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Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024is an opportunistic pathogen that is especially dominant in people with cystic fibrosis; the drug resistance expressed by this pathogen and its capacity for adaptation...
is an opportunistic pathogen that is especially dominant in people with cystic fibrosis; the drug resistance expressed by this pathogen and its capacity for adaptation poses a significant challenge to its treatment and control, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates globally. In this sense, the search for new treatment alternatives is imminent today, with products of plant origin being an excellent alternative for use. The objective of this research was to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential and to explore the possible effect of ethanolic extracts from the wood and bark of on the cell membrane. Microdilution assays showed the inhibition of bacterial growth by more than 50%, with the lowest concentration (62.5 μg/mL) of both extracts evaluated. Furthermore, we report the ability of both extracts to inhibit mature biofilms, with inhibition percentages between 48.4% and 93.7%. Intracellular material leakage experiments (260/280 nm), extracellular pH measurements, and fluorescence microscopy with acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EB) showed cell membrane damage. This indicates that the antibacterial action of ethanolic extracts of is associated with damage to the integrity of the cell membrane and consequent death of these pathogens. These results serve as a reference for future studies in establishing the mechanisms of action of these extracts.
PubMed: 38794482
DOI: 10.3390/plants13101412 -
Nature Communications May 2024Nanoscale electron transfer (ET) in solids is fundamental to the design of multifunctional nanomaterials, yet its process is not fully understood. Herein, through X-ray...
Nanoscale electron transfer (ET) in solids is fundamental to the design of multifunctional nanomaterials, yet its process is not fully understood. Herein, through X-ray crystallography, we directly observe solid-state ET via a crystal-to-crystal process. We first demonstrate the creation of a robust and flexible electron acceptor/acceptor (A/A) double-wall nanotube crystal ([(Zn)(L)(L)]) with a large window (0.90 nm × 0.92 nm) through the one-dimensional porous crystallization of heteroleptic Zn metallocycles ((Zn)(L)(L)) with two different acceptor ligands (2,7-bis((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)ethynyl)acridine (L) and 2,7-bis((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)ethynyl)acridin-9(10H)-one (L)) in a slow-oxidation-associated crystallization procedure. We then achieve the bottom-up construction of the electron donor incorporated-A/A nanotube crystal ([(D)⊂(Zn)(L)(L)]) through the subsequent absorption of electron donor guests (D = tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and ferrocene (Fc)). Finally, we remove electrons from the electron donor guests inside the nanotube crystal through facile ET in the solid state to accumulate holes inside the nanotube crystal ([(D)⊂(Zn)(L)(L)]), where the solid-state ET process (D - e → D) is thus observed directly by X-ray crystallography.
PubMed: 38782903
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48599-1 -
Journal of Biochemical and Molecular... Jun 2024The current study was focused on the anticancer activity of myristicin against MCF-7 human breast cancer (BC) cells. BC is the most common and leading malignant disease...
The current study was focused on the anticancer activity of myristicin against MCF-7 human breast cancer (BC) cells. BC is the most common and leading malignant disease in women worldwide. Now-a-days, various conventional therapies are used against BC and still represent a chief challenge because those treatments fail to differentiate normal cells from malignant cells, and they have severe side effects also. So, there is a need develop new therapies to decrease BC-related morbidity and mortality. Myristicin, a 1‑allyl‑5‑methoxy‑3, 4‑methylenedioxybenzene, is a main active aromatic compound present in various spices, such as nutmeg, mace, carrot, cinnamon, parsely and some essential oils. Myristicin has a wide range of effects, including antitumor, antioxidative and antimicrobial activity. Nevertheless, the effects of myristicin on human BC cells remain largely unrevealed. The cytotoxicity effect of myristicin on MCF‑7 cells was increased dose dependently detected by (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and Lactate Dehydrogenase assays. Myristicin was found to be significantly inducing the cell apoptosis, as compared to control, using acridine orange/ethidium bromide, Hoechst stain and annexin V. Moreover, it activates cell antimigration, intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and cell cycle arrest in the G/S phase. In addition, myristicin induces the expression of apoptosis and cell cycle genes (Caspases8, Bax, Bid, Bcl2, PARP, p53, and Cdk1) was demonstrated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and apoptosis proteins (c-PARP, Caspase 9, Cytochrome C, PDI) expression was also analyzed with western blot. Overall, we illustrated that myristicin could regulate apoptosis signaling pathways in MCF-7 BC cells.
Topics: Humans; Apoptosis; MCF-7 Cells; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Dioxolanes; Benzyl Compounds; Allylbenzene Derivatives; Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 38779996
DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23740 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Oct 2024Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction (THSWD), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is widely utilized in clinical settings, either alone or in combination with other medications,...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction (THSWD), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is widely utilized in clinical settings, either alone or in combination with other medications, for the treatment of breast cancer.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The specific targeting molecule(s) of THSWD and its associated molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This research aims to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of THSWD in the treatment of breast cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The pharmacological properties of THSWD were investigated in breast cancer cells and tumor tissues using a range of methods including Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide (AO/EB) staining, Transwell assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence assay, and breast cancer mice models.
RESULTS
Our findings demonstrate that THSWD induces necrosis and/or apoptosis in breast cancer cells, while significantly inhibiting cell migration. Target proteins of THSWD in anticancer activity include EGFR, RAS, and others. THSWD treatment for breast cancer is associated with the EGFR/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION
Our findings offer initial insights into the primary mechanism of action of THSWD in breast cancer treatment, indicating its potential as a complementary therapy deserving further investigation.
Topics: Female; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Animals; Breast Neoplasms; Humans; ErbB Receptors; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Apoptosis; Cell Line, Tumor; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Cell Movement; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Mice; Mice, Nude; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; MCF-7 Cells
PubMed: 38777083
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118339 -
European Review For Medical and... May 2024The article "Inhibition effects of acridone on the growth of breast cancer cells in vivo", by Y.-F. Xia, H.-J. Chu, G.-F. Kuang, G.-J. Jiang, Y.-C. Che, published in Eur...
The article "Inhibition effects of acridone on the growth of breast cancer cells in vivo", by Y.-F. Xia, H.-J. Chu, G.-F. Kuang, G.-J. Jiang, Y.-C. Che, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2018; 22 (8): 2356-2363-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201804_14827-PMID: 29762857 has been retracted by the Editor in Chief for the following reasons. Following some concerns raised on PubPeer regarding a possible overlap in Figure 2, the Editor in Chief has started an investigation to assess the validity of the results as well as possible figure manipulation. The journal investigation revealed a duplication between Figures 2B and 2C. Consequently, the Editor in Chief mistrusts the results presented and has decided to retract the article. The authors have been informed about the journal's investigation but remained unresponsive. This article has been retracted. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/14827.
Topics: Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Acridones; Female; Cell Proliferation; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Mice
PubMed: 38766783
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202405_36201 -
Journal of the American Chemical Society May 2024This report describes the development of a visible-light photocatalytic system for C(sp)-H amination that leverages -generated photocatalysts. We demonstrate that the...
This report describes the development of a visible-light photocatalytic system for C(sp)-H amination that leverages -generated photocatalysts. We demonstrate that the combination of acridine derivatives and Lewis acids forms potent photooxidants that promote the C-H amination of electronically diverse arenes upon irradiation with visible-light (440 nm). A first-generation photocatalyst composed of Sc(OTf) and acridine effects the C-H amination of substrates with oxidation potentials ≤ +2.5 V vs SCE with pyrazole, triazole, and pyridine nucleophiles. Furthermore, the simplicity and modularity of this system enable variation of both Lewis acid and acridine to tune reactivity. This enabled the rapid identification of two second-generation photocatalysts (derived from (i) Al(OTf) and acridine or (ii) Sc(OTf) and a pyridinium-substituted acridine) that catalyze a particularly challenging transformation: C(sp)-H amination with benzene as the limiting reagent.
PubMed: 38759094
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02991 -
Pharmacological Reports : PR May 2024Currently, povidone-iodine (PVP-I) and hydrogen peroxide (HO) are frequently used antiseptics in joint infections, but the cytotoxic effects of these solutions are...
BACKGROUND
Currently, povidone-iodine (PVP-I) and hydrogen peroxide (HO) are frequently used antiseptics in joint infections, but the cytotoxic effects of these solutions are already reported. N-chlorotaurine (NCT) shows a broad-spectrum bactericidal activity and is well tolerated in various tissues, but its effect on human chondrocytes is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the cytotoxic effect of NCT, PVP-I, and HO on human chondrocytes compared to a control group in an in vitro setting to get first indications if NCT might be a promising antiseptic in the treatment of septic joint infections for the future.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Chondrocytes extracted from human cartilage were incubated with various concentrations of NCT, PVP-I, and HO for 5 and 30 min respectively. EZ4U cell viability kit was used according to the manufacturer's recommendations determining cell viability. To assess cell viability based on their nuclear morphology, cells were stained with acridine-orange and identified under the fluorescence microscope.
RESULTS
EZ4U kit showed after 5 and 30 min of incubation a significant decrease in cell viability at NCT 1%, NCT 0.1%, PVP-I, and HO, but not for NCT 0.001% and NCT 0.01%. Acridine-orange staining likewise presented a significant decrease in vital cells for all tested solutions except NCT 0.001% and NCT 0.01% after 5 and 30 min of incubation.
CONCLUSION
Our results demonstrate that NCT is well tolerated by chondrocytes in vitro at the tested lower NCT concentrations 0.01% and 0.001% in contrast to the higher NCT concentrations 1% and 0.1%, PVP-I (1.1%), and HO (3%), for which a significant decrease in cell viability was detected. Considering that the in vivo tolerability is usually significantly higher, our findings could be an indication that cartilage tissue in vivo would tolerate the already clinically used 1% NCT solution. In combination with the broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, NCT may be a promising antiseptic for the treatment of septic joint infections.
PubMed: 38758471
DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00601-9 -
Animal Reproduction 2024This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of the HSP70 gene and protein in spermatozoa of Bali bulls of different age groups and to examine its potential as a...
This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of the HSP70 gene and protein in spermatozoa of Bali bulls of different age groups and to examine its potential as a biomarker determining bull fertility. This study used frozen semen produced from six Bali bulls divided into two groups based on age (≤ 9 years and ≥ 12 years). Parameters of frozen semen quality analyzed included sperm motility and kinetics using computer-assisted semen analysis, sperm morphological defects using Diff-Quick staining, acrosome integrity using FITC-PNA staining, and DNA fragmentation using acridine orange staining. HSP70 gene expression characterization was analyzed using qRT-PCR, and HSP70 protein abundance was analyzed using enzyme immunoassays. Fertility field data were obtained by analyzing the percentage conception rate for each bull based on the artificial insemination service data contained in the Indonesian-integrated system of the National Animal Health Information System (iSIKHNAS). The results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in total and progressive motility, morphological defects of the neck and midpiece, and tail of sperm, and acrosome integrity between the age groups of Bali bulls. HSP70 gene expression and protein abundance showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in different age groups. HSP70 gene expression correlated with fertility rate (P<0.05). Age affected several semen quality parameters but did not affect HSP70 gene expression and protein abundance. The HSP70 gene molecule could be a biomarker that determines the fertility of Bali bulls.
PubMed: 38756622
DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2023-0048 -
BMC Pediatrics May 2024Neonatal Escherichia coli (E coli) meningitis results in significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case of a premature infant with extensive central nervous...
BACKGROUND
Neonatal Escherichia coli (E coli) meningitis results in significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case of a premature infant with extensive central nervous system (CNS) injury from recurrent E coli infection and the non-traditional methods necessary to identify and clear the infection.
CASE PRESENTATION
The infant was transferred to our institution's pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) after recurrence of E coli CNS infection requiring neurosurgical intervention. He had been treated for early onset sepsis (EOS) with ampicillin and gentamicin for 10 days followed by rapid development of ampicillin-resistant E coli septic shock and meningitis after discontinuation of antibiotics. Sterility of the CNS was not confirmed at the end of 21 days of cefepime therapy and was subsequently followed by recurrent ampicillin-resistant E coli septic shock and CNS infection. Despite 6 weeks of appropriate therapy with sterility of CSF by traditional methods, he suffered from intractable seizures with worsening hydrocephalus. Transferred to our institution, he underwent endoscopic 3rd ventriculostomy with cyst fenestration revealing purulent fluid and significant pleocytosis. An additional 3 weeks of systemic and intraventricular antibiotics with cefepime and tobramycin were given but a significant CNS neutrophil-predominant pleocytosis persisted (average of ∼ 21,000 cells/mm). Repeated gram stains, cultures, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and metagenomic next generation sequencing (NGS) testing of CSF were negative for pathogens but acridine orange stain (AO) revealed numerous intact rod-shaped bacteria. After the addition of ciprofloxacin, sterility and resolution of CSF pleocytosis was finally achieved.
CONCLUSION
Neonatal E coli meningitis is a well-known entity but unlike other bacterial infections, it has not proven amenable to shorter, more narrow-spectrum antibiotic courses or limiting invasive procedures such as lumbar punctures. Further, microbiologic techniques to determine CSF sterility suffer from poorly understood limitations leading to premature discontinuation of antibiotics risking further neurologic damage in vulnerable hosts.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Meningitis, Escherichia coli
PubMed: 38755556
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04787-y -
Natural Product Research May 2024Strong evidence supports the anticancer properties of natural plant product isolates. The cytotoxic, genotoxic, and apoptotic properties of an oxime derivative of...
Strong evidence supports the anticancer properties of natural plant product isolates. The cytotoxic, genotoxic, and apoptotic properties of an oxime derivative of thymoquinone (TQ) in melanoma cancer cells were investigated. The structure of TQ-Oxime was elucidated through nuclear magnetic resonance, and its effect on B16F10 and L929 cell lines was assessed using a luminometric adenosine triphosphate assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) were quantified fluorometry, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed using flow cytometry, glutathione (GSH) levels were measured using a luminometric GSH/oxidized glutathione assay, DNA damage comet assay, and apoptosis was detected using acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Concentrations (0.5-20 μM) of TQ-Oxime significantly increased cytotoxicity, DNA damage, apoptosis, and iROS, in a concentration-dependent manner compared ( < 0.001). In addition, MMP and GSH levels decreased significantly with increasing concentrations compared with the control ( < 0.001). Overall, these findings contribute to our understanding of the therapeutic potential of TQ and its derivatives in cancer treatment.
PubMed: 38742473
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2353913