Lysosome-targeted ruthenium(II) complex encapsulated with pluronic® F-127 induces oncosis in A549 cells.

Transition metal complexes with characteristics of unique packaging in nanoparticles and remarkable cancer cell cytotoxicity have emerged as potential alternatives to platinum-based antitumor drugs. Here we report the synthesis, characterization, and antitumor activities of three new Ruthenium complexes that introduce 5-fluorouracil-derived ligands. Notably, encapsulation of one such metal complex, Ru3, within pluronic® F-127 micelles (Ru3-M) significantly enhanced Ru3 cytotoxicity toward A549 cells by a factor of four. To determine the mechanisms underlying Ru3-M cytotoxicity, additional in vitro experiments were conducted that revealed A549 cell treatment with lysosome-targeting Ru3-M triggered oxidative stress, induced mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, and drastically reduced intracellular ATP levels. Taken together, these results demonstrated that Ru3-M killed cells mainly via a non-apoptotic pathway known as oncosis, as evidenced by observed Ru3-M-induced cellular morphological changes including cytosolic flushing, cell swelling, and cytoplasmic vacuolation. In turn, these changes together caused cytoskeletal collapse and activation of porimin and calpain1 proteins with known oncotic functions that distinguished this oncotic process from other cell death processes. In summary, Ru3-M is a potential anticancer agent that kills A549 cells via a novel mechanism involving Ru(II) complex triggering of cell death via oncosis.

8-Hydroxyquinoline ruthenium(II) complexes induce ferroptosis in HeLa cells by down-regulating GPX4 and ferritin.

Ruthenium complexes are one of the most promising anticancer drugs triggered extensive research. Here, the synthesis and characterization of two ruthenium(II) polypyridine complexes containing 8-hydroxylquinoline as ligand, [Ru(dip)2(8HQ)]PF6 (Ru1), [Ru(dpq)2(8HQ)]PF6 (Ru2) (8HQ = 8-hydroxylquinoline; dip = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline; dpq = pyrazino[2,3-f][1,10]phenanthroline) were reported. On the basis of cytotoxicity tests, Ru1 (IC50 = 1.98 ± 0.02 µM) and Ru2 (IC50 = 10.02 ± 0.19 µM) both showed good anticancer activity in a panel of cell lines, especially in HeLa cells. Researches on mechanism indicated that Ru1 and Ru2 acted on mitochondria and nuclei and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, while the morphology of nuclei and cell cycle had no significant change. Western blot assay further proved that GPX4 and Ferritin were down-regulated, which eventually triggered ferroptosis in HeLa cells. In addition, the toxicity test of zebrafish embryos showed that the concentrations of Ru1 and Ru2 below 120 µM and 60 µM were safe and did not have obvious effect on the normal development of zebrafish embryos.

[Procedure and teaching verses of supraclavicular subclavian catheterization].

In order to improve the success rate of supraclavicular deep venous catheterization and reduce mechanical complications, we present an auxillary maneuver in regard to supraclavicular subclavian catheterization basing on the relatively fixed anatomy of subclavian vein and its adjacent surroundings, furthermore, we revised the standardized procedure of supraclavicular subclavian catheterization. The maneuver is summarized in the shape of verses (verses: thumb navigation is well designed according to anatomy. Needle penetrated into vein should be parallel to coronal plane. Fine needle in position should be immobilized. Is it difficult for parallel puncture? Pressure determination is required when needle is in place. It is critical to distinguish which vessel has been inserted. Guidewire is advanced smoothly. Check blood return after expansion of skin and catheterization.). For teaching convenience, verses are considered to be more concise and memorable, as well as applicable to clinical practice, in order to provide some help for clinical teaching.

TAK-875 Mitigates ß-Cell Lipotoxicity-Induced Metaflammation Damage through Inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB Pathway.

Metabolic inflammatory damage, characterized by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling activation, is a major mechanism underlying lipotoxicity-induced ß-cell damage. The present study is aimed at determining whether G protein-coupled receptor 4 (GPR40) agonist can improve ß-cell lipotoxicity-induced damage by inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB pathway. Lipotoxicity, inflammation-damaged ß-cells, obese SD, and TLR4KO rat models were used in the study. In vitro, TAK-875 inhibited the lipotoxicity- and LPS-induced ß-cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, improved the insulin secretion, and inhibited the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB subunit P65. Besides, silencing of TLR4 expression enhanced the protective effects of TAK-875, while TLR4 overexpression attenuated this protective effect. Activation of TLR4 or NF-κB attenuated the antagonism of TAK-875 on PA-induced damage. Moreover, the above process of TAK-875 was partially independent of GPR40 expression. TAK-875 reduced the body weight and inflammatory factors, rebalanced the number and distribution of α or ß-cells, inhibited the apoptosis of islet cells, and inhibited the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB subunit P65 in obese rats. Further knockout of the rat TLR4 gene delayed the damage induced by the high-fat diet and synergy with the action of TAK-875. These data suggest that GPR40 agonists antagonized the lipotoxicity ß-cell damage by inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB pathway.