DNA groove binder and significant cytotoxic activity on human colon cancer cells: Potential of a dimeric zinc (II) phthalocyanine derivative

The interaction of a multi-component system consisting of benzene-1,4-diyldimethanimine-bridged dimeric zinc-phthalocyanine groups (4OMPCZ) with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) was investigated using UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence emission spectroscopy methods, and viscosity measurements. The binding constant, K_b, which is an important parameter to gain information about the binding mode, was found as 9.7 × 10⁷ M^-1 from the UV-Vis absorption studies. Another important spectrophotometric tool is competitive displacement assays with Ethidium bromide and Hoechst 33342. Through this experiment, a higher K_SV value was obtained with Hoechst for the phthalocyanine derivative, 4OMPCZ, and the ct-DNA complex than with ethidium bromide. Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted to calculate the theoretical binding constant and visualize the interactions of 4OMPCZ with a model DNA. According to docking results, although the interactions are mainly located in the major groove of the DNA helix, due to the wrapping, these interactions can also be extended to the minor groove of the DNA. Spectrophotometric, molecular docking, and viscosity studies revealed that the interaction of 4OMPCZ with DNA is likely to be via the major and minor grooves. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of 4OMPCZ was evaluated by MTT assay on human colon cancer cells (HT29) after 72 h of treatment. 4OMPCZ indicated significant cytotoxic activity when stimulated with UV light compared to the standard chemotherapy drugs, fluorouracil (5-FU), and cisplatin on HT29 colon cancer cells. The IC₅₀ value of 4OMPCZ displayed considerably lower concentrations compared to the standard drugs, 5-FU, and cisplatin.

The evaluation of anticancer activity by synthesizing 5FU loaded albumin nanoparticles by exposure to UV light

In this study, as a new synthesis method, UV light was employed as a type of cross-linking agent to control drug storage and to produce nanoparticles of different sizes and to stabilize the nanoparticles for the first time. We showed that the exposure time of the 5FU albumin solution to UV light produces differences in the size and characterization of the nanoparticles and also produces different cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. While the 5FU-A1 nanoparticles we synthesized with 1 h UV storage were approximately 43 nm, the 5FU-A2 nanoparticles we synthesized with UV storage for 3 h increased to an average of 300 nm. 5FU-A1 (IC₅₀ value: 2.5 μg/mL) was approximately 16 times more cytotoxic than free 5FU (IC₅₀ value 39.39 μg/mL) on MCF-7 cancer cells. Moreover, when normal HUVEC cells are treated with 5FU-A1 at a concentration of 2.5 μg/mL, more than 80% of these normal cells remain viable. In addition, we examined the rate of early-to-late apoptosis and necrosis in MCF-7 cancer cells using the Annexin V/PI flow cytometry assay. According to our results, 5FU-A1 promoted the apoptosis pathway. Finally, we examined P-gp activity with MDR1/ABCB1 antibody by flow cytometry and Rhodamine123 with fluorescent dye.

New oxovanadium(IV) complexes overcame drug resistance and increased in vitro cytotoxicity by an apoptotic pathway in breast cancer cells

In order to examine the anticancer potential of oxovanadium(IV) complexes with thiosemicarbazone, two new complexes were prepared starting from 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone-S-methylthiosemicarbazone. The complexes with tetradentate thiosemicarbazone ligand were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ESI MS, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, was determined by MTT assay. Cisplatin was positive control and the results were compared with those of the normal cells, HUVEC and 3T3. The complexes exhibited greater activity on cancer cells than cisplatin, but they were cytotoxic at several times higher concentrations in the healthy cells. In our study, the presence of thiophene and fluoro groups in the oxovanadium(IV) complexes with thiosemicarbazone increased greatly the cytotoxic activity of the complexes on breast cancer cells. Moreover, the complexes induced apoptosis-mediated cell death and also reduced the expression of MDR-1 or P-glycoprotein and ABCG2. As a result, the findings indicated that the complexes have selective cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells and can overcome multidrug resistance. These properties of the complexes make it possible to be a potential anticancer drug candidate for breast cancer treatment.

Development and In Vitro Evaluation of Biocompatible PLA-Based Trilayer Nanofibrous Membranes for the Delivery of Nanoceria: A Novel Approach for Diabetic Wound Healing

The attempts to explore and optimize the efficiency of diabetic wound healing's promotors are still in progress. Incorporation of cerium oxide nanoparticles (nCeO2) in appropriate nanofibers (NFs) can prolong and maximize their promoting effect for the healing of diabetic wounds, through their sustained releases, as well as the nanofibers role in mimicking of the extra cellular matrix (ECM). The as-prepared nCeO2 were analyzed by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM and FTIR, where TEM and SEM images of both aqueous suspension and powder showed spherical/ovoid-shaped particles. Biodegradable trilayer NFs with cytobiocompatibility were developed to sandwich nCeO2 in PVA NFs as a middle layer where PLA NFs were electrospun as outer bilayer. The nCeO2-loaded trilayer NFs were characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR and DSC. A two-stage release behavior was observed when the nanoceria was released from the trilayer-based nanofibers; an initial burst release took place, and then it was followed by a sustained release pattern. The mouse embryo fibroblasts, i.e., 3T3 cells, were seeded over the nCeO2-loaded NFs mats to investigate their cyto-biocompatibility. The presence and sustained release of nCeO2 efficiently enhance the adhesion, growth and proliferation of the fibroblasts' populations. Moreover, the incorporation of nCeO2 with a higher amount into the designed trilayer NFs demonstrated a significant improvement in morphological, mechanical, thermal and cyto-biocompatibility properties than lower doses. Overall, the obtained results suggest that designated trilayer nanofibrous membranes would offer a specific approach for the treatment of diabetic wounds through an effective controlled release of nCeO2.

Spectrochemical and biochemical assay comparison study of the healing effect of the Aloe vera and Hypericum perforatum loaded nanofiber dressings on diabetic wound

Diabetic wounds have a slow healing process and easy to be infected. In addition to current drug treatments, supportive approaches are needed for diabetic wound treatment. In this study, we aimed to load Aloe Vera (AV) and Hypericum perforatum oil (HPO) with PCL/Ge (Poly (ɛ-caprolactone)/Gelatine) polymeric biodegradable by electrospinning method into nanofiber dressings on an experimental diabetic wound model to compare the diabetic wound healing effect. Changes in the amount and chemical structure of phospholipids, proteins, and lipids were investigated in the blood and serum samples of the animals using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. To evaluate biological events associated with the wound repair process in inflammatory phase we used oxidant and antioxidant status to determine the healing status of wounds such as Total antioxidant status (TAS), Total oxidant level (TOS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. TOS level increased in DM groups and decreased in the AV and HPO group. Oxidative stress index decreased and TNF-α level increased in the HPO group. FTIR spectra showed changes in the phospholipids, proteins, and carbon chain of lipids in the whole blood as well as serum of DM rats. FTIR spectra combined with Principal component analysis (PCA) showed, that treated DM rats by AV and HPO caused return chemical structure of blood and serum to this observed in control group. Higher similarity with control group for HPO rats was observed. HPO is better than AV in the alternative for healing on diabetic wound. Thus, we have demonstrated that IR spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis and biochemical assays are consistent and correlative with each other.

Biochemical assay and spectroscopic analysis of oxidative/antioxidative parameters in the blood and serum of substance use disorders patients. A methodological comparison study

Substance abuse such as opioids, cannabis, and alcohol causes activation on the immune system and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) into the blood and serum. These substances cause an effect on oxidant and antioxidant status in patients with substance abuse. Mainly, wide-open to the ROS are lipids and proteins included blood, which suffers peroxidation. In this study, for the first-time differentiation of the effects of cannabis, alcohol and other synthetic substances on blood and serum samples, were performed. For this purpose, the level of the malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in serum and red blood cells, was measured using biochemical assay methods and Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed, that peroxidation which is dignified as the production of MDA was increased for substance use disorder (SUD) patients (18.01 ± 2.97) compared to the control group (10.75 ± 2.28) (p < 0.001) and for antioxidant capacity, GSH level were significantly increased for SUD patients (p < 0.001). For the discrimination of protein and lipid region obtained from FTIR spectroscopy, we extracted features by principal component analyze (PCA) of protein (1800 cm^-1 to 900 cm^-1) and lipid (3200 cm^-1 to 2800 cm^-1) regions for blood and serum samples collected from patients with different types of SUD and healthy control (HC) participants. For the consideration of lipid oxidation, lipid saturation, lipid desaturation and protein aggregation the peak heights at 1740 cm^-1 to 2960 cm^-1, 2920 cm^-1 to 2960 cm^-1, 3012 cm^-1 to 2960 cm^-1, and 1630 cm^-1 to 1650 cm^-1 regions were studied for SUD and HC. Moreover, more visible changes were noticed for proteins region, than for lipids. The most notice structural changes were observed in amide II in serum spectra. Then we classified protein and lipid region's PCA results of blood and serum by Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and Support vector machine (SVM). Confidence of the specificity, sensitivity and accuracy of blood and serum were obtained as 100%, 100% and 100% individually. This is the first comparative study on the spectrochemical tool and biochemical assay on SUD. Our results presented 100% discrimination of disorder region compared to healthy subjects.

The interaction of light-activatable 2-thioxanthone thioacetic acid with ct-DNA and its cytotoxic activity: Novel theranostic agent

In this study, a thioxanthone derivative, 2-Thioxanthone Thioacetic Acid (TXSCH₂COOH) was used to analyze the type of binding to calf thymus DNA in a physiological buffer (Tris-HCl buffer solution, pH:7.0). Several spectroscopic techniques were employed including UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopy and viscosity measurements were also used to clarify the binding mode of TXSCH₂COOH to ct-DNA. The intrinsic binding constant Kb of TXSCH₂COOH-ct-DNA was found as 2.5 × 10³ M^-1 from the absorption studies. Increasing of fluorescence emission intensity was found approximately 74.4% by adding ct-DNA to the TXSCH₂COOH solution. Fluorescence microscopy was employed to display imaging of the TXSCH₂COOH-ct-DNA solution. Increasing of the iodide quenching effect was observed when TXSCH₂COOH was added to the double stranded DNA and the calculated quenching constants of TXSCH₂COOH and TXSCH₂COOH-ct-DNA were found to be 1.89 × 10³ M^-1 and 1.19 × 10⁴ M^-1, respectively. Additionally, the iodide quenching experiment was conducted with single stranded DNA which led to a high Ksv value. All the experimental results including the viscosity values of ct-DNA with TXSCH₂COOH demonstrated that the binding of TXSCH₂COOH to ct-DNA was most likely groove binding. Furthermore, TXSCH₂COOH was found to be an A-T rich minor groove binder. This was confirmed by the displacement assays with Hoechst 33258 compared to Ethidium Bromide. The in vitro cytotoxic activity measurements were performed by MTT assay on HT29 cell line for 72 h. TXSCH₂COOH exhibited notable cytotoxic activities compared to the standard chemotherapy drugs, fluorouracil (5-FU), cisplatin in tumorigenic HT29 cell line. The 50% growth-inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for TXSCH₂COOH was 19,8 μg/mL while 5-FU and cisplatin were 28.9 μg/mL, 20 μg/mL, respectively. The increase in cytotoxic effect when TXSCH₂COOH is activated by light indicates the potential of being theranostic cancer drug candidate.

Characterization and Isolation of Very Small Embryonic-like (VSEL) Stem Cells Obtained from Various Human Hematopoietic Cell Sources

Stem cell transplantation is one of the available treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, hereditary blood diseases and bone marrow failure. Bone marrow (BM), peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC), and cord blood (CB) are the predominant sources of stem cells. Recently a new type of stem cell with a pluripotent potential has been identified. These cells were named "very small embryonic like stem cells (VSELs)". It is claimed that VSEL stem cells can be found in adult BM, peripheral blood (PB), CB and other body tissues. This study is designed to characterize and isolate VSEL stem cells from different human hematopoietic sources; CB, PB and apheresis material (PBPC). VSEL stem cells were isolated from MNC and erythrocyte layers for all materials by using centrifugation and ficoll gradient method. We determined embryonic markers by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and western blotting methods. Results from western blotting and immunofluorescence show high level of NANOG and OCT4 protein expression in PB, apheresis material and CB. Immunofluorescence images showed cytoplasmic and nuclear presence of these proteins. Flow cytometry results exhibited a higher expression of VSELs markers on debris area than CD45- population and higher expression on CB than PB. As a result, these findings have shown that it is necessary to investigate the function of pluripotent stem cell markers in differentiated adult cells. We further conclude that erythrocyte lysis method had the highest cell recovery amount among erythrocyte lysis and ficoll gradient methods. Consequently, this study gives us new information and viewpoints about expression of pluripotent stem cell (PSC) markers in adult tissues.

Comparative Study on the Anticancer Drug Potential of a Lectin Purified from Aloe Vera and Aloe-Emodin

Background:

The effect of Aloctin, a lectin purified from Aloe vera leaves, and aloe emodin an anthraquinone glycoside purified from the leaves of the same plant, on several cancer cell lines was investigated.

Methods:

Aloctin was isolated from A. vera leaf skin by ammonium sulphate precipitation and CNBr-Sepharose 4B-ovalbumin affinity chromatography. Specific new ligands for Aloctin were detected as fetuin and avidin by hemagglutination inhibition tests. The cytotoxic effect of Aloctin and aloe emodin on various human cancer cell lines was tested using MTT assay. Imatinib was tested as standard positive control. The mechanism underlying was tested by the Annexin V-FITC/PI test, with flow cytometry.

Results:

The most sensitive cells to Aloctin and aloe emodin treatment, were identified as AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. The effect was concentration dependent. It was shown that this effect does not occur by apoptosis or necrosis. In Aloctin-imatinib combinations studies, Aloctin significantly increased the cytotoxic effect of imatinib in a dose-dependent manner. It is expected that the results of this study will reveal important findings for the future use of A. vera lectin as well as aloe emodin in cancer research and contribution to lectin biochemistry.

Cu(ii) salen and 1,2,4-triazole complexes from thiosemicarbazone: synthesis, physicochemical and structural properties and cytotoxic activities

The complexes were synthesized from reaction of salicylaldehydethiosemicarbazone and ethylenediamine in the presence of CuCl₂.

Silver nanoparticle/capecitabine for breast cancer cell treatment

This study aimed to evaluate antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of Capecitabine bonded silver particles on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Different sizes of Ag NPs (in sizes 5, 10, 15, 30 nm) were synthesized. The characterization of silver and drug-bonded silver nanoparticles was performed through UV-VIS, FTIR, and SEM analysis. Silver and drug-bonded silver nanoparticles were measured by zetasizer. Antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of capecitabine, silver and drug-bonded silver nanoparticles were evaluated using XTT, Anneksin V, respectively. According to the results, silver nanoparticles of 10 nm size have shown the lowest toxic effect. Drug-bonded nanoparticles significantly increased the number of early and late apoptotic cells on MCF-7 cells.

Protective effects of cytokine combinations against the apoptotic activity of glucocorticoids on CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells

Haematopoietic stem cells can self-renew and produce progenitor cells, which have a high proliferation capacity. Chemotherapeutic drugs are toxic to normal cells as well as cancer cells, and glucocorticoids (GCs), which are essential drugs for many chemotherapeutic protocols, efficiently induce apoptosis not only in malignant cells but also in normal haematopoietic cells. Studies have shown that haematopoietic cytokines can prevent the apoptosis induced by chemotherapy and decrease the toxic effects of these drugs. However, the apoptosis induction mechanism of GCs in CD34⁺ haematopoietic cells and the anti-apoptotic effects of cytokines have not been well elucidated. In this study, we investigated the apoptotic effects of GCs on CD34⁺, a haematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) population, and demonstrated the protective effects of haematopoietic cytokines. We used a cytokine cocktail containing early-acting cytokines, namely, interleukin-3 (IL-3), thrombopoietin, stem cell factor and flt3/flk2 ligand, and dexamethasone and prednisolone were used as GCs. Apoptotic mechanisms were assessed by immunohistochemical staining and quantified using H-scoring. Dexamethasone and prednisolone induced apoptosis in CD34⁺ HSPCs. GC treatment caused a significant increase in apoptotic Fas, caspase-3, cytochrome c and Bax, but a significant decrease in anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. Furthermore, as expected, cytokines caused a significant decrease in all apoptotic markers and a significant increase in Bcl-2. Thus, our findings suggest that CD34⁺ HSPCs are an extremely sensitive target for GCs and that cytokines protect these cells from GC-induced apoptosis.

Cellular interactions with bacterial cellulose: Polycaprolactone nanofibrous scaffolds produced by a portable electrohydrodynamic gun for point-of-need wound dressing

Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds are promising regenerative wound dressing options but have yet to be widely used in practice. The challenge is that nanofibre productions rely on bench-top apparatuses, and the delicate product integrity is hard to preserve before reaching the point of need. Timing is critically important to wound healing. The purpose of this investigation is to produce novel nanofibrous scaffolds using a portable, hand-held "gun", which enables production at the wound site in a time-dependent fashion, thereby preserving product integrity. We select bacterial cellulose, a natural hydrophilic biopolymer, and polycaprolactone, a synthetic hydrophobic polymer, to generate composite nanofibres that can tune the scaffold hydrophilicity, which strongly affects cell proliferation. Composite scaffolds made of 8 different ratios of bacterial cellulose and polycaprolactone were successfully electrospun. The morphological features and cell-scaffold interactions were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. The biocompatibility was studied using Saos-2 cell viability test. The scaffolds were found to show good biocompatibility and allow different proliferation rates that varied with the composition of the scaffolds. A nanofibrous dressing that can be accurately moulded and standardised via the portable technique is advantageous for wound healing in practicality and in its consistency through mass production.

The effects of 17β-estradiol on blood brain barrier integrity in the absence of the estrogen receptor alpha; an in-vitro model

The blood-brain barrier (BBB), which saves the brain from toxic substances, is formed by endothelial cells. It is mainly composed of tight junction (TJ) proteins existing between endothelial cells. Estrogen is an important regulatory hormone of BBB permeability. It protects the BBB before menopause, but may increase BBB permeability with aging. In addition, nitric oxide modulates BBB permeability. Alcohol impairs the integrity of the BBB with oxidants and inflammatory mediators such as iNOS. We investigated the effects of estrogen on BBB integrity in an in vitro BBB model created with ERα-free HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial-like cells) to mimics the menopausal period. In vitro BBB model is created with HUVEC/C6 (rat glioma cells) co-culture. The effect of 17β-estradiol on ethanol-induced BBB disruption and change/or increase of iNOS activity, which modulate BBB integrity, were evaluated. Inducibility and functionality of BBB were investigated using transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the expression of proteins TJ proteins (occludin and claudin-1) and iNOS activity by immunostaining. Our results revealed that 17β-estradiol treatment before and after ethanol decrease expression of occludin and claudin-1 and value of TEER which are BBB disrupt indicators. In addition, ethanol and 17β-estradiol separately and pre- and post-ethanol 17β-estradiol treatment increased iNOS expression. Thus our study suggests caution in the use of 17β-estradiol after menopause because 17β-estradiol at this time may both increase the inflammatory process as well as damage the BBB. We think that beneficial effects of 17β-estradiol may be through ERα but it needs further studies.

Fabrication of naturel pumice/hydroxyapatite composite for biomedical engineering

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the Bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA) structure. BHA powder was admixed with 5 and 10 wt% natural pumice (NP). Compression strength, Vickers micro hardness, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction studies were performed on the final NP-BHA composite products. The cells proliferation was investigated by MTT assay and SEM. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of NP-BHA samples was interrogated.

RESULTS

Variances in the sintering temperature (for 5 wt% NP composites) between 1000 and 1300 °C, reveal about 700 % increase in the microhardness (~100 and 775 HV, respectively). Composites prepared at 1300 °C demonstrate the greatest compression strength with comparable result for 5 wt% NP content (87 MPa), which are significantly better than those for 10 wt% and those that do not include any NP (below 60 MPa, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The results suggested the optimal parameters for the preparation of NP-BHA composites with increased mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Changes in micro-hardness and compression strength can be tailored by the tuning the NP concentration and sintering temperature. NP-BHA composites have demonstrated a remarkable potential for biomedical engineering applications such as bone graft and implant.

Decreased IFN-γ and IL-12 levels in panic disorder

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the measures of proinflammatory cytokines in patients with panic disorder in comparison with the healthy subjects.

METHODS

Twenty three patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia and twenty three controls were recruited for the study. Plasma samples of all subjects were analyzed for TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-12 concentrations and NK-cell activity is measured in the peripheral blood samples of the subjects.

RESULTS

We found significant differences on the mean values of IL-12 (p=0.01) and IFN-γ (p=0.02) between the panic disorder and control groups. In a logistic regression analysis, IFN-γ values were significant statistical predictors of the presence of panic disorder (B=-0.07, SE=0.03, p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

The most important implication of our results is to suggest a relation between panic disorder and low levels of IFN-γ, compatible with the results of the animal studies showing that IFN-γ plays a role by acting to regulate the development of anxiety-like behaviors.

Preparation of collagen modified photopolymers: a new type of biodegradable gel for cell growth

In this study a new branched methacrylated poly(propylene glycol-co-lactic acid) (PPG-PLA-IEM) and methacrylated cellulose acetate butyrate resin (CAB-IEM) were synthesized. Hydrogels with various amounts of PPG-PLA-IEM and CAB-IEM (25, 50 and 75 wt% IEM modified) were prepared by photopolymerization. Collagen tethered PEG-monoacrylate (PEGMA-collagen) was prepared and introduced as a bioactive moiety to modify the hydrogel in order to enhance cell affinity. In vitro attachment and growth of 3T3 mouse fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) on the hydrogels with and without collagen were also investigated. It was observed that, the collagen improves the cell adhesion onto the hydrogel surface. With the increasing amount of collagen, cell viability increased by 28% for ECV304 (P < 0.05) and 30% for 3T3 (P < 0.05).

Cytotoxic effects of leaf, stem and root extracts of Nerium oleander on leukemia cell lines and role of the p-glycoprotein in this effect

Nerium oleander (No), is a toxic plant. In recent studies, it was determined that the extracts of this plant are effective to treat some types of cancer, but these studies are limited and do not include human leukemia. In the present study, firstly we aimed to investigate in vitro the cytotoxic effects of No on the HL60 and K562 leukemia cell lines. The cells were incubated with six different concentrations of each three extracts. MTT assay was employed as a cytotoxicity test. It was observed that concentrations of 1000, 500 and 50 microg/ml from each extract possess marked antileukemic effects. No leaf and root extracts were seen to be more cytotoxic than the stem extract according to LC50. Secondly, in order to understand the role of P-gp in cytotoxicity, P-gp levels of K562 resistant and sensitive cells were measured by flow cytometry before treatment extracts, and then, the cells were incubated with No leaf, stem and root extracts in 500 microg/ml concentrations overnight. After incubation, measurements showed decreased levels of P-gp in the cells. Hence, it is possible to think contributes to their cytotoxic effects that inhibiting of the P-gp pump by No extracts on leukemia cell lines.