Shape-Memory Terpolymer Rods with 17-ß-estradiol for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases: an In Vitro and In Vivo Study.

PURPOSE: Estradiol (E2)-loaded poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide-trimethylenecarbonate) (P(L-LA:GA:TMC)) rods with shape-memory were developed for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Usefulness of the extrusion method in the obtaining process was also considered. The influence of structural and surface properties during hydrolytic degradation was developed. The possible therapeutic aspect of rods with E2 was determined. METHODS: The extruded rods were incubated in a PBS solution (pH 7.4, 37°C, 240 rpm). The amount of released E2 in vitro conditions was estimated by UV-VIS method. The following methods in the degradation of rods were applied: NMR, DSC, FTIR, GPC, SEM, and optical microscopy. Changes in water uptake and weight loss were also determined. In vivo study was performed on rats. Measurements of E2 level were performed before and after ovariectomy of rats using ELISA method. A sample of tissue adjacent to the site of the rod implantation was analysed under an optical microscope. RESULTS: A stable and steady degradation process ensured zero-order release of E2. The in vivo study indicated a significant increase in the E2 level in serum after ovariectomy. Moreover, structural and surface features indicated that the extrusion method was appropriate for obtaining E2-loaded rods. CONCLUSIONS: Shape-memory P(L-LA:GA:TMC) rods with E2 are an adequate proposal for further research in the field of neurological disorders.

EFFECTS OF 300 mT STATIC MAGNETIC FIELD ON IL-8 SECRETION IN NORMAL HUMAN COLON MYOFIBROBLASTS.

Intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts play a crucial role in the growth and development of the intestine. Colitis, small bowel injury, gastric ulcer disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) accompany the increase in the count of activated myofibroblasts. In the last few years, the increasing production of electromagnetic (EMF) and static magnetic (SMF) fields due to the expanding use of electronic devices in everyday life, has led to a number of studies on the effects of these fields on living organisms. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, EMF therapy may be of medical use as an IBD treatment. This mechanism has not been elucidated yet. In the present work normal human colon myofibroblasts were exposed to SMF with a flux density of 300 mT for 96 h and then the cells were cultured for 24 and 48 h with 25 mM sodium butyrate (NaB) and 10 mM 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in either the presence or absence of SMF. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)--dependent IL-8 secretion was determined with ELISA kit. Cell viability was determined with XTT assay. It was shown that SMF has no effect on TNF-α--dependent IL-8 secretion in control cells and in cells cultured in the presence of 5-ASA and NaB.

THE EFFECT OF SULFASALAZINE AND 5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID ON THE SECRETION OF INTERLEUKIN 8 BY HUMAN COLON MYOFIBROBLASTS.

Sulfasalazine (SAS) and its therapeutically active derivative--5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) are used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. 5-ASA mechanism of action on the one hand, involves the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase activity, and thus decrease of synthesis of prostaglandins, leukotrienes and free radicals, on the other hand, the suppression of the immune response in the intestinal mucosa. Myofibroblasts, which are located just below the basement membrane, are important element of the mucosa. Due to its secretory activity they may interact with other cells, including epithelial cells. Examining SAS and 5-ASA cytotoxic properties on human normal, colon subepithelial myofibroblasts (CSEMF) it was found that the first of these compounds in a concentration of 1 mM significantly reduced the number of these cells as compared to the control, while the latter exhibited an action at the 5-fold higher concentration (5 mM). Moreover, SAS concentration greater than 0.25 mM reduced IL-8 secretion by CSEMF, and 5-ASA had no effect in the tested range of concentrations, i.e., up to 7.5 mM.

Thermal properties and morphology changes in degradation process of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) matrices with risperidone.

Determining thermal properties and morphology seems to be useful in the analysis of release and degradation processes form polymeric materials. Risperidone is available in the formulation of a long-acting injection based on poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide). Currently, alternative solutions are also offered, i.e., nano- and microparticles or implants, including copolymers of lactide and glycolide. The effect of risperidone content on the properties of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) matrices was determined. The study also involved an assessment of the changes during degradation. Risperidone free matrices and the matrices with risperidone were obtained by solvent casting. Thermal characteristics were tested by means of differential scanning calorimetry, and the morphology was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope. Risperidone did not change significantly semi-crystalline structure of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) matrices. The decrease in crystallization temperature and glass transition temperature during degradation was observed. Many pores and their deformation, the widening of pore area, cracks and slits because of degradation were observed. The analysis of thermal properties and morphology allowed us to explain degradation process. Matrices exhibited stable process of degradation, which may be advantageous for development of prolonged risperidone release systems.

Effect of GLY-HIS-LYS and its copper complex on TGF-ß secretion in normal human dermal fibroblasts.

Transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) is a cytokine involved in a wide variety of biological process- es such as cell growth, differentiation and proliferation, apoptosis and regulation of the immune response. It has an important role in wound healing process, fibrosis and scar tissue formation. Similarly to TGF-ß1, insulin growth factor (IGF) family is expressed locally in response to tissue injury. Treatment of dermal fibroblasts with IGF-1 caused a substantial induction of TGF-ß1 mRNA. Not a great deal of research so far has focused on IGF-2. Much attention has been focused on the tripeptides such as Gly-His-Lys (GHK) and their copper complexes, which have a high activity and good skin tolerance. Recent data suggest that their physiological role has been related to the process of wound healing, tissue repair and skin inflammation. In the present study, the influence of 1 nM solutions of GHK, GHK-Cu and CuCl2, on IGF-2-dependent TGF-ß1 secretion in normal human dermal fibroblasts cells was investigated. Fibroblasts were cultured in 24-well plates. Total TGF-ß1 pro- tein was evaluated using the ELISA kit. The Bradford reagent was used to determine the total quantity of cel- lular protein. Treatment of fibroblasts with 100 ng/mL IGF-2 resulted in a significant increase in TGF-ß1 secretion. GHK and its copper complex and free copper ions decreased IGF-2-dependent TGF-ß1 secretion. Our observations provide some new information on the potential use of that peptide contained in cosmetics to treat and prevent the formation of hypertrophic scars.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit melanoma cell growth in vitro.

Human malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive and incurable cancer due to intrinsic resistance to apoptosis and reprogramming proliferation and survival pathways during progression. Numerous studies, including our own, linked arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) supplementation to induction of apoptosis and decreased proliferation of various cancer cells. The cytotoxic effects result from lipid peroxidation and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which modify proteins and nucleic acids. DNA damage by ROS causes mutations and genomic instability, leading to uncontrolled proliferation or cell death. In the present work, four human melanoma cell lines differing in origin, doubling time, metastatic potential, and melanin content (A375, A2058, G361, and C32) were exposed to AA, EPA or DHA added into culture media in the concentrations ranging from 0 (control) to 100 mM. After 24 h incubation cytotoxicity of the analyzed acids was determined with TOX-2 (In Vitro Toxicology Assay Kit XTT Based, TOX-2, Sigma) test. The oxidative protein modifications were measured using Aldehyde Site (DNA and Protein) Detection Kit (Cayman). All the acids tested showed marked inhibition of cell proliferation. The observed effects were statistically significant and depended on the concentration. Decrease of proliferation, associated by oxidative protein and DNA damage (measured as aldehyde sites in cells), was observed for EPA and DHA (50 mM and 100 mM) in A375, A2058, and G361 cells. In case of C32 cell line, which is amelanotic melanoma, EPA and DHA inhibited cell proliferation at 100 mM only. The effect of DHA was more pronounced. AA did not show its antiproliferative action in this cell line. The obtained results suggest that antiproliferative effects of the fatty acids in cultured human melanoma cells depend on the type of acid, its concentration and may be diverse when different melanoma cell lines are used.

Effect of Gly-Gly-His, Gly-His-Lys and their copper complexes on TNF-alpha-dependent IL-6 secretion in normal human dermal fibroblasts.

Cosmeceuticals represent a marriage between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. There are numerous cosmeceutically active products which can be broadly classified into the following categories: antioxidants, oligopeptides, growth factors and pigment lightning agents. Much attention has been focused on the tripeptides such as Gly-His-Lys (GHK) and Gly-Gly-His (GGH) and their copper complexes, which have a high activity and good skin tolerance. Recent data suggested their physiological role in process of wound healing, tissue repair and skin inflammation. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory properties of these peptides is not clear. The aim of the study was evaluation of influence of two peptides GGH. GHK and their copper complexes and saccharomyces/copper ferment (Oligolides Copper) on secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-6 in normal human dermal fibroblasts NHDF cell line. IL-6 was evaluated using the ELISA kit. GGH, GHK, CuCl2 and their copper complexes decreased TNF-alpha-dependent IL-6 secretion in fibroblasts. IL-6 is crucial for normal wound healing, skin inflammation and UVB-induced erythema. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties, the copper-peptides could be used on the skin surface instead of corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which have more side effects. Our observations provide some new information about the role of these tripeptides in skin inflammation.

Impact of celecoxib on soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and soluble e-cadherin concentrations in human colon cancer cell line cultures exposed to phytic acid and TNF-alpha.

Soluble adhesion molecules such as soluble intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble E-cadherin (sE-cadherin) play important role in tumor invasion and the development of metastasis. It was observed that their concentrations in body fluids of patients with colon cancer were elevated. Celecoxib, a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) besides its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activity is able to inhibit development of colon cancer and reduce risk of metastasis. The additional factors, e.g., dietary components in colon cancer, may influence therapeutic effect of drugs, such as cytokines. TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor - alpha) is a cytokine, which concentration significantly increases in serum of patients with inflammatory and cancer diseases. The latest studies demonstrate, that phytic acid (IP6), a myo-inositol derivative, abundantly present in high-fiber diets could substantially reduce colon cancer incidence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of celecoxib on sICAM-1 and sE-cadherin concentrations in transformed epithelial colon cell cultures simultaneously exposed to IP6 and TNF-alpha. Additionally, the adhesion of the exposed cells to collagen I was assessed. HT-29 and Caco-2 cells were cultured in the presence of 50 ng/mL celecoxib, 1.0 mM IP6, and 100 ng/mL TNF-alpha, and their combination: TNF-alpha plus IP6, TNF-alpha plus celecoxib, IP6 plus celecoxib, and TNF-alpha with celecoxib plus IP6, for 96 h. Nonexposed cell line cultures served as controls. Concentrations of sICAM-1 and sE-cadherin were measured in the culture medium by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using Quantikine - Human sICAM-1/CD54 Immunoassay and Quantikine-Human sE-Cadherin Immunoassay. All the results obtained were expressed as ng per mL. In the adhesion assay, the cells were incubated with IP6 (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mM), TNF-alpha (100 ng/mL), celecoxib (50 ng/mL) and their combination for 90 min. Fluorescence values 480 nm/530 nm reflected concentrations of DNA in cells attached to collagen I. The obtained results indicate that celecoxib (50 ng/mL), the selective COX-2 inhibitor, reduces significantly sICAM-1 and sE-cadherin concentrations in HT-29 and Caco-2 transformed human epithelial colorectal cell line cultures co-treated with IP6 (1.0 mM) and TNF-alpha (100 ng/mL). A decrease of cells adhesion property to collagen I was observed under the influence of 50 ng/mL celecoxib on cell cultures exposed to 1.0 or 2.0 mM IP6 and 1.0 or 2.0 mM IP6 plus 100 ng/mL TNF-alpha.

Valproic acid enhances cisplatin cytotoxicity in melanoma cells.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in anticancer potential of valproic acid (VPA) resulting from inhibition of histone deacetylase activity. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of valproic acid and cisplatin (CPT) on the growth rate of human melanoma cell lines: A375 (melanotic) and C32 (amelanotic). Both tested drugs decreased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. VPA used alone significantly inhibited the growth of both cell lines at concentrations of 3 and 10 mM. Cisplatin significantly decreased cell proliferation at concentration = 0.3 microM. However, VPA enhanced the cytostatic action of CPT since simultaneous exposure of cells to 1 mM VPA and 0.1 microM CPT resulted in a significant reduction of cell growth. It can be concluded that VPA increases the sensitivity of melanoma cells to chemotherapeutic agent -- cisplatin.

Effects of 300 mT static magnetic field on IL-6 secretion in normal human colon myofibroblasts.

Intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts play crucial role in the growth and development of the intestine. Colitis, small bowel injury, gastric ulcer disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) accompany the increase of number of activated myofibroblasts. In the last few years, the increasing production of electromagnetic (EMF) and static magnetic fields (SMF), due to the expanding use of electronic devices in everyday life, has led to a number of studies on the effects of these fields on living organisms. EMF therapy, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, may be used in medicine in IBD treatment. This mechanism has not been elucidated yet. In the present work normal human colon myofibroblasts CCD-18Co were exposed to SMF with a flux density of 300 mT. After 24 h incubation TNF-alpha-dependent IL-6 secretion was determined with ELISA kit (RandD Systems).The influence of magnetic field and its effect on cell proliferation were determined with TOX-2 (In Vitro Toxicology Assay Kit XTT Based, TOX-2, Sigma) and CyQUANT NF cell proliferation assay kit (Molecular Probes). It was shown that SMF inhibited TNF-alpha-dependent IL-6 secretion. The observed effects were statistically significant and depended on the time of incubation. Moreover, SMF triggered cell proliferation whereas it did not alter cell viability. IL-6 belongs to pro-inflammatory cytokines family and plays a crucial role in IBD. Inhibition of IL-6 secretion by SMF and lack of its cytotoxic effect seem to be advantageous whilst SMF is implicated in the treatment of inflammatory diseases associated by increase in number of activated myofibroblasts.

Comparison of dissolution profiles of theophylline extended-release dosage forms.

Dissolution testing is a very important tool used to demonstrate the similarity between different formulations. Due to a narrow therapeutic range of theophylline, it is crucial to investigate the differences in the rate of release of this drug between the products. The aim of study was to compare the dissolution profiles of theophylline extended-release dosage forms available on Polish market: Theoplus, Theovent, Theospirex retard, and Euphyllin long. The investigation of theophylline release from tablets was performed by the basket apparatus type DT700 (Erweka). The difference and similarity factor was used to compare the obtained dissolution profiles. The obtained values showed that dissolution profiles of investigated formulations were not equivalent to each other. The tablets differed by the mechanism of drug release also.

The role of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans lipopolysaccharides in modulation of periodontal inflammation through stimulation of human gingival fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis is a destructive disease which is likely to be the result of the activities of different microbial complexes. Recently, sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) have been detected in the oral cavity, and they have been found to be common inhabitants of sites showing periodontal destruction. The aim of study was to evaluate the influence of endotoxins of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans bacteria on human gingival fibroblast HGF-1 line. METHODS: The immunological response of gingival fibroblasts was evaluated by determination of their IL-6 and IL-8 secretion upon treatment with D. desulfuricans intestinal and type strain LPS, sodium butyrate (NaB) and IL-1beta. The amounts of cytokines were estimated by ELISA immunoassay. The influence of LPS and NaB on fibroblast proliferation was determined using the CyQUANT Cell Proliferation Assay Kit. RESULTS: No significant growth inhibition of cells exposed to LPS was observed, except for the culture growing in the presence of intestinal strain endotoxin at the highest concentration (100 microg/ml). The secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 by fibroblasts was increased by D. desulfuricans endotoxins. Cells stimulated with proinflammatory cytokine 1L-1beta showed very high levels of both cytokines secretion. The release of IL-6 and IL-8 by cells in response to LPS and 1L-1beta was modulated by butyric acid. CONCLUSIONS: The observed response of gingival fibroblasts to stimulation by endotoxin suggests that D. desulfuricans can be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Moreover, butyrate present in the oral cavity seems to have immunoregulatory effect on cytokine production by gingival fibroblasts under physiological conditions and during microbe-induced inflammation.