Comparing the effects of vitamin E tocotrienol-rich fraction supplementation and α-tocopherol supplementation on gene expression in healthy older adults

OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the differential gene expression resulting from tocotrienol-rich fraction and α-tocopherol supplementation in healthy older adults. METHODS A total of 71 eligible subjects aged 50 to 55 years from Gombak and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were divided into three groups and supplemented with placebo (n=23), α-tocopherol (n=24) or tocotrienol-rich fraction (n=24). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of supplementation for microarray analysis. RESULTS The number of genes altered by α-tocopherol was higher after 6 months (1,410) than after 3 months (273) of supplementation. α-Tocopherol altered the expression of more genes in males (952) than in females (731). Similarly, tocotrienol-rich fraction modulated the expression of more genes after 6 months (1,084) than after 3 months (596) and affected more genes in males (899) than in females (781). α-Tocopherol supplementation modulated pathways involving the response to stress and stimuli, the immune response, the response to hypoxia and bacteria, the metabolism of toxins and xenobiotics, mitosis, and synaptic transmission as well as activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and complement pathways after 6 months. However, tocotrienol-rich fraction supplementation affected pathways such as the signal transduction, apoptosis, nuclear factor kappa B kinase, cascade extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2, immune response, response to drug, cell adhesion, multicellular organismal development and G protein signaling pathways. CONCLUSION Supplementation with either α-tocopherol or tocotrienol-rich fraction affected the immune and drug response and the cell adhesion and signal transduction pathways but modulated other pathways differently after 6 months of supplementation, with sex-specific responses.

Efecto del extracto de alcaloides de Berberis darwinii Hook sobre respuestas celulares innatas en fagocitos murinos / Effect of the extract of Berberis darwinii Hook alkaloids on innate cellular responses in murine phagocytes

Berberis darwinii Hook es una especie que habita el sur de Chile y la Patagonia. Siendo utilizada por la etnia mapuche para el tratamiento de procesos inflamatorios, estados febriles, y dolor estomacal. El propósito del siguiente estudio fue evaluar in vitro las propiedades del extracto de alcaloides de raíz de B. darwinii sobre respuestas celulares en monocitos desde sangre periférica de rata. Los resultados de la cuantificación del extracto muestran una concentración de alcaloides totales de 1,67 mg/g y la caracterización por HPLC- MS determinó la presencia de berberina y palmatina. In vitro se observó que los extractos disminuyeron la capacidad de adhesión y la actividad fagocítica de los monocitos e inhibieron la translocación del factor nuclear NF-κB asociado a la modulación de la inflamación, pero no así la producción de anión superóxido. Estos resultados indicarían que los alcaloides totales de B. darwinii inhiben algunos mecanismos específicos de defensa celular.

Berberis darwinii Hook is a species that inhabits southern Chile and Patagonia. This is being used by the Mapuche ethnic group for the treatment of inflammatory processes, febrile states, and stomach pain. The purpose of the following study was to evaluate in vitro the properties of an alkaloid extract of B. darwinii root on cellular responses in monocytes from the rat peripheral blood. The results of the quantification of the extract showed a total alkaloid concentration of 1.67 mg/g and the characterization by HPLC-MS determined the presence of berberine and palmatine. In vitro, it was observed that the extracts decreased the adhesion capacity and phagocytic activity of the monocytes and inhibited the translocation of the nuclear factor NF-κB associated with the modulation of inflammation, but not the production of superoxide anion. These results indicate that the total alkaloids of B. darwinii inhibit some specific mechanisms of cellular defense.

Repair of bone defects using adipose-derived stem cells combined with alpha-tricalcium phosphate and gelatin sponge scaffolds in a rat model

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) combined with a modified α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) or gelatin sponge (GS) scaffolds for bone healing in a rat model. Material and Methods Bone defects were surgically created in the femur of adult SHR rats and filled with the scaffolds, empty or combined with ASCs. The results were analyzed by histology and histomorphometry on days seven, 14, 30, and 60. Results Significantly increased bone repair was observed on days seven and 60 in animals treated with α-TCP/ASCs, and on day 14 in the group treated with GS/ASCs, when compared with the groups treated with the biomaterials alone. Intense fibroplasia was observed in the group treated with GS alone, on days 14 and 30. Conclusions Our results showed that the use of ASCs combined with α-TCP or GS scaffolds resulted in increased bone repair. The higher efficacy of the α-TCP scaffold suggests osteoconductive property that results in a biological support to the cells, whereas the GS scaffold functions just as a carrier. These results confirm the potential of ASCs in accelerating bone repair in in vivo experimental rat models. These results suggest a new alternative for treating bone defects.

Efeitos do PDGF-BB na taxa de proliferação e na adesão de células derivadas da granulação óssea a fragmentos radiculares / Effects of PDGF-BB on the rate of proliferation and on the adhesion of human cells derived from bone granulation tissue to root fragments

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o papel do fator de crescimento derivado de plaquetas-BB (PDGF-BB) na concentração de 300ng/ml na taxa de proliferação e adesão de células derivadas da granulação óssea humana a fragmentos radiculares periodontalmente comprometidos. Na primeira etapa do estudo, foi estabelecida cultura primária de células da granulação óssea de dois pacientes adultos, sistemicamente saudáveis, não fumantes. Após a expansão celular, as células foram caracterizadas para determinação do fenótipo por meio de ensaios de viabilidade celular, MTT, ensaio de atividade de fosfatase alcalina, ensaio de mineralização e caracterização imunohistoquímica por meio de citometria de fluxo (segunda etapa). Na terceira etapa do estudo, os efeitos da adição de PDGF-BB recombinante humano na concentração de 300ng/ml na taxa de proliferação e adesão de células derivadas da granulação óssea a superfícies radiculares periodontalmente comprometidas foram investigados. A taxa de proliferação celular estimulada pelo PDGF-BB (grupo teste) ou pelo meio de cultura (grupo controle) foi investigada por meio de contagem de células viáveis nos frascos de cultura após 1, 3, 5 e 7 dias do cultivo celular. Foram obtidos 30 fragmentos dentários a partir de dentes extraídos por razões periodontais. Os fragmentos foram raspados com curetas Gracey e condicionados com solução em gel de EDTA a 24% durante 3 minutos, lavados com solução de soro fisiológico, secos e posicionados em placas de 24 poços. Foram incubadas sobre os fragmentos tratados 1x104 células GO por 24 horas, seguido por fixação e preparo para análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). O número de células aderidas sobre os fragmentos foi analisado nas fotomicrografias. O padrão de crescimento das células GO foi compatível com células ósseas, com modificação do padrão do crescimento com o aumento do número de passagens. Houve atividade de fosfatase alcalina em meio osteogênico e convencional, com pico máximo aos 7 dias e atividade de mineralização estimulada ou não por meio osteogênico, com pico máximo aos 21 dias. A análise por meio de citometria de fluxo demonstrou que as células GO não expressaram CD105 e CD166 na 14a passagem, indicando sua diferenciação celular avançada nesse período. A adição de rhPDGF-BB resultou em mudança na taxa de proliferação celular, observando-se pico máximo de crescimento aos 7 dias, com diferenças estatisticamente significantes (p < 0.005; ANOVA post hoc Tukey) em relação aos períodos de 1, 3 e 5 dias. O ensaio de MTT demonstrou maior viabilidade celular no período de 48 hs, comparativamente aos períodos de 24 e 72 horas, quando a densidade óptica celular diminuiu de forma significativa (p< 0.05; Friedmann pósteste Dunn). No ensaio de adesão celular, pode-se observar que a adição de rhPDGFBB aumentou significativamente o número de células aderidas aos fragmentos dentários (p< 0.05; teste t não pareado com correção Welch), com alteração da morfologia celular. Esses resultados sugerem que as células GO tem características compatíveis com linhagem de células osteoblásticas, de fenótipo mais diferenciado após a 12a passagem. A adição de rhPDGF-BB (300ng/ml) resulta em aumento da taxa de proliferação das células GO e do número de células aderidas a fragmentos radiculares, indicando que, nesta concentração, o fator de crescimento é citocompatível, favorecendo a proliferação e adesão celular.(AU)

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human platelet derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) at the concentration of 300ng/ml in the proliferation and adhesion of human bone granulation cells to periodontally diseased root fragments. At the first stage of the study, the granulation tissue existent in healing sockets (21 days after its creation) was collected from two systemically healthy nonsmoking adults to the establishment of primary culture. The in vitro properties of bone granulation (BG) cell lineage were characterized by cell viability, MTT, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization assays. The effects of culture medium (control) and rhPGDF-BB 300ng/ml (test) in the proliferation and adhesion of BG cells were investigated. The rate of BG cells proliferation was investigated by the number of viable cells present at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after platting. Thirty root fragments were obtained from teeth extracted for periodontal reasons. Root fragments were scaled and root planed, conditioned with EDTA 24% for 3 minutes, rinsed in saline solution, air-dryed and positioned in 24-well plates. Each fragment was seeded with 104 BG cells, fixated after 24 hours and prepared for analysis in SEM. The number of cells adhered to the fragments was analysed in photomicrographies. BG cells growth pattern was compatible with osteogenic cell lineage, showing modification with the increasing number of cell passage. GO cells expressed alkaline phosphatase activity in conventional and osteogenic culture medium, with maximum peak at 7 days, as well as mineralization activity stimulated or not by osteogenic or non-osteogenic culture medium, with maximum peak at 21 days. The analysis by flow cytometer showed that BG cells have not expressed CD105 and CD106 at the 14th passage, indicating its advanced cell differentiation. The addition of rhPDGF-BB resulted in modification of proliferation rate, with maximum peak observed at 7 days, significantly different from 1-, 3- and 5-day periods (p< 0.005; ANOVA post hoc Tukey). MTT assay showed greater cell viability after 48 hours than after 24 and 72 hours, when optical density has significantly diminished (p< 0.05; Friedmann post hoc Dunn). At cell adhesion assay, it could be observed that the adhesion of rhPDGF-BB has significantly increased the number of cells adhered to root fragments (p< 0.05; unpaired t test with Welchs correction), and alterations in cell morphology. These results suggest that BG cells present in vitro characteristics compatible with osteoblastic cell lineages, with a more differentiated phenotype after the 12th passage. The addition of rhPDGF-BB (300 ng/ml) results in increase of the rate of BG cell proliferation and in the number of cells adhered to root fragments, indicating that, at this concentration, the growth factor is compatible with BG cells and favors cells proliferation and adhesion.(AU)

Development of VEGF-loaded PLGA matrices in association with mesenchymal stem cells for tissue engineering

The association of bioactive molecules, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), with nanofibers facilitates their controlled release, which could contribute to cellular migration and differentiation in tissue regeneration. In this research, the influence of their incorporation on a polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffold produced by electrospinning on cell adhesion and viability and cytotoxicity was carried out in three groups: 1) PLGA/BSA/VEGF; 2) PLGA/BSA, and 3) PLGA. Morphology, fiber diameter, contact angle, loading efficiency and controlled release of VEGF of the biomaterials, among others, were measured. The nanofibers showed smooth surfaces without beads and with interconnected pores. PLGA/BSA/VEGF showed the smallest water contact angle and VEGF released for up to 160 h. An improvement in cell adhesion was observed for the PLGA/BSA/VEGF scaffolds compared to the other groups and the scaffolds were non-toxic for the cells. Therefore, the scaffolds were shown to be a good strategy for sustained delivery of VEGF and may be a useful tool for tissue engineering.

Biofilm inhibition activity of traditional medicinal plants from Northwestern Argentina against native pathogen and environmental microorganisms

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Plants have been commonly used in popular medicine of most cultures for the treatment of disease. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of certain Argentine plants used in traditional medicine has been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-cell adherence activities of native plants (Larrea divaricata, Tagetes minuta, Tessaria absinthioides, Lycium chilense, and Schinus fasciculatus) collected in northwestern Argentina. METHODS: The activities of the five plant species were evaluated in Bacillus strains and clinical strains of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolated from northwestern Argentina and identified by 16S rDNA. RESULT: Lycium chilense and Schinus fasciculatus were the most effective antimicrobial plant extracts (15.62µg/ml and 62.50µg/ml for Staphylococcus sp. Mcr1 and Bacillus sp. Mcn4, respectively). The highest (66%) anti-biofilm activity against Bacillus sp. Mcn4 was observed with T. absinthioides and L. divaricate extracts. The highest (68%) anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus sp. Mcr1 was observed with L. chilense extract. T. minuta, T. absinthioides, and L. divaricata showed percentages of anti-biofilm activity of between 55% and 62%. The anti-adherence effects of T. minuta and L. chilense observed in Bacillus sp. Mcn4 reflected a difference of only 22% and 10%, respectively, between anti-adherence and biofilm inhibition. Thus, the inhibition of biofilm could be related to cell adherence. In Staphylococcus sp. Mcr1, all plant extracts produced low anti-adherence percentages. CONCLUSION: These five species may represent a source of alternative drugs derived from plant extracts, based on ethnobotanical knowledge from northwest Argentina.

Interaction of dental pulp stem cells with Biodentine and MTA after exposure to different environments

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of Biodentine and MTA on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and to assess cell viability and adherence after material exposure to an acidic environment. Material and Methods: DPSCs were cultured either alone or in contact with either: Biodentine; MTA set for 1 hour; or MTA set for 24 hours. After 4 and 7 days, cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. Biodentine and MTA were also prepared and packed into standardized bovine dentin disks and divided into three groups according to the storage media (n=6/group): freshly mixed materials without storage medium (Group A); materials stored in saline (Group B); materials stored in citric acid buffered at pH 5.4 (Group C). After 24 hours, DPSCs were introduced in the wells and cell adherence, viability, and cellular morphology were observed via confocal microscopy after three days of culture. Cell viability was analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance test with Tukey's post hoc tests (α=0.05). Results: Biodentine expressed significantly higher cell viability compared with all other groups after 4 days, with no differences after 7 days. Notably, cell viability was significantly greater in 24-hour set MTA compared with 1-hour set MTA and control groups after 7 days. Material exposure to an acidic environment showed an increase in cell adherence and viability in both groups. Conclusions: Biodentine induced a significantly accelerated cell proliferation compared with MTA. Setting of these materials in the presence of citric acid enhanced DPSC viability and adherence.

Citronellal-induced disruption of membrane homeostasis in candida albicans and attenuation of its virulence attributes

Abstract: INTRODUCTION There is an increasing burden of multidrug resistance. As a result, deciphering the mechanisms of action of natural compounds with antifungal activity has gained considerable prominence. We aimed to elucidate the probable mechanism of action of citronellal, a monoterpenoid found in the essential oil extracted from Cymbopogon plants, against Candida albicans. METHODS Drug susceptibility was measured by broth microdilution and spot assays. Ergosterol levels were estimated using the alcoholic potassium hydroxide method and H+ extrusion was assessed by monitoring the glucose-induced acidification of the external medium. Virulence traits were studied by hyphal morphogenesis and biofilm formation, along with fungal cell adherence to polystyrene surface and human oral epithelial cells. RESULTS Citronellal showed anticandidal activity against C. albicans and non-albicans species of Candida at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1 mg/ml. Citronellal interfered with membrane homeostasis, which is the major target of known antifungal drugs, by increasing the hypersensitivity of the fungi to membrane-perturbing agents, reducing ergosterol levels, and diminishing glucose-induced H+ extrusion. In addition, oxidative and genotoxic stresses were induced via an increased production of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, citronellal inhibited the virulent attributes of yeast-to-hypha transition and biofilm formation. It also reduced cell adherence to polystyrene surface and the human oral epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to propose the cell membrane, morphogenetic switching, biofilm formation, and cell adherence of Candida albicans as potential targets for the anticandidal activity of citronellal. However, clinical investigations on the therapeutic applications of citronellal are required.

A modified method by differential adhesion for enrichment of bladder cancer stem cells

ABSTRACT Purpose: In a previous study the vaccine was effective against bladder cancer in a mouse model. However, a small portion of tumors regrew because the vaccine could not eliminate bladder cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this study, we showed a modified method for the isolation of bladder CSCs using a combination of differential adhesion method and serum-free culture medium (SFM) method. Materials and Methods: Trypsin-resistant cells and trypsin-sensitive cells were isolated from MB49, EJ and 5637 cells by a combination of differential adhesion method and SFM method. The CSCs characterizations of trypsin-resistant cells were verified by the flow cytometry, the western blotting, the quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the resistance to chemotherapy assay, the transwell assay, and the tumor xenograft formation assay. Results: Trypsin-resistant cells were isolated and identified in CSCs characters, with high expression of CSCs markers, higher resistance to chemotherapy, greater migration in vitro, and stronger tumorigenicity in vivo. Conclusion: Trypsin-resistant cells displayed specific CSCs properties. Our study showed trypsin-resistant cells were isolated successfully with a modified method using a combination of differential adhesion method and SFM method.

Growth hormone in the presence of laminin modulates interaction of human thymic epithelial cells and thymocytes in vitro

BACKGROUND: Several evidences indicate that hormones and neuropeptides function as immunomodulators. Among these, growth hormone (GH) is known to act on the thymic microenvironment, supporting its role in thymocyte differentiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GH on human thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells (TEC) in the presence of laminin. RESULTS: GH increased thymocyte adhesion on BSA-coated and further on laminin-coated surfaces. The number of migrating cells in laminin-coated membrane was higher in GH-treated thymocyte group. In both results, VLA-6 expression on thymocytes was constant. Also, treatment with GH enhanced laminin production by TEC after 24 h in culture. However, VLA-6 integrin expression on TEC remained unchanged. Finally, TEC/thymocyte co-culture model demonstrated that GH elevated absolute number of double-negative (CD4-CD8-) and single-positive CD4+ and CD8+ thymocytes. A decrease in cell number was noted in double-positive (CD4+CD8+) thymocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that GH is capable of enhancing the migratory capacity of human thymocytes in the presence of laminin and promotes modulation of thymocyte subsets after co-culture with TEC.

Circulatory and Ventilatory Power: Characterization in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease / Potência Circulatória e Ventilatória: Caracterização em Pacientes com Doença Arterial Coronariana

Background: Circulatory power (CP) and ventilatory power (VP) are indices that have been used for the clinical evaluation of patients with heart failure; however, no study has evaluated these indices in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) without heart failure. Objective: To characterize both indices in patients with CAD compared with healthy controls. Methods: Eighty-seven men [CAD group = 42 subjects and healthy control group (CG) = 45 subjects] aged 40–65 years were included. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed on a treadmill and the following parameters were measured: 1) peak oxygen consumption (VO2), 2) peak heart rate (HR), 3) peak blood pressure (BP), 4) peak rate-pressure product (peak systolic HR x peak BP), 5) peak oxygen pulse (peak VO2/peak HR), 6) oxygen uptake efficiency (OUES), 7) carbon dioxide production efficiency (minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope), 8) CP (peak VO2 x peak systolic BP) and 9) VP (peak systolic BP/carbon dioxide production efficiency). Results: The CAD group had significantly lower values for peak VO2 (p < 0.001), peak HR (p < 0.001), peak systolic BP (p < 0.001), peak rate-pressure product (p < 0.001), peak oxygen pulse (p = 0.008), OUES (p < 0.001), CP (p < 0.001), and VP (p < 0.001) and significantly higher values for peak diastolic BP (p = 0.004) and carbon dioxide production efficiency (p < 0.001) compared with CG. Stepwise regression analysis showed that CP was influenced by group (R2 = 0.44, p < 0.001) and VP was influenced by both group and number of vessels with stenosis after treatment (interaction effects: R2 = 0.46, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The indices CP and VP were lower in men with CAD than healthy controls. .

Fundamento: Os índices da Potência Circulatória (PC) e Potência Ventilatória (PV) têm sido utilizados para avaliação clínica de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, mas nenhum estudo avaliou esses índices em pacientes com Doença Arterial Coronariana (DAC). Objetivo: Caracterizar ambos os índices em pacientes com DAC comparados a indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos: Oitenta e sete homens [grupo DAC = 42 sujeitos e, grupo controle (GC) = 45 sujeitos] com idade entre 45 e 65 anos foram incluídos. Um Teste de Exercício Cardiopulmonar (TECP) foi realizado em esteira e as seguintes variáveis foram obtidas: 1) consumo de oxigênio (VO2) pico; 2) Frequência Cardíaca (FC) pico; 3) Pressão Arterial (PA) pico; 4) duplo produto pico (PA sistólica pico x FC pico); 5) pulso de oxigênio pico (VO2 pico dividido pela FC pico); 6) eficiência ventilatória para o consumo de oxigênio (OUES); 7) eficiência ventilatória para a produção de dióxido de carbono (VE/VCO2 slope); 8) PC (VO2 pico x PA sistólica pico); e 9) PV (PA sistólica pico dividido pelo VE/VCO2 slope). Resultados: O grupo DAC apresentou valores significativamente menores das seguintes variáveis no pico do exercício: VO2 (p < 0,001), FC (p < 0,001), PA sistólica (p < 0,001), duplo produto (p < 0,001), pulso de oxigênio (p = 0,008), OUES (p < 0,001), PC (p < 0,001) e PV (p < 0,001), e valores significativamente maiores de PA diastólica (p = 0,004) e VE/VCO2 slope (p < 0,001) em relação ao GC. Uma análise de regressão pelo método stepwise mostrou que a PC foi influenciada pelo grupo (R2 = 0,44, p < 0,001) e a PV tanto pelo grupo quanto pelo número de vasos com estenose pós tratamento (efeito de interação: R2 = 0,46, p < 0,001). Conclusion: Os índices da PC e PV foram menores em homens com DAC comparados ao GC, podendo dessa forma ser utilizados na caracterização dessa população. .

In vitro ANTIGIARDIAL ACTIVITY OF THE CYSTEINE PROTEASE INHIBITOR E-64 / Atividade in vitro do inibidor de cisteína-proteases E-64 sobre trofozoítos de Giardia

The quest for new antiparasitic alternatives has led researchers to base their studies on insights into biology, host-parasite interactions and pathogenesis. In this context, proteases and their inhibitors are focused, respectively, as druggable targets and new therapy alternatives. Herein, we proposed to evaluate the in vitro effect of the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64 on Giardia trophozoites growth, adherence and viability. Trophozoites (105) were exposed to E-64 at different final concentrations, for 24, 48 and 72 h at 37 °C. In the growth and adherence assays, the number of trophozoites was estimated microscopically in a haemocytometer, whereas cell viability was evaluated by a dye-reduction assay using MTT. The E-64 inhibitor showed effect on growth, adherence and viability of trophozoites, however, its better performance was detected in the 100 µM-treated cultures. Although metronidazole was more effective, the E-64 was shown to be able to inhibit growth, adherence and viability rates by ≥ 50%. These results reveal that E-64 can interfere in some crucial processes to the parasite survival and they open perspectives for future investigations in order to confirm the real antigiardial potential of the protease inhibitors.

As cisteína-proteases estão entre os alvos mais promissores para o desenvolvimento de novos agentes terapêuticos, visto que participam de eventos fundamentais do ciclo de vida de muitos microorganismos, inclusive Giardia. Como a atividade das proteases pode ser controlada por inibidores específicos, essas substâncias têm sido avaliadas quanto ao potencial antiparasitário. Diante disso, o presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito in vitro do inibidor de cisteína-proteases E-64 sobre o crescimento, a aderência e a viabilidade de trofozoítos de cepa de Giardia isolada em Botucatu. Nos ensaios de crescimento e aderência, o número de trofozoítos foi estimado microscopicamente em hemocitômetro, enquanto que a viabilidade celular foi avaliada pelo método do MTT. No presente estudo, embora o metronidazol tenha se apresentado bastante efetivo, o E-64 mostrou ser capaz de inibir o crescimento, a aderência e a viabilidade em taxas superiores a 50%, especialmente nos cultivos expostos à concentração de 100 µM. A despeito de preliminares, esses resultados demonstram que o inibidor E-64 pode interferir em processos primordiais para a sobrevivência do parasita, além do que, abrem novas perspectivas para investigações futuras a fim de se avaliar o real potencial giardicida dos inibidores de proteases.

Alprostadil attenuates inflammatory aspects and leucocytes adhesion on renal ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of alprostadil in an experimental model of ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) in rat renal tissue. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were randomized into three groups Vehicle-treated group(Veh), Alprostadil-treated(Al), and sham(Sh) group. Veh and Al groups had suprarenal aorta occluded for 30 minutes and reperfused for 60 minutes. Saline or 20 µg/kg of Alprostadil was intravenously infused immediately before declamping. Sh group animals underwent similar procedure without aortic occlusion. Left nephrectomy and blood sampling were performed after 60 minutes of reperfusion. Renal ICAM-1 expression and histological analysis were performed to estimate inflammatory response and tissue disarrangement. Serum biochemical markers for IRI were also measured. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess differences between the groups. RESULTS: There was lower expression of ICAM-1 in groups Veh and Sh. On histologically evaluation, inflammation and necrosis in the Veh group was significantly higher (grades III/IV) than Al group (Veh>Al=Sh; p = 0.025), as well as CPK levels (Veh>Al=Sh; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Alprostadil attenuates the immunohistochemical and histological repercussions in the renal tissue of rats submitted to a post-ischemic reperfusion with supra-renal aortic clamping. .

In vitro anti-metastatic activity of enterolactone, a mammalian lignan derived from flax lignan, and down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases in MCF-7 and MDA MB 231 cell lines.

Background: Actin cytoskeleton is involved in actin-based cell adhesion, cell motility, and matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) MMP2, MMP9, MMP11 and MMP14 are responsible for cell invasion in breast cancer metastasis. The dietary intake of lignan from flax seed gets converted to enterolactone (EL) and enterodiol in the human system. Here we show that the enterolactone has a very significant anti-metastatic activity as demonstrated by its ability to inhibit adhesion and invasion and migration in MCF-7 and MDA MB231 cell lines. Materials and Methods: Migration inhibition assay, actin-based cell motility assay along with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for MMP2, MMP9, MMP11 and MMP14 genes were performed in MCF-7 and MDA MB 231 cell lines. Results: Enterolactone seems to inhibit actin-based cell motility as evidenced by confocal imaging and photo documentation of cell migration assay. The results are supported by the observation that the enterolactone in vitro significantly down-regulates the metastasis-related metalloproteinases MMP2, MMP9 and MMP14 gene expressions. No significant alteration in the MMP11 gene expression was found. Conclusions: Therefore we suggest that the anti-metastatic activity of EL is attributed to its ability to inhibit cell adhesion, cell invasion and cell motility. EL affects normal filopodia and lamellipodia structures, polymerization of actin filaments at their leading edges and thereby inhibits actin-based cell adhesion and cell motility. The process involves multiple force-generating mechanisms of actin filaments i.e. protrusion, traction, deadhesion and tail-retraction. By down-regulating the metastasis-related MMP2, MMP9 and MMP14 gene expressions, EL may be responsible for cell invasion step of metastasis.

Effects of Mannose on Pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba castellanii

Acanthamoeba spp. are single-celled protozoan organisms that are widely distributed in the environment. In this study, to understand functional roles of a mannose-binding protein (MBP), Acanthamoeba castellanii was treated with methyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (mannose), and adhesion and cytotoxicity of the amoeba were analyzed. In addition, to understand the association of MBP for amoeba phagocytosis, phagocytosis assay was analyzed using non-pathogenic bacterium, Escherichia coli K12. Amoebae treated with mannose for 20 cycles exhibited larger vacuoles occupying the most area of the amoebic cytoplasm in comparison with the control group amoebae and glucose-treated amoebae. Mannose-selected amoebae exhibited lower levels of binding to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Exogenous mannose inhibited >50% inhibition of amoebae (control group) binding to CHO cells. Moreover, exogenous mannose inhibited amoebae (i.e., man-treated) binding to CHO cells by <15%. Mannose-selected amoebae exhibited significantly decreased cytotoxicity to CHO cells compared with the control group amoebae, 25.1% vs 92.1%. In phagocytic assay, mannose-selected amoebae exhibited significant decreases in bacterial uptake in comparison with the control group, 0.019% vs 0.03% (P<0.05). Taken together, it is suggested that mannose-selected A. castellanii trophozoites should be severely damaged and do not well interact with a target cell via a lectin of MBP.

A chimeric antibody to L1 cell adhesion molecule shows therapeutic effect in an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma model

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), a malignant tumor derived from the intrahepatic bile duct epithelium, has a poor prognosis and is refractory to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new effective therapeutic strategies for this disease. We previously found that L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) plays an important role in tumor progression of ICC, and we generated a murine mAb, A10-A3 (IgG1), that binds to the Ig1 domain of L1CAM. In the present study, we further characterized A10-A3, constructed a chimeric A10-A3 antibody (cA10-A3) containing the constant regions of human IgG1, and evaluated the therapeutic potential in a human ICC xenograft nude mice model. The affinities (K D) of A10-A3 and cA10-A3 for soluble L1CAM were 1.8 nM and 1.9 nM, respectively, as determined by competition ELISA. A10-A3 inhibited L1CAM homophilic binding and was slowly internalized into the tumor cells, but it did not significantly inhibit proliferation of ICC cells in vitro. cA10-A3 mediated antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro and displayed anti-tumor activity in the ICC animal model. These results suggest that the humanized A10-A3 antibody may have potential as an anticancer agent for the treatment of ICC.

Effects of a novel calcium aluminate cement on the early events of the progressionof osteogenic cell cultures

The present study evaluated the progression of osteogenic cell cultures exposed to a novel calcium aluminate cement (CAC+) in comparison with the gold standard mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Cells were enzimatically isolated from newborn rat calvarial bone, plated on glass coverslips containing either CAC+ or a control MTA samples in the center, and grown under standard osteogenic conditions. Over the 10-day culture period, roundening of sample edges was clearly noticed only for MTA group. Although both cements supported osteogenic cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation, CAC+-exposed cultures showed significantly higher values in terms of total cell number at days 3 and 7, and total protein content and alkaline phosphatase activity at day 10. The present in vitro results indicate that the exposure to CAC+ supports a higher differentiation of osteogenic cells compared with the ones exposed to MTA. Further experimental studies should consider CAC+ as a potential alternative to MTA when the repair of mineralized tissues is one of the desired outcomes in endodontic therapy.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a progressão de cultura de células osteogênicas expostas a um novo cimento de aluminato de cálcio (CAC+) em comparação ao agregado de trióxido mineral (MTA). As células foram obtidas por digestão enzimática de calvária de ratos recém-nascidos, plaqueadas sobre lamínulas de vidro contendo em sua área central discos de CAC+ ou MTA e crescidas em condições osteogênicas por até 10 dias. Durante a cultura primária, observou-se o arredondamento das bordas das amostras de cimento apenas para MTA. Embora ambos os cimentos tenham permitido a adesão, o espraiamento e a proliferação celulares, as culturas crescidas em contato com CAC+ exibiram valores maiores de número total de células em 3 e 7 dias, e de conteúdo de proteína total e atividade de fosfatase alcalina em 10 dias. Os resultados indicam que a exposição ao CAC+ permite o desenvolvimento de uma proporção maior de células em estágios mais avançados da diferenciação osteoblástica, quando comparado ao MTA. Deve-se considerar em futuros estudos experimentais a utilização do CAC+ como um material alternativo ao MTA especialmente quando um dos objetivos do tratamento endodôntico é o de reparação dos tecidos mineralizados da região periapical.

Study of Collagen Immobilization on a Novel Nanocomposite to Enhance Cell Adhesion and Growth

Surface properties of a biomaterial could be critical in determining biomaterial's biocompatibility due to the fact that the first interactions between the biological environment and artificial materials are most likely occurred at material's surface. In this study, the surface properties of a new nanocomposite [NC] polymeric material were modified by combining plasma treatment and collagen immobilization in order to enhance cell adhesion and growth. Methods: NC films were plasma treated in reactive O[2] plasma at 60 W for 120 s. Afterward, type I collagen was immobilized on the activated NC by a safe, easy, and effective one-step process. The modified surfaces of NC were characterized by water contact angle measurement, water uptake, scanning electron microscopy [SEM], and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection mode [ATR-FTIR]. Furthermore, the cellular behaviors of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells [HUVEC] such as attachment, growth and proliferation on the surface of the NC were also evaluated in vitro by optical microscopy and 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test. Results: The outcomes indicated that plasma treatment and collagen immobilization could improve hydrophilicity of NC. SEM micrograph of the grafted film showed a confluent layer of collagen with about 3-5 jum thicknesses. In vitro tests showed that collagen-grafted and plasma-treated surfaces both resulted in higher cell adhesion and growth state compared with untreated ones. Conclusion: Plasma surface modification and collagen immobilization could enhance the attachment and proliferation of HUVEC onto NC, and the method would be usefully applied to enhance its biocompatibility

5-(4-Hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethylbenzylidene) thiazolidine-2,4-dione attenuates atherosclerosis possibly by reducing monocyte recruitment to the lesion

A variety of benzylidenethiazole analogs have been demonstrated to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). Here we report the anti-atherogenic potential of 5-(4-hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethylbenzylidene) thiazolidin-2,4-dione (HMB-TZD), a benzylidenethiazole analog, and its potential mechanism of action in LDL receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mice. HMB-TZD Treatment reduced leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production significantly in RAW264.7 macrophages and SVEC4-10 endothelial cells. Macrophages or endothelial cells pre-incubated with HMB-TZD for 2 h and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) displayed reduced cytokine production. Also, HMB-TZD reduced cell migration and adhesion in accordance with decreased proinflammatory molecule production in vitro and ex vivo. HMB-TZD treatment of 8-week-old male Ldlr-/- mice resulted in significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesions without a change to plasma lipid profiles. Moreover, aortic expression of pro-atherogenic molecules involved in the recruitment of monocytes to the aortic wall, including TNF-alpha , MCP-1, and VCAM-1, was downregulated. HMB-TZD also reduced macrophage infiltration into atherosclerotic lesions. In conclusion, HMB-TZD ameliorates atherosclerotic lesion formation possibly by reducing the expression of proinflammatory molecules and monocyte/macrophage recruitment to the lesion. These results suggest that HMB-TZD, and benzylidenethiazole analogs in general, may have therapeutic potential as treatments for atherosclerosis.

Toxicity of chlorhexidine on odontoblast-like cells

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) is recommended for a number of clinical procedures and it has been pointed out as a potential cavity cleanser to be applied before adhesive restoration of dental cavities. OBJECTIVE: As CHX may diffuse through the dentinal tubules to reach a monolayer of odontoblasts that underlies the dentin substrate, this study evaluated the cytotoxic effects of different concentrations of CHX on cultured odontoblast-like cells (MDPC-23). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cells were cultured and exposed to CHX solutions at concentrations of 0.06 percent, 0.12 percent, 0.2 percent, 1 percent and 2 percent. Pure culture medium (á-MEM) and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide were used as negative and positive control, respectively. After exposing the cultured cells to the controls and CHX solutions for 60 s, 2 h or 60 s with a 24-h recovery period, cell metabolism (MTT assay) and total protein concentration were evaluated. Cell morphology was assessed under scanning electron microscopy. CHX had a dose-dependent toxic effect on the MDPC-23 cells. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was observed when the cells were exposed to CHX in all periods (p<0.05). Significant difference was also determined for all CHX concentrations (p<0.05). The 60-s exposure time was the least cytotoxic (p<0.05), while exposure to CHX for 60 s with a 24-h recovery period was the most toxic to the cells (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Regardless of the exposure time, all CHX concentrations had a high direct cytotoxic effect to cultured MDPC-23 cells.