RESUMEN

PURPOSE: To examine whether isoflurane preconditioning (IsoP) has a protective effect against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI) in diabetic conditions and to further clarify the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were randomly assigned to five groups, as follows: normal sham, normal I/R, diabetic sham, diabetic I/R, and diabetic I/R + isoflurane. Renal I/RI was induced by clamping renal pedicle for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h. IsoP was achieved by exposing the rats to 2% isoflurane for 30 min before vascular occlusion. Kidneys and blood were collected after reperfusion for further analysis. Renal histology, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and renal cell apoptosis were assessed. Furthermore, the expression of brahma related gene 1 (Brg1), nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were determined. RESULTS: Compared with control, diabetic rats undergoing I/R presented more severe renal injury, oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction, and apoptosis with the impairment of Brg1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. All these alterations were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with isoflurane. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that isoflurane could alleviate renal I/RI in diabetes, possibly through improving Brg1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental , Precondicionamiento Isquémico , Isoflurano , Daño por Reperfusión , Transducción de Señal , Factores de Transcripción , Animales , Masculino , Ratas , Anestésicos por Inhalación/farmacología , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/complicaciones , ADN Helicasas/metabolismo , Hemo-Oxigenasa 1/metabolismo , Precondicionamiento Isquémico/métodos , Isoflurano/farmacología , Riñón/efectos de los fármacos , Riñón/irrigación sanguínea , Riñón/patología , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Proteínas Nucleares/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Distribución Aleatoria , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Daño por Reperfusión/prevención & control , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: This work aimed to investigate the effects of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on myocardial cell (MC) apoptosis in a rat model of heart failure (HF). METHODS: Tan IIA was extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) using an ethanol reflux method. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham (no treatment), mod (HF model establishment), low dose (LD: 0.1 mL/kg Tan IIA), medium dose (MD: 0.3 mL/kg Tan IIA), and high dose (HD: 0.5 mL/kg Tan IIA), with 10 rats in each group. The effects of different doses of Tan IIA on cardiac function, MC apoptosis, and the levels of proteins associated with the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were compared. RESULTS: Mod group showed a significant decrease in systolic arterial pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, left ventricular systolic pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening, and the levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR proteins versus sham group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), end-systolic diameter, diastolic pressure, and MC apoptosis were significantly increased (p < 0.05). LD, MD, and HD groups exhibited significant improvements across various indicators of cardiac function and MC apoptosis versus mod group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tan IIA may improve cardiac function and inhibit MC apoptosis in rats with HF by modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Asunto(s)

Abietanos , Apoptosis , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Insuficiencia Cardíaca , Miocitos Cardíacos , Salvia miltiorrhiza , Animales , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Salvia miltiorrhiza/química , Insuficiencia Cardíaca/tratamiento farmacológico , Insuficiencia Cardíaca/fisiopatología , Masculino , Abietanos/farmacología , Abietanos/uso terapéutico , Miocitos Cardíacos/efectos de los fármacos , Distribución Aleatoria , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas , Serina-Treonina Quinasas TOR/metabolismo , Serina-Treonina Quinasas TOR/efectos de los fármacos , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados

RESUMEN

The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic declared in Brazil between 2015 and 2016 was associated with an increased prevalence of severe congenital malformations, including microcephaly. The distribution of microcephaly cases was not uniform across the country, with a disproportionately higher incidence in the Northeast region (NE). Our previous work demonstrated that saxitoxin (STX), a toxin present in the drinking water reservoirs of the NE, exacerbated the damaging effects of ZIKV on the developing brain. We hypothesized that the impact of STX might vary among different neural cell types. While ZIKV infection caused severe damages on astrocytes and neural stem cells (NSCs), the addition of STX did not exacerbate these effects. We observed that neurons subjected to STX exposure were more prone to apoptosis and displayed higher ZIKV infection rate. These findings suggest that STX exacerbates the harmful effects of ZIKV on neurons, thereby providing a plausible explanation for the heightened severity of ZIKV-induced congenital malformations observed in Brazil's NE. This study highlights the importance of understanding the interactive effects of environmental toxins and infectious pathogens on neural development, with potential implications for public health policies.

Asunto(s)

Astrocitos , Células-Madre Neurales , Neuronas , Saxitoxina , Infección por el Virus Zika , Virus Zika , Células-Madre Neurales/virología , Células-Madre Neurales/efectos de los fármacos , Células-Madre Neurales/metabolismo , Humanos , Virus Zika/fisiología , Astrocitos/virología , Astrocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Neuronas/virología , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/metabolismo , Infección por el Virus Zika/virología , Infección por el Virus Zika/patología , Saxitoxina/toxicidad , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Microcefalia/virología , Muerte Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Brasil , Células Cultivadas

RESUMEN

The oral cavity is a frequent site for head and neck cancers, which rank as the sixth most common cancer globally, with a 5-year survival rate slightly over 50%. Current treatments are limited, and resistance to therapy remains a significant clinical obstacle. IsCT1, a membrane-active peptide derived from the venom of the scorpion Opisthacanthus madagascariensis, has shown antitumor effects in various cancer cell lines, including breast cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia. However, its hemolytic action limits its potential therapeutic use. This study aims to assess the antitumor and antiproliferative activities of synthetic peptides derived from IsCT1 (IsCT-P, AC-AFPK-IsCT1, AFPK-IsCT1, AC-KKK-IsCT1, and KKK-IsCT1) in the context of oral squamous cell carcinoma. We evaluated the cytotoxic effects of these peptides on tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells and normal cells, as well as their impact on cell cycle phases, the expression of proliferation markers, modulators of cell death pathways, and mitochondrial potential. Our results indicate that the IsCT1 derivatives IsCT-P and AC-AFPK-IsCT1 possess cytotoxic properties towards squamous cell carcinoma cells, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and the proliferative index. The treatment of cancer cells with AC-AFPK-IsCT1 led to a positive modulation of pro-apoptotic markers p53 and caspases 3 and 8, a decrease in PCNA and Cyclin D1 expression, and cell cycle arrest in the S phase. Notably, contrary to the parental IsCT1 peptide, AC-AFPK-IsCT1 did not exhibit hemolytic activity or cytotoxicity towards normal cells. Therefore, AC-AFPK-IsCT1 might be a viable therapeutic option for head and neck cancer treatment.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas , Proliferación Celular , Neoplasias de la Boca , Venenos de Escorpión , Humanos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Neoplasias de la Boca/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias de la Boca/patología , Venenos de Escorpión/farmacología , Venenos de Escorpión/química , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/química , Antineoplásicos/síntesis química , Animales , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patología , Péptidos/farmacología , Péptidos/química , Péptidos/síntesis química , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Escorpiones/química , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/efectos de los fármacos , Ciclo Celular/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

LAH, an acetogenin from the Annonaceae family, has demonstrated antitumor activity in several cancer cell lines and in vivo models, where it reduced the tumor size and induced programmed cell death. We focused on the effects of LAH on mitochondrial dynamics, mTOR signaling, autophagy, and apoptosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells to explore its anticancer potential. METHODS: CRC cells were treated with LAH, and its effects on mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis were measured using Seahorse XF technology. The changes in mitochondrial dynamics were observed through fluorescent imaging, while Western blot analysis was used to examine key autophagy and apoptosis markers. RESULTS: LAH significantly inhibited mitochondrial complex I activity, inducing ATP depletion and a compensatory increase in glycolysis. This disruption caused mitochondrial fragmentation, a trigger for autophagy, as shown by increased LC3-II expression and mTOR suppression. Apoptosis was also confirmed through the cleavage of caspase-3, contributing to reduced cancer cell viability. CONCLUSIONS: LAH's anticancer effects in CRC cells are driven by its disruption of mitochondrial function, triggering both autophagy and apoptosis. These findings highlight its potential as a therapeutic compound for further exploration in cancer treatment.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Autofagia , Proliferación Celular , Neoplasias Colorrectales , Mitocondrias , Humanos , Autofagia/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias Colorrectales/patología , Neoplasias Colorrectales/metabolismo , Neoplasias Colorrectales/tratamiento farmacológico , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Mitocondrias/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Serina-Treonina Quinasas TOR/metabolismo , Acetogeninas/farmacología , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Glucólisis/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Mushroom ß-D-glucans can be isolated from several species, including the widely consumed Agaricus bisporus. Besides immunomodulatory responses, some ß-D-glucans may exhibit direct antitumoral effects. It was previously observed that a ß-(1→6)-D-glucan (BDG16) has indirect cytotoxicity on triple-negative breast cancer cells. In this study, the cytotoxicity of this same glucan was observed on estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Cell viability was determined by multiple methods to assess metabolic activity, lysosomal membrane integrity, and adhesion capacity. Assays to evaluate cell respiration, cell cycle, apoptosis, necroptosis, and oxidative stress were performed to determine the action of BDG16 on MCF-7 cells. A gradual and significant cell viability reduction was observed when the cells were treated with BDG16 (10-1000 µg/mL). This result could be associated with the inhibition of the basal state respiration after incubation with the ß-D-glucan. The cells showed a significant arrest in G1 phase population at 1000 µg/mL, with no induction of apoptosis. However, an increase in necrosis and necroptosis at the same concentration was observed. No difference in oxidative stress-related molecules was observed. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that BDG16 directly induces toxicity in MCF-7 cells, primarily by impairing mitochondrial respiration and promoting necroptosis. The specific mechanisms that mediate this action are being investigated.

Asunto(s)

Agaricus , Antineoplásicos , Apoptosis , Neoplasias de la Mama , Supervivencia Celular , Estrés Oxidativo , Receptores de Estrógenos , Agaricus/química , Humanos , Células MCF-7 , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias de la Mama/metabolismo , Neoplasias de la Mama/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Femenino , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Receptores de Estrógenos/metabolismo , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/química , beta-Glucanos/farmacología , beta-Glucanos/química

RESUMEN

Despite the widespread use of R-CHOP therapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the therapeutic efficacy for this disease remains suboptimal, primarily due to the heterogeneity of refractory and/or relapsed diseases. To address this challenge, optimization of DLBCL treatment regimens has focused on the strategy of combining an additional drug "X" with R-CHOP to enhance efficacy. However, the failure of R-CHOP combined with the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib in treating ABC-type DLBCL patients has raised significant concerns regarding ibrutinib resistance. While some studies suggest that venetoclax may synergize with ibrutinib to kill ibrutinib-resistant cells, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our study aimed to validate the enhanced tumor-suppressive effect of combining ibrutinib with venetoclax against ibrutinib-resistant cells and elucidate its potential mechanisms. Our experimental results demonstrated that ibrutinib-resistant cells exhibited significant cytotoxicity to the combination therapy of ibrutinib and venetoclax, inducing cell apoptosis through activation of the mitochondrial pathway and inhibition of aerobic respiration. Furthermore, we validated the inhibitory effect of this combination therapy on tumor growth in in vivo models. Therefore, our study proposes that the combination therapy of ibrutinib and venetoclax is a promising treatment strategy that can be applied in clinical practice for ABC-type DLBCL, offering a new solution to overcome the urgent challenge of ibrutinib resistance.

Asunto(s)

Adenina , Apoptosis , Compuestos Bicíclicos Heterocíclicos con Puentes , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Linfoma de Células B Grandes Difuso , Piperidinas , Pirazoles , Pirimidinas , Sulfonamidas , Compuestos Bicíclicos Heterocíclicos con Puentes/farmacología , Compuestos Bicíclicos Heterocíclicos con Puentes/uso terapéutico , Compuestos Bicíclicos Heterocíclicos con Puentes/administración & dosificación , Sulfonamidas/farmacología , Sulfonamidas/administración & dosificación , Sulfonamidas/uso terapéutico , Linfoma de Células B Grandes Difuso/tratamiento farmacológico , Linfoma de Células B Grandes Difuso/patología , Adenina/análogos & derivados , Adenina/farmacología , Adenina/uso terapéutico , Humanos , Piperidinas/farmacología , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Pirimidinas/farmacología , Pirimidinas/uso terapéutico , Pirimidinas/administración & dosificación , Pirazoles/farmacología , Animales , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/farmacología , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapéutico , Ratones , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide, with oxidative stress and calcium overload playing significant roles in the pathophysiology of the disease. Ozone, renowned for its potent antioxidant properties, is commonly employed as an adjuvant therapy in clinical settings. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether ozone therapy on parthanatos in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). This study aims to investigate the impact of ozone therapy on reducing parthanatos during CIRI and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was utilized to mimic the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in SH-SY5Y cell reperfusion injury in vitro, and an in vivo ischemic stroke model was established. Ozone saline was introduced for co-culture or intravenously administered to mice. Apoptosis and oxidative stress were assessed using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Western blotting was utilized to examine the expression of parthanatos signature proteins. The mechanism by which ozone inhibits parthanatos was elucidated through inhibiting PPARg or Nrf2 activity. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated that ozone mitigated H2O2-induced parthanatos by either upregulating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) or activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorg (PPARg). Furthermore, through the use of calcium chelators and ROS inhibitors, it was discovered that ROS directly induced parthanatos and facilitated intracellular calcium elevation. Notably, a malignant feedback loop between ROS and calcium was identified, further amplifying the induction of parthanatos. Ozone therapy exhibited its efficacy by increasing PPARg activity or enhancing the Nrf2 translation, thereby inhibiting ROS production induced by H2O2. Concurrently, our study demonstrated that ozone treatment markedly inhibited parthanatos in stroke-afflicted mice. Additionally, ozone therapy demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects on cortical neurons, effectively suppressing parthanatos. CONCLUSIONS: These findings contribute valuable insights into the potential of ozone therapy as a therapeutic strategy for reducing parthanatos during CIRI, highlighting its impact on key molecular pathways associated with oxidative stress and calcium regulation.

Asunto(s)

Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Accidente Cerebrovascular Isquémico , Estrés Oxidativo , Ozono , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno , Ozono/farmacología , Ozono/uso terapéutico , Animales , Accidente Cerebrovascular Isquémico/tratamiento farmacológico , Ratones , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Daño por Reperfusión , Masculino , Peróxido de Hidrógeno/metabolismo , Humanos , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Calcio/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common hematological cancer in the adult population worldwide. Approximately 35% of patients with AML present internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations in the FMS­like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) receptor associated with poor prognosis, and thus, this receptor is a relevant target for potential therapeutics. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used to treat AML; however, their molecular interactions and effects on leukemic cells are poorly understood. The present study aimed to gain insights into the molecular interactions and affinity forces of four TKI drugs (sorafenib, midostaurin, gilteritinib and quizartinib) with the wild­type (WT)­FLT3 and ITD­mutated (ITD­FLT3) structural models of FLT3, in its inactive aspartic acid­phenylalanine­glycine motif (DFG­out) and active aspartic acid­phenylalanine­glycine motif (DFG­in) conformations. Furthermore, the present study evaluated the effects of the second­generation TKIs gilteritinib and quizartinib on cancer cell viability, apoptosis and proliferation in the MV4­11 (ITD­FLT3) and HL60 (WT­FLT3) AML cell lines. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a healthy volunteer were included as an FLT3­negative group. Molecular docking analysis indicated higher affinities of second­generation TKIs for WT­FLT3/DFG­out and WT­FLT3/DFG­in compared with those of the first­generation TKIs. However, the ITD mutation changed the affinity of all TKIs. The in vitro data supported the in silico predictions: MV4­11 cells presented high selective sensibility to gilteritinib and quizartinib compared with the HL60 cells, whereas the drugs had no effect on PBMCs. Thus, the current study presented novel information about molecular interactions between the FLT3 receptors (WT or ITD­mutated) and some of their inhibitors. It also paves the way for the search for novel inhibitory molecules with potential use against AML.

Asunto(s)

Leucemia Mieloide Aguda , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas , Estaurosporina , Tirosina Quinasa 3 Similar a fms , Humanos , Compuestos de Anilina/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/química , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Benzotiazoles/farmacología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Simulación por Computador , Tirosina Quinasa 3 Similar a fms/antagonistas & inhibidores , Tirosina Quinasa 3 Similar a fms/genética , Tirosina Quinasa 3 Similar a fms/metabolismo , Tirosina Quinasa 3 Similar a fms/química , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/tratamiento farmacológico , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/metabolismo , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/genética , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Mutación , Compuestos de Fenilurea/farmacología , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas/farmacología , Pirazinas/farmacología , Sorafenib/farmacología , Estaurosporina/análogos & derivados , Estaurosporina/farmacología , Triazinas/farmacología , Triazinas/química

RESUMEN

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial, chronic, and progressive neurodegenerative disorder inducing movement alterations as a result of the loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons of the pars compacta in the substantia nigra and protein aggregates of alpha synuclein (α-Syn). Although its etiopathology agent has not yet been clearly established, environmental and genetic factors have been suggested as the major contributors to the disease. Mutations in the glucosidase beta acid 1 (GBA1) gene, which encodes the lysosomal glucosylceramidase (GCase) enzyme, are one of the major genetic risks for PD. We found that the GBA1 K198E fibroblasts but not WT fibroblasts showed reduced catalytic activity of heterozygous mutant GCase by -70% but its expression levels increased by 3.68-fold; increased the acidification of autophagy vacuoles (e.g., autophagosomes, lysosomes, and autolysosomes) by +1600%; augmented the expression of autophagosome protein Beclin-1 (+133%) and LC3-II (+750%), and lysosomal-autophagosome fusion protein LAMP-2 (+107%); increased the accumulation of lysosomes (+400%); decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) by -19% but the expression of Parkin protein remained unperturbed; increased the oxidized DJ-1Cys106-SOH by +900%, as evidence of oxidative stress; increased phosphorylated LRRK2 at Ser935 (+1050%) along with phosphorylated α-synuclein (α-Syn) at pathological residue Ser129 (+1200%); increased the executer apoptotic protein caspase 3 (cleaved caspase 3) by +733%. Although exposure of WT fibroblasts to environmental neutoxin rotenone (ROT, 1 µM) exacerbated the autophagy-lysosomal system, oxidative stress, and apoptosis markers, ROT moderately increased those markers in GBA1 K198E fibroblasts. We concluded that the K198E mutation endogenously primes skin fibroblasts toward autophagy dysfunction, OS, and apoptosis. Our findings suggest that the GBA1 K198E fibroblasts are biochemically and molecularly equivalent to the response of WT GBA1 fibroblasts exposed to ROT.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Autofagia , Fibroblastos , Glucosilceramidasa , Mitocondrias , Estrés Oxidativo , Glucosilceramidasa/metabolismo , Glucosilceramidasa/genética , Humanos , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Autofagia/genética , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Parkinson/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Parkinson/genética , Enfermedad de Parkinson/patología , Piel/metabolismo , Piel/patología , Lisosomas/metabolismo , alfa-Sinucleína/metabolismo , alfa-Sinucleína/genética , Proteína 2 Quinasa Serina-Treonina Rica en Repeticiones de Leucina/metabolismo , Proteína 2 Quinasa Serina-Treonina Rica en Repeticiones de Leucina/genética , Mutación

RESUMEN

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with viral or metabolic liver diseases is a growing cancer without effective therapy. AMPK is downregulated in HCC and its activation diminishes tumor growth. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), an indirect AMPK activator that inhibits hepatic steatosis, shows antitumor effects in different cancers. We aimed to study its putative action in liver-cancer derived cell lines through AMPK signaling. We performed cytometric studies for apoptosis and cell cycle, and 2D and 3D migration analysis in HepG2/C3A and Hep3B cells. ALA led to significant inhibition of cell migration/invasion only in HepG2/C3A cells. We showed that these effects depended on AMPK, and ALA also increased the levels and nuclear compartmentalization of the AMPK target p53. The anti-invasive effect of ALA was abrogated in stable-silenced (shTP53) versus isogenic-TP53 HepG2/C3A cells. Furthermore, ALA inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in control HepG2/C3A but not in shTP53 nor in Hep3B cells. Besides, we spotted that in patients from the HCC-TCGA dataset some EMT genes showed different expression patterns or survival depending on TP53. ALA emerges as a potent activator of AMPK-p53 axis in HCC cells, and it decreases migration/invasion by reducing EMT which could mitigate the disease in wild-type TP53 patients.

Asunto(s)

Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por AMP , Carcinoma Hepatocelular , Movimiento Celular , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Ácido Tióctico , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor , Humanos , Ácido Tióctico/farmacología , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/tratamiento farmacológico , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Células Hep G2 , Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por AMP/metabolismo , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal/efectos de los fármacos , Invasividad Neoplásica , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Pancreatic ß­cells are the only cells that synthesize insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. Various conditions can affect the mass of pancreatic ß­cells and decrease insulin levels. Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by insulin resistance and chronic hyperglycemia, mainly due to the loss of pancreatic ß­cells caused by an increase in the rate of apoptosis. Additionally, hyperglycemia has a toxic effect on ß­cells. Although the precise mechanism of glucotoxicity is not fully understood, several mechanisms have been proposed. The most prominent changes are increases in reactive oxygen species, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the activation of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis due to p53. The present review analyzed the location of p53 in the cytoplasm, mitochondria and nucleus in terms of post­translational modifications, including phosphorylation, O­GlcNAcylation and poly­ADP­ribosylation, under hyperglycemic conditions. These modifications protect p53 from degradation by the proteasome and, in turn, enable it to regulate the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis through the regulation of anti­apoptotic and pro­apoptotic elements. Degradation of p53 occurs in the proteasome and depends on its ubiquitination by Mdm2. Understanding the mechanisms that activate the death of pancreatic ß­cells will allow the proposal of treatment alternatives to prevent the decrease in pancreatic ß­cells.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Células Secretoras de Insulina , Procesamiento Proteico-Postraduccional , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor/metabolismo , Células Secretoras de Insulina/metabolismo , Células Secretoras de Insulina/patología , Humanos , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/patología , Animales

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Ascertainment of disease activation is an important component of therapeutic decisions in ulcerative colitis patients and may present certain clinical challenges. The objective of this study was to determine serum levels of the M30 fragment of cytokeratin 18 and its utility as an activation marker in patients with ulcerative colitis, who are known to have increased apoptosis. METHODS: A total of 60 ulcerative colitis (30 active and 30 remission) patients aged over 18 years and 29 healthy individuals as controls were included in the study. M30, C-reactive protein, and mean platelet volume were evaluated in all participants and compared between ulcerative colitis patients and controls, as well as between those with active disease or remission. RESULTS: Although ulcerative colitis patients with active disease had higher M30 levels than those in remission, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.085). The mean M30 levels tended to increase with increasing extent of involvement, although the differences were not significant (p=0.065). The comparison of C-reactive protein and mean platelet volume according to the site of involvement, however, showed significant differences (p=0.02 and 0.004, respectively). M30 did not show significant correlations with C-reactive protein, mean platelet volume, and Mayo Score (p=0.0834, 0.768, and 0.401, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that, in contrast to C-reactive protein and mean platelet volume, M30 levels do not have a significant role as an activation marker in ulcerative colitis patients. Thus, we believe that M30 may not represent an appropriate marker to be used for this purpose.

Asunto(s)

Biomarcadores , Proteína C-Reactiva , Colitis Ulcerosa , Queratina-18 , Humanos , Colitis Ulcerosa/sangre , Masculino , Femenino , Proteína C-Reactiva/análisis , Biomarcadores/sangre , Adulto , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Persona de Mediana Edad , Queratina-18/sangre , Volúmen Plaquetario Medio , Adulto Joven , Apoptosis , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Fragmentos de Péptidos

RESUMEN

Lithium, a natural element, has been employed as a mental stabilizer in psychiatric treatments; however, some reports indicate it has an anticancer effect, prompting the consideration of repurposing lithium for cancer treatment. The potential anticancer use of lithium may depend on its form (salt type) and the type of cancer cells targeted. Little is known about the effects of Li2CO3 or LiCl on cancer cells, so we focused on exploring their effects on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and cell cycle as part of the hallmarks of cancer. Firstly, we established the IC50 values on HeLa, SiHa, and HaCaT cells with LiCl and Li2CO3 and determined by crystal violet that cell proliferation was time-dependent in the three cell lines (IC50 values for LiCl were 23.43 mM for SiHa, 23.14 mM for HeLa, and 15.10 mM for HaCaT cells, while the IC50 values for Li2CO3 were 20.57 mM for SiHa, 11.52 mM for HeLa, and 10.52 mM for HaCaT cells.) Our findings indicate that Li2CO3 and LiCl induce DNA fragmentation and caspase-independent apoptosis, as shown by TUNEL, Western Blot, and Annexin V/IP assay by flow cytometry. Also, cell cycle analysis showed that LiCl and Li2CO3 arrested the cervical cancer cells at the G1 phase. Moreover, lithium salts displayed an anti-migratory effect on the three cell lines observed by the wound-healing assay. All these findings imply the viable anticancer effect of lithium salts by targeting several of the hallmarks of cancer.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Movimiento Celular , Proliferación Celular , Cloruro de Litio , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino , Humanos , Cloruro de Litio/farmacología , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/patología , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/metabolismo , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Células HeLa , Línea Celular Tumoral , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Carbonato de Litio/farmacología , Ciclo Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Reposicionamiento de Medicamentos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological neoplasm of rapid and progressive onset, and is the most common form of leukemia in adults. Chemoresistance to conventional treatments such as cytarabine (Ara-C) and daunorubicin is a main cause of relapse, recurrence, metastasis, and high mortality in AML patients. It is known that sodium caseinate (SC), a salt derived from casein, a milk protein, inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells but not in normal hematopoietic cells. However, it is unknown whether SC retains its antileukemic effect in cytarabine-resistant AML cell lines. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antineoplastic effect of SC in cytarabine-resistant leukemia models. METHODS: The SC inhibits the growth and induces apoptosis in parental WEHI-3 AML cells. Here, we generated two cytarabine-resistant sublines, WEHI-CR25 and WEHI-CR50, which exhibit 6- and 16-fold increased resistance to cytarabine, respectively, compared to the parental WEHI-3 cells. Thus, these sublines mimic a chemoresistant model. RESULTS: We demonstrate that WEHI-CR25 and WEHI-CR50 cells retain sensitivity to SC, similar to parental WEHI-3 cells. This sensitivity results in inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and increased expression of ENT1 and dCK, molecules involved in the entry and metabolism of Ara-C, while decreasing MDR1 expression. Additionally, we observed that SC prolonged the survival of WEHI-CR50 tumor-bearing mice, despite their resistance to Ara-C. CONCLUSION: This is the first evidence that SC, a milk protein, may inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in cytarabine-resistant cells.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Caseínas , Citarabina , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda , Citarabina/farmacología , Animales , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/tratamiento farmacológico , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/patología , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones , Línea Celular Tumoral , Caseínas/farmacología , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Antineoplásicos/farmacología

RESUMEN

The cell signaling pathways involved in the antiproliferative activities of T. rosea inner bark remain unexplored. This study evaluated the apoptotic effects of two iridoids from the inner bark of T. rosea and apicidin on THP-1 cells. The cytotoxic effects of the extract and the pure compounds on THP-1 and Jurkat cells were also evaluated using the MTT assay. The apoptotic effect was determined by measuring the mitochondrial membrane potential. The expression of mRNA and MAPK kinase, Bax, and Bcl-2 proteins was detected by Western blotting and RT-qPCR, respectively. The extract and the compounds evaluated increased the percentage of apoptotic cells. Depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane was observed, and the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase increased. Catalposide and specioside significantly increased p38 protein expression, mostly in cells pretreated with apicidin. The p38 MAPK signaling pathway is at least one of the pathways by which the n-butanol extract obtained from Tabebuia rosea, catalposide, and specioside exerts its apoptotic effect on THP-1 cells, and this effect generates a response in the G0/G1 phase and subsequent cell death. In addition, there was depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, an effect that was related to the participation of the proapoptotic protein Bax.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial , Corteza de la Planta , Extractos Vegetales , Tabebuia , Humanos , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/química , Corteza de la Planta/química , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/efectos de los fármacos , Tabebuia/química , Péptidos Cíclicos/farmacología , Péptidos Cíclicos/química , Péptidos Cíclicos/aislamiento & purificación , Células Jurkat , Leucemia/tratamiento farmacológico , Leucemia/metabolismo , Leucemia/patología , 1-Butanol/química , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Células THP-1 , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/química , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/aislamiento & purificación , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer that is recognized for its high metastatic potential and the challenges it presents in its treatment. There has been increasing interest in plant extracts and their potential applications in melanoma. The present study aimed to investigate the content of individual phenolic compounds in araçá-boi extract, evaluate their antioxidant activity, and explore their effects on cell viability, migration properties, oxidative stress levels, and protein expression in the human metastatic melanoma cell line SK-MEL-28. HPLC-DAD analysis identified 11 phenolic compounds in the araçá-boi extract. Trans-cinnamic acid was the main phenolic compound identified; therefore, it was used alone to verify its contribution to antitumor activities. SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells were treated for 24 h with different concentrations of araçá-boi extract and trans-cinnamic acid (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1600 µg/mL). Both the araçá-boi extract and trans-cinnamic acid reduced cell viability, cell migration, and oxidative stress in melanoma cells. Additionally, they modulate proteins involved in apoptosis and inflammation. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of araçá-boi extract and its phenolic compounds in the context of melanoma, especially in strategies focused on preventing metastasis. Additional studies, such as the analysis of specific signaling pathways, would be valuable in confirming and expanding these observations.

Asunto(s)

Movimiento Celular , Supervivencia Celular , Cinamatos , Melanoma , Fenoles , Extractos Vegetales , Humanos , Melanoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Melanoma/patología , Melanoma/metabolismo , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Cinamatos/farmacología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Fenoles/farmacología , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Neoplasias Cutáneas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Cutáneas/patología , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología

RESUMEN

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cryopreserving canine ovarian tissue using vitrification and slow freezing methods while investigating potential differences in cryotolerance based on follicular type and cryopreservation technique. Twenty-eight ovaries were collected from 14 anoestrus bitches of various breeds, aged between 2 and 5 years, and undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. The ovaries were sectioned into small fragments and randomly assigned to three groups: vitrification, slow freezing, and a control group (fresh tissue). Vitrification was performed using cryotubes containing DAP 213 solution (2M DMSO, 1M acetamide, 3M propylene glycol) in two stages, while slow freezing involved cryotubes with 1.5M DMSO solution inserted into a programmable machine. The effects of cryopreservation were evaluated by histology and immunohistochemistry (cleaved caspase-3), to determine the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. Histological examination revealed that the slow freezing group exhibited a significantly higher percentage of intact follicles (45.75 %) compared to those subjected to vitrification (38.17 %; P = 0.01). Immunohistochemical evaluation further indicated that 84.21 % of the follicles in the slow freezing group did not express caspase-3, suggesting the absence of apoptosis. Conversely, vitrified samples exhibited significantly more apoptotic cells compared to other groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, early antral follicles displayed a higher susceptibility to degeneration regardless of the cryopreservation method employed. Nevertheless, when comparing the cryopreserved groups, early antral follicles showed greater degeneration in slow freezing group, while preantral follicles were the most affected in the vitrification group. In conclusion, slow freezing demonstrated superior preservation of viable follicles compared to vitrification and emerged as the preferred technique for cryopreserving canine ovarian tissue. These findings contribute valuable insights into optimizing cryopreservation methods for canine ovarian tissue, potentially benefiting reproductive technologies and fertility preservation in canines.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Criopreservación , Congelación , Folículo Ovárico , Vitrificación , Animales , Femenino , Perros/fisiología , Criopreservación/veterinaria , Criopreservación/métodos , Folículo Ovárico/fisiología , Ovario/fisiología , Crioprotectores/farmacología

RESUMEN

Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is a chronic neurological condition that progresses over time. Currently, lacking a viable treatment, the use of multitarget medication combinations has generated interest as a potential FAD therapy approach. In this study, we examined the effects of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) and methylene blue (MB) either separately or in combination on PSEN1 I416T cholinergic-like neuron cells (ChLNs), which serve as a model for FAD. We found that MB was significantly efficient at reducing the accumulation of intracellular Aß, phosphorylation of TAU Ser202/Thr205, and increasing Δψm, whereas 4-PBA was significantly efficient at diminishing oxidation of DJ-1Cys106-SH, expression of TP53, and increasing ACh-induced Ca2+ influx. Both agents were equally effective at blunting phosphorylated c-JUN at Ser63/Ser73 and activating caspase 3 (CASP3) into cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) on mutant cells. Combination of MB and 4-PBA at middle (0.1, 1) concentration significantly reduced iAß, p-TAU, and oxDJ-1 and augmented the ACh-induced Ca2+ influx compared to combined agents at low (0.05, 0.5) or high (0.5, 5) concentration. However, combined MB and 4-PBA were efficient only at dropping DJ-1Cys106-SO3 and increasing ACh-induced Ca2+ inward in mutant ChLNs. Our data show that the reagents MB and 4-PBA alone possess more than one action (e.g., antiamyloid, antioxidant, anti-TAU, antiapoptotic, and ACh-induced Ca2+ influx enhancers), that in combination might cancel or diminish each other. Together, these results strongly argue that MB and 4-PBA might protect PSEN1 I416T ChLNs from Aß-induced toxicity by working intracellularly as anti-Aß and anti-Tau agents, improving Δψm and cell survival, and extracellularly, by increasing ACh-induced Ca2+ ion influx. MB and 4-PBA are promising drugs with potential for repurposing in familial AD.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedad de Alzheimer , Antioxidantes , Apoptosis , Azul de Metileno , Fenilbutiratos , Presenilina-1 , Presenilina-1/genética , Presenilina-1/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/tratamiento farmacológico , Azul de Metileno/farmacología , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Fenilbutiratos/farmacología , Proteínas tau/metabolismo , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/metabolismo , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Calcio/metabolismo , Animales , Fosforilación/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Aim: To evaluate the antifungal activity of amlodipine against strains of Candida spp. and to its possible mechanism of action.Methods: Broth microdilution tests were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, while the synergistic activity was evaluated by calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration index. The action of amlodipine against biofilms was determined using the MTT assay and its possible mechanism of action was investigated through flow cytometry tests.Results: Amlodipine showed MICs ranging from 62.5 to 250 µg/ml, in addition to action against pre-formed and forming biofilms, with reductions between 50 and 90%. Amlodipine increases the externalization of phosphatidylserine and reduces the cell viability of fungal cells, suggesting apoptosis.Conclusion: Amlodipine had good antifungal activity against planktonic cells and biofilms of Candida spp., by leading the cells to apoptosis.

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Candida is a type of fungus that can cause diseases. This fungus became stronger over time and drugs can no longer kill them easily, so it is important to find new drugs. We decided to study whether amlodipine, a drug used for heart disease, has action against Candida. We discovered that amlodipine make fungi weaker. We still need to do more studies to find out if amlodipine can help prevent Candida diseases.

Asunto(s)

Amlodipino , Antifúngicos , Biopelículas , Candida , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Biopelículas/efectos de los fármacos , Biopelículas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Antifúngicos/farmacología , Candida/efectos de los fármacos , Candida/fisiología , Candida/crecimiento & desarrollo , Amlodipino/farmacología , Viabilidad Microbiana/efectos de los fármacos , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Citometría de Flujo , Plancton/efectos de los fármacos , Plancton/crecimiento & desarrollo