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Kovacheva E, Gevezova M, Maes M, Sarafian V. The mast cells - Cytokines axis in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuropharmacology 2024; 249:109890. [PMID: 38431049 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disturbance, diagnosed in early childhood. It is associated with varying degrees of dysfunctional communication and social skills, repetitive and stereotypic behaviors. Regardless of the constant increase in the number of diagnosed patients, there are still no established treatment schemes in global practice. Many children with ASD have allergic symptoms, often in the absence of mast cell (MC) positive tests. Activation of MCs may release molecules related to inflammation and neurotoxicity, which contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD. The aim of the present paper is to enrich the current knowledge regarding the relationship between MCs and ASD by providing PPI network analysis-based data that reveal key molecules and immune pathways associated with MCs in the pathogenesis of autism. Network and enrichment analyzes were performed using receptor information and secreted molecules from activated MCs identified in ASD patients. Our analyses revealed cytokines and key marker molecules for MCs degranulation, molecular pathways of key mediators released during cell degranulation, as well as various receptors. Understanding the relationship between ASD and the activation of MCs, as well as the involved molecules and interactions, is important for elucidating the pathogenesis of ASD and developing effective future treatments for autistic patients by discovering new therapeutic target molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Kovacheva
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Michael Maes
- Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China; Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610072, China; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand; Cognitive Fitness and Technology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
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Kazakova M, Ivanova T, Dikov D, Molander D, Simitchiev K, Sbirkov Y, Dzhambov AM, Sarafian V. Strong YKL-40 expression in the invasive tumor front of colorectal cancer-A pilot study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27570. [PMID: 38495157 PMCID: PMC10940939 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Тhe poor prognosis of patients initially diagnosed at an advanced stage of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the heterogeneity within the same tumor stage define the need for additional predictive biomarkers. Tumor buds are proposed as a poor prognostic factor for CRC, however, they are still not implemented into routine pathology reporting. In turn, the chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) also known as YKL-40, is regarded as a candidate circulating biomarker and therapeutic target in CRC. The aim of our study was to investigate tissue YKL-40 localization and tumor budding in CRC. Thirty-one CRC patients and normal colonic tissues were examined. The correlation between YKL-40 levels, tumor budding and clinocopathological parameters was evaluated by polychoric correlation analysis. The immunohistochemical assessment revealed high YKL-40 expression in CRC in contrast to normal mucosa. Specifically, intense YKL-40 staining was detected in the front of tumor invasion compared with tumor parenchyma and noncancerous tissue. We present novel data for increased YKL-40 expression in tumor buds within the front of tumor invasion. We assume that the combination of this morphological parameter with the tissue level of the pleotropic YKL-40 glycoprotein could serve as a future prognostic biomarker for CRC stratification and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University- Plovdiv, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetomira Ivanova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University- Plovdiv, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Dorian Dikov
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Grand Hospital de l'Este Francilien, Medical Faculty, Jossigny, 77600, France
| | - Diana Molander
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University- Plovdiv, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Kiril Simitchiev
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Computer Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University- Plovdiv, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Angel M. Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University- Plovdiv, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
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3
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Kovacheva E, Gevezova M, Maes M, Sarafian V. Mast Cells in Autism Spectrum Disorder-The Enigma to Be Solved? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2651. [PMID: 38473898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disturbance of neurodevelopment with a complicated pathogenesis and unidentified etiology. Many children with ASD have a history of "allergic symptoms", often in the absence of mast cell (MC)-positive tests. Activation of MCs by various stimuli may release molecules related to inflammation and neurotoxicity, contributing to the development of ASD. The aim of the present paper is to enrich the current knowledge on the relationship between MCs and ASD by discussing key molecules and immune pathways associated with MCs in the pathogenesis of autism. Cytokines, essential marker molecules for MC degranulation and therapeutic targets, are also highlighted. Understanding the relationship between ASD and the activation of MCs, as well as the involved molecules and interactions, are the main points contributing to solving the enigma. Key molecules, associated with MCs, may provide new insights to the discovery of drug targets for modeling inflammation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Kovacheva
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Michael Maes
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610072, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Cognitive Fitness and Technology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Mihaylova V, Kazakova M, Batalov Z, Karalilova R, Batalov A, Sarafian V. JAK inhibitors improve ATP production and mitochondrial function in rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:57-65. [PMID: 37985499 PMCID: PMC10766792 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05501-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease associated by inflammation of the synovial tissue and autoantibody production. Oxidative stress and free radicals are known to be indirectly implicated in joint damage and cartilage destruction in RA. Several studies describe the presence of mitochondrial dysfunction in RA, but few of them follow the dynamics in energy parameters after therapy. The aim of our investigation is to evaluate the direct effect of JAK inhibitors on cellular metabolism (and under induced oxidative stress) in RA patients. Ten newly diagnosed RA patients were included in the study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma were isolated before and 6 months after therapy with JAK inhibitors. A real-time metabolic analysis was performed to assess mitochondrial function and cell metabolism in PBMCs. Sonographic examination, DAS28 and conventional clinical laboratory parameters were determined also prior and post therapy. A significant decrease in proton leak after therapy with JAK inhibitors was found. The increased production of ATP indicates improvement of cellular bioenergetics status. These findings could be related to the catalytic action of JAK inhibitors on oxidative phosphorylation which corresponds to the amelioration of clinical and ultra-sonographic parameters after treatment. Our study is the first to establish the dynamics of mitochondrial parameters in PBMCs from RA patients before and after in vivo therapy with JAK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Mihaylova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
- Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Zguro Batalov
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Diseases, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital "Kaspela", Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Rositsa Karalilova
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Diseases, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital "Kaspela", Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Anastas Batalov
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Diseases, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital "Kaspela", Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Gevezova M, Kazakova M, Trenova A, Sarafian V. YKL-40 and the Cellular Metabolic Profile in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16297. [PMID: 38003487 PMCID: PMC10671493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. A growing body of evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation play a crucial role as a pathogenetic mechanism in PD. The glycoprotein YKL-40 (CHI3L1) is a potential biomarker involved in inflammation and tumor processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the metabolic profile of PBMCs from PD patients and to search for a possible relationship between cellular bioenergetics and YKL-40. The study included 18 naïve PD patients and an age-matched control group (HC, n = 7). Patients were diagnosed according to the MDS-PD, the UPDRS, and the Hoen-Yahr scales. Mitochondrial activity was measured by a metabolic analyzer on isolated PBMCs from PD patients. Gene (qPCR) and protein (ELISA) expression levels of YKL40 were investigated. New data are reported revealing changes in the mitochondrial activity and YKL-40 levels in PD patients. Bioenergetic parameters showed increased respiratory reserve capacity in PD compared to HC. The protein levels of YKL-40 were threefold higher in PD. We found a correlation between the YKL-40 protein levels and basal respiration and between YKL-40 and ATP production. These observations suggest an interplay between YKL-40 and mitochondrial function in PD. We assume that the YKL-40 gene and protein levels in combination with changes in mitochondrial function might serve as an additional tool to monitor the clinical course of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.G.); (V.S.)
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.G.); (V.S.)
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Anastasia Trenova
- Department of Neurology, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
- University Hospital “Kaspela”, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.G.); (V.S.)
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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McGuckin C, Forraz N, Milet C, Lacroix M, Sbirkov Y, Sarafian V, Ebel C, Spindler A, Koerper V, Balloul JM, Quéméneur E, Zaupa C. World's First Long-Term Colorectal Cancer Model by 3D Bioprinting as a Mechanism for Screening Oncolytic Viruses. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4724. [PMID: 37835418 PMCID: PMC10571882 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term modelization of cancer as it changes in the human body is a difficult goal, particularly when designing and testing new therapeutic strategies. This becomes even more difficult with metastasis modeling to show chemotherapeutic molecule delivery directly to tumoral cells. Advanced therapeutics, including oncolytic viruses, antibody-based and cell-based therapies are increasing. The question is, are screening tests also evolving? Next-generation therapeutics need equally advanced screening tests, which whilst difficult to achieve, are the goal of our work here, creating models of micro- and macrotumors using 3D bioprinting. We developed advanced colorectal cancer tumor processing techniques to provide options for cellular expansion, microtumor printing, and long-term models, which allow for the evaluation of the kinetics of penetration testing, therapeutic success, targeted therapies, and personalized medicine. We describe how we tested tumors from a primary colorectal patient and, applying 3D bioprinting, matured long-term models for oncolytic metastatic screening. Three-dimensional microtumors were kept alive for the longest time ever recorded in vitro, allowing longitudinal studies, screening of oncolytic viruses and realistic modelization of colorectal cancer. These 3D bioprinted models were maintained for around 6 months and were able to demonstrate the effective delivery of a product to the tumoral environment and represent a step forward in therapeutic screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin McGuckin
- CTIPharma Department, Cell Therapy Research Institute, CTIBIOTECH, Bat A16, 5 Avenue Lionel Terray, Meyzieu, 69330 Lyon, France; (N.F.); (C.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Nico Forraz
- CTIPharma Department, Cell Therapy Research Institute, CTIBIOTECH, Bat A16, 5 Avenue Lionel Terray, Meyzieu, 69330 Lyon, France; (N.F.); (C.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Clément Milet
- CTIPharma Department, Cell Therapy Research Institute, CTIBIOTECH, Bat A16, 5 Avenue Lionel Terray, Meyzieu, 69330 Lyon, France; (N.F.); (C.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Mathieu Lacroix
- CTIPharma Department, Cell Therapy Research Institute, CTIBIOTECH, Bat A16, 5 Avenue Lionel Terray, Meyzieu, 69330 Lyon, France; (N.F.); (C.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology and Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (Y.S.); (V.S.)
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology and Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (Y.S.); (V.S.)
| | - Caroline Ebel
- Transgene, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, 67400 Strasbourg, France; (C.E.); (A.S.); (V.K.); (J.-M.B.); (E.Q.); (C.Z.)
| | - Anita Spindler
- Transgene, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, 67400 Strasbourg, France; (C.E.); (A.S.); (V.K.); (J.-M.B.); (E.Q.); (C.Z.)
| | - Véronique Koerper
- Transgene, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, 67400 Strasbourg, France; (C.E.); (A.S.); (V.K.); (J.-M.B.); (E.Q.); (C.Z.)
| | - Jean-Marc Balloul
- Transgene, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, 67400 Strasbourg, France; (C.E.); (A.S.); (V.K.); (J.-M.B.); (E.Q.); (C.Z.)
| | - Eric Quéméneur
- Transgene, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, 67400 Strasbourg, France; (C.E.); (A.S.); (V.K.); (J.-M.B.); (E.Q.); (C.Z.)
| | - Cécile Zaupa
- Transgene, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, 67400 Strasbourg, France; (C.E.); (A.S.); (V.K.); (J.-M.B.); (E.Q.); (C.Z.)
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Gevezova M, Sbirkov Y, Sarafian V, Plaimas K, Suratanee A, Maes M. Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) - Gene, molecular and pathway signatures linking systemic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, transsynaptic signalling, and neurodevelopment. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 30:100646. [PMID: 37334258 PMCID: PMC10275703 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite advances in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research and the vast genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data available, there are still controversies regarding the pathways and molecular signatures underlying the neurodevelopmental disorders leading to ASD. Purpose To delineate these underpinning signatures, we examined the two largest gene expression meta-analysis datasets obtained from the brain and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 1355 ASD patients and 1110 controls. Methods We performed network, enrichment, and annotation analyses using the differentially expressed genes, transcripts, and proteins identified in ASD patients. Results Transcription factor network analyses in up- and down-regulated genes in brain tissue and PBMCs in ASD showed eight main transcription factors, namely: BCL3, CEBPB, IRF1, IRF8, KAT2A, NELFE, RELA, and TRIM28. The upregulated gene networks in PBMCs of ASD patients are strongly associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways, including interferon-α signaling, and cellular responses to DNA repair. Enrichment analyses of the upregulated CNS gene networks indicate involvement of immune-inflammatory pathways, cytokine production, Toll-Like Receptor signalling, with a major involvement of the PI3K-Akt pathway. Analyses of the downregulated CNS genes suggest electron transport chain dysfunctions at multiple levels. Network topological analyses revealed that the consequent aberrations in axonogenesis, neurogenesis, synaptic transmission, and regulation of transsynaptic signalling affect neurodevelopment with subsequent impairments in social behaviours and neurocognition. The results suggest a defense response against viral infection. Conclusions Peripheral activation of immune-inflammatory pathways, most likely induced by viral infections, may result in CNS neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to abnormalities in transsynaptic transmission, and brain neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kitiporn Plaimas
- Advanced Virtual and Intelligent Computing (AVIC) Center, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Apichat Suratanee
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand
| | - Michael Maes
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Aghiorghiesei O, Irimie AI, Braicu C, Raduly L, Nutu A, Balint E, Mehterov N, Vladimirov B, Sarafian V, Lucaciu O, Campian R, Berindan-Neagoe I. Epigenetic methylation changes: implication as biomarkers in oral and maxillofacial area cancers. Med Pharm Rep 2023; 96:310-317. [PMID: 37577021 PMCID: PMC10419680 DOI: 10.15386/mpr-2570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent cancer of the head and neck area in the oral cavity. Epigenetic alterations in oral and maxillofacial area cancers are urgently needed to be investigated, as the observed changes might have crucial diagnostic value for personalized medicine. Methods Our study aimed to identify the most frequently hypermethylated tumor suppressor gene promoters in OSCC, followed by correlation analysis with the patients' survival. We evaluated the methylation status of the promoters in a panel of 22 tumor suppressor genes in Romanian (n=9) and Bulgarian (n=12) patient groups suffering from oral and maxillofacial area cancers. The extracted DNA was further digested through EpiTect Methyl II PCR Array System containing methylation-sensitive and methylation-dependent restriction enzymes, followed by specific amplification of the products obtained by qPCR and data analysis using the online platform provided by the producer. Results Different methylation patterns were observed in the tumor suppressor genes' promoters. Among them, the methylation profile of Cccnd2, Chd1, Cdh13, Cdkn1c, Neurog1, Gstp1, and Runx3 genes further correlated with overall survival rates. Conclusions Our data emphasize that epigenetic alterations are responsible for the clinical heterogeneity of oral and maxillofacial area cancers and significantly impact on patient survival. Additional investigation on a larger patient cohort should validate these potential biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidiu Aghiorghiesei
- Department of Oral Health, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Dental Materials, Division Dental Propaedeutics, Aesthetic, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Iulia Irimie
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Dental Materials, Division Dental Propaedeutics, Aesthetic, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lajos Raduly
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Nutu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Emilia Balint
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Boyan Vladimirov
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital St. George, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ondine Lucaciu
- Department of Preventive Dental Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Radu Campian
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Ivanova T, Mariienko Y, Mehterov N, Kazakova M, Sbirkov Y, Todorova K, Hayrabedyan S, Sarafian V. Autophagy and SARS-CoV-2-Old Players in New Games. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7734. [PMID: 37175443 PMCID: PMC10178552 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
At present it is well-defined that autophagy is a fundamental process essential for cell life but its pro-viral and anti-viral role has been stated out with the COVID pandemic. However, viruses in turn have evolved diverse adaptive strategies to cope with autophagy driven host defense, either by blocking or hijacking the autophagy machinery for their own benefit. The mechanisms underlying autophagy modulation are presented in the current review which summarizes the accumulated knowledge on the crosstalk between autophagy and viral infections, with a particular emphasizes on SARS-CoV-2. The different types of autophagy related to infections and their molecular mechanisms are focused in the context of inflammation. In particular, SARS-CoV-2 entry, replication and disease pathogenesis are discussed. Models to study autophagy and to formulate novel treatment approaches and pharmacological modulation to fight COVID-19 are debated. The SARS-CoV-2-autophagy interplay is presented, revealing the complex dynamics and the molecular machinery of autophagy. The new molecular targets and strategies to treat COVID-19 effectively are envisaged. In conclusion, our finding underline the importance of development new treatment strategies and pharmacological modulation of autophagy to fight COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsvetomira Ivanova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yuliia Mariienko
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Krassimira Todorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Soren Hayrabedyan
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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10
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Shopova D, Yaneva A, Bakova D, Mihaylova A, Kasnakova P, Hristozova M, Sbirkov Y, Sarafian V, Semerdzhieva M. (Bio)printing in Personalized Medicine—Opportunities and Potential Benefits. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10030287. [PMID: 36978678 PMCID: PMC10045778 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10030287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The global development of technologies now enters areas related to human health, with a transition from conventional to personalized medicine that is based to a significant extent on (bio)printing. The goal of this article is to review some of the published scientific literature and to highlight the importance and potential benefits of using 3D (bio)printing techniques in contemporary personalized medicine and also to offer future perspectives in this research field. The article is prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases were used in the literature search. Six authors independently performed the search, study selection, and data extraction. This review focuses on 3D bio(printing) in personalized medicine and provides a classification of 3D bio(printing) benefits in several categories: overcoming the shortage of organs for transplantation, elimination of problems due to the difference between sexes in organ transplantation, reducing the cases of rejection of transplanted organs, enhancing the survival of patients with transplantation, drug research and development, elimination of genetic/congenital defects in tissues and organs, and surgery planning and medical training for young doctors. In particular, we highlight the benefits of each 3D bio(printing) applications included along with the associated scientific reports from recent literature. In addition, we present an overview of some of the challenges that need to be overcome in the applications of 3D bioprinting in personalized medicine. The reviewed articles lead to the conclusion that bioprinting may be adopted as a revolution in the development of personalized, medicine and it has a huge potential in the near future to become a gold standard in future healthcare in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dobromira Shopova
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +359-887417078
| | - Antoniya Yaneva
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biostatistics and eLearning, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Desislava Bakova
- Department of Healthcare Management, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Anna Mihaylova
- Department of Healthcare Management, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Petya Kasnakova
- Department of Healthcare Management, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Hristozova
- Department of Healthcare Management, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Mariya Semerdzhieva
- Department of Healthcare Management, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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11
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Mehterov N, Sacconi A, Pulito C, Vladimirov B, Haralanov G, Pazardjikliev D, Nonchev B, Berindan-Neagoe I, Blandino G, Sarafian V. A novel panel of clinically relevant miRNAs signature accurately differentiates oral cancer from normal mucosa. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1072579. [PMID: 36531016 PMCID: PMC9753689 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1072579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although a considerable body of knowledge has been accumulated regarding the early diagnosis and treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), its survival rates have not improved over the last decades. Thus, deciphering the molecular mechanisms governing oral cancer will support the development of even better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Previous studies have linked aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) with the development of OSCC. METHODS We combined bioinformatical and molecular methods to identify miRNAs with possible clinical significance as biomarkers in OSCC. A set of 10 miRNAs were selected via an in silico approach by analysing the 3'untranslated regions (3'UTRs) of cancer-related mRNAs such as FLRT2, NTRK3, and SLC8A1, TFCP2L1 and etc. RT-qPCR was used to compare the expression of in silico identified miRNAs in OSCC and normal tissues (n=32). RESULTS Among the screened miRNAs, miR-21-5p (p < 0.0001), miR-93-5p (p < 0.0197), miR-146b-5p (p <0.0012), miR-155-5p (p < 0.0001), miR-182-5p (p < 0.0001) were significantly overexpressed, whereas miR-133b (p < 0.05) was significantly downregulated in OSCC tissues, a scenario confirmed in two additional OSCC validation cohorts: Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRE cohort, N=74) and The Cancer Genome Atlas Data Portal (TCGA cohort, N=354). Initial stage tumors (T1, T2) expressed significantly higher levels of miR-133b (p < 0.0004) compared to more advanced ones (T3, T4). Also, we identified miR-93-5p (p < 0.0003), miR-133b (p < 0.0017) and miR-155-5p (p < 0.0004) as correlated with HPV-induced OSCC. The high expression of these 6 miRNAs as a signature predicted shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and could efficiently distinguish OSCC cases from healthy controls with areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.91 with sensitivity and specificity of 0.98 and 0.6, respectively. Further target identification analysis revealed enrichment of genes involved in FOXO, longevity, glycan biosynthesis and p53 cancer-related signaling pathways. Also, the selected targets were underexpressed in OSCC tissues and showed clinical significance related to overall survival (OS) and DFS. DISCUSSION Our results demonstrate that a novel panel consisting of miR-21-5p, miR-93-5p, miR-133b, miR-146b-5p, miR-155-5p and miR-182-5p could be used as OSCC-specific molecular signature with diagnostic and prognostic significance related to OS and DFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- UOSD Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Pulito
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Boyan Vladimirov
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Georgi Haralanov
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Boyan Nonchev
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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12
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Minchev D, Kazakova M, Sarafian V. Neuroinflammation and Autophagy in Parkinson's Disease-Novel Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314997. [PMID: 36499325 PMCID: PMC9735607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized by the accumulation of α-Synuclein aggregates and the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra in the midbrain. Although the exact mechanisms of neuronal degeneration in PD remain largely elusive, various pathogenic factors, such as α-Synuclein cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory factors, may significantly impair normal neuronal function and promote apoptosis. In this context, neuroinflammation and autophagy have emerged as crucial processes in PD that contribute to neuronal loss and disease development. They are regulated in a complex interconnected manner involving most of the known PD-associated genes. This review summarizes evidence of the implication of neuroinflammation and autophagy in PD and delineates the role of inflammatory factors and autophagy-related proteins in this complex condition. It also illustrates the particular significance of plasma and serum immune markers in PD and their potential to provide a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danail Minchev
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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13
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De Robertis M, Greco MR, Cardone RA, Mazza T, Marzano F, Mehterov N, Kazakova M, Belev N, Tullo A, Pesole G, Sarafian V, Signori E. Upregulation of YKL-40 Promotes Metastatic Phenotype and Correlates with Poor Prognosis and Therapy Response in Patients with Colorectal Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223568. [PMID: 36428997 PMCID: PMC9688424 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
YKL-40 is a heparin- and chitin-binding glycoprotein that belongs to the family of glycosyl hydrolases but lacks enzymatic properties. It affects different (patho)physiological processes, including cancer. In different tumors, YKL-40 gene overexpression has been linked to higher cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and vasculogenic mimicry, migration, and invasion. Because, in colorectal cancer (CRC), the serological YKL-40 level may serve as a risk predictor and prognostic biomarker, we investigated the underlying mechanisms by which it may contribute to tumor progression and the clinical significance of its tissue expression in metastatic CRC. We demonstrated that high-YKL-40-expressing HCT116 and Caco2 cells showed increased motility, invasion, and proliferation. YKL-40 upregulation was associated with EMT signaling activation. In the AOM/DSS mouse model, as well as in tumors and sera from CRC patients, elevated YKL-40 levels correlated with high-grade tumors. In retrospective analyses of six independent cohorts of CRC patients, elevated YKL-40 expression correlated with shorter survival in patients with advanced CRC. Strikingly, high YKL-40 tissue levels showed a predictive value for a better response to cetuximab, even in patients with stage IV CRC and mutant KRAS, and worse sensitivity to oxaliplatin. Taken together, our findings establish that tissue YKL-40 overexpression enhances CRC metastatic potential, highlighting this gene as a novel prognostic candidate, a predictive biomarker for therapy response, and an attractive target for future therapy in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela De Robertis
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari ‘A. Moro’, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.D.R.); (E.S.); Tel.: +39-06-4993-4232 (E.S.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari ‘A. Moro’, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari ‘A. Moro’, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Tommaso Mazza
- Unit of Bioinformatics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Flaviana Marzano
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolay Belev
- University Hospital Eurohospital, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Propedeutics of Surgical Diseases, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Apollonia Tullo
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Graziano Pesole
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari ‘A. Moro’, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Emanuela Signori
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Experimental Oncology, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.D.R.); (E.S.); Tel.: +39-06-4993-4232 (E.S.)
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14
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Gavrailov T, Chenchev I, Gevezova M, Draganova M, Sarafian V. Effect on Cellular Vitality In Vitro of Novel APRF-Chlorhexidine Treated Membranes. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:jfb13040226. [PMID: 36412868 PMCID: PMC9680238 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13040226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chlorhexidine (CHX) has been used for some time in clinical practice as a local antiseptic agent with excellent efficacy. The combination of CHX with APRF (Advanced-platelet rich fibrin) membrane has the potential to stimulate tissue regeneration and to provide a bactericidal effect. We hypothesize that this may reduce the rate of infections development and protect cell viability. AIM The aim of this study was two-fold-to create a stable APRF membrane treated with different concentrations of CHX (0.01% and 0.02%) and to monitor its effect on the viability of PDL cells in vitro. This benefits the introduction of a new protocol for APRF membrane production -CHX-PRF and enriches the available evidence on the effect of this antiseptic agent on PDL (Periodontal ligament) cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS APRF membranes were prepared by the addition of two concentrations (0.01% and 0.02%) of CHX. Membranes without the antiseptic were also prepared and used as control samples. PDL cells were cultivated on the membranes for 72 h. Cell number and vitality were examined by fluorescent cell viability assays. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that a concentration of 0.01% CHX allowed the production of a stable APRF membrane. This concentration slightly reduced the viability of PDL cells to 96.7%, but significantly decreased the average number of cells attached to the membrane-149 ± 16.5 cells/field compared to controls -336 ± 26.9 cells/field. APRF-CHX 0.02% membranes were unstable, indicating a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of CHX. CONCLUSIONS The introduced novel protocol leads to the production of a new type of APRF membrane-CHX-PRF. The incorporation of an antiseptic into the APRF membrane can improve its bactericidal activity and might serve as an important step for the prevention of postoperative infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasho Gavrailov
- Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University—Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence:
| | - Ivan Chenchev
- Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University—Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Gevezova
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University—Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Milena Draganova
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University—Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University—Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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15
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Gevezova M, Minchev D, Pacheva I, Todorova T, Yordanova R, Timova E, Ivanov I, Sarafian V. Association of NGF and Mitochondrial Respiration with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911917. [PMID: 36233217 PMCID: PMC9569874 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: NGF is a molecule with a pleiotropic role, affecting neuro-immune functions, energy homeostasis, and synaptic plasticity. The mechanisms of NGF-induced neuronal differentiation are well established, but its effect on mitochondria in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still unclear. We hypothesize that NGF-induced neuronal development requires large amounts of energy, and mitochondria in ASD are overloaded to meet the new functional requirements. Method: The study includes primary diagnosed ASD children. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma were obtained from both patients and typically developing children (TDC). PBMCs were analyzed with Seahorse XFp, and plasma NGF protein levels were measured. Results: We detected nearly 50% higher NGF levels and approximately 40% elevation in spare respiratory capacity in ASD compared to TDC. These findings are consistent with the observed difference in maximal respiration, which was also significantly higher in the patient group. Both mitochondrial respiration and NGF plasma levels exhibit a strong potential to discriminate children with ASD from TDC. Conclusions: This study is the first to link elevated NGF with mitochondrial respiration and altered energy homeostasis in ASD. High NGF correlates with basic bioenergetic signatures that may be used as a screening tool to improve early diagnosis and clinical follow-up in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 15 A Vasil Aprilov Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Danail Minchev
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 15 A Vasil Aprilov Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Iliana Pacheva
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Clinic of Pediatrics, St. George University Hospital, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Tatyana Todorova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 15 A Vasil Aprilov Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ralitsa Yordanova
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Clinic of Pediatrics, St. George University Hospital, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Elena Timova
- Clinic of Pediatrics, St. George University Hospital, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Clinic of Pediatrics, St. George University Hospital, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 15 A Vasil Aprilov Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +882-512-952
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16
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Abstract
AbstractThe immune-inflammatory response is associated with increased nitro-oxidative stress. The aim of this mechanistic review is to examine: (a) the role of redox-sensitive transcription factors and enzymes, ROS/RNS production, and the activity of cellular antioxidants in the activation and performance of macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells; (b) the involvement of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), paraoxonase-1 (PON1), and oxidized phospholipids in regulating the immune response; and (c) the detrimental effects of hypernitrosylation and chronic nitro-oxidative stress on the immune response. The redox changes during immune-inflammatory responses are orchestrated by the actions of nuclear factor-κB, HIF1α, the mechanistic target of rapamycin, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinases, 5' AMP-activated protein kinase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor. The performance and survival of individual immune cells is under redox control and depends on intracellular and extracellular levels of ROS/RNS. They are heavily influenced by cellular antioxidants including the glutathione and thioredoxin systems, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and the HDL/ApoA1/PON1 complex. Chronic nitro-oxidative stress and hypernitrosylation inhibit the activity of those antioxidant systems, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, mitochondrial functions, and the metabolism of immune cells. In conclusion, redox-associated mechanisms modulate metabolic reprogramming of immune cells, macrophage and T helper cell polarization, phagocytosis, production of pro- versus anti-inflammatory cytokines, immune training and tolerance, chemotaxis, pathogen sensing, antiviral and antibacterial effects, Toll-like receptor activity, and endotoxin tolerance.
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17
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Molander D, Sbirkov Y, Sarafian V. 3D bioprinting as an emerging standard for cancer modeling and drug testing. Folia Med (Plovdiv) 2022; 64:559-565. [PMID: 36045467 DOI: 10.3897/folmed.64.e73419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoplastic diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide accounting for 10 million mortalities in 2020. Despite constantly revised and improved therapeutic regimens, the number of fatal cases increases annually. Therefore, better preclinical models are needed to study tumorigenesis and assess new drugs. Although 2D cell cultures significantly contributed to the understanding of tumor biology, they present high clinical trial failure rates. This is because 2D cannot reproduce the intricate tumor architecture and multiple cell interactions.Nevertheless, novel 3D biofabrication technologies and 3D bioprinted tumor models successfully mirror the complexity of human tumors and are currently revolutionizing preclinical cancer research by using live cells encapsulated in a variety of biomaterials. Since bioinks possess excellent chemical and biophysical ECM-like characteristics, this allows for recreation of the intricate tumor-specific architecture with an unmatched level of control, accuracy, and reproducibility. The resulting cellular constructs approximate actual pathological microenvironment of the tumor and some key in vivo processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis. 3D bioprinted models of glioblastoma, cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer are already being successfully used to study tumorigenesis and cellular response to antitumor drugs. This success showcases the potential of these novel experimental platforms.
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18
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Dikov D, Koleva M, Simitchiev K, Baltov M, Sarafian V. PD-L1 positive lympho-epithelial lesions in inflammatory prostate. Histol Histopathol 2022; 37:749-755. [PMID: 35670049 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ductal epithelial changes (lympho-epithelial lesions-LEL) in prostatic chronic inflammation (CI) are not well studied so far. AIM to investigate LEL immediately adjacent to prostatic CI. METHODS We studied LEL in 144 prostatic surgical and autopsy specimens in various types of prostatic CI: NIH-category IV prostatitis (histologic prostatitis-HP), nonspecific granulomatous prostatitis (NSGP), and the reactive lymphoid infiltrates in the vicinity of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa). CI is scored as low and high grade (LG, HG) according to the severity of inflammation. RESULTS LEL was identified in all types of prostatic specimens and in all types of prostatic CI: in 70.9% of patients with HP; in 100% of cases with NSGP; in 68.7% and in 80% adjacent to BPH and PCa respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation of the presence of LEL with HG CI (p<0.001). LEL showed strong membranous PD-L1 expression. CONCLUSIONS The study presents the first attempt to examine LEL in inflammatory human prostate. PD-L1 positive LEL have no diagnostic organ specificity, although they are a constant histological finding in HG prostatic CI. LEL, inducible after birth by CI, are an integral part of prostate-associated lymphoid tissue (PALT) and of the inflammatory prostatic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian Dikov
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plodiv, Bulgaria
- Service d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Grand Hôpital de l'Est Francilien, Jossigny, France
| | - Maria Koleva
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Kiril Simitchiev
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Computer Chemistry, University of Plovdiv ''Paisii Hilendarski'', Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Marin Baltov
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Research Institute at Medical Faculty, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Mehterov N, Minchev D, Gevezova M, Sarafian V, Maes M. Interactions Among Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Neuroimmune Pathways Are Key Components of the Major Psychiatric Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:4926-4952. [PMID: 35657457 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02889-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the reciprocal associations between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and immune-inflammatory pathways and how these links may explain the involvement of this neurotrophin in the immune pathophysiology of mood disorders and schizophrenia. Toward this end, we delineated the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network centered around BDNF and searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for papers dealing with the involvement of BDNF in the major psychosis, neurodevelopment, neuronal functions, and immune-inflammatory and related pathways. The PPI network was built based on the significant interactions of BDNF with neurotrophic (NTRK2, NTF4, and NGFR), immune (cytokines, STAT3, TRAF6), and cell-cell junction (CTNNB, CDH1) DEPs (differentially expressed proteins). Enrichment analysis shows that the most significant terms associated with this PPI network are the tyrosine kinase receptor (TRKR) and Src homology region two domain-containing phosphatase-2 (SHP2) pathways, tyrosine kinase receptor signaling pathways, positive regulation of kinase and transferase activity, cytokine signaling, and negative regulation of the immune response. The participation of BDNF in the immune response and its interactions with neuroprotective and cell-cell adhesion DEPs is probably a conserved regulatory process which protects against the many detrimental effects of immune activation and hyperinflammation including neurotoxicity. Lowered BDNF levels in mood disorders and schizophrenia (a) are associated with disruptions in neurotrophic signaling and activated immune-inflammatory pathways leading to neurotoxicity and (b) may interact with the reduced expression of other DEPs (CTNNB1, CDH1, or DISC1) leading to multiple aberrations in synapse and axonal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Danail Minchev
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Michael Maes
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand. .,Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. .,Department of Psychiatry, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
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20
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Sbirkov Y, Vergov B, Mehterov N, Sarafian V. miRNAs in Lymphocytic Leukaemias-The miRror of Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094657. [PMID: 35563051 PMCID: PMC9103677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Refractory disease and relapse remain the main causes of cancer therapy failure. Refined risk stratification, treatment regimens and improved early diagnosis and detection of minimal residual disease have increased cure rates in malignancies like childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) to 90%. Nevertheless, overall survival in the context of drug resistance remains poor. The regulatory role of micro RNAs (miRNAs) in cell differentiation, homeostasis and tumorigenesis has been under extensive investigation in different cancers. There is accumulating data demonstrating the significance of miRNAs for therapy outcomes in lymphoid malignancies and some direct demonstrations of the interplay between these small molecules and drug response. Here, we summarise miRNAs' impact on chemotherapy resistance in adult and paediatric ALL and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). The main focus of this review is on the modulation of particular signaling pathways like PI3K-AKT, transcription factors such as NF-κB, and apoptotic mediators, all of which are bona fide and pivotal elements orchestrating the survival of malignant lymphocytic cells. Finally, we discuss the attractive strategy of using mimics, antimiRs and other molecular approaches pointing at miRNAs as promising therapeutic targets. Such novel strategies to circumvent ALL and CLL resistance networks may potentially improve patients' responses and survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (B.V.); (N.M.)
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: (Y.S.); (V.S.)
| | - Bozhidar Vergov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (B.V.); (N.M.)
| | - Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (B.V.); (N.M.)
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (B.V.); (N.M.)
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: (Y.S.); (V.S.)
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21
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Abstract
The biggest challenge in the COVID-19 pandemic besides the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is to reduce mortality rates. As the number of cases continues to rise and new variants, some with at least partial resistance to vaccines, emerge, the need for better understanding of the underlying pathology of the disease and for improved therapeutic strategies grows urgently. The endothelium is a main target of most viral infections in the body. The dysregulation of the normal functions of endothelial cells (ECs) contributes greatly to the thrombo-inflammatory storm and subsequent blood clot associated deaths in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, in this review we emphasize on the importance of ECs in healthy resting state and in inflammation. We summarize the current understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity and the key contributions of in vitro cell culture models some of which have established the ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptors as the main gates for viral entry in the cell. Lastly, we focus on 3D biofabrication methods for the design of better in vitro models that mimic the host environment including interactions of multiple cell types, simulation of blood flow and real-time viral infections. The development and implementation of such experimental platforms are critical to elucidate host-pathogen interactions and to test new antiviral drugs and vaccines in a controlled, safe, and highly reproducible and predictive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Vasil Dzharov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Krassimira Todorova
- Laboratory of Reproductive OMICs Technologies, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Soren Hayrabedyan
- Laboratory of Reproductive OMICs Technologies, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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22
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Dichev V, Mehterov N, Kazakova M, Karalilova R, Batalov A, Sarafian V. The lncRNAs/miR-30e/CHI3L1 Axis Is Dysregulated in Systemic Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020496. [PMID: 35203705 PMCID: PMC8962397 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with completely undefined etiology and treatment difficulties. The expression of both protein coding and non-coding RNAs is dysregulated during disease development. We aimed to examine a possible regulatory axis implemented in the control of chitinase-3 like protein 1 (CHI3L1) or YKL-40, an inflammation-associated glycoprotein, shown to be elevated in SSc. A panel of seven miRNAs and three lncRNAs potentially involved in the control of CHI3L1 were selected on the basis of in silico analysis. TagMan assay was used to evaluate the expression levels of miRNAs and RT-qPCR for lncRNAs in white blood cells (WBCs) and plasma from SSc patients and healthy controls. Among the eight screened miRNAs, miR-30e-5p (p = 0.04) and miR-30a-5p (p = 0.01) were significantly downregulated in WBCs and plasma of SSc patients, respectively. On the contrary, the expression of the metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) (p = 0.044) and the Nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) (p = 0.008) in WBCs was upregulated compared to the controls. Increased levels of MALAT1 and NEAT1 could be associated with the downregulation of miR-30e-5p and miR-30a-5p expression in WBCs and plasma. We present novel data on the involvement of a possible regulatory axis lncRNAs/miR-30e/CHI3L1 in SSc and hypothesize that MALAT1 and NEAT1 could act as miR-30e-5p and miR-30a-5p decoys. This may be a reason for the increased serum levels of CHI3L1 in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Dichev
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Blvd. 15A Vasil Aprilov, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (V.D.); (M.K.); (V.S.)
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Blvd. 15A Vasil Aprilov, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Blvd. 15A Vasil Aprilov, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (V.D.); (M.K.); (V.S.)
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Blvd. 15A Vasil Aprilov, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+359-897-837-998
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Blvd. 15A Vasil Aprilov, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (V.D.); (M.K.); (V.S.)
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Blvd. 15A Vasil Aprilov, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Rositsa Karalilova
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Diseases, Medical University-Plovdiv, Vasil Aprilov Blvd. 15A, 4001 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (R.K.); (A.B.)
- Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital “Kaspela”, 64 Sofia Str., 4001 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Anastas Batalov
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Diseases, Medical University-Plovdiv, Vasil Aprilov Blvd. 15A, 4001 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (R.K.); (A.B.)
- Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital “Kaspela”, 64 Sofia Str., 4001 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Blvd. 15A Vasil Aprilov, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (V.D.); (M.K.); (V.S.)
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Blvd. 15A Vasil Aprilov, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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23
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Marinova P, Marinov M, Kazakova M, Feodorova Y, Blazheva D, Slavchev A, Georgiev D, Nikolova I, Sbirkova-Dimitrova H, Sarafian V, Stoyanov N. Copper(II) Complex of Bis(1',3'-Hydroxymethyl)-Spiro-(Fluorene-9,4'-Imidazolidine)-2',5'-Dione, Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Activity of Its Derivative and Crystal Structure of Free Ligand. RUSS J INORG CHEM+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0036023621130052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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24
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Sbirkov Y, Molander D, Milet C, Bodurov I, Atanasov B, Penkov R, Belev N, Forraz N, McGuckin C, Sarafian V. A Colorectal Cancer 3D Bioprinting Workflow as a Platform for Disease Modeling and Chemotherapeutic Screening. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:755563. [PMID: 34869264 PMCID: PMC8638705 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.755563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and has recently moved up to the second leading cause of death among carcinomas. Prognosis, especially for advanced diseases or certain molecular subtypes of CRC, remains poor, which highlights the urgent need for better therapeutic strategies. However, currently, as little as 0.1% of all drugs make it from bench to bedside because of the inherently high false-positive and false-negative rates of current preclinical and clinical drug testing data. Therefore, the success of developing novel treatment agents lies in the introduction of improved preclinical disease models which resemble in vivo carcinomas closer, possess higher predictive properties, and offer opportunities for individualized therapies. Aiming to address these needs, we have established an affordable, flexible, and highly reproducible 3D bioprinted CRC model. The histological assessment of Caco-2 cells in 3D bioprints revealed the formation of glandular-like structures which show greater pathomorphological resemblance to tumors than monolayer cultures do. RNA expression profiles in 3D bioprinted cells were marked by upregulation of genes involved in cell adhesion, hypoxia, EGFR/KRAS signaling, and downregulation of cell cycle programs. Testing this 3D experimental platform with three of the most commonly used chemotherapeutics in CRC (5-fluoruracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) revealed overall increased resistance compared to 2D cell cultures. Last, we demonstrate that our workflow can be successfully extended to primary CRC samples. Thereby, we describe a novel accessible platform for disease modeling and drug testing, which may present an innovative opportunity for personalized therapeutic screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Molander
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Ilia Bodurov
- UMHAT-Eurohospital, Clinical Pathology Department, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Boyko Atanasov
- UMHAT-Eurohospital, Surgical Department, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Propaedeutics of Surgical Diseases, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Nikolay Belev
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- UMHAT-Eurohospital, Surgical Department, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Medical Simulation Training Centre, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | | | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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25
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Dichev V, Kazakova M, Sarafian V. YKL-40 and neuron-specific enolase in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Rev Neurosci 2021; 31:539-553. [PMID: 32045356 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2019-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases comprise a large number of disorders with high impact on human health. Neurodegenerative processes are caused by various etiological factors and differ in their clinical presentation. Neuroinflammation is widely discussed as both a cause and a consequence in the manifestation of these disorders. The interplay between the two entities is considered as a major contributor to the ongoing disease progression. An attentive search and implementation of new and reliable markers specific for the processes of inflammation and degeneration is still needed. YKL-40 is a secreted glycoprotein produced by activated glial cells during neuroinflammation. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE), expressed mainly by neuronal cells, is a long-standing marker for neuronal damage. The aim of this review is to summarize, clarify, and evaluate the potential significance and relationship between YKL-40 and NSE as biomarkers in the monitoring and prognosis of a set of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis. YKL-40 appears to be a more reliable biomarker in neurological diseases than NSE. The more prominent expression pattern of YKL-40 could be explained with the more obvious involvement of glial cells in pathological processes accompanying each neurodegenerative disease, whereas reduced NSE levels are likely related to low metabolic activity and increased death of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Dichev
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv 400, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv 400, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv 400, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
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26
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Gevezova M, Sarafian V, Anderson G, Maes M. Inflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 2021; 19:320-333. [PMID: 32600237 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200628015039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a severe childhood psychiatric condition with an array of cognitive, language and social impairments that can significantly impact family life. ASD is classically characterized by reduced communication skills and social interactions, with limitations imposed by repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. The pathophysiology of ASD is thought to arise from complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors within the context of individual development. A growing body of research has raised the possibility of identifying the aetiological causes of the disorder. This review highlights the roles of immune-inflammatory pathways, nitro-oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in ASD pathogenesis and symptom severity. The role of NK-cells, T helper, T regulatory and B-cells, coupled with increased inflammatory cytokines, lowered levels of immune-regulatory cytokines, and increased autoantibodies and microglial activation is elucidated. It is proposed that alterations in mitochondrial activity and nitrooxidative stress are intimately associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways. Future research should determine as to whether the mitochondria, immune-inflammatory activity and nitrooxidative stress changes in ASD affect the development of amygdala-frontal cortex interactions. A number of treatment implications may arise, including prevention-orientated prenatal interventions, treatment of pregnant women with vitamin D, and sodium butyrate. Treatments of ASD children and adults with probiotics, sodium butyrate and butyrate-inducing diets, antipurinergic therapy with suramin, melatonin, oxytocin and taurine are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,IMPACT Strategic Research Center, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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27
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Mehterov N, Vladimirov B, Sacconi A, Pulito C, Rucinski M, Blandino G, Sarafian V. Salivary miR-30c-5p as Potential Biomarker for Detection of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091079. [PMID: 34572265 PMCID: PMC8465705 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The levels of different classes of extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) remain stable in bodily fluids. The detection of either enriched or depleted specific subsets of salivary microRNAs (miRNAs) has the potential to serve as a non-invasive approach for biomarker development. Thus, salivary miRNAs have emerged as a promising molecular tool for early diagnosis and screening of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Total RNA was extracted from saliva supernatant of 33 OSCC patients and 12 controls (discovery set), and the differential expression of 8 cancer-related miRNAs was detected by TaqMan assay. Among the screened miRNAs, miR-30c-5p (p < 0.04) was significantly decreased in OSCC saliva. The same transcriptional behavior of miR30c-5p was observed in an additional validation set. miR-30c-5p showed a significant statistical difference between cases and controls with areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71–0.89). The sensitivity and the specificity of miR-30c-5p were 86% and 74%, respectively. The target identification analysis revealed enrichment of miR-30c-5p targets in p53 and Wnt signaling pathways in OSCC. Additionally, the miR-30c-5p targets had clinical significance related to overall survival. In conclusion, these findings show that downregulated miR-30c-5p has the potential to serve as a novel, non-invasive biomarker for early OSCC detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +359-897-837-998
| | - Boyan Vladimirov
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- UOSD Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Pulito
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Marcin Rucinski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-781 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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28
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Gevezova M, Minchev D, Pacheva I, Sbirkov Y, Yordanova R, Timova E, Kotetarov V, Ivanov I, Sarafian V. Cellular Bioenergetic and Metabolic Changes in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:985-994. [PMID: 34355684 DOI: 10.2174/1568026621666210521142131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered a heterogeneous neurological disease in childhood, a growing body of evidence associates it with mitochondrial dysfunction explaining the observed comorbidities. INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to identify variations in cellular bioenergetics and metabolism dependent on mitochondrial function in ASD patients and healthy controls using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs). We hypothesized that PBMCs may reveal the cellular pathology and provide evidence of bioenergetic and metabolic changes accompanying the disease. METHODS PBMC from children with ASD and a control group of the same age and gender were isolated. All patients underwent an in-depth clinical evaluation. A well-characterized cohort of Bulgarian children is selected. Bioenergetic and metabolic studies of isolated PBMCs are performed with a Seahorse XFp analyzer. RESULTS Our data show that PBMCs from patients with ASD have increased respiratory reserve capacity (by 27.5%), increased maximal respiration (by 67%) and altered adaptive response to oxidative stress induced by DMNQ. In addition, we demonstrate а strong dependence on fatty acids and impaired ability to reprogram cell metabolism. The listed characteristics are not observed in the control group. These results can contribute to a better understanding of the underlying causes of ASD, which is crucial for selecting a successful treatment. CONCLUSION The current study, for the first time, provides a functional analysis of cell bioenergetics and metabolic changes in a group of Bulgarian patients with ASD. It reveals physiological abnormalities that do not allow mitochondria to adapt and meet the increased energetic requirements of the cell. The link between mitochondria and ASD is not yet fully understood, but this may lead to the discovery of new approaches for nutrition and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Danail Minchev
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Iliana Pacheva
- Clinic of Pediatrics, Saint George University Hospital, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ralitsa Yordanova
- Clinic of Pediatrics, Saint George University Hospital, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Elena Timova
- Clinic of Pediatrics, Saint George University Hospital, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Vasil Kotetarov
- Clinic of Pediatrics, Saint George University Hospital, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Clinic of Pediatrics, Saint George University Hospital, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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29
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Mehterov N, Kazakova M, Sbirkov Y, Vladimirov B, Belev N, Yaneva G, Todorova K, Hayrabedyan S, Sarafian V. Alternative RNA Splicing-The Trojan Horse of Cancer Cells in Chemotherapy. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12071085. [PMID: 34356101 PMCID: PMC8306420 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost all transcribed human genes undergo alternative RNA splicing, which increases the diversity of the coding and non-coding cellular landscape. The resultant gene products might have distinctly different and, in some cases, even opposite functions. Therefore, the abnormal regulation of alternative splicing plays a crucial role in malignant transformation, development, and progression, a fact supported by the distinct splicing profiles identified in both healthy and tumor cells. Drug resistance, resulting in treatment failure, still remains a major challenge for current cancer therapy. Furthermore, tumor cells often take advantage of aberrant RNA splicing to overcome the toxicity of the administered chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, deciphering the alternative RNA splicing variants in tumor cells would provide opportunities for designing novel therapeutics combating cancer more efficiently. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive outline of the recent findings in alternative splicing in the most common neoplasms, including lung, breast, prostate, head and neck, glioma, colon, and blood malignancies. Molecular mechanisms developed by cancer cells to promote oncogenesis as well as to evade anticancer drug treatment and the subsequent chemotherapy failure are also discussed. Taken together, these findings offer novel opportunities for future studies and the development of targeted therapy for cancer-specific splicing variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (N.M.); (M.K.); (Y.S.)
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (N.M.); (M.K.); (Y.S.)
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (N.M.); (M.K.); (Y.S.)
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Boyan Vladimirov
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Nikolay Belev
- Medical Simulation and Training Center, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Galina Yaneva
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9002 Varna, Bulgaria;
| | - Krassimira Todorova
- Laboratory of Reproductive OMICs Technologies, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (K.T.); (S.H.)
| | - Soren Hayrabedyan
- Laboratory of Reproductive OMICs Technologies, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (K.T.); (S.H.)
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (N.M.); (M.K.); (Y.S.)
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +359-882-512-952
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30
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Abstract
Background To investigate prostatic eosinophilic metaplasia (EM) in a large series of cases and their relationship with the basic prostate pathology in TURP-material: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), National Institutes of Health category IV prostatitis (also called histologic prostatitis or HP), and prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa). Aim The relation between EM and basic prostate pathology: BPH, PCa, and HP. Materials and Methods Around 61 consecutive TURP-specimens were reviewed for the presence of EM. The tissue sections were stained routinely with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), hematoxylin-phloxine-saffron (HPS), and periodic acid-Schiff's procedure. Simultaneously BPH, HP, and PCa were evaluated. Results We found EM in 55.7% of TURP-specimens. EM is located more often in the ductal epithelium (58.8%) and is usually focal (73.5%) and in small groups (88.2%) of secretory luminal cells. They are associated with BPH and with a variable degree of HP in all cases. However, there is no association with PCa. Eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules in EM are better visualized with HPS. Zones induced by tissue electrocoagulation which mimic EM, are seen in the periphery of TURP-fragments. Conclusion EM in prostate is presented by the presence of eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules in benign secretory epithelium. The study presents the first attempt to investigate EM in a large series of patients. Our results enrich the available information about the histoepidemiology of prostatic EM. Moreover, EM is more common in a focal lesion, found in small groups of ductal secretory epithelial cells while EM in TURP-specimens is associated with BPH and HP in all the cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Koleva
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University - Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Dorian I Dikov
- Department of Pathology, Jossigny Hospital, Jossigny, France; Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University - Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Veselin T Belovezhdov
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University - Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Medical Biology, Medical University - Plovdiv; Technological Center for Emergency Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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31
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Marinova P, Marinov M, Kazakova M, Feodorova Y, Blazheva D, Slavchev A, Sbirkova-Dimitrova H, Sarafian V, Stoyanov N. Crystal Structure of 5ʹ-Oxospiro-(fluorene-9,4ʹ-imidazolidine)-2ʹ-thione and Biological Activity of Its Derivatives. RUSS J GEN CHEM+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1070363221050273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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32
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Sbirkov Y, Ivanova T, Burnusuzov H, Gercheva K, Petrie K, Schenk T, Sarafian V. The Protozoan Inhibitor Atovaquone Affects Mitochondrial Respiration and Shows In Vitro Efficacy Against Glucocorticoid-Resistant Cells in Childhood B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:632181. [PMID: 33791218 PMCID: PMC8005808 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.632181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (cALL) accounts for about one third of all paediatric malignancies making it the most common cancer in children. Alterations in tumour cell metabolism were first described nearly a century ago and have been acknowledged as one of the key characteristics of cancers including cALL. Two of the backbone chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of this disease, Glucocorticoids and L-asparaginase, are exerting their anti-leukaemic effects through targeting cell metabolism. Even though risk stratification and treatment regimens have improved cure rates to nearly 90%, prognosis for relapsed children remains poor. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are urgently required. Atovaquone is a well-tolerated drug used in the clinic mainly against malaria. Being a ubiquinone analogue, this drug inhibits co-enzyme Q10 of the electron transport chain (ETC) affecting oxidative phosphorylation and cell metabolism. In this study we tested the effect of Atovaquone on cALL cells in vitro. Pharmacologically relevant concentrations of the inhibitor could effectively target mitochondrial respiration in both cALL cell lines (REH and Sup-B15) and primary patient samples. We found that Atovaquone leads to a marked decrease in basal respiration and ATP levels, as well as reduced proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and induction of apoptosis. Importantly, we observed an enhanced anti-leukaemic effect when Atovaquone was combined with the standard chemotherapeutic Idarubicin, or with Prednisolone in an in vitro model of Glucocorticoid resistance. Repurposing of this clinically approved inhibitor renders further investigations, but also presents opportunities for fast-track trials as a single agent or in combination with standard chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetomira Ivanova
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Hasan Burnusuzov
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Center for Competence Personalized Innovative Medicine (PERIMED), Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kalina Gercheva
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kevin Petrie
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, School of Medicine, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
| | - Tino Schenk
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine Jena (CMB), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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33
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Dikov DI, Koleva MS, Boivin JF, Lisner T, Belovezhdov VT, Sarafian V. Histopathology of nonspecific granulomatous prostatitis with special reference to eosinophilic epithelial metaplasia: Pathophysiologic, diagnostic and differential diagnostic correlations. INDIAN J PATHOL MICR 2020; 63:S34-S40. [PMID: 32108624 DOI: 10.4103/ijpm.ijpm_568_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, we publish two case reports about association of nonspecific granulomatous prostatitis (NSGP) and eosinophilic metaplasia (EM) in benign prostatic epithelium. There is no investigation of large series of this association in medical literature. Aim of the current study is to investigate the frequency of association of NSGP and prostatic EM in a large series of cases and their relationship with the basic prostate pathology: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), National Institutes of Health-category IV prostatitis (so-called histologic prostatitis (HP)), and prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa). Materials and Methods A retrospective record review for NSGP was performed on a total of 2366 prostatic specimens of all types of material. All cases of NSGP were reviewed for the presence of EM, BPH, and HP. NSGP with EM-cases and control cases with high grade PCa with endocrine differentiation (so-called Paneth cell-like changes) were evaluated immunohistochemically. Results NSGP was found in nine cases (0.38%). EM was detected in benign perigranulomatous secretory epithelial cells in 100% of cases with NSGP and were closely associated with BPH and HP. Immunohistochemically, in 55.5% of cases with EM, there was weak focal apical false-positive staining for p504s. Conclusion EM is a very common lesion in NSGP and reflects histologically a nonspecific cellular response, connected with repeated inflammation, in close relation with BPH and HP. We speculate that EM might serve as a morphological precursor of the immunologic phase of NSGP. This constant morphological finding could facilitate the histopathological differential diagnosis of NSGP with other types of granulomatous prostatitis and high grade PCa with or without endocrine differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian I Dikov
- Service d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Groupement Hospitalier de l'Est Francilien, Hôpital de Jossigny, France; Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University - Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria S Koleva
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University - Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Jean-Francois Boivin
- Service d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Groupement Hospitalier de l'Est Francilien, Hôpital de Jossigny, France
| | - Tomo Lisner
- Service d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Groupement Hospitalier de l'Est Francilien, Hôpital de Jossigny, France
| | - Veselin T Belovezhdov
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University - Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv; Technological Center for Emergency Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Sbirkov Y, Burnusuzov H, Sarafian V. Metabolic reprogramming in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28255. [PMID: 32293782 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The first observations of altered metabolism in malignant cells were made nearly 100 years ago and therapeutic strategies targeting cell metabolism have been in clinical use for several decades. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of cell metabolism dysregulation in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cALL). Reprogramming of cellular bioenergetic processes can be expected in the three distinct stages of cALL: at diagnosis, during standard chemotherapy, and in cases of relapse. Upregulation of glycolysis, dependency on anaplerotic energy sources, and activation of the electron transport chain have all been observed in cALL. While the current treatment strategies are tackling some of these aberrations, cALL cells are likely to be able to rewire their metabolism in order to escape therapy, which may contribute to a refractory disease and relapse. Finally, here we focus on novel therapeutic approaches emerging from our evolving understanding of the alterations of different metabolic networks in lymphoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University- Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Hasan Burnusuzov
- Research Institute at Medical University- Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University- Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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35
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Georgieva M, Vasileva B, Speranza G, Wang D, Stoyanov K, Draganova-Filipova M, Zagorchev P, Sarafian V, Miloshev G, Krasteva N. Amination of Graphene Oxide Leads to Increased Cytotoxicity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072427. [PMID: 32244505 PMCID: PMC7177364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinically, there is an urgent need to identify new therapeutic strategies for selectively treating cancer cells. One of the directions in this research is the development of biocompatible therapeutics that selectively target cancer cells. Here, we show that novel aminated graphene oxide (haGO-NH2) nanoparticles demonstrate increased toxicity towards human hepatocellular cancer cells compared to pristine graphene oxide(GO). The applied novel strategy for amination leads to a decrease in the size of haGO-NH2 and their zeta potential, thus, assuring easier penetration through the cell membrane. After characterization of the biological activities of pristine and aminated GO, we have demonstrated strong cytotoxicity of haGO-NH2 toward hepatic cancer cells—HepG2 cell line, in a dose-dependent manner. We have presented evidence that the cytotoxic effects of haGO-NH2 on hepatic cancer cells were due to cell membrane damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Intrinsically, our current study provides new rationale for exploiting aminated graphene oxide as an anticancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Georgieva
- Institute of Molecular Biology “Roumen Tsanev”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (M.G.); (B.V.); (G.M.)
| | - Bela Vasileva
- Institute of Molecular Biology “Roumen Tsanev”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (M.G.); (B.V.); (G.M.)
| | - Giorgio Speranza
- Functional Materials and Photonic Structure, Center for Materials and Microsystems, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, I-38123 Povo, Italy;
| | - Dayong Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School in Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China;
| | - Kalin Stoyanov
- Department of Automation, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Milena Draganova-Filipova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical Faculty, Medical University—Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.D.-F.); (V.S.)
- Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Bulgaria; 15A Vassil Aprilov, blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Plamen Zagorchev
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University—Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical Faculty, Medical University—Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.D.-F.); (V.S.)
- Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Bulgaria; 15A Vassil Aprilov, blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - George Miloshev
- Institute of Molecular Biology “Roumen Tsanev”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (M.G.); (B.V.); (G.M.)
| | - Natalia Krasteva
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +359-889577074
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Moisoiu V, Stefancu A, Gulei D, Boitor R, Magdo L, Raduly L, Pasca S, Kubelac P, Mehterov N, Chiș V, Simon M, Muresan M, Irimie AI, Baciut M, Stiufiuc R, Pavel IE, Achimas-Cadariu P, Ionescu C, Lazar V, Sarafian V, Notingher I, Leopold N, Berindan-Neagoe I. SERS-based differential diagnosis between multiple solid malignancies: breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian and oral cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:6165-6178. [PMID: 31447558 PMCID: PMC6684856 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s198684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy on serum and other biofluids for cancer diagnosis represents an emerging field, which has shown promising preliminary results in several types of malignancies. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that SERS spectroscopy on serum can be employed for the differential diagnosis between five of the leading malignancies, ie, breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian and oral cancer. Patients and methods Serum samples were acquired from healthy volunteers (n=39) and from patients diagnosed with breast (n=42), colorectal (n=109), lung (n=33), oral (n=17), and ovarian cancer (n=13), comprising n=253 samples in total. SERS spectra were acquired using a 532 nm laser line as excitation source, while the SERS substrates were represented by Ag nanoparticles synthesized by reduction with hydroxylamine. The classification accuracy yielded by SERS was assessed by principal component analysis–linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA). Results The sensitivity and specificity in discriminating between cancer patients and controls was 98% and 91%, respectively. Cancer samples were correctly assigned to their corresponding cancer types with an accuracy of 88% for oral cancer, 86% for colorectal cancer, 80% for ovarian cancer, 76% for breast cancer and 59% for lung cancer. Conclusion SERS on serum represents a promising strategy of diagnosing cancer which can discriminate between cancer patients and controls, as well as between cancer types such as breast, colorectal, lung ovarian and oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Moisoiu
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Stefancu
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,MedFuture - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Gulei
- MedFuture - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Radu Boitor
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lorand Magdo
- Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lajos Raduly
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Pathophysiology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Pasca
- Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paul Kubelac
- Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Medical Oncology, Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Technological Center for Emergency Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Vasile Chiș
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marioara Simon
- Department of Bronchology, Leon Daniello Pneumophysiology Clinical Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihai Muresan
- Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,5th Surgical Department, Cluj-Napoca Municipal Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Surgical and Gynecological Oncology, Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Iulia Irimie
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Dental Materials, Division Dental Propaedeutics, Aesthetics, Faculty of Dentistry, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Baciut
- Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Emergencies, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rares Stiufiuc
- MedFuture - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Pharmaceutical Physics-Biophysics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana E Pavel
- MedFuture - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Chemistry, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Patriciu Achimas-Cadariu
- Department of Surgery, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Calin Ionescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,5th Surgical Department, Cluj-Napoca Municipal Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vladimir Lazar
- Worldwide Innovative Network for Personalized Cancer Therapy, Villejuif, France
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Technological Center for Emergency Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ioan Notingher
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nicolae Leopold
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,MedFuture - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- MedFuture - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Functional Genomics and Experimental Pathology, Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Feodorova Y, Tashkova D, Koev I, Todorov A, Kostov G, Simitchiev K, Belovejdov V, Dimov R, Sarafian V. Novel insights into transcriptional dysregulation in colorectal cancer. Neoplasma 2019; 65:415-424. [PMID: 29788743 DOI: 10.4149/neo_2018_170707n467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although CRC has been comprehensively characterized at the molecular level, the tumor heterogeneity hinders the identification of reliable diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Molecular stratification of CRC is based on prevalent gene mutations and transcription profiles but its significance for clinical practice remains obscure. Indeed, activating mutations in the genes KRAS, NRAS and BRAF are the only predictive biomarkers for anti-EGFR antibody therapy routinely tested the clinic for advanced stages of CRC. Gene expression signatures are important for clarifying the molecular mechanisms of CRC development and progression, but only two such tests for predicting recurrence risk are commercially available. The aim of our study was to propose a diagnostic approach based on mutation and gene expression analysis that can be routinely applied in the clinic for defining the most appropriate treatment strategy for each patient. We used qPCR to determine the presence of KRAS mutations and measure the transcription levels of a panel of 26 genes in 24 CRC patients. Statistical analyses were applied to check for associations between clinico-pathological and molecular parameters. Our results reveal novel data concerning CRC carcinogenesis: almost universal downregulation of EGFR; differential role of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6; overexpression of the vitamin B12 transporter transcobalamin 1; tumor-suppressor function of SETD2, CA7 and GUCA2B. The practical application of these findings has yet to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Feodorova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - D Tashkova
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - I Koev
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital "Pulmed" , Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - A Todorov
- Department of Propedeutics of Surgical Diseases, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - G Kostov
- Department of Special Surgery, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Department of Surgery, University Hospital "Kaspela", Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - K Simitchiev
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Computer Chemistry, University of Plovdiv "Paisii Hilendarski", Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - V Belovejdov
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - R Dimov
- Department of Special Surgery, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Department of Surgery, University Hospital "Kaspela", Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - V Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Technological Center for Emergency Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Eosinophilic metaplasia (EM) in the prostate is characterized by the presence of eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules in benign prostatic epithelium. These granules show exocrine-type morphology and positive expression for prostate specific antigen (PSA) and some lysosomal markers. The nature and the full immunohistochemical profile of the granules of EM have not been studied in detail yet. AIM The aim of the current study is to investigate the expression of epithelial mucins (MUCs) in prostatic epithelium with EM. METHODS Twenty specimens from transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were reviewed for the presence of EM and were stained with Periodic acid-Schiff's procedure with diastase digestion (PAS.D) and immunostained with PSA and MUCs: MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6. RESULTS The EM-foci of all prostate glands are PAS.D, PSA positive and show constant immunoreactivity for MUC1. The expression of MUC1 is with membranous and cytoplasmic localization: predominantly apical with membranous accentuation in the cases of EM with large eosinophilic granules, and perinuclear in EM with small eosinophilic granules. There is no expression of other MUCs (MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6) in prostatic EM. CONCLUSION We report for the first time that eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules in prostatic EM are MUC1 positive and can vary in size. Based on our immunohistochemical study we suggest that EM of the prostate is not a form of mucinous metaplasia. The present results enrich the available information about the immunophenotype of EM. We assume that MUC1 might serve as a reliable and constant, although nonspecific, immunohistochemical marker of benign EM-phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Koleva
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Dorian Dikov
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Service d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Grand Hôpital de l'Est Francilien, Jossigny, France
| | - Veselin Belovejdov
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Technological Center for Emergency Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Karalilova R, Kazakova M, Batalov A, Sarafian V. Correlation between protein YKL-40 and ultrasonographic findings in active knee osteoarthritis. Med Ultrason 2018; 1:57-63. [PMID: 29400369 DOI: 10.11152/mu-1247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The aim of our study was to analyze the level of the glycoprotein YKL-40 in patients with active knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to search possible correlations with local inflammation and ultrasound (US) findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective study with fifty consecutive patients with active knee OA (diagnosed based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria for OA with radiographic confirmation) was performed. Concentrations of YKL-40 in serum and synovial fluid were measured by ELISA. US examinations - Gray scale (GS) US and Power Doppler (PD) US - of the knee was performed according to international guidelines. The suprapatellar, medial and lateral parapatellar recesses were scanned in each knee to evaluate synovial hypertrophy and vascularization. RESULTS Forty women (mean age 61.50±11.33 years old) and 10 men (aged 68.50±6.60 years old) were enrolled. We found that the synovial level of the glycoprotein (237.80±104.08 ng/ml) was significantly higher compared to the serum concentration (112.83±60.61 ng/ml, p<0.001). The serum concentration in OA patients was higher comparing with age-matched healthy controls (84.19±11.39 ng/ml) (p<0.05). A statistically significant association between YKL- 40 in synovial fluid and serum levels was shown. We determined a moderately positive linear relationship between the synovial level of the glycoprotein and the serum concentration. No association between the levels of inflammatory markers - erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein - and YKL-40 concentrations was detected. Our study revealed a strong relationship between YKL-40 in synovial fluid and GS US and feeble with PD US. YKL-40 correlated with inflammatory activity in knee joints and neovascularization detected by US. CONCLUSIONS YKL-40 is involved in the pathogenesis of OA synovitis. Evaluation of YKL-40 levels in parallel with US might provide more sensitive and reliable information for the diagnosis and understanding of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rositsa Karalilova
- Department of Propaedeutic of Internal Diseases, Medical University - Plovdiv, Faculty of Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, 15 A "V. Aprilov" Bld, *University Hospital "Kaspela", Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Anastas Batalov
- Department of Propaedeutic of Internal Diseases, Medical University - Plovdiv, Faculty of Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, 15 A "V. Aprilov" Bld, *University Hospital "Kaspela", Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, **Technological Center for Emergency Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
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Braicu C, Mehterov N, Vladimirov B, Sarafian V, Nabavi SM, Atanasov AG, Berindan-Neagoe I. Nutrigenomics in cancer: Revisiting the effects of natural compounds. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 46:84-106. [PMID: 28676460 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nutrigenomics effects have an important role in the manipulation of dietary components for human benefit, particularly in cancer prevention or treatment. The impact of dietary components, including phytochemicals, is largely studied by nutrigenomics, looking at the gene expression and molecular mechanisms interacting with bioactive compounds and nutrients, based on new 'omics' technologies. The high number of preclinical studies proves the relevant role of nutrigenomics in cancer management. By deciphering the network of nutrient-gene connections associated with cancer, relevant data will be transposed as therapeutic interventions for this devastating pathology and for fulfilling the concept of personalized nutrition. All these are presented under the nutrigenomics canopy for a better comprehension of the relation between ingested phytochemicals and chemoprevention or chemotherapy. The profits from the nutrigenomics progress, with a particular focus on the coding and noncoding genes related to the exposure of natural compounds need to be validated. A precise attention receives the evaluation of the role of natural compounds in tandem with conventional therapy using genomic approaches, with emphasis on the capacity to inhibit drug resistance mechanisms. All these relevant nutrigenomics aspects are summarized in the present review paper. It is concluded that further nutrigenomics studies are required to improve our understanding related to the complex mechanisms of action of the natural compounds and for their appropriate application as gears in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Marinescu Street, 40015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, 15-А Vassil Aprilov Blvd., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria; Technological Center for Emergency Medicine, 15-А Vassil Aprilov Blvd., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria; Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 139, Ruski Blvd., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Boyan Vladimirov
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, 3 Hristo Botev Blvd., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria; Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital St. George, 66 Peshtersko Shosse Blvd., Plovdiv 4002, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, 15-А Vassil Aprilov Blvd., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria; Technological Center for Emergency Medicine, 15-А Vassil Aprilov Blvd., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Sheikh Bahaei St., P.O. Box 19395, 5487 Tehran, Iran
| | - Atanas G Atanasov
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, Vienna 1090, Austria; Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Postępu 36A Street, 05-552, Jastrzebiec, Poland; Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Marinescu Street, 40015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; MEDFUTURE -Research Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu-Hatieganu, 23 Marinescu Street, 40015, Romania; Department of Functional Genomics and Experimental Pathology, The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta", Republici 34 Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Tonchev K, Vladimirov B, Sarafian V, Mehterov N. Effect of HPV status, smoking and alcohol consumption, on miRNA expression in oral cancer - a review of the literature. Int J Surg Med 2017. [DOI: 10.5455/ijsm.mirna-expression-in-oral-cancer] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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De Robertis M, Arigoni M, Loiacono L, Riccardo F, Calogero R, Feodorova Y, Tashkova D, Belovejdov V, Sarafian V, Cavallo F, Signori E. Novel insights into Notum and glypicans regulation in colorectal cancer. Eur J Cancer 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(16)61546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Marinova P, Marinov M, Kazakova M, Feodorova Y, Slavchev A, Blazheva D, Georgiev D, Penchev P, Sarafian V, Stoyanov N. Study on the Synthesis, Characterization and Bioactivities of 3-Methyl-9'-fluorenespiro-5-hydantoin. Acta Chim Slov 2016; 63:26-32. [PMID: 26970785 DOI: 10.17344/acsi.2015.1591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This work describes a method for synthesis, as well as in vitro antiproliferative and antibacterial investigation of 3-methyl-9'-fluorenespiro-5-hydantoin. The structure of the substituted fluorenylspirohydantoin derivative was verified by UV-Vis, FT-IR, Raman, (1)H-NMR and (13)C-NMR spectroscopy, and by using a combination of 2D NMR experiments, which included (1)H-(1)H COSY, HMQC and HMBC sequences. The geometry of the compound was optimized by the B3LYP density functional with 6-31G(d) basis set and the (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra were predicted with the HF/6-31G(d) calculations at the optimized geometry. The anticancer activity of the 3-methyl-9'-fluorenespiro-5-hydantoin was determined in suspension cell lines originating from tumors in humans (WERI-Rb-1). The cytotoxic effect was evaluated by WST-assay (Roche Applied Science). The antimicrobial effect of the compound against Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans was investigated.
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Dikov D, Bachurska S, Staikov D, Sarafian V. Intraepithelial lymphocytes in relation to NIH category IV prostatitis in autopsy prostate. Prostate 2015; 75:1074-84. [PMID: 25917232 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantitative analysis of the number, normal and pathologic ratios between lymphocytes and epithelial cells (ECs), and the significance of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in normal prostatic epithelium, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) in relation to NIH category IV prostatitis (histologic prostatitis: HP) was studied in autopsy prostate. METHODS IELs were analysed in 59 autopsy prostates, which was routinely embedded in paraffin and immunohistochemically stained for CD3. An average of 300-500 ECs were counted per case. The number of IELs was calculated as the mean/100 ECs. Category IV prostatitis was evaluated using NIH consensus grading system in terms of anatomical localization and grade. RESULTS In healthy individuals the mean number of IELs/100 ECs was 0.61 ± 0.34% or ≤1 lymphocyte/100 ECs, which is considered as the normal basal level of prostate IELs. In category IV prostatitis, the mean number of IELs/100 ECs was 8.53 ± 3.25% or 5-11 lymphocytes/100 ECs. The number of IELs in both around and inside inflammation areas correlated to the grade and location of HP (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0003), the presence of acute glandular inflammation (P < 0.0001), the scattered stromal lymphocytes (P = 0.029), and BPH and PIN associated prostatic inflammation (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The study presents the first attempt to examine and score the basic quantitative values of prostatic IELs in normal prostate and in relation to category IV prostatitis. The detected normal upper limit of CD3+ IELs is 1 lymphocyte/100 ECs in the normal prostate epithelium. This is considered as an organ specific characteristic of the prostate-associated lymphoid tissue (PALT). Values >5 IELs/100 ECs indicate the presence of category IV prostatitis. The severity of inflammation correlates to the number of IELs. There is an intimate link between the quantity of the IELs, the degree of the severity and the localization of category IV prostatitis. HP is a chronic and dynamic inflammatory process affecting the whole prostate gland. The increased number of IELs suggests the immune or autoimmune character of category IV prostatitis, BPH and inflammatory preneoplastic (PIN) lesions in the prostatic tumor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian Dikov
- Groupement Hospitalier De L'est Francilien, Hôpital de Jossigny, Service d'Anatomie et Histologie Pathologiques, Jossigny, France
| | - Svitlana Bachurska
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitri Staikov
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Feodorova Y, Tashkova D, Simitchiev K, Todorov A, Kostov G, Dimov R, Sarafian V. DEPENDENCE OF YKL-40 mRNA TISSUE LEVELS ON KRAS MUTATION STATUS IN COLORECTAL CANCER - PRELIMINARY RESULTS. IJSM 2015. [DOI: 10.5455/ijsm.20150723012230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Kazakova M, Nikolov P, Simitchiev K, Nikolov F, Sarafian V. SERUM YKL-40 LEVELS IN CHRONIC HEART FAILURE. JofIMAB 2014. [DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2014202.506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Koev I, Slavov E, Zhelyazkov H, Staikov D, Halacheva K, Sarafian V. MULTIFOCAL GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME PRECEDED BY A GEMISTOCYTIC ASTROCYTOMA AND DYSREGULATED IMMUNE RESPONSE. JofIMAB 2014. [DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2014202.502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Feodorova Y, Koev I, Simitchiev K, Batakliev I, Sarafian V. Dysregulated Gene Expression in Malignant Glioma. J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2014. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1382233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Draganova-Filipova M, Nikolova M, Mihova A, Peychev L, Sarafian V. A Pilot Study on the Immunomodulatory Effect of Bulgarian Propolis. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2010.10817824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Marinova P, Marinov M, Kazakova M, Feodorova Y, Penchev P, Sarafian V, Stoyanov N. Synthesis and in vitro activity of platinum(II) complexes of two fluorenylspirohydantoins against a human tumour cell line. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2014; 28:316-321. [PMID: 26019515 PMCID: PMC4433959 DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2014.910363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a method for synthesis and cytotoxicity of new platinum(II) complexes of (9'-fluorene)-spiro-5-hydantoin (L1) and (9'-fluorene)-spiro-5-(2-thiohydantoin) (L2). The new obtained complexes were studied by elemental analysis: ultraviolet-visible, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), and 1H- and 13C-NMR for Pt(II) compounds and additionally Raman spectroscopy for free ligands. Based on the experimental data, the most probable structure of the complexes is suggested. In the present study, we have examined cytotoxic activity of (9'-fluorene)-spiro-5-hydantoin (L1) and (9'-fluorene)-spiro-5-(2-thiohydantoin) (L2) and their Pt(II) complexes on the retinoblastoma cell line WERI-Rb-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petja Marinova
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Marin Marinov
- Faculty of Plant protection and Agroecology, Agricultural University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Depatment of Biology, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yana Feodorova
- Depatment of Biology, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Plamen Penchev
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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