Systemic delivery of proteins using novel peptides via the sublingual route

Therapeutic proteins often require needle-based injections, which compromise medication adherence especially for those with chronic diseases. Sublingual administration provides a simple and non-invasive alternative. Herein, two novel peptides (lipid-conjugated protamine and a protamine dimer) were synthesized to enable sublingual delivery of proteins through simple physical mixing with the payloads. It was found that the novel peptides promoted intracellular delivery of proteins via increased pore formation on the cell surface. Results from in vitro models of cell spheroids and human sublingual tissue substitute indicated that the novel peptides enhanced protein penetration through multiple cell layers compared to protamine. The novel peptides were mixed with insulin or semaglutide and sublingually delivered to mice for blood glucose (BG) control. The effects of these sublingual formulations were comparable to the subcutaneous preparations and superior to protamine. In addition to peptide drugs, the novel peptides were shown to enable sublingual absorption of larger proteins with molecular weights from 22 to 150 kDa in mice, including human recombinant growth hormone (rhGH), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG). The novel peptides given sublingually did not induce any measurable toxicities in mice.

Construction of a highly sensitive detection platform for heparin based on a "turn-off" cationic fluorescent dye

A highly sensitive detection platform for heparin was constructed via the utilization of a commercially available cationic fluorescent dye (cresyl violet acetate, CV) as a fluorescence probe. The electrostatic binding between CV and heparin quenched the fluorescence in 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic (HEPES) buffer solution (10 mM, pH 7.1). CV was highly selective towards heparin over other potential inferring substances. The detection limit of heparin detection was 5.19 ng/mL, and the linear working range was 0 ∼ 1 μg/mL in HEPES solution. In 1 % serum, the detection platform based on the fluorescence "turn-off" behavior of CV was also successfully constructed with a detection limit of 5.86 ng/mL in the linear range of 0 ∼ 0.8 μg/mL. Moreover, the CV-heparin complex was considered a potential sensor platform for the detection of protamine because of its stronger affinity for heparin and protamine.

Assessing the impact of different heparin dosing regimens for cardiopulmonary bypass on anticoagulation: the HepDOSE pilot study

PURPOSE

It has been suggested that a larger heparin dose during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with reduced perioperative coagulopathy and thromboembolic complications. We investigated the effect of different heparin doses during routine elective cardiac surgery. Our primary outcomes include blood loss and transfusion and secondary outcomes investigate the effects on coagulation biomarkers.

METHODS

In this prospective pilot trial, we allocated 60 patients undergoing cardiac surgery on CPB in a single tertiary cardiac centre into three groups to receive an initial dose of 300, 400, or 500 units (U) per kilogram of intravenous heparin prior to the commencement of CPB. Blood was sampled after induction of anesthesia, at 30 and 60 min of CPB, and three minutes after heparin reversal with protamine. Samples were analyzed for fibrinopeptide A (FPA), fibrinopeptide B (FPB), D-dimer, and thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes. Postoperative blood loss and transfusion was measured for the first 24-hr period after surgery.

RESULTS

The total mean (95% CI) administered heparin dose in the 300 U·kg-1, 400 U·kg-1, and 500 U·kg-1 groups were 39,975 (36,528 to 43,421) U, 43,195 (36,940 to 49,449) U and 47,900 (44,807 to 50,992) U, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in FPA, FPB or D-dimer levels at the measured time intervals. There was a trend towards lower TAT levels while on CPB with greater heparin dosing, which was statistically significant after the administration of protamine. The clinical significance appears to be negligible, as there is no difference in overall blood loss and amount of packed red blood cell transfusion or other blood product transfusion.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study indicates that, while larger heparin dosing for routine cardiac surgery results in subtle biochemical changes in coagulation, there is no demonstrable benefit in postoperative blood loss or transfusion requirements.

Polymeric nanocapsules loaded with poly(I:C) and resiquimod to reprogram tumor-associated macrophages for the treatment of solid tumors

Background

In the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a key immunosuppressive role that limits the ability of the immune system to fight cancer. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) ligands, such as poly(I:C) or resiquimod (R848) are able to reprogram TAMs towards M1-like antitumor effector cells. The objective of our work has been to develop and evaluate polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) loaded with poly(I:C)+R848, to improve drug stability and systemic toxicity, and evaluate their targeting and therapeutic activity towards TAMs in the TME of solid tumors.

Methods

NCs were developed by the solvent displacement and layer-by-layer methodologies and characterized by dynamic light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Hyaluronic acid (HA) was chemically functionalized with mannose for the coating of the NCs to target TAMs. NCs loaded with TLR ligands were evaluated in vitro for toxicity and immunostimulatory activity by Alamar Blue, ELISA and flow cytometry, using primary human monocyte-derived macrophages. For in vivo experiments, the CMT167 lung cancer model and the MN/MCA1 fibrosarcoma model metastasizing to lungs were used; tumor-infiltrating leukocytes were evaluated by flow cytometry and multispectral immunophenotyping.

Results

We have developed polymeric NCs loaded with poly(I:C)+R848. Among a series of 5 lead prototypes, protamine-NCs were selected based on their physicochemical properties (size, charge, stability) and in vitro characterization, showing good biocompatibility on primary macrophages and ability to stimulate their production of T-cell attracting chemokines (CXCL10, CCL5) and to induce M1-like macrophages cytotoxicity towards tumor cells. In mouse tumor models, the intratumoral injection of poly(I:C)+R848-protamine-NCs significantly prevented tumor growth and lung metastasis. In an orthotopic murine lung cancer model, the intravenous administration of poly(I:C)+R848-prot-NCs, coated with an additional layer of HA-mannose to improve TAM-targeting, resulted in good antitumoral efficacy with no apparent systemic toxicity. While no significant alterations were observed in T cell numbers (CD8, CD4 or Treg), TAM-reprogramming in treated mice was confirmed by the relative decrease of interstitial versus alveolar macrophages, having higher CD86 expression but lower CD206 and Arg1 expression in the same cells, in treated mice.

Conclusion

Mannose-HA-protamine-NCs loaded with poly(I:C)+R848 successfully reprogram TAMs in vivo, and reduce tumor progression and metastasis spread in mouse tumors.

Reduced SIRT1 and SIRT3 and Lower Antioxidant Capacity of Seminal Plasma Is Associated with Shorter Sperm Telomere Length in Oligospermic Men

Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and has a profound impact not only on their families, but also on communities. Telomere attrition has been associated with infertility, DNA damage and fragmentation. Oxidative stress has been shown to affect sperm DNA integrity and telomere length. Sirtuins such as SIRT1 and SIRT3 are involved in aging and oxidative stress response. The aim of the present study is to determine the role of SIRT1 and SIRT3 in regulating oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and their association with oligospermia. Therefore, we assessed the protein levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activity (CAT) in the seminal plasma of 272 patients with oligospermia and 251 fertile men. We also measured sperm telomere length (STL) and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) using a standard real-time quantitative PCR assay. Sperm chromatin and protamine deficiency were also measured as per standard methods. Our results for oligospermic patients demonstrate significant reductions in semen parameters, shorter STL and LTL, lower levels of SOD, TAC, CAT, SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels, and also significant protamine deficiency and higher levels of MDA and DNA fragmentation. We conclude that a shorter TL in sperms and leukocytes is associated with increased oxidative stress that also accounts for high levels of DNA fragmentation in sperms. Our results support the hypothesis that various sperm parameters in the state of oligospermia are associated with or caused by reduced levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 proteins.

Isolation and Purification of Protamine from the Cultured Takifugu flavidus and Its Physicochemical Properties

Protamine is a cationic peptide derived from fish sperm and has several important functional properties: antibacterial properties, acting as a carrier for injectable insulin and as a heparin antagonist, combatting fatigue, etc. Thus, it has been widely used in medicinal applications and food products. Cultured Takifugu flavidus is a type of pufferfish with a delicious taste that is popular in China, and its production is increasing significantly. Therefore, protamine was extracted via acid extraction from the sperm of Takifugu flavidus and further isolated and purified via sephadex gel chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, and desalination chromatography. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of protamine were investigated. The results showed that the sperm of the cultured T. flavidus were non-toxic, and the extracted and purified protamine had high contents of arginine (36.90%) and lysine (27.02%), respectively. The secondary structure of protamine was mainly β-folded and irregularly curled. Additionally, protamine exhibited high thermal stability with a denaturation temperature of 176 °C. This study would provide a theoretical basis for the structural analysis, bioactivity, and resource development of pufferfish protamine and help to promote the development of the pufferfish industry.

Prevention and treatment of pericardial tamponade in the electrophysiology laboratory: a European Heart Rhythm Association survey

AIMS

Pericardial tamponade (PT) is the most frequent severe complication during electrophysiology (EP) procedures and requires immediate, co-ordinated, and effective treatment. However, multiple aspects of PT treatment are either not standardized or are under ongoing debate.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An online questionnaire consisting of 26 multiple-choice questions was sent out to the European Heart Rhythm (EHRA) Research Network and also distributed via social media outputs. The EHRA survey was conducted between May and June 2023. A total of 213 replies were received from European (87%) and non-European countries. Ninety per cent of all participants perform interventions in dedicated EP labs equipped with different ablation platforms. In case of PT, most participants use X-ray as the main imaging modality guiding pericardial puncture, predominantly aiming for an anterior puncture site. Sheaths of different sizes are introduced into the pericardial space (84.3%), followed by a pigtail catheter. Application of protamine is an established but variable step in the majority (84.6%). Novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) antidotes are not used by 73.3% of participants, while 15.2% routinely apply them. Re-transfusion of aspirated blood is performed by 72.1% [before protamine administration (18.2%), after protamine administration (13.5%), if pericardial effusion cannot be controlled (40.4%)]. A total of 72.4% re-transfuse without blood filter systems. A decision for surgical intervention is mostly taken if bleeding continues despite all interventional measures.

CONCLUSION

The current survey demonstrates that the management of PT is heterogeneous among centres. The findings of this survey may help to guide operators in their treatment and decisions in the setting of PT.

Detection of protamine based on competitive adsorption onto the surface of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

This study developed an adsorption-based determination system for protamine. A multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), which is a strong adsorbent, was used. The competitive adsorption process between dyes and protamine formed the basis of the sensor system. The adsorption process was followed over the dyes by UV-Vis. absorption spectroscopy. This sensor system was developed using the thermodynamic parameters. Transmission electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques were used for the characterization of the sensor system. It was determined that the sensor system remained stable at physiological temperature and pH range. Limit of detection values of PyB-COO-MWCNT and PyY-COO-MWCNT systems were found to be 1.32 and 1.12 ng mL-1 , respectively. The applicability of the sensor systems was demonstrated using bovine serum solutions.

Polyphosphate coated nanoparticles: Enzyme-activated charge-reversal gene delivery systems

AIM

The current study aimed to develop enzyme-activated charge-reversal lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as novel gene delivery systems.

METHODS

Palmitic acid was covalently bound to protamine being utilised as transfection promoter to anchor it on the surfaces of LNPs. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) encoding plasmid DNA (pDNA) was ion paired with various cationic counter ions to achieve high encapsulation in LNPs. Protamine-decorated LNPs were prepared by solvent injection method followed by coating with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) to generate a bio-inert anionic outer surface. Resulting LNPs were characterised regarding size, polydispersity, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency. Enzyme-triggered charge-reversal of LNPs was investigated using isolated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) monitoring changes in zeta potential as well as monophosphate release. Furthermore, monophosphate release, cell viability and transfection efficiency were evaluated on a human alveolar epithelial (A549) cell line.

RESULTS

Protamine-decorated and TPP-coated (Prot-pDNA/DcChol-TPP) LNPs displayed a mean size of 298.8 ± 17.4 nm and a zeta potential of -13.70 ± 0.61 mV. High pDNA encapsulation was achieved with hydrophobic ion pairs of pDNA with 3ß-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl]cholesterol hydrochloride (DcChol). Zeta potential of Prot-pDNA/DcChol-TPP LNPs reversed to positive values with a total Δ26.8 mV shift upon incubation with ALP. Conformably, a notable amount of monophosphate was released upon incubation of Prot-pDNA/DcChol-TPP LNPs with isolated as well as cell-associated ALP. A549 cells well tolerated LNPs displaying more than 95 % viability. Compared with naked pDNA, unmodified LNPs and control LNPs, Prot-pDNA/DcChol-TPP LNPs showed a significantly increased transfection efficiency.

CONCLUSION

Prot-pDNA/DcChol-TPP LNPs can be regarded as promising gene delivery systems.

Development of a synthetic biosensor for chemical exchange MRI utilizing in silico optimized peptides

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI has been identified as a novel alternative to classical diagnostic imaging. Over the last several decades, many studies have been conducted to determine possible CEST agents, such as endogenously expressed compounds or proteins, that can be utilized to produce contrast with minimally invasive procedures and reduced or non-existent levels of toxicity. In recent years there has been an increased interest in the generation of genetically engineered CEST contrast agents, typically based on existing proteins with CEST contrast or modified to produce CEST contrast. We have developed an in silico method for the evolution of peptide sequences to optimize CEST contrast and showed that these peptides could be combined to create de novo biosensors for CEST MRI. A single protein, superCESTide, was designed to be 198 amino acids. SuperCESTide was expressed in E. coli and purified with size exclusion chromatography. The magnetic transfer ratio asymmetry generated by superCESTide was comparable to levels seen in previous CEST reporters, such as protamine sulfate (salmon protamine) and human protamine. These data show that novel peptides with sequences optimized in silico for CEST contrast that utilize a more comprehensive range of amino acids can still produce contrast when assembled into protein units expressed in complex living environments.

Cellular uptake and trafficking of peptide-based drug delivery systems for miRNA

Today, macromolecular compounds such as microRNAs (miRNAs) are becoming more and more widespread as leading therapeutics. However, their application is limited mostly due to their poor stability, limited cellular uptake, and poor target specificity. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), a group of positively charged peptides, represent a breakthrough as delivery systems for macromolecules. In the present study, we used two types of nanoparticles which differ in the type of CPP used for their manufacturing. The first type is composed of protamine, an arginine rich CPP, which is highly positively charged. The arginine residues are able to form electrostatic interactions with miRNAs, stabilize them, and deliver them to cells. The second type is composed of the N-Ter peptide (also known as MPG), an amphipathic peptide rich in lysine. The positively charged parts of the N-Ter peptide electrostatically stabilize miRNAs, whereas its amphipathic character allows it to successfully traverse cell membranes. We used miRNA-27a, a negative regulator of adipogenesis, to form nanoparticles with the peptides and traced their uptake in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Motivated by the lengthy discourse regarding the uptake mechanism of CPPs, the focus of our study was to analyse and understand the internalization of proticles (protamine nanoparticles) and N-Ter complexes. The nanoparticles were characterized regarding size, size distribution, and zeta potential, and their cytotoxicity was tested in 3T3-L1 cells. The uptake studies were performed by varying the experimental conditions such as time, concentration, and temperature, as well as by applying different inhibitors of endocytosis. Furthermore, we assessed the biological effect of miRNA-27a on the pro-adipogenic machinery. The obtained data have shown that protamine and the N-Ter peptide form positively charged nanoparticles through non-covalent complexation. The uptake of proticles and N-Ter complexes was found to be dependent on time, concentration, and temperature, and different uptake pathways were discovered to be involved in the internalization of the different nanoparticles. Furthermore, both types of nanoparticles induced the anti-adipogenic effect of miRNA-27a, demonstrating that this approach can be used as a novel miRNA replacement therapy in the treatment of obesity and obesity-related disorders.

Evaluation of Activated Clotting Times With a Heparin Reversal Protocol Designed to Conserve Protamine During Drug Shortages: A Retrospective, Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively evaluate a protamine conservation approach to heparin reversal implemented during times of critical shortages. This approach was aimed at maintaining access to cardiac surgical services.

SETTING

In-patient hospital setting.

PARTICIPANTS

Eight hundred-one cardiac surgical patients>18 years old.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery who received >30,000 U of heparin were given a single fixed vial protamine dose of 250 mg or a standard 1 mg of protamine to 100 U of heparin ratio-based dose to reverse heparin.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary endpoint was differences in post-reversal activated clotting times between the 2 groups. The secondary endpoint was differences in the number of protamine vials used between the 2 reversal strategies. The first activated clotting times values measured after initial protamine administration were not different between the Low Dose and Conventional Dose groups (122.3 s v 120.6 s, 1.47 s, 99% CI -1.47 to 4.94, p = 0.16). The total amount of protamine administered in the Low Dose group was less than that in the Conventional Dose group (-100.5 mg, 99% CI -110.0 to -91.0, p < 0.0001), as were the number of 250 mg vials used per case (-0.69, 99% CI -0.75 to -0.63, p < 0.0001). The mean initial protamine doses between groups were 250 mg and 352 mg, p < 0.0001. The mean protamine vials used were 1.33 v 2.02, p < 0.0001. When the calculations were based on 50 mg vials, the number of vials used per case in the Low Dose group was even less (-2.16, 99% CI -2.36 to -1.97, p < 0.0001).) CONCLUSIONS: Conservation measures regarding critical medications and supplies during times of shortages can maintain access to important services within a community.

Determination of protamine and heparin based on their effects on a glucose oxidase enzymatic reaction

This paper describes a sensitive method for determining protamine and heparin by utilizing a glucose oxidase enzymatic reaction. Polycationic protamine significantly promoted the enzymatic reaction rate with [Fe(CN)6]3-, so that the increase could be used to determine protamine. The promotion effect was stoichiometrically decreased by the addition of polyanionic heparin through the polyion complex formation with protamine, so that the enzymatic reaction also allowed for the determination of heparin. We thus applied the proposed method to blood plasma containing heparin and found that heparin did not stoichiometrically form a polyion complex with protamine, likely due to strong interactions between heparin and some components of the plasma. The proposed method allowed for the detection of free protamine (and/or weakly binding protamine with heparin) existing in the condition that protamine did not neutralize all of the heparin in the plasma. The method also permitted for the estimation of heparin concentrations using calibration curves. Thus, the proposed method would help reduce the risks of protamine overdose in heparin neutralization and would be a helpful tool in clinical practices that use heparin and protamine.

Protamine dose to neutralize heparin at the completion of cardiopulmonary bypass can be reduced significantly without affecting post-operative bleeding

BACKGROUND

Systemic anticoagulation with heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) should be neutralized by protamine administration to restore normal hemostasis. Our previous study showed the protamine-to-heparin ratio (P-to-H) of 1:1 (1 mg protamine:100 IU circulating heparin; 1.0 Ratio) is likely an overestimation. Thus, we reduced the P-to-H in the HMS Plus Hemostasis Management System to 0.9:1 (0.9 Ratio) for 5 months and then to 0.8:1 (0.8 Ratio). We monitored post-operative (post-op) bleeding in the setting of reduced protamine dose (PD).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 632 patients (209 for the 1.0 Ratio, 211 for 0.9 Ratio, 212 for 0.8 Ratio group) who underwent cardiac surgery to measure the reduction of PD and how it affects 24-hour (24 h) post-op chest tube output. We also analyzed the entire data set to explore whether further reduction of P-to-H is warranted.

RESULTS

While there was no difference in the indexed heparin dose among the three groups, we achieved a significant reduction in the indexed actual protamine dose (APDi) by 24% (0.9 Ratio) and 31% (0.8 Ratio) reductions compared to the 1.0 Ratio group. On average, APDi was 88 ± 22, 67 ± 18, and 61 ± 15 mg/m2 in the 1.0, 0.9, and 0.8 Ratio groups, respectively. We found no significant difference in 24 h post-op bleeding among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

1.0 Ratio at the completion of CPB is likely an excessive administration of protamine. With the stepwise reduction of PD, we observed no increase in post-op bleeding, which may indicate that no meaningful increase in heparin rebound occurred. In addition, further analysis of the entire data set demonstrates that a 0.75 Ratio is likely sufficient to neutralize the heparin completely.

What's fishy about protamine? Clinical use, adverse reactions, and potential alternatives

Protamine, a highly basic protein isolated from salmon sperm, is the only clinically available agent to reverse the anticoagulation of unfractionated heparin. Following intravenous administration, protamine binds to heparin in a nonspecific electrostatic interaction to reverse its anticoagulant effects. In clinical use, protamine is routinely administered to reverse high-dose heparin anticoagulation in cardiovascular procedures, including cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Despite the lack of supportive evidence regarding protamine's effectiveness to reverse low-molecular-weight heparin, it is recommended in guidelines with low-quality evidence. Different dosing strategies have been reported for reversing heparin in cardiac surgical patients based on empiric dosing, pharmacokinetics, or point-of-care measurements of heparin levels. Protamine administration is associated with a spectrum of adverse reactions that range from vasodilation to life-threatening cardiopulmonary dysfunction and shock. The life-threatening responses appear to be hypersensitivity reactions due to immunoglobulin E and/or immunoglobulin G antibodies. However, protamine and heparin-protamine complexes can activate complement inflammatory pathways and inhibit other coagulation factors. Although alternative agents for reversing heparin are not currently available for clinical use, additional research continues evaluating novel therapeutic approaches.

Minimum protamine dose required to neutralize heparin in cardiac surgery: a single-centre, prospective, observational cohort study

PURPOSE

Excess protamine contributes to coagulopathy following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and may increase blood loss and transfusion requirements. The primary aim of this study was to find the least amount of protamine necessary to neutralize residual heparin following CPB using the gold standard assays of anti-IIa and anti-Xa activity. Secondary objectives were to evaluate whether the post-CPB activated clotting time could be used as a surrogate marker for quantifying heparin neutralization.

METHODS

Twenty-eight consecutive patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were enrolled. Protamine administration was standardized through an infusion pump at 25 mg·min-1. Blood samples were withdrawn prior to and following administration of 150, 200, 250, and 300 mg protamine and analyzed for activated clotting time and anti-IIa and -Xa activity.

RESULTS

Following a mean (standard deviation) cumulative heparin dose of 67,700 (19,400) units and a CPB duration of 113 (71) min, protamine requirements varied widely. Eight out of 25 (32%) patients showed complete neutralization of anti-IIa and -Xa activity at the first sampling point (150 mg protamine; protamine:heparin ratio, 0.3 [0.1]). A protamine:heparin ratio of 0.5 (0.2) was sufficient for heparin neutralization in > 90% of patients. After CPB, a low to mid-range activated clotting time correlated well with anti-IIa and -Xa activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The protamine:heparin ratio required to neutralize residual unfractionated heparin (UFH) following CPB is variable. A protamine:heparin ratio of 0.3 was sufficient to neutralize UFH in some patients, while a ratio of 0.5 is sufficient to neutralize both residual anti-IIa and -Xa activity in most patients. Larger studies are necessary to confirm these findings and evaluate their clinical implications.

STUDY REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03787641); registered 26 December 2018.

Solubilization of Mouse Sperm Chromatin for Sequencing Analyses Using a Chaperon Protein

Sperm chromatin compaction is physiologically essential for sperm to acquire the fertility. However, this unique structure composed of protamines makes us unable to solubilize the chromatin due to its resistance to sonication and enzymes usually used for chromatin fragmentation in somatic cells. Even when intense enzymatic treatment is applied, it appears to solubilize only certain portions of sperm chromatin presumably because of the heterogeneous properties. To overcome this issue, we previously developed a method to treat the sperm with recombinant nucleoplasmin, a protamine remover in fertilized embryos, followed by sonication. The nucleoplasmin treatment dramatically increased the efficiency of sperm chromatin solubilization, while a relatively large amount of recombinant nucleoplasmin was required. Here, we describe an improvement of nucleoplasmin method with a less amount of recombinant protein and a shorter reaction time.

Protamine gold nanoclusters - based fluorescence turn-on sensor for rapid determination of Trinitrotoluene (TNT)

Determination of trace residues of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is an analytical challenge as it is widely used in military, mining industry, civilian and counter-terrorism purposes. In this study, a gold nanocluster - based turn-on fluorescence sensor was developed for TNT determination. A one-pot approach was used to synthesize the fluorescent protamine - stabilized gold nanoclusters (PRT-AuNC). The proposed turn-on fluorometric sensor relies on the aggregation-induced emission enhancement mechanism. As a result of the donor-acceptor interaction between the non-fluorescent Meisenheimer anion formed from TNT and the amino groups of weakly fluorescent protamine, the PRT-AuNCs aggregate and an accompanying enhancement in fluorescence intensity is observed with a large Stokes shift (λ_ex = 300 nm, λ_em = 600 nm). The fluorescence enhancement increased linearly with TNT with an LOD of 12.44 µg/L. Similar energetic materials, common soil ions and explosive camouflage materials did not affect the proposed fluorometric sensing method. TNT in artificially contaminated soil was determined, and the results were comparable to those obtained by the HPLC-DAD system. The proposed turn-on sensor is an important tool for simple, fast, rapid and sensitive TNT determination, and has a potential to be converted to a kit format.

Confinement dependence of protein-associated solvent dynamics around different classes of proteins, from the EPR spin probe perspective

Protein function is modulated by coupled solvent fluctuations, subject to the degree of confinement from the surroundings. To identify universal features of the external confinement effect, the temperature dependence of the dynamics of protein-associated solvent over 200-265 K for proteins representative of different classes and sizes is characterized by using the rotational correlation time (detection bandwidth, 10-10-10-7 s) of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR, X-band) spin probe, TEMPOL, which is restricted to regions vicinal to protein in frozen aqueous solution. Weak (protein surrounded by aqueous-dimethylsulfoxide cryosolvent mesodomain) and strong (no added crysolvent) conditions of ice boundary confinement are imposed. The panel of soluble proteins represents large and small oligomeric (ethanolamine ammonia-lyase, 488 kDa; streptavidin, 52.8 kDa) and monomeric (myoglobin, 16.7 kDa) globular proteins, an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP, β-casein, 24.0 kDa), an unstructured peptide (protamine, 4.38 kDa) and a small peptide with partial backbone order (amyloid-β residues 1-16, 1.96 kDa). Expanded and condensate structures of β-casein and protamine are resolved by the spin probe under weak and strong confinement, respectively. At each confinement condition, the soluble globular proteins display common T-dependences of rotational correlation times and normalized weights, for two mobility components, protein-associated domain, PAD, and surrounding mesodomain. Strong confinement induces a detectable PAD component and emulation of globular protein T-dependence by the amyloid-β peptide. Confinement uniformly impacts soluble globular protein PAD dynamics, and is therefore a generic control parameter for modulation of soluble globular protein function.

Safety and efficacy of insulin detemir versus NPH in the treatment of diabetes during pregnancy: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

To compare the safety and efficacy of insulin detemir versus neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) in pregnant women with diabetes.

METHODS

MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Google Scholar databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov registry were searched from inception to December 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning adult women with singleton pregnancies, gestational or pregestational diabetes, and the need for insulin therapy. A systematic review and a meta-analysis (weighted data, random-effects model) were performed. Continuous outcomes were expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) (inverse variance method); dichotomous outcomes were expressed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI (Mantel-Haenszel method). Heterogeneity was quantified using the I² index.

RESULTS

Five RCTs involving 1450 participants met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes that showed significant results in favor of insulin detemir over NPH were maternal hypoglycemic events (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.48-0.86, p = 0.003; I² = 0%) and gestational age at delivery (MD 0.48, 95% CI 0.16-0.81, p = 0.003; I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin detemir was associated with less maternal hypoglycemic events and decreased risk for prematurity compared with NPH insulin. More research should be conducted to reach a safe conclusion about the optimal insulin regimen for women with diabetes in pregnancy.

Impact of heavy alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking on sperm DNA integrity

The purposes of the presents study were to investigate the impact of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking on semen parameters and sperm DNA quality, as well as to determine whether tobacco smoking, or alcohol consumption causes more deterioration of sperm quality. Two hundred and eleven semen samples of men were included in this study. Four groups were studied: heavy smokers (N = 48), heavy drinkers (N = 52), non-smokers (n = 70), and non-drinkers (n = 41). Semen parameters were determined according to WHO guidelines, protamine deficiency assessed by chromomycin (CMA3) staining, and sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) evaluated by TUNEL assay. Sperm parameters were significantly higher in non-smokers versus smokers and in non-drinkers versus drinkers (p < 0.005). However, protamine deficiency and sDF were significantly lower in non-smokers versus smokers and in non-drinkers versus drinkers (p < 0.0001). No significant difference in the semen analysis parameters was observed between heavy smokers and heavy drinkers (semen volume: 3.20 ± 1.43 vs. 2.81 ± 1.56 ml, semen count: 65.75 ± 31.32 vs. 53.51 ± 32.67 mill/ml, total motility: 24.27 ± 8.18 vs. 23.75 ± 1.75%, sperm vitality: 36.15 ± 18.57 vs. 34.62 ± 16.65%, functional integrity: 41.56 ± 18.57 vs. 45.96 ± 17.98% and the morphologically normal spermatozoa: 28.77 ± 11.82 vs. 27.06 ± 13.13%, respectively). However, protamine deficiency was significantly higher among drinkers than smokers (37.03 ± 9.75 vs. 33.27 ± 8.56%, p = 0.020). The sDF was also significantly higher among drinkers than smokers (22.37 ± 7.60 vs. 15.55 ± 3.33%, p < 0.0001). Thus, cigarette smoking, and heavy alcohol intake can deteriorate sperm quality. However, alcohol consumption deteriorates sperm maturity and damages DNA integrity at significantly higher rates than cigarette smoking.

Preparation of protamine-hyaluronic acid coated core-shell nanoparticles for enhanced solubility, permeability, and oral bioavailability of decoquinate

Decoquinate (DQ) has low oral bioavailability owing to its poor water solubility. In this study, a DQ solid dispersion (DQ-SD) was fabricated using mechanochemical technology to encapsulate DQ and improve its oral bioavailability. DQ-SD is easily generated via self-assembly in the aqueous phase to form micelles consisting of disodium glycyrrhizinate (Na₂GA) nanoparticles with a protamine (PRM) and anionic hyaluronic acid (HA) layers. The spherical DQ nanoparticles with an average diameter of 114.95 nm were obtained in an aqueous phase with a critical micelle concentration of 0.157 mg/mL, zeta potential of -38.38 mV, polydispersity index of 0.200, and drug loading of 5.66 %. The dissolution rate and cumulative release of DQ-SD were higher than those of pure DQ. Furthermore, the bioavailability of DQ-SD was approximately 6.3 times higher than that of pure DQ. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies indicated that DQ-SD possessed a significantly higher concentration in the blood and preferential liver tissue accumulation, than that of pure DQ. The developed DQ-SD exhibited considerable potential for developing old DQ for a new application as a hematogenous parasite drug and provides a reference for developing more efficient delivery systems for hydrophobic bioactive agents.

Preparation of antimicrobial calcium phosphate/protamine composite powders with fluoride ions using octacalcium phosphate

Calcium phosphates are key biomaterials in dental treatment and bone regeneration. Biomaterials must exhibit antibacterial properties to prevent microbial infection in implantation frameworks. Previously, we developed various types of calcium phosphate powders (amorphous calcium phosphate, octacalcium phosphate (OCP), dicalcium phosphate anhydrate, and hydroxyapatite) with adsorbed protamine (which is a protein with antibacterial property) and confirmed their antibacterial property. In this study, as foundational research for the development of novel oral care materials, we synthesized calcium phosphate composite powders from three starting materials: i) OCP, which intercalates organic compounds, ii) protamine, which has antibacterial properties, and iii) F- ion, which promotes the formation of apatite crystals. Through investigating the preparation concentration of the F- ions and their loading into OCP, it was found that more F- ion could be loaded at higher concentrations regardless of the loading method. It was also observed that the higher the preparation concentration, the more the OCP converted to fluorapatite. The synthesized calcium phosphate composite powders were evaluated for biocompatibility through proliferation of MG-63 cells, with none of the powders exhibiting any growth inhibition. Antimicrobial tests showed that the calcium phosphate composite powders synthesized with protamine and F- ion by precipitation had enhanced antimicrobial properties than those synthesized by protamine adsorption. Thus, the calcium phosphate composite powder prepared from OCP, protamine, and F- ion forms the basis for promising antimicrobial biomaterials. Graphical abstract.

Discovery of pyridazinone analogs as potent transient receptor potential canonical channel 5 inhibitors

A deepening understanding of the relationship between transient receptor potential canonical channel 5 (TRPC5) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), has led to the emergence of several types of TRPC5 inhibitors displaying clear therapeutic effect. Herein, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of pyrroledione TRPC5 inhibitors, culminating in the discovery of compound 16g with subtype selectivity. Compared with GFB-8438, a potent TRPC5 inhibitor (Goldfinch Bio), compound 16g showed improved inhibition of TRPC5 and enhanced protective effect against protamine sulfates (PS)-induced podocyte injury in vitro. In addition, compound 16g did not induce cell death in primary cultured hepatocytes and immortalized podocytes in a preliminary toxicity assessment, indicating its utility as a potent and safe inhibitor for studying the function of TRPC5.

Antitrichomonal activity of nanoemulsion of carvacrol on Trichomonas galline: formulation development and in vitro characterization

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid in veterinary medicine to find novel natural resources to reduce the use of synthetic drugs, avoid side effects, and for better compliance of the animals’ owners. Metronidazole has been used for many years in the treatment of birds’ trichomonosis. Carvacrol is a terpenoid and several biologic activities was attributed to it. The present study developed and characterized a carvacrol nanoemulsion (NanoCAV) and investigated its antitrichomonal activity on Trichomonas gallinae, the causative agent of pigeon trichomonosis, under in vitro condition and compared it with carvacrol (CAV) and the standard antitrichomonal dug, metronidazole (MTZ). Additionally, cytotoxicity of the developed formulation to the fibroblast cell line was evaluated. The NanoCAV mean size and surface charge were 80.5 nm and -31.2 mv, respectively. No significant cytotoxicity was observed for the NanoCAV. Incorporation efficiency of NanoCAV was measured as 75%. Results of antitrichomonal activity assay showed 12 h fifty percent lethal concentrations of 0.39 and 0.27 μg/ml for CAV and NanoCAV, respectively. The NanoCAV based on in vitro activity and low cytotoxicity, can be further studied for its efficacy and safety profile in the pigeons.

Protein-mediated DNA self-assembly by controlling the surface charge in a molecular crowding environment

Designing and building artificial nanodevices and nanoarchitectures in living systems are extremely intriguing subjects in nanotechnology and synthetic biology. Taking advantage of cellular machinery and endogenous biomacromolecules, such as proteins,...

Assessment of Rotational Thromboelastometry and Thrombin Generation Assay to Identify Risk of High Blood Loss and Re-Operation After Cardiac Surgery

Introduction: We aimed to investigate parameters for prediction of post-operative blood loss and re-operation in patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: Thrombin generation assay, activated partial thromboplastin time, activated clotting time and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) tests were performed at 4 time points in 65 patients: before skin incision (T1), after heparin injection (T2), after protamine reversal (T3) and before skin closure (T4). Results: Pre-operative endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak thrombin levels were significantly lower in patients with high post-operative blood loss (≥ 800 mL) within 24 h than in those with low blood loss (< 800 mL). Clotting time (CT), maximal clotting firmness, clotting firmness time and alpha angle values of ROTEM measured at T2, T3 or T4 were significant predictors for high post-operative blood loss. An increase in CT-EXTEM over 4 time points was significant in patients who had a re-operation within 48 h compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: This study indicates that pre-operative ETP could predict high post-operative blood loss and that intra-operative ROTEM also helps to stratify risks of high post-operative blood loss and re-operation.

Field efficacy and safety of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin in 276 dogs with diabetes mellitus

Twice-daily (BID) insulin injections are a major deterrence to owners treating dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM). The hypothesis for this study was that Protamine Zinc Recombinant Human Insulin (PZIR) is safe and efficacious as a once-daily (SID) treatment for canine DM. This was a prospective, baseline-controlled, multi-center study over 182 ± 5 d. Two hundred seventy-six client-owned dogs with naturally occurring DM (naïve or pre-treated with insulin) were enrolled in the study. Enrollment was based upon demonstration of hyperglycemia, glycosuria, and ≥1 diabetic clinical sign (polyuria (PU), polydipsia (PD), or weight loss). Insulin treatment was initiated at 0.5-1.0 IU/kg SID. An improvement in at least one lab parameter related to DM (mean BG, min BG, Fructosamine) and one clinical parameter (PU/PD, body weight) was achieved in 72% of dogs (80% of naive, 62% of pre-treated). Dogs treated SID and BID showed improvement in 71% and 74% of cases, respectively. In naïve dogs, mean and minimum BG and fructosamine were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by d 7 and 21, respectively, and in pre-treated dogs by d 63. By d 84, PU/PD improved in 90% and 88% of dogs, respectively, and the mean successful insulin dose was 1.4 IU/kg/d. Safety parameters were measured in 276 dogs for up to 182 d; clinical hypoglycemia occurred in 8.9% of dogs. We conclude that PZIR safely and effectively improved glycemic parameters and clinical signs in naïve and pre-treated diabetic dogs. The significant percentage of dogs on SID treatment with improvement in hyperglycemia and clinical signs confirms the prolonged action of PZIR in many dogs.

Quantitative determination of dextran sulfate and pentosan polysulfate and their binding with protamine using chronopotentiometry with polyion-selective electrodes

We report for the first time a chronopotentiometric measurement of polyanions based on localized ion depletion at the sample/membrane interface at a characteristic transition time τ, using polymer membrane polyanion-selective electrodes. Chronopotentiometric transduction of polyions based on the measurement of transition time has analytically more attractive applications compared to the controlled-current reversible pulsed chronopotentiometric transduction based on electromotive force (emf) measurement. This is because traditional polyion-selective electrodes based on emf measurement intrinsically give nonlinear (sigmoidal) calibration curves. While these can be used for indirect determination of polyions via polyanion-polycation titrations, they are not convenient for direct quantitation. However, under chronopotentiometric measurement based on the measurement of transition time, the square root of the transition time τ is linearly related to the concentration of the polyion according to the Sand equation and can be used for a direct calibration-free rapid determination. In this work, we have measured the concentrations of dextran sulfate (DS) and pentosan polysulfate (PPS) using polyanion selective electrodes under chronopotentiometric method where the transition time was measured and controlled-current pulsed chronopotentiometric transductions, where the phase boundary potential (emf) was measured. In addition, the protamine-DS and the protamine-PPS binding ratios have been determined using both transductions. The protamine-PPS binding ratio was determined to be 1.51:1 by the titration method and 1.54:1 by chronopotentiometry. The protamine-DS binding ratio was determined to be 1.37:1 by the titration method and 1.41:1 by chronopotentiometry, showing excellent agreement between the two methods. These simple measurement methods of binding ratios between polysaccharides and polypeptides may become important tools for screening safer and more reliable antidotes for the newer and safer anticoagulants such as Low Molecular Weight Heparins(LMWHs) and also to determine the dosages of antidotes needed to neutralize the anticoagulant activity.

Ulinastatin attenuates protamine-induced cardiotoxicity in rats by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor alpha

Protamine causes cardiac depression, which may be mediated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Ulinastatin, a human urinary protease inhibitor, inhibits TNF-α. Here, we aimed to investigate whether ulinastatin prevented protamine-induced myocardial depression by inhibiting TNF-α. Rat hearts were perfused using a Langendorff system, and three protocols were followed. Protocol 1: The hearts were divided into saline, ulinastatin-low, and ulinastatin-high groups. Protamine was administered to each group, and myocardial contractility was the primary outcome. Protocol 2: The hearts were allotted to saline or ulinastatin group. Protamine was administered to each group. TNF-α expression in the coronary effluent and myocardial tissue was measured. Protocol 3: The hearts were allotted to saline and ulinastatin groups. Recombinant rat-TNF-α was administered to each group. Protamine alone reduced the maximum left ventricular pressure derivative (LV dP/dt max) by 45 ± 4%. In contrast, the reduction in LV dP/dt max was 4 ± 3% in the ulinastatin-high group. Compared with that in the saline group, the increase in TNF-α in the coronary effluent was attenuated in the ulinastatin group. Recombinant TNF-α alone reduced LV dP/dt max (- 21 ± 14%). In contrast, when TNF-α was added in the presence of ulinastatin, the decrease in LV dP/dt max was prevented significantly (- 3 ± 8%). We showed, for the first time, that ulinastatin protected against protamine-induced myocardial damage, both by inhibiting TNF-α synthesis and by directly preventing the cardiodepressant action of TNF-α.

SuperGAG biopolymers for treatment of excessive bladder permeability

Few therapeutic options exist for treatment of IC/BPS. A novel high MW GAG biopolymer ("SuperGAG") was synthesized by controlled oligomerization of CS, purified by TFF and characterized by SEC-MALLS and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The modified GAG biopolymer was tested in an OVX female rat model in which bladder permeability was induced by a 10-minute intravesicular treatment with dilute (1 mg/ml) protamine sulfate and measured by classical Ussing Chamber TEER measurements following treatment with SuperGAG, chondroitin sulfate, or saline. The effect on abrogating the abdominal pain response was assessed using von Frey filaments. The SuperGAG biopolymer was then investigated in a second, genetically modified mouse model (URO-MCP1) that increasingly is accepted as a model for IC/BPS. Permeability was induced with a brief exposure to a sub-noxious dose of LPS and was quantified using contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI). The SuperGAG biopolymer restored impermeability to normal levels in the OVX rat model as measured by TEER in the Ussing chamber and reduced the abdominal pain response arising from induced permeability. Evaluation in the URO-MCP1 mouse model also showed restoration of bladder impermeability and showed the utility of CE-MRI imaging for evaluating the efficacy of agents to restore bladder impermeability. We conclude novel high MW SuperGAG biopolymers are effective in restoring urothelial impermeability and reducing pain produced by loss of the GAG layer on the urothelium. SuperGAG biopolymers could offer a novel and effective new therapy for IC/BPS, particularly if combined with MRI to assess the efficacy of the therapy.

Effects of treatment with lispro and neutral protamine Hagedorn insulins on serum fructosamine and postprandial blood glucose concentrations in dogs with clinically well-controlled diabetes mellitus and postprandial hyperglycemia

OBJECTIVE

To assess effects of basal-bolus insulin treatment (BBIT) with lispro and neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulins, compared with NPH insulin alone, on serum fructosamine concentration (SFC) and postprandial blood glucose concentration (BGC) in dogs with clinically well-controlled diabetes mellitus and postprandial hyperglycemia fed a high insoluble fiber-content diet.

ANIMALS

6 client-owned dogs with diabetes mellitus.

PROCEDURES

Blood samples were collected for BGC and SFC measurement in hospitalized dogs just before feeding and routine SC NPH insulin administration (time 0); samples were collected for BGC measurement every 30 minutes for 2 hours, then every 2 hours for up to 10 additional hours. Postprandial hyperglycemia was identified when BGC 30 minutes after insulin administration exceeded BGC at time 0 or the 1-hour time point. For BBIT, owners were instructed to continue NPH insulin administration at the usual dosage at home (q 12 h, with feeding) and to administer lispro insulin (0.1 U/Kg, SC) separately at the time of NPH injections. Two weeks later, SFC and BGC measurements were repeated; results at the start and end of the study were compared statistically.

RESULTS

Median SFC was significantly higher at the start (400 μmol/L) than at the end (390 μmol/L) of the study. Median 1-hour (313 mg/dL) and 1.5-hour (239 mg/dL) BGC measurements at the start of the study were significantly higher than those at the end of the study (117 and 94 mg/dL, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In this sample of dogs with well-controlled diabetes mellitus, addition of lispro insulin to an existing treatment regimen of NPH insulin and dietary management significantly decreased postprandial BGCs. Further study of BBIT for dogs with diabetes mellitus is warranted.

Promotion of Osseointegration Using Protamine/Alginate/Bone Morphogenic Protein 2 Biofunctionalized Composite Coating on Nanopolymorphic Titanium Surfaces

A bioactive paradigm is required to promote osseointegration of implant materials. Here, a protamine/alginate/bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2) biofunctionalized composite coating was created on nanopolymorphic titanium (Ti) surfaces to promote the osseointegration of Ti implants. Alkali and heat (AH) treatment was used to make porous Ti implants (TiAH) with a superhydrophilic and negatively charged surface, which facilitates the adsorption of a positively charged protamine/alginate/protamine (TiAH-Pro/Alg/Pro) coating. Biofunctionalization of the substrate was achieved via further immobilization of exogenous BMP2 (TiAH-Pro/Alg/Pro-BMP2). The results indicated the successful deposition of Pro/Alg/Pro coatings onto porous TiAH substrates. In addition, the initial burst release of the adsorbed protein was effectively dampened by the TiAH-Pro/Alg/Pro coating, allowing uniform protein distribution and sustained biomolecule release. In comparison with the pristine Ti, the three modified substrates showed good cytocompatibility and promoted cell adhesion in the initial period. The adherent cells on the TiAH-Pro/Alg/Pro surface and TiAH-Pro/Alg/Pro-BMP2 substrate exhibited distinct shapes compared to those on the pristine Ti and TiAH surfaces. Moreover, TiAH-Pro/Alg/Pro-BMP2 significantly improved the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and enhanced the osseointegration in the in vivo rat model. Such facilitative effects may be achieved by activating integrins and the BMP/Smad signaling pathway. This study highlights the potential of combining inorganic with organic surface modifications for accelerating the osseointegration of implant materials.

A multi-functional macrophage and tumor targeting gene delivery system for the regulation of macrophage polarity and reversal of cancer immunoresistance

To achieve effective tumor eradication using anti-tumor immunotherapies, a fusion peptide functionalized gene delivery system for macrophage and tumor targeting delivery of the plasmid DNA encoding the IL-12 gene (pDNA IL-12) was prepared for macrophage re-polarization as well as reversal of cancer immunosuppression. A fusion peptide containing the tuftsin sequence that can interact with Fc receptors and neuropilin-1, and hyaluronic acid (HA) that can interact with CD44 were introduced into the delivery system by self-assembly to form peptide/hyaluronic acid/protamine/CaCO3/DNA nanoparticles (PHNP) with both macrophage targeting and tumor targeting capabilities. PHNP provides an efficient immunoregulation on J774A.1 cells to shift the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype to the anti-tumor M1 phenotype with enhanced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased expression of M1 markers. Owing to the improved delivery efficiency caused by the fusion peptide and HA, the transfection mediated by multi-functional PHNP can up-regulate IL-12 as well as down-regulate IL-10 and IL-4 more effectively as compared with the nanoparticles without HA and/or peptide decoration. More importantly, the gene delivery system can also deliver pDNA IL-12 to targeted cancerous HeLa cells to realize the secretion of IL-12. PHNP not only enables tumorous cells to produce pDNA IL-12, but also down-regulates CD47 and up-regulate CD80 and HLA-1 in the malignant cells, indicating that the gene delivery system can effectively reverse tumor induced immunosuppression.

Estrogen Receptors in Colorectal Adenocarcinomas and in Other Large Bowel Diseases

Seventy-two patients with tumor and ten with non-neoplastic colon disease were studied for the presence of estrogen receptors (ER) by three different methods. Only seven specimens (six primary adenocarcinomas and one recurrent cancer) had an ER concentration above 3 fm/mg of cytosolic protein, with no sex, age and tumor stage correlation. Our results suggest that the large bowel does not contain a cytosolic receptor for estradiol.

Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Elastic Nanoliposomes for Topical Delivery of Highly Skin-Permeable Growth Factors

Percutaneous delivery of growth factors is often used to treat wounds, and for cosmetic purposes, as a way of accelerating healing and skin regeneration, respectively. However, the therapeutic effects of growth factors are diminished by their poor absorption when delivered percutaneously, in addition to their rapid degradation by proteinases. To overcome these obstacles, we constructed two skin-permeable compounds. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) were both genetically paired with low-molecular-weight protamine (LMWP), to yield the compounds LMWP-bFGF and LMWP-VEGF-A, respectively. The molecular weights and N-terminal amino acid sequences of LMWP-bFGF and LMWP-VEGF-A confirmed that the N-terminus-specific conjugation of LMWP with bFGF and VEGF-A had been successful. The biological abilities of the native factors to stimulate human fibroblast (CCD-986sk) and endothelial cell proliferation were preserved. Both compounds significantly promoted wound (scratch) recovery and enhanced procollagen type I C-peptide synthesis in CCD-986sk cells (to levels 184 and 133% those of the native compounds, respectively). The LMWP-conjugated growth factors were significantly more permeable than the native forms (by 7.29- and 29.22-fold, respectively). Finally, encapsulation of the compounds in positively charged elastic nanoliposomes (115 ± 1.54 nm in diameter with a zeta potential of 57.2 ± 3.05 mV) further improved both permeation and stability. Thus, nanoliposomes loaded with LMWP-conjugated growth factors are expected to enhance skin regeneration; the materials will find applications in wound-healing therapies and anti-wrinkle cosmetics.

Preclinical and Clinical Demonstration of Immunogenicity by mRNA Vaccines against H10N8 and H7N9 Influenza Viruses

Recently, the World Health Organization confirmed 120 new human cases of avian H7N9 influenza in China resulting in 37 deaths, highlighting the concern for a potential pandemic and the need for an effective, safe, and high-speed vaccine production platform. Production speed and scale of mRNA-based vaccines make them ideally suited to impede potential pandemic threats. Here we show that lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated, modified mRNA vaccines, encoding hemagglutinin (HA) proteins of H10N8 (A/Jiangxi-Donghu/346/2013) or H7N9 (A/Anhui/1/2013), generated rapid and robust immune responses in mice, ferrets, and nonhuman primates, as measured by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) and microneutralization (MN) assays. A single dose of H7N9 mRNA protected mice from a lethal challenge and reduced lung viral titers in ferrets. Interim results from a first-in-human, escalating-dose, phase 1 H10N8 study show very high seroconversion rates, demonstrating robust prophylactic immunity in humans. Adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate with only a few severe and no serious events. These data show that LNP-formulated, modified mRNA vaccines can induce protective immunogenicity with acceptable tolerability profiles.

Emissive H-Aggregates of an Ultrafast Molecular Rotor: A Promising Platform for Sensing Heparin

Constructing "turn on" fluorescent probes for heparin, a most widely used anticoagulant in clinics, from commercially available materials is of great importance, but remains challenging. Here, we report the formation of a rarely observed emissive H-aggregate of an ultrafast molecular rotor dye, Thioflavin-T, in the presence of heparin, which provides an excellent platform for simple, economic and rapid fluorescence turn-on sensing of heparin. Generally, H-aggregates are considered as serious problem in the field of biomolecular sensing, owing to their poorly emissive nature resulting from excitonic interaction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report, where contrastingly, the turn-on emission from the H-aggregates has been utilized in the biomolecule sensing scheme, and enables a very efficient and selective detection of a vital biomolecule and a drug with its extensive medical applications, i.e., heparin. Our sensor system offers several advantages including, emission in the biologically advantageous red-region, dual sensing, i.e., both by fluorimetry and colorimetry, and most importantly constructed from in-expensive commercially available dye molecule, which is expected to impart a large impact on the sensing field of heparin. Our system displays good performance in complex biological media of serum samples. The novel Thioflavin-T aggregate emission could be also used to probe the interaction of heparin with its only clinically approved antidote, Protamine.

Cytochrome P450 2E1 participation in the pathogenesis of experimental metabolic syndrome in guinea pigs

In this work the experimental metabolic syndrome on the basis of protamine sulfate modeling in guinea pigs was reproduced and pathological processes in the liver of experimental animals were studied. We determined the level of free radicals and markers of liver damage in the blood of experimental animals. We investigated the liver glycogen content and K+,Na+-ATPase activity in the liver of experimental animals as well as measured the cytochrome P450 2E1 (CY P2E1) expression – one of the main factors of oxidative stress. Evidence of development of hepatotoxic processes, increasing of the CY P2E1 level as well as of the free radical level in the animals with metabolic syndrome were found. Using of CY P2E1 inhibitors had shown that the free radical level in the blood of experimental animals depended on the level of the enzyme expression and activity. The obtained results suggest that the changes in the CY P2E1 expression play an important role in the development of hepatotoxic processes upon experimental metabolic syndrome. It was assumed that pharmacological correction of the enzyme expression may be an important mechanism for the influence on the metabolic syndrome clinical course.

[Related factors of sperm DNA damage: Advances in studies]

The detection of sperm DNA damage, as an important supplement to semen routine examination strategies, has been applied in some clinical andrology laboratories. What factors may lead to sperm DNA damage remains one of the concerns among many andrologists. Present studies show a variety of factors of sperm DNA damage, including age, environmental pollutants such as organophosphorus and organochloride pesticides, plasticizer, heavy metals such as lead, carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (c-PAHs) and zearalenone (ZEA), male reproductive system diseases or systemic diseases such as varicocele, infection, tumor, spermatogenesis and maturation dysfunction, spinal cord injury and endocrine disorders, seasons and temperature, lifestyle, abstinence time, semen refrigeration, semen handling in vitro, and certain medications. Among them, spermatogenesis and sperm maturation dysfunction may be the most secretive factors, which are involved in the molecular mechanisms of sperm chromatin packaging and restructuring, such as the transformation of histone to protamine, single nucleotide polymorphism of genes, and the role of telomere, which may be one of the hotspots in the future studies of sperm DNA damage. Relevant researches in the future are expected to focus on the prevention of sperm DNA damage and clarification of its specific pathogenic mechanisms so as to provide some evidence for its treatment.

Purification and Characterization of α-Keto Amide Reductase fromSaccharomyces cerevisiae

An NADPH-dependent alpha-keto amide reductase was purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The molecular mass of the native enzyme was estimated to be 33 and 36 kDa by gel filtration chromatography and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively. The purified enzyme showed a reducing activity not only for aromatic alpha-keto amides but also for aliphatic and aromatic alpha-keto esters. The internal sequence of the enzyme was identical with that of a hypothetical protein (ORF YDL 124w) coded by yeast chromosome IV.

Comparison of intravesical application of chondroitin sulphate and colchicine in rat protamine/lipopolysaccharide induced cystitis model

PURPOSE

To investigate beneficial effect of the readily available colchicine through its intravesical application on protamine/lipopolysaccharide induced interstitial cystitis model in rat and to compare its efficacy to the chondroitin sulphate available for clinical use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four Wistar female rats were assigned to control (C), interstitial cystitis (IC), chondroitin sulphate (CS) and colchicine (Col) groups. IC, CS and Col groups received protamine sulphate and lipopolysaccharide (PS/LPS) instillation. Testing agents CS and Col were administered a day after PS/LPS inoculation into the bladders. Rats in Group C received saline solution. CS and Col groups received 1 mL CS (0.2%) and 1 mL Col (0.05 mg/mL). The treatment agents were left in bladders for one hour's duration. Animals were sacrificed 5 days after the inoculation and the bladder tissues were examined histologically to evaluate the amount of extravasated leucocytes, mast cell concentration (by counting total number of cells per 10 high power field (hpf; 1 hpf = ×400 magnification) as well as interstitial tissue edema for each bladder.

RESULTS

Intravesical application of CS reduced significantly the leucocyte and mast cell infiltration as well as interstitial edema compared to group C . The level of reduction in leucocyte and mast cell infiltration in Col group was comparable to that of CS, although the interstitial edema was not resolved.

CONCLUSION

Intravesical administration of Col decreased leucocyte and mast cell infiltration to the same extent of CS in PS/LPS induced bladder inflammation in rat. Col may be an alternative to other treatment modalities for painful bladder conditions such as IC.

[Insulin determination in pancreas of guinea pigs with metabolic syndrome]

The level of insulin production is one of the integral parameters during the modeling of metabolic syndrome in animals. Comparison of this parameter with blood glucose level can characterize the degree of insulin resistance of cells. In this work we determined the level of insulin in pancreatic cells of guinea pigs under normal conditions and during metabolic syndrome. The obtained results were compared with the blood glucose level of experimental animals. In this work we used the methods of histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of insulin production. It was found that in guinea pigs metabolic syndrome modeling is accompanied by impaired insulin synthesis, degenerative changes in pancreatic tissue and increased blood glucose level. The data obtained suggest that the experimental animals have insulin resistance, which is the main pathogenetic mechanism in the development of metabolic syndrome.

Blood loss after cardiopulmonary bypass, standard vs titrated protamine: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine whether standard or titrated dosing of protamine is more effective in facilitating haemostasis after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, and Biomedical Central using the terms 'cardiopulmonary bypass and heparin and protamine'. Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical studies, or cohort studies with designs comparing the postoperative volume of bleeding between the study group (titrated dose) and the control group (standard dose) for protamine reversal of surgical anticoagulation in CPB procedures. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative blood loss.

RESULTS

There were 219 studies identified in the initial search; four of these were included in the meta-analysis. All studies were RCTs, involving a total of 507 patients. Postoperative blood loss was lower in the study group (range: 625-839 ml) compared with the control group (range: 765-995 ml) in all four studies. Transfusion of packed red blood cells was also lower in the study group compared with the control group in all four studies. There was no evidence of significant heterogeneity in postoperative blood loss among the four studies (Q=4.224, I2=28.98%, p=0.238); hence, a fixed-effects model of analysis was used. The overall/combined standardised difference in means of postoperative blood loss volume significantly favoured study treatment over control treatment (-0.562±0.322, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that titrated protamine dosing is more effective than standard protamine dosing for reducing postoperative bleeding after CPB.

Glioma cell growth inhibition following photochemical internalization enhanced non-viral PTEN gene transfection

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

One of many limitations for cancer gene therapy is the inability of the therapeutic gene to transfect a sufficient number of tumor cells. Photochemical internalization (PCI) is a photodynamic therapy-based approach for improving the delivery of macromolecules and genes into the cell cytosol. The utility of PCI for the delivery of the GFP reporter gene on the same plasmid as a tumor suppressor gene (PTEN) was investigated in monolayers of U251 human glioma cells and muticell U87 glioma spheroids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

U251 monolayers or U87 spheroids were incubated in AlPcS(2a) and non-viral vector polyplexes for 18 hours. In all cases, light treatment was performed with a diode laser at a wavelength of 670 nm. The non-viral transfection agents, branched polyethylenimine (bPEI), or protamine sulfate (PS), were used with the plasmid constructs GFP/PTEN or GFP.

RESULTS

PS/GFP polyplexes were much less toxic to the glioma cells compared to bPEI/GFP polyplexes but were highly inefficient at gene transfection if used alone. PCI resulted in a 5- to 10-fold increase in GFP protein expression compared to controls. PCI-bPEI/PTEN or PCI-PS/PTEN transfection of either U251 monolayers or U87 spheroids significantly inhibited their growth. but had no effect on MCF-7 cells containing a wild-type PTEN gene. In addition PCI-GFP transfection of gliomas cells had no effect on their growth pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the results suggest that AlPcS(2a) -mediated PCI can be used to enhance cell growth inhibition via transfection of tumor suppressor genes in glioma cells containing mutant PTEN genes.

The role of liposome-protamine-DNA nanoparticles containing CpG oligodeoxynucleotides in the course of infection induced by Leishmania major in BALB/c mice

An inoculation of virulent Leishmania major is known as leishmanization (LZ) which is proven to be the most effective control measure against cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mimic natural infection. However, use of LZ is restricted due to various reasons such as development of uncontrolled lesion. In the present study, the efficacy of coadminstration of live L. major with liposome-protamine-DNA nanoparticles (LPD) containing immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN) which is an improved adjuvant delivery system is examined to check Leishmania pathology and immune response generated. BALB/c mice were inoculated subcutaneously (SC) with L. major plus LPD (CpG), CpG ODN or PBS buffer. The results showed that group of mice received LPD nanoparticles developed a significantly smaller lesion and the mice in this group showed minimum number of L. major in the spleen and lymph nodes. In addition, using LPD (CpG) resulted in a Th1 type of immune response with a preponderance of IgG2a isotype which is concurrent with the production of LPD induced IFN-γ in the spleen of the mice. Taken together, the results suggested that immune modulation using LPD nanoparticles might be a practical approach to improve the safety of LZ.

[Optimization of animal model for investigation of pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes]

Diabetes mellitus is one of the three most common modem diseases. A number of animal models is used in investigations of the mechanisms of development of the disease. Most of these models replicate the symptoms of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The development of type 2 diabetes is caused by the insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, structural and functional disorders of the pancreatic cells. Investigation of pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes is complicated by the lack of adequate models of this disease. In this work, based on existing hyperglycemia model, we propose the model of metabolic syndrome as a precursor of type 2 diabetes. The development of metabolic syndrome symptoms was caused by 28 days long intramuscular injection of protamine sulfate to guinea pigs at a dose of 15 mg/kg along with keeping of animals on a high glucose diet. Increased blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduction of glycogen in liver, the structural and functional damage and reduce in the number of functionally active beta-cells in the pancreas of the experimental animals were observed. The results confirm the development of the metabolic syndrome symptoms in experimental animals, which makes it possible to use such methodical approach in creation of promising type 2 diabetes model.