Vanadium(V) complexes derived from triphenylphosphonium and hydrazides: cytotoxicity evaluation and interaction with biomolecules.

The development of coordination compounds with antineoplastic therapeutic properties is currently focused on non-covalent interactions with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Additionally, the interaction profiles of these compounds with globular plasma proteins, particularly serum albumin, warrant thorough evaluation. In this study, we report on the interactions between biomolecules and complexes featuring hydrazone-type imine ligands coordinated with vanadium. The potential to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of these compounds through mitochondrial targeting is explored. This targeting is facilitated by the derivatization of ligands with triphenylphosphonium groups. Thus, this work presents the synthesis, characterization, interactions, and cytotoxicity of dioxidovanadium(V) complexes (C1-C5) with a triphenylphosphonium moiety. These VV-species are coordinated to hydrazone-type iminic ligands derived from (3-formyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride ([AH]Cl) and aromatic hydrazides ([H2L1]Cl-[H2L5]Cl). The structures of the five complexes were elucidated through single-crystal X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopies, confirming the presence of dioxidovanadium(V) species in various geometries with degrees of distortion (τ = 0.03-0.50) and highlighting their zwitterionic characteristics. The molecular structural stability of C1-C5 in solution was ascertained using 1H, 19F, 31P, and 51V-nuclear magnetic resonance. Moreover, their interactions with biomolecules were evaluated using diverse spectroscopic methodologies and molecular docking, indicating moderate interactions (Kb ≈ 104 M-1) with calf thymus DNA in the minor groove and with human serum albumin, predominantly in the superficial IB subdomain. Lastly, the cytotoxic potentials of these complexes were assessed in keratinocytes of the HaCaT lineage, revealing that C1-C5 induce a reduction in metabolic activity and cell viability through apoptotic pathways.

Kinetic properties of E-NTPDase activity in lymphocytes isolated from bone marrow, thymus and mesenteric lymph nodes of Wistar rats.

Plasma membrane anchored nucleotidases (E-ATPDases), as the E-NTPDase family, could hydrolyze and regulate the pericellular levels of nucleotides in lymphocytes. Each immune organ has a different microenvironment and display lymphocytes with different functions and phenotypes. Considering the different functions of each resident subpopulations of lymphocytes, the E-ATPDases activities in bone marrow (BML), thymus (TL) and mesenteric lymph node (MLL) lymphocytes of Wistar rats were characterized. The hydrolysis of extracellular nucleotides (eATP and eADP) showed linearity in time of reaction between 0 and 120 min, and concentration of lymphocytes expressed in proteins between 1 and 6 µg protein in the reaction medium. The optimal activity was attained at 37 °C in a pH value of 8.0. The necessity of the cofactors Ca2+ and Mg2+ for the enzymatic activity was confirmed through a curve of concentration of 0-1000 µM in the reaction medium, with both cofactors showing similar effects in the enzymatic activity. The Chevillard plot revealed that the hydrolysis of eATP and eADP occurred at the same active site of the enzyme. The analyses of E-ATPDases inhibitor and enzyme specificity showed possible involvement of E-NTPDase isoforms - 1 and - 2 in the isolated cells. Furthermore, different kinetic behavior of the nucleotide hydrolysis in each resident subpopulation lymphocyte was observed in this study, as MLL showed the higher Vmax with the lowest km values, while TL had the lowest Vmax and high km values. The kinetic values for E-NTPDase activity of each immune tissue lymphocytes can be an important therapeutic target for numeral immune-related diseases.

Karaya/Gellan-Gum-Based Bilayer Films Containing 3,3'-Diindolylmethane-Loaded Nanocapsules: A Promising Alternative to Melanoma Topical Treatment.

This study aimed to incorporate nanocapsules containing 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) with antitumor activity into a bilayer film of karaya and gellan gums for use in topical melanoma therapy. Nanocarriers and films were prepared by interfacial deposition of the preformed polymer and solvent casting methods, respectively. Incorporating DIM into nanocapsules increased its antitumor potential against human melanoma cells (A-375) (IC50 > 24.00 µg/mL free DIM × 2.89 µg/mL nanocapsules). The films were transparent, hydrophilic (θ < 90°), had homogeneous thickness and weight, and had a DIM content of 106 µg/cm2. Radical ABTS+ scavenger assay showed that the DIM films presented promising antioxidant action. Remarkably, the films showed selective bioadhesive potential on the karaya gum side. Considering the mechanical analyses, the nanotechnology-based films presented appropriate behavior for cutaneous application and controlled DIM release profile, which could increase the residence time on the application site. Furthermore, the nanofilms were found to increase the permeation of DIM into the epidermis, where melanoma develops. Lastly, the films were non-hemolytic (hemolysis test) and non-irritant (HET-CAM assay). In summary, the combination of karaya and gellan gum in bilayer films that contain nanoencapsulated DIM has demonstrated potential in the topical treatment of melanoma and could serve as a viable option for administering DIM for cutaneous melanoma therapy.

The First Report of In Vitro Antifungal and Antibiofilm Photodynamic Activity of Tetra-Cationic Porphyrins Containing Pt(II) Complexes against Candida albicans for Onychomycosis Treatment.

Onychomycosis is a prevalent nail fungal infection, and Candida albicans is one of the most common microorganisms associated with it. One alternative therapy to the conventional treatment of onychomycosis is antimicrobial photoinactivation. This study aimed to evaluate for the first time the in vitro activity of cationic porphyrins with platinum(II) complexes 4PtTPyP and 3PtTPyP against C. albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration of porphyrins and reactive oxygen species was evaluated by broth microdilution. The yeast eradication time was evaluated using a time-kill assay, and a checkerboard assay assessed the synergism in combination with commercial treatments. In vitro biofilm formation and destruction were observed using the crystal violet technique. The morphology of the samples was evaluated by atomic force microscopy, and the MTT technique was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the studied porphyrins in keratinocyte and fibroblast cell lines. The porphyrin 3PtTPyP showed excellent in vitro antifungal activity against the tested C. albicans strains. After white-light irradiation, 3PtTPyP eradicated fungal growth in 30 and 60 min. The possible mechanism of action was mixed by ROS generation, and the combined treatment with commercial drugs was indifferent. The 3PtTPyP significantly reduced the preformed biofilm in vitro. Lastly, the atomic force microscopy showed cellular damage in the tested samples, and 3PtTPyP did not show cytotoxicity against the tested cell lines. We conclude that 3PtTPyP is an excellent photosensitizer with promising in vitro results against C. albicans strains.

Effects of clopidogrel bisulfate on B16-F10 cells and tumor development in a murine model of melanoma.

Metastatic melanoma is a very aggressive skin cancer. Platelets are constituents of the tumor microenvironment and, when activated, contribute to cancer progression, especially metastasis and inflammation. P2Y12 is an adenosine diphosphate receptor that triggers platelet activation. Inhibition of P2Y12 by clopidogrel bisulfate (CB) decreases platelet activation, which is also controlled by the extracellular concentration and the metabolism of purines by purinergic enzymes. We evaluated the effects of CB on the viability and proliferation of cultured B16-F10 cells. We also used a metastatic melanoma model with C57BL-6 mice to evaluate cancer development and purine metabolism modulation in platelets. B16-F10 cells were administered intraperitoneally to the mice. Two days later, the animals underwent a 12-day treatment with CB (30 mg/kg by gavage). We have found that CB reduced cell viability and proliferation in B16-F10 culture in 72 h at concentrations above 30 µm. In vivo, CB decreased tumor nodule counts and lactate dehydrogenase levels and increased platelet purine metabolism. Our results showed that CB has significant effects on melanoma progression.

Antimicrobial activity of water-soluble tetra-cationic porphyrins on Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

This manuscript presents the cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm preliminary properties, and associated therapy with commercial drugs using water-soluble tetra-cationic porphyrins against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Two commercial tetra-cationic porphyrins were tested against a standard strain of P. aeruginosa 01 (PA01) in antibacterial activity assays under dark conditions and irradiated with white light for 120 min. Porphyrin 4-H2TMePor showed better antimicrobial activity and was chosen for further tests. Increased minimum inhibitory concentration was observed in the presence of reactive oxygen species, suggesting that photooxidation was mediated by the singlet oxygen production. In the time-kill curve assay, 4-H2TMePor inhibited bacterial growth in 90 min of irradiation. The checkerboard assay revealed synergistic interactions. Biofilms of the standard PA01 strain and three clinical isolates were formed. The biofilm destruction assay was more efficient for PA01, significantly reducing the biofilm biomass formed compared to the positive control. The associated treatment to destroy the biofilm potentiated a significant decrease in the biofilm biomass compared to the positive control. The photosensitizer did not damage human keratinocytes or mouse fibroblasts in the cytotoxicity assays, demonstrating the safety of using 4-H2TMePor. Atomic force microscopy indicated lower adhesion force, higher cell wall deformation, and higher dissipation energy in the treated control compared to untreated PA01. Given our findings, it is evident that water-soluble tetra-cationic porphyrins have excellent antimicrobial and a preliminary antibiofilm activity against Gram-negative bacteria, proving to be a potential photosensitizer for clinical use.

Istradefylline modulates purinergic enzymes and reduces malignancy-associated factors in B16F10 melanoma cells.

ATP and adenosine exert pivotal roles in the development, maintenance, and metastatic spreading of melanoma. The action of such key melanoma tumor microenvironment (TME) constituents might be complementary or opposed, and their effects are not exclusive to immune cells but also to other host cells and tumor cells. The effects of ATP are controlled by the axis CD39/73, resulting in adenosine, the main actor in the TME, and A2A is the crucial mediator of its effects. We evaluated ATP and adenosine signaling through A2A on B16F10 melanoma cells using istradefylline (IST) (antiparkinsonian A2A antagonist) and caffeine (CAF) treatments after exposure to ATP and adenosine. Adenosine increased melanoma cell viability and proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. ATP increases viability only as a substrate by CD39 to produce adenosine. Both IST and CAF are toxic to B16F10 cells, but only IST potentialized paclitaxel-induced cytotoxic effects, even decreasing its IC50 value. IST positively modulated CD39 and CD73 expression. CD39 activity was increased, and E-ADA was reduced, indicating that the melanoma cells promoted compensatory feedback in the production and maintenance of adenosine levels. A2A antagonism by IST reduced the factors associated with malignancy, like migration, adhesion, colony formation, and the capacity to produce melanin. Moreover, IST significantly increases nitric oxide (NO) production, which correlates to a decline in melanoma cell viability by apoptotic events. Altogether, our results suggest that adenosine signaling through A2A is essential for B16F10 cells, and its inhibition by IST causes compensatory purinergic enzymatic modulations. Furthermore, IST is a promising therapy that provides new ways to improve current melanoma treatments.

Hesperidin mitigates inflammation and modulates ectoenzymes activity and some cellular processes in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at assessing the anti-arthritic effects of hesperidin on the inflammatory markers in serum/plasma, ectoenzymes activity in platelet, reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis and cell cycle in bone marrow cells of a rat model of arthritis. METHODS: Fifty-six adult female Wistar rats (245-274 g) were grouped into eight of seven rats each: control rats given normal saline or 40 mg/kg of hesperidin or 80 mg/kg of hesperidin, 0.2 mg/kg of dexamethasone, arthritic rats given normal saline, or 40 mg/kg of hesperidin or 80 mg/kg of hesperidin, and 0.2 mg/kg of dexamethasone. Myeloperoxidase and nitrate plus nitrite levels were evaluated in the plasma and serum, respectively. The ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases, ecto-5'-nucleotidase and ecto-adenosine deaminase activities were assessed in platelets. Subsequently, the cells of the bone marrow were obtained, and the assays for ROS, apoptosis and cell cycle were evaluated using flow cytometry. KEY FINDINGS: The results showed that hesperidin mitigated inflammation, modulated adenosine nucleotides and nucleoside hydrolysing enzymes and levels, minimized ROS intracellularly, attenuated apoptotic process and activated cell cycle arrest in arthritic rat. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that hesperidin could be a natural and promising anti-inflammatory compound for the management of arthritis.

Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) prevents memory loss and oxidative imbalance in the brain of rats with hyperlipidemia.

Hyperlipidemia generates deposition of lipids, inflammation, and oxidative damage in cells and tissues, including those of the brain. Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) fruits contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We evaluated the action of Tucumã extract on memory and brain cortex redox balance in hyperlipidemic rats. For 30 days, Wistar rats received Tucumã extract (250 mg/kg). Then, hyperlipidemia was induced by intraperitoneal administration of Poloxamer-407. Twenty-four hours later, the object recognition index was measured. The animals were euthanized for sample collection 36 hr postinduction. Hyperlipidemic animals showed memory loss and an imbalance between reactive species and intrinsic antioxidants. We found that Tucumã prevented memory loss and protein and lipid oxidative damage and prompted a better antioxidant response in the cerebral cortex of rats with hyperlipidemia. These findings suggest a neuroprotective effect and nutraceutical potential of Tucumã. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In the present work, we demonstrated that induced hyperlipidemia in rats caused memory loss and redox unbalance, both factors prevented by the administration of Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) extract. Two aims were fulfilled with these results. The first was to show that hyperlipidemia affected brain function through oxidative damage and concerned basic research. The second was to offer a therapy that prevented this harm and could be applied in the clinic. Tucumã has ethnopharmacological importance through the consumption of fruits or the administration of extracts and oils by a population that was shown to enjoy improved health and longevity. Here, we show evidence that Tucumã contributes to the maintenance of brain health by preventing memory loss and oxidative damage, a nutraceutical supplement that may aid the prevention of vascular, inflammatory, and brain diseases.

Interferon gamma/interleukin-4 modulation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of hesperidin in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis model of rats.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to assess the effect of hesperidin on serum inflammatory cytokines and oxidative damage in liver of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rats. METHOD: Fifty-six adult female Wistar rats (220-250 g) were acclimatized for two weeks. Intraplantar injection of CFA was done for the induction of arthritis and confirmed on the 14th day prior to oral administration of 40 and 80 mg/kg of hesperidin or dexamethasone for 45 days. RESULT: The result showed that treatment with both doses of hesperidin and dexamethasone in the joint of arthritic rats significantly (p < .05) diminished paw swelling/edema and arthritis score as well as enhanced latency in thermal hyperalgesia test. In addition, hesperidin treatment in arthritis rats showed significant (p < .01) improvement in red blood cells and platelets counts as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit compared to the arthritis control rat group. Furthermore, hesperidin treatment significantly (p < .05) reduced serum interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels in arthritic rat. In addition, treatment with hesperidin significantly (p < .05) decreased the liver of thiobarbituric acid reactive species and reactive oxygen species levels but raised the levels of total and non-protein thiols of rat induced with CFA. The reduced activities of liver δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase, catalase, glutathione-S transferase in arthritic rats were significantly (p < .05) increased with hesperidin treatment in arthritic rats. This study suggests that hesperidin demonstrated an anti-arthritic effect via modulation of serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels as well as protection against oxidative damage. CONCLUSION: Hence, hesperidin could be a potential immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent.

Hydroalcoholic extract of leaf of Arachis hypogaea L. (Fabaceae) did not induce toxic effects in the repeated-dose toxicity study in rats.

Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut) leaf is traditionally used for the treatment of insomnia in Asia. However, studies describing the safety and toxicity profile for this plant preparation are limited. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the toxicity of peanut leaf hydroalcoholic extract (PLHE) repeated treatment. The extract was administered orally (100, 300 or 1000 mg/kg) in male and female Wistar rats for 28 days (OECD guideline 407). PLHE treatment did not cause mortality or weight variation in the animals. Also, there was no alteration on locomotor activity (open field test), motor coordination (rotarod test), or anxiety behaviour (elevated plus-maze test). Male rats had a reduction in relative liver weight (100 mg/kg) and an increase in total kidney weight (1000 mg/kg), but there was no change in biochemical and haematological parameters after PLHE treatment. Free extracellular double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) levels was also evaluated, but PLHE treatment did not increase this parameter in rat organs. Also, the dose of 1000 mg/kg of PLHE significantly increased the total thiols in the liver of females compared with the control animals. Thus, PLHE did not induce toxicity after repeated exposure for 28 days in rats.

Increased cytokines production and oxidative stress are related with purinergic signaling and cell survival in post-thyroidectomy hypothyroidism.

Thyroid hormones have essential roles in regulation of cellular functions, including the immune system. The purinergic signaling, activated through extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides has also strong implications in immune response regulation. Hypothyroidism may involve effects on the immune and purinergic systems. In view of that, we evaluated cytokines levels, their relation with the expression of purinergic enzymes and the effects of this condition on immune system cells from patients with post-thyroidectomy hypothyroidism. Increased IL6, IL10, IL17 and TNF-α levels as well as an increase in CD73 expression in lymphocytes were observed in patients' blood. Moreover, augmented myeloperoxidase activity, lipid peroxidation and thiolgroup production were observed in post-thyroidectomy hypothyroidism. In addition, proliferation and cell death of lymphocytes were enhanced when exposed to patients' serum. This study demonstrates that hypothyroidism is related to changes in the purinergic system, increased cytokines production and oxidative stress, which interfere in the cell life and signaling.

Antioxidant, hepatoprotective, genoprotective, and cytoprotective effects of quercetin in a murine model of arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a highly debilitating inflammatory autoimmune disease which is characterized by joint destruction. The present study sought to investigate the effect of quercetin in rats with complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis. Animals were divided into control/saline, control/quercetin (5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, and 50 mg/kg) arthritis/saline, and arthritis/quercetin (5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, and 50 mg/kg); the treatments were administered for 45 days. Biochemical, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity parameters were evaluated. All doses of quercetin reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and reactive oxygen species; however, only treatment with 25 or 50 mg/kg increased catalase activity. Total thiol and reduced glutathione levels were not significantly affected by the induction nor by the treatments. Genotoxicity assessed by DNA damage, and cytotoxicity through picogreen assay, decreased after treatments with quercetin. Our results present evidence of the antioxidant, cytoprotective, genoprotective and hepatoprotective, and effects of quercetin, demonstrating its potential as a candidate for coadjuvant therapy.

ADA activity is decreased in lymphocytes from patients with advanced stage of lung cancer.

Cigarette smoking is directly associated with lung cancer. Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) represents approximately 80% from all types of lung cancer. This latter is hard to diagnose and to treat due to the lack of symptoms in early stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate ADA activity and the expression of P2X7, A1, and A2A receptors and in lymphocytes. In addition, the profile of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines serum levels of patients with lung cancer in advanced stage was evaluated. Patients (n = 13) previously treated for lung cancer at stage IV (UICC) with chemotherapy had their blood collected. Cancer patients showed a decrease in ADA activity and an increase in A1 receptor expression in lymphocytes when compared to the control group. Moreover, patients exhibited an increase in IL-6 and TNF-α, while IL-17 and INF-ϒ serum levels were lower in patients with lung cancer. The decreased ADA activity and the increase in A1 receptor expression may contribute to adenosine pro-tumor effects by increasing IL-6 and TNF-α and decreasing IL-17 and INF-γ serum levels. Our data show an indirect evidence that purinergic signaling may have a role in promoting a profile of cytokines levels that favors tumor progression.

Effect of quercetin on E-NTPDase/E-ADA activities and cytokine secretion of complete Freund adjuvant-induced arthritic rats.

The effect of quercetin was assessed in rats induced with complete Freund adjuvant (CFA). Arthritis scores, paw oedema, latency, activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO), ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase), and ectoadenosine deaminase (E-ADA) in lymphocytes were determined. Furthermore, nucleotide and nucleoside levels as well as the secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. Animals were treated with saline and quercetin in doses of 5, 25, and 50 mg/kg for 45 days. The result revealed that quercetin (50 mg/kg) reduced arthritis score and paw oedema, and increased the latency in the thermal hyperalgesia test. Histopathological analysis showed that all the doses of quercetin reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells. MPO activity was increased in the arthritis group; however, quercetin reduced this activity. E-NTPDase activity was increased in lymphocytes of arthritis rats, and treatment with quercetin reversed this increase. However, E-ADA activity was reduced in the arthritis group, and treatment with quercetin modulated the activity of this enzyme in arthritis rat groups. Serum adenosine levels were increased in arthritis, and the levels were lowered with quercetin treatment. Quercetin treatment in arthritis groups decreased the elevated levels of cytokines in the arthritis control group. Thus, quercetin demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect, and this flavonoid may be a promising natural compound for the treatment of arthritis. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Quercetin may represent a potential therapeutic compound in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Findings from this study indicate that quercetin suppresses swelling and attenuates the underlying inflammatory responses. This is the first report where quercetin was shown to modulate the immune response to arthritis via attenuation of the purinergic system (E-NTPDase and E-ADA activities) and the levels of IFN-gamma and IL-4. Thus, this work is relevant to basic research and may be translated into clinical practice.

ATP signaling and NTPDase in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease with periods of exacerbation and remission. SLE is characterized by the irreversible breakdown of immunological self-tolerance, where there is deregulation of multiple aspects of the immune system. SLE immune dysfunction is characterized by activation of autoreactive T lymphocytes, and hyperactivity of B lymphocytes with consequent production of several autoantibodies. ATP is a purinergic mediator released into the extracellular space in response to cell and tissue damage which operates as a danger signal to modulate immune and inflammatory responses. ATP binds to P2 receptors and its levels are regulated by NTPDase (CD39). SLE patients exhibit increased levels of ATP which binds to P2X receptors resulting in activation of the inflammasome and consequent release of IL-1ß and IL-18, cytokines associated with disease pathogenesis. CD39 is upregulated in SLE representing an important immunoregulatory mechanism by controlling inflammation and favoring the production of adenosine. The aim of this review is to clarify the effects of ATP on the modulation of the inflammatory process and immune responses via P2 receptors as well as the role of NTPDase in the immunopathogenesis of SLE.

Adenosine signaling and adenosine deaminase regulation of immune responses: impact on the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection.

Infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which has devastating effects on the host immune system. HIV entry into host cells and subsequent viral replication induce a proinflammatory response, hyperactivating immune cells and leading them to death, disfunction, and exhaustion. Adenosine is an immunomodulatory molecule that suppresses immune cell function to protect tissue integrity. The anti-inflammatory properties of adenosine modulate the chronic inflammation and immune activation caused by HIV. Lack of adenosine contributes to pathogenic events in HIV infection. However, immunosuppression by adenosine has its shortcomings, such as impairing the immune response, hindering the elimination of the virus and control of viral replication. By attempting to control inflammation, adenosine feeds a pathogenic cycle affecting immune cells. Deamination of adenosine by ADA (adenosine deaminase) counteracts the negative effects of adenosine in immune cells, boosting the immune response. This review comprises the connection between adenosinergic system and HIV immunopathogenesis, exploring defects in immune cell function and the role of ADA in protecting these cells against damage.

Modulation of reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis and cell cycle in pleural exudate cells of carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in rats by rutin.

The present study seeks to investigate the effect of rutin, a flavonoid compound in rat models of acute inflammation induced by carrageenan (CAR). Twenty-four female Wistar rats weighing 222-247 g received saline or 2% λ-carrageenan in the pleural cavity and treatment with rutin (80 mg kg-1) or saline by oral gavage for 21 days prior to the intrapleural induction of CAR. After 4 h of induction, the rats were euthanized, the plasma was prepared from the blood for the analysis of haematological parameters and the pleural exudate was obtained for the analysis of the total cell count, cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis and cell cycle. The result revealed that rutin exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the ROS level, apoptosis and cell cycle. This study indicates that rutin may exert a protective effect against ROS-mediated oxidative damage associated with an anti-inflammatory activity in rat models of acute inflammation.

Chalcogenozidovudine Derivatives With Antitumor Activity: Comparative Toxicities in Cultured Human Mononuclear Cells.

Considering a novel series of zidovudine (AZT) derivatives encompassing selenoaryl moieties promising candidates as therapeutics, we examined the toxicities elicited by AZT and derivatives 5'-(4-Chlorophenylseleno)zidovudine (SZ1); 5'-(Phenylseleno)zidovudine (SZ2); and 5'-(4-Methylphenylseleno)zidovudine (SZ3) in healthy cells and in mice. Resting and stimulated cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with the compounds at concentrations ranging from 10 to 200 µM for 24 and/or 72 h. Adult mice received a single injection of compounds (100 µmol/kg, s.c.) and 72 h after administration, hepatic/renal biomarkers were analyzed. Resting and stimulated PBMCs exposed to SZ1 displayed loss of viability, increased reactive species production, disruption in cell cycle, apoptosis and increased transcript levels and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In a mild way, most of these effects were also induced by SZ2. AZT and SZ3 did not cause significant toxicity towards resting PBMCs. Differently, both compounds elicited apoptosis and S phase arrest in stimulated cells. AZT and derivatives administration did not change the body weight and plasma biochemical markers in mice. However, the absolute weight and organ-to-body weight ratio of liver, kidneys and spleen were altered in AZT, SZ1-, and SZ2-treated mice. Our results highlighted the involvement of derivatives SZ1 and SZ2 in redox and immunological dyshomeostasis leading to activation of apoptotic signaling pathways in healthy cells under different division phases. On the other hand, the derivative SZ3 emerged as a promising candidate for further viral infection/antitumor studies as a new effective therapy with low toxicity for immune cells and after acute in vivo treatment.