell line through ROS generation and cell membrane damage

To overcome the problem of breast cancer, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using Indian medicinal plant Madhuca longifolia could be explored as an alternative anticancer medicine. Synthesized AgNPs were studied their characteristics and their anti-proliferative property was investigated in breast cancer cell line (4T1). Based on zeta sizer analysis, the size of the AgNPs was 103.5 nm and potential -9.57 eV. Fe-SEM results showed particle size of 69.4-99.4 nm while TEM images indicated the particle size of 18-24 nm. In dose-dependent study, AgNPs showed 93% of anti-proliferative activity at 50 μg/ml whereas the methanolic extract of M. longifolia showed 80% activity only at 10-fold increased concentration (500 μg/ml). AgNPs exhibited higher level of cytotoxicity in breast cancer cell line than extract through cell wall degradation and ROS generation. Such effective AgNPs could be investigated further through in vivo models with a view to develop anticancer drug.

Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Its Biochemical Predictors in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the most common chronic liver condition in the Western world and it is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study to determine the prevalence of NAFLD and identify the predisposing factors in type 2 DM patients with NAFLD. Total of 258 patients of type 2 DM were included in this observational study in the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from 11th May 2013 to 11th November 2013. Patients with characteristic findings on ultrasonography were considered as having fatty liver. They were divided into fatty liver (Group I) and non-fatty liver group (Group II) and were further evaluated by measurement of body mass index, liver function tests and lipid profile. Out of 258 type 2 diabetic patients, 167 (64.7%) patients had fatty liver on ultrasonography. BMI, waist-hip ratio and triglyceride levels in the Group I was significantly higher than Group II. An increase in the levels of ALT, AST, total cholesterol, LDL and a decrease in HDL was observed in Group I as compared to Group II. The prevalence of NAFLD is common among in type 2 diabetic patients and it increases with the rising incidence of obesity. Obesity as well as elevated liver enzymes, triglyceride and cholesterol are significantly raised in NAFLD patients with type 2 DM. It highlights the importance of routine liver function test and lipid profile in subjects with type 2 DM and should be more closely observed for NAFLD and liver complications.

ApAGP-fabricated silver nanoparticles induce amendment of murine macrophage polarization

M2 polarization of macrophages is predominant in case of tumors and some other infectious diseases for disease progression. Repolarization of the M2 phenotype to the M1 state may be required to cure diseases. Hence, it is of great interest to find out a material that would repolarize the M2 phenotype to the M1 state. Herein, the arabinogalactan protein from Andrographis paniculata (ApAGP) was used to prepare a silver nanoparticle-ApAGP (SNP-ApAGP) bioconjugate, which was characterized via UV-vis spectroscopy, zeta potential analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, and HR-TEM. Studies suggest that SNP-ApAGP (2.5 μg mL^-1) up-regulates ROS generation, NO generation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine release (IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6). SNP-ApAGP also down-regulates the arginase-1 activity and anti-inflammatory cytokine release (IL-4 & IL-10) in M0, M1, and M2-polarized peritoneal macrophages in vitro. Therefore, SNP-ApAGP induces M1 polarization in M0 macrophages, enhances the pro-inflammatory activity of the M1 phenotype, and can also repolarize M2 macrophages into the M1 phenotype. Therefore, SNP-ApAGP could be used for treating various infectious diseases and cancers where repolarization of M2 macrophages may be required to cure the disease.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of kidney: Our experience in a tertiary care center

OBJECTIVES

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) are rare highly aggressive neoplasms. The diagnosis is made by histopathology with the support of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and cytogenetics. The aggressive multimodality treatment is recommended for the management of these tumors. The purpose of our study is to review our experiences in the diagnoses and treatment of PNET of the kidneys.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of all the patients, who were treated for the PNET of the kidneys at our institute between April and March 2011 and compared with the available literature.

RESULTS

A total of eight patients were treated for PNET of the kidney. Out of the eight patients, four were males and four females. Nearly 50% of our patients had inferior vena caval thrombus at the time of presentation. The diagnosis was made on histopathology supported by IHC. Out of the eight patients, one patient had intraoperative death due to massive pulmonary thromboembolism and another died on the 7th post-operative day due to disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiorgan failure. Rest six patients were treated with post-operative chemotherapy or a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For these six patients, overall median survival was 45 months with a 3 year disease-free survival of 66% and 5 year survival of 44%.

CONCLUSIONS

PNET of the kidneys are rare peripheral neuroectodermal tumors with an aggressive clinical course. These tumors carry a very poor prognosis. An aggressive treatment approach using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is recommended for a reasonable survival in these tumors.

Age associated oxidative damage in lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are an important immunological cell and have been played a significant role in acquired immune system; hence, may play in pivotal role in immunosenescence. Oxidative stress has been reported to increase in elderly subjects, possibly arising from an uncontrolled production of free radicals with aging and decreased antioxidant defenses. This study was aimed to evaluate the level of lipid-protein damage and antioxidant status in lymphocytes of healthy individuals to correlate between oxidative damage with the aging process. Twenty healthy individuals of each age group (11-20; 21-30; 31-40; 41-50; and 51-60 years) were selected randomly. Blood samples were drawn by medical practitioner and lymphocytes were isolated from blood samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PC) level were evaluated to determine the lipid and protein damage in lymphocytes. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione and glutathione dependent enzymes were estimated to evaluate the antioxidant status in the lymphocytes. Increased MDA and PC levels strongly support the increased oxidative damage in elderly subject than young subjects. The results indicated that, balance of oxidant and antioxidant systems in lymphocytes shifts in favor of accelerated oxidative damage during aging. Thus oxidative stress in lymphocytes may particular interest in aging and may play important role in immunosenescence.

Attenuation of Mycobacterium species through direct and macrophage mediated pathway by unsymmetrical diaryl urea

Tuberculosis is a major threat for mankind and the emergence of resistance strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) against first line antibiotics makes it lethal for human civilization. In this study, we have synthesized different diaryl urea derivatives targeting the inhibition of mycolic acid biosynthesis. Among the 39 synthesized molecules, compounds 46, 57, 58 and 86 showed MIC values ≤ 10 μg/ml against H37Rv and mc²6030 strains. The best molecule with a methyl at ortho position of the first aromatic ring and prenyl group at the meta position of the second aromatic ring showed the MIC value of 5.2 μg/ml and 1 μg/ml against H37Rv and mc²6030 respectively, with mammalian cytotoxicity of 163.4 μg/ml. The effective compounds showed selective inhibitory effect on mycolic acid (epoxy mycolate) biosynthesis in ¹⁴C-radiolabelled assay. At the same time these molecules also executed their potent immunomodulatory activity by up-regulation of IFN-γ and IL-12 and down-regulation of IL-10.

Effect of Reynolds number on phase change of water flowing across two heated circular cylinders in tandem arrangement

The situations of fluid flow and heat transfer across an array of cylinders have been quite common in fluid dynamics and, particularly, industry applications. One such situation is flow of water over heated cylinders in a tandem arrangement. The flow of water over heated cylinders faces a phenomenon of phase change from liquid (water) to vapor phase (steam).The mechanism of this phase change is studied through a numerical simulation in this project. The Eulerian model is used in the present simulation method to comprehend the multiphase phenomenon. The effect of Reynolds number on the phase change is studied. The phase change of water in an unsteady flow across cylinders has been prominently affected by Reynolds number. Only critical cases have been discussed in this paper. The volume fraction of water and steam is plotted against the position of flow from inlet to exit of the flow domain that is a channel for a particular flow conditions to demonstrate the phenomenon of heat and mass transfer during the flow of water.

Jacalin-capped silver nanoparticles minimize the dosage use of the anticancer drug, shikonin derivatives, against human chronic myeloid leukemia

Silver nanoparticles enhance the anticancer efficacy of shikonin derivatives.

Design, synthesis and “in vitro” anti-leukemic evaluation of ferulic acid analogues as BCR-Abl inhibitors

A series of ferulic acid derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for anti-proliferative activity against K562, U937 and Hep G2 cells. The compounds were further tested for BCR-Abl kinase inhibition.

Arene ruthenium(ii) complexes with chalcone, aminoantipyrine and aminopyrimidine based ligands: synthesis, structure and preliminary evaluation of anti-leukemia activity

A series of arene ruthenium(ii) complexes with N-monodentate (AAP) and N,O- and N,N-bidentate chelating ligands (AAPS, ADABS, AAPPA and P2P) have been synthesized and evaluated for preliminary antileukemia activity against K562 (Human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line).

Acetyl shikonin induces IL-12, nitric oxide and ROS to kill intracellular parasite Leishmania donovani in infected hosts

Acetyl shikonin (AS), a naphthoquinone isolated from Arnebia nobilis, was tested against visceral leishmaniasis in this study, revealing that AS provides a chemo-immunotherapeutic strategy against visceral leishmaniasis.

Toll-Like Receptor 2 Targeted Rectification of Impaired CD8⁺ T Cell Functions in Experimental Leishmania donovani Infection Reinstates Host Protection

Leishmania donovani, a protozoan parasite, causes the disease visceral leishmanisis (VL), characterized by inappropriate CD8+ T-cell activation. Therefore, we examined whether the Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2) ligand Ara-LAM, a cell wall glycolipid from non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis, would restore CD8+ T-cell function during VL. We observed that by efficient upregulation of TLR2 signaling-mediated NF-κB translocation and MAPK signaling in CD8+ T-cells (CD25+CD28+IL-12R+IFN-γR+), Ara-LAM triggered signaling resulted in the activation of T-bet, which in turn, induced transcription favourable histone modification at the IFN-γ, perforin, granzyme-B promoter regions in CD8+ T-cells. Thus, we conclude that Ara-LAM induced efficient activation of effector CD8+ T-cells by upregulating the expression of IFN-γ, perforin and granzyme-B in an NF-κB and MAPK induced T-bet dependent manner in VL.

Self-assembled betulinic acid augments immunomodulatory activity associates with IgG response

Studies relating to the adjuvanic role of self assembly, nanosized betulinic acid (SA-BA) are relatively limited. The concept of immunostimulatory activity of SA-BA is based on the activation of immune system against cancer antigen. This study showed that SA-BA, a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from the bark of the Ziziphus jujube tree, elevated the immunological functions of cancer antigen in anticancer immunotherapy. We found that, SA-BA pulsed human macrophages secreted elevated level of pro-inflammatory cytokines with an increased CD4(+) cell population. Pulse macrophages were also significantly arrested the KG-1A and K562 cell growth in vitro setup at 1:10 ratio for 48h. The use of TNF-α inhibitors confirmed the association between SA-BA with TNF-α function. SA-BA pulsed macrophages displayed substantial T cell allostimulatory capacity and promoted the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The adjuvanticity of SA-BA was proved by the generation of in vivo IgG response. Collectively, these findings will enrich the biomedical applications of SA-BA as a potent immune stimulating agent. Moreover, the macrophage stimulating efficacy of SA-BA might be an effective way in the cancer immunotherapy.

Biochemical characters and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolates

OBJECTIVE

To observe the biochemical characters and antibiotic susceptibility of isolated Staphylococcus aureus (S. auerus) strains against some conventional and traditional antibiotics.

METHODS

Thirty post operative pathogenic isolated S. aureus strains were used in this study. Bacterial culture was done in Mueller-Hinton broth at 37 °C. Characters of these strains were determined by traditional biochemical tests such as hydrolysis test of gelatin, urea, galactose, starch and protein, and fermentation of lactose and sucrose. Antibiotic susceptibility were carried out by minimum inhibitory concentration test, minium bactericidal concentration test, disc agar diffusion test and brain heart infusion oxacillin screening agar.

RESULTS

From this study, it was observed that 100% S. aureus isolates showed positive results in gelatin, urea and galactose hydrolysis test, 50% isolates were positive in starch hydrolysis test, 35% in protein hydrolysis test, 100% isolates in lactose fermenting test, but no isolate was positive in sucrose fermenting test. Antibiotic susceptibility testing suggested that 20% of isolates were resistant to kanamycin and 46.67% were resistant to oxacillin.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that all these isolates have gelatin, urea, galactose hydrolysis and lactose fermenting activity. 20% of these isolates were resistant to kanamycin and 46.67% were resistant to oxacillin.

Antioxidative effect of folate-modified chitosan nanoparticles

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potency of carboxymethyl chitosan-2, 2' ethylenedioxy bis-ethylamine-folate (CMC-EDBE-FA) on tissue injury, antioxidant status and glutathione system in tissue mitochondria and serum against nicotine-induced oxidative stress in mice.

METHODS

CMC-EDBE-FA was prepared on basis of carboxymethyl chitosan tagged with folic acid by covalently linkage through 2, 2' ethylenedioxy bis-ethylamine. Animals were divided into four groups, i.e., control, nicotine (1 mg/kg bw/day), CMC-EDBE-FA (1 mg/kg bw/day) and nicotine (1 mg/kg bw/day) and CMC-EDBE-FA (1 mg/kg bw/day) for 7 days. Levels of lipid peroxidation, oxidized glutathione level, antioxidant enzyme status and DNA damage were observed and compared.

RESULTS

The significantly increase of lipid peroxidation, oxidized glutathione levels and DNA damage was observed in nicotine treated group as compared with control group; those were significantly reduced in CMC-EDBE-FA supplemented group. Moreover, significantly reduced antioxidant status in nicotine treated group was effectively ameliorated by the supplementation of CMC-EDBE-FA. Only CMC-EDBE-FA treated groups showed no significant change as compared with control group; rather than it repairs the tissue damage of nicotine treated group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that CMC-EDBE-FA is non-toxic and ameliorates nicotine-induced toxicity.

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles induced oxidative stress linked to activation of TNF-α/caspase-8/p38-MAPK signaling in human leukemia cells

The purpose of this study was to determine the intracellular signaling transduction pathways involved in oxidative stress induced by nanoparticles in cancer cells. Activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has some therapeutic benefits in arresting the growth of cancer cells. Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (CoO NPs) are an interesting compound for oxidative cancer therapy. Our results showed that CoO NPs elicited a significant (P <0.05) amount of ROS in cancer cells. Co-treatment with N-aceyltine cystine (an inhibitor of ROS) had a protective role in cancer cell death induced by CoO NPs. In cultured cells, the elevated level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was noted after CoO NPs treatment. This TNF-α persuaded activation of caspase-8 followed by phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and induced cell death. This study showed that CoO NPs induced oxidative stress and activated the signaling pathway of TNF-α-Caspase-8-p38-Caspase-3 to cancer cells.

Folate decorated delivery of self assembled betulinic acid nano fibers: a biocompatible anti-leukemic therapy

The study was aimed to develop folate receptor mediated delivery of self assembled betulinic acid nano fibers to leukemic cells and to investigate their mode of action.

Chitosan-modified cobalt oxide nanoparticles stimulate TNF-α-mediated apoptosis in human leukemic cells

The objective of this study was to develop chitosan-based delivery of cobalt oxide nanoparticles to human leukemic cells and investigate their specific induction of apoptosis. The physicochemical properties of the chitosan-coated cobalt oxide nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The solubility of chitosan-coated cobalt oxide nanoparticles was higher at acidic pH, which helps to release more cobalt ions into the medium. Chitosan-coated cobalt oxide nanoparticles showed good compatibility with normal cells. However, our results showed that exposure of leukemic cells (Jurkat cells) to chitosan-coated cobalt oxide nanoparticles caused an increase in reactive oxygen species generation that was abolished by pretreatment of cells with the reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine. The apoptosis of Jurkat cells was confirmed by flow-cytometric analysis. Induction of TNF-α secretion was observed from stimulation of Jurkat cells with chitosan-coated cobalt oxide nanoparticles. We also tested the role of TNF-α in the induction of Jurkat cell death in the presence of TNF-α and caspase inhibitors. Treatment of leukemic cells with a blocker had a greater effect on cancer cell viability. From our findings, oxidative stress and caspase activation are involved in cancer cell death induced by chitosan-coated cobalt oxide nanoparticles.

A novel chitosan based antimalarial drug delivery against Plasmodium berghei infection

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide that has attracted significant scientific interest during the last two decades and chitosan based nanodrug delivery systems seem to be a hopeful and viable strategy for improving disease treatment. This study aims to evaluate the potency of the polymer based nanochloroquine in application for attenuation of Plasmodium berghei infection in Swiss mice and effectiveness against the parasite induced oxidative stress and deoxyribo nucleic acid (DNA) damage in lymphocytes. Nanoparticle was prepared by ionotropic gelation between chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate. The chloroquine was treated by the actual drug content of effective nanochloroquine and the nanodrug was charged with its effective dose for fifteen days, after successive infection development in Swiss mice. Gimsa staining of thin smear and flow cytometry analysis was pursued to reveal the parasitemia. Different oxidative markers, inflammatory markers, antioxidant enzymes level and also lymphocytic deoxyribo nucleic acid damage study were performed. The present study reveals the potency of the nanodrug which has been found as more prospective than only chloroquine treatment to combat the parasite infection, oxidative stress as well as inflammation and DNA damage. From the study, we conclude this nanodrug may be applicable as potent therapeutic agent than only chloroquine.

In vitro time-dependent vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced free radical generation and status of antioxidant enzymes in murine peritoneal macrophage

Staphylococcus aureus is most frequently isolated pathogen causing bloodstream infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and pneumonia. The immune cells use reactive oxygen species (ROS) for carrying out their normal functions, while an excess amount of ROS can attack cellular components that lead to cell damage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the free radical generation and status of the antioxidant enzymes in murine peritoneal macrophage during in vitro vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) treatment with different time intervals. Peritoneal macrophages were treated with 5 × 10(6) colony-forming units (CFU)/mL VRSA cell suspension in vitro for different time intervals (1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h), and superoxide anion generation, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, nitric oxide (NO) generation, antioxidant enzyme status, and components of glutathione cycle were analyzed. Superoxide anion generation, NADPH oxidase activity, MPO activity, and NO generation got peak at 3 h indicates maximum free radical generation through activation of NADPH oxidase in murine peritoneal macrophages during VRSA infection. Reduced glutathione level, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase activity were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing time of VRSA infection. But the oxidized glutathione level was time-dependently increased significantly (P < 0.05) in murine peritoneal macrophages. All the changes in peritoneal macrophages after 3 h in vitro VRSA treatment had no significant difference. From this study, it may be summarized that in vitro VRSA infection not only generates excess free radical but also affects the antioxidant status and glutathione cycle in murine peritoneal macrophages.

Nitric oxide mediated Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis and protective role of nanoconjugated vancomycin

OBJECTIVE

To test the survival of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) inside lymphocyte that contributes to the pathogenesis of infection and possible anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effect of nanoconjugated vancomycin against in vivo S. aureus infection in a dose and duration dependent manner.

METHODS

5×10(6) CFU/mL vancomycin-sensitive S. aureus (VSSA) and vancomycin-resistive S. aureus (VRSA) were challenged in Swiss male mice for 3 days, 5 days, 10 days and 15 days, respectively. Bacteremia and inflammatory parameters were observed to evaluate the duration for development of VSSA and VRSA infection. 100 mg/kg bw/day and 500 mg/kg bw/day nanoconjugated vancomycin were administrated to VSSA and VRSA infected group for 5 days. Bacteremia, inflammatory parameters and oxidative stress related parameters were tested to observe the effective dose of nanoconjugated vancomycin against VSSA and VRSA infection. Nanoconjugated vancomycin was treated at a dose of 100 mg/kg bw/day and 500 mg/kg bw/day, respectively, to VSSA and VRSA infected group for successive 5 days, 10 days and 15 days. Bacteremia, inflammatory parameters and oxidative stress related parameters were observed to assess the effective duration of nanoconjugated vancomycin against VSSA and VRSA infection.

RESULTS

The result revealed that in vivo VSSA and VRSA infection developed after 5 days of challenge by elevating the NO generation in lymphocyte and serum inflammatory markers. Administration with nanoconjugated vancomycin to VSSA and VRSA infected group at a dose of 100 mg/kg bw/day and 500 mg/kg bw/day, respectively, for successive 10 days eliminated bacterimia, decreased NO generation in lymphocyte, serum inflammatory markers and increased antioxidant enzyme status.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest, in vivo challenge of VSSA and VRSA for 5 days can produce the highest degree of damage in lymphocyte which can be ameliorated by treatment with nanoconjugated vancomycin for 10 successive days.

Nanoconjugated vancomycin: new opportunities for the development of anti-VRSA agents

More than 90% of Staphylococcus strains are resistant to penicillin. In 1961 S. aureus developed resistance to methicillin (MRSA), invalidating almost all antibiotics, including the most potent beta-lactams. Vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, was used for the treatment of MRSA in 1980. Vancomycin inhibits the bio-synthesis of peptidoglycan and the assembly of NAM-NAG-polypeptide into the growing peptidoglycan chain. Vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA) first appeared in the USA in 2002. Folic acid tagged chitosan nanoparticles are used as Trojan horses to deliver vancomycin into bacterial cells. These nanoparticles are biocompatible and biodegradable semisynthetic polymers. These nanosized vehicles enhance the transport of vancomycin across epithelial surfaces and show its efficient drug action, which has been understood from studies of the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of nanoparticles of a chitosan derivative loaded with vancomycin. Tolerance values distinctly show that vancomycin loaded into nanoconjugate is very effective and has a strong bactericidal effect on VRSA.