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Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2024Mucosal immunity plays a crucial role in combating and controlling the spread of highly mutated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recombinant...
Mucosal immunity plays a crucial role in combating and controlling the spread of highly mutated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recombinant subunit vaccines have shown safety and efficacy in clinical trials, but further investigation is necessary to evaluate their feasibility as mucosal vaccines. This study developed a SARS-CoV-2 mucosal vaccine using spike (S) proteins from a prototype strain and the omicron variant, along with a cationic chitosan adjuvant, and systematically evaluated its immunogenicity after both primary and booster immunization in mice. Primary immunization through intraperitoneal and intranasal administration of the S protein elicited cross-reactive antibodies against prototype strains, as well as delta and omicron variants, with particularly strong effects observed after mucosal vaccination. In the context of booster immunization following primary immunization with inactivated vaccines, the omicron-based S protein mucosal vaccine resulted in a broader and more robust neutralizing antibody response in both serum and respiratory mucosa compared to the prototype vaccine, enhancing protection against different variants. These findings indicate that mucosal vaccination with the S protein has the potential to trigger a broader and stronger antibody response during primary and booster immunization, making it a promising strategy against respiratory pathogens.
Topics: Animals; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus; Administration, Intranasal; Mice; Immunization, Secondary; COVID-19 Vaccines; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Antibodies, Viral; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Female; Immunity, Mucosal; Immunogenicity, Vaccine; Cross Reactions; Chitosan; Adjuvants, Vaccine; Vaccines, Inactivated
PubMed: 38880868
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2364519 -
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 2024Probucol is a hyperlipidemic drug with antioxidant properties. It has been reported to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction, reduce oxidative stress, and suppress...
Probucol is a hyperlipidemic drug with antioxidant properties. It has been reported to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction, reduce oxidative stress, and suppress neurotoxicity in neurodegenerative disease models, including Parkinson's disease models. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of probucol have been not examined yet. Thus, in this study, we investigated whether probucol can alleviate the effects of a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, rotenone, on a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y). We evaluated the cell viability and cytotoxicity and apoptosis rates of SH-SY5Y cells treated with rotenone and probucol or edaravone, a known free-radical scavenger. Subsequently, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the cells were evaluated to determine the effects of probucol on mitochondrial function. We found that rotenone caused cytotoxicity, cell apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction, enhanced ROS generation, and impaired MMP. However, probucol could inhibit this rotenone-induced decrease in cell viability, MMP loss, intracellular ROS generation, and apoptosis. These results suggest that probucol exerts neuroprotective effects via MMP stabilization and the inhibition of ROS generation. Additionally, this effect of probucol was equal to or greater than and more persistent than that of edaravone. Thus, we believe probucol may be a promising drug for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
Topics: Probucol; Rotenone; Humans; Reactive Oxygen Species; Neuroprotective Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Apoptosis; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Mitochondria; Oxidative Stress; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38880623
DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b24-00099 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Chitosan (CS) is a biopolymer that offers a wide range in biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity and antimicrobial activity....
Chitosan (CS) is a biopolymer that offers a wide range in biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity and antimicrobial activity. Syringaldehyde (1) is a naturally occurring organic compound characterized by its use in multiple fields such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, textiles and biological applications. Herein, development of chitosan derivative with physicochemical and anticancer properties via Schiff base formation from the reaction of chitosan with sustainable eco-friendly syringaldehyde yielded the (CS-1) derivative. Moreover, in the presence of polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) or sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as crosslinkers gave chitosan derivatives (CS-2) and (CS-3NPs) respectively. The chemical structures of the new chitosan derivatives were confirmed using different tools. (CS-3NPs) nanoparticle showed improvement in crystallinity, and (CS-2) derivative revealed the highest thermal stability compared to virgin chitosan. The cytotoxicity activity of chitosan and its derivatives were evaluated against HeLa (human cervical carcinoma) and HEp-2 (Human Larynx carcinoma) cell lines. The highest cytotoxicity activity was exhibited by (CS-3NPs) compared to virgin chitosan against HeLa cell growth inhibition and apoptosis of 90.38 ± 1.46% and 30.3% respectively and IC of 108.01 ± 3.94 µg/ml. From the above results, it can be concluded that chitosan nanoparticle (CS-3NPs) has good therapeutic value as a potential antitumor agent against the HeLa cancer cell line.
Topics: Chitosan; Humans; Nanoparticles; HeLa Cells; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Cell Proliferation
PubMed: 38879643
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64017-4 -
BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024In the course of their life, plants face a multitude of environmental anomaly that affects their growth and production. In recent decades, lead (Pb) gained an increasing...
In the course of their life, plants face a multitude of environmental anomaly that affects their growth and production. In recent decades, lead (Pb) gained an increasing attention as it is among the most significant contaminants in the environment. Therefore, in this study the effects of Pb concentrations (0, 50 and 100 ppm) on Vicia faba plants and attempts to alleviate this stress using chitosan (Chs; 0 and 0.1%) were performed. The results validated that with increasing Pb concentrations, a decline in growth, pigments and protein contents was observed. In the same time, a significant upsurge in the stress markers, both malondialdehyde (MDA) and HO, was observed under Pb stress. Nonetheless, foliar spraying with Chs improves the faba bean growth, pigment fractions, protein, carbohydrates, reduces MDA and HO contents and decreases Pb concentrations under Pb stress. Pb mitigation effects by Chs are probably related with the activity of antioxidant enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and proline. The application of Chs enhanced the activities of peroxidase, catalase and PAL by 25.77, 17.71 and 20.07%, respectively at 100 ppm Pb compared to their control. Plant genomic material exhibits significant molecular polymorphism, with an average polymorphism of 91.66% across all primers. To assess the genetic distance created among treatments, the dendrogram was constructed and the results of the similarity index ranged from 0.75 to 0.95, indicating genetic divergence. Our research offers a thorough comprehension of the role of Chs in lessening the oxidative stress, which will encourage the use of Chs in agricultural plant protection.
Topics: Vicia faba; Lead; Oxidative Stress; Chitosan; Hydrogen Peroxide; Malondialdehyde; Antioxidants; Plant Leaves; Plant Proteins; Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase
PubMed: 38877427
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05227-w -
Journal of the American Heart... Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; PCSK9 Inhibitors; Proteomics; Proprotein Convertase 9; Anticholesteremic Agents
PubMed: 38874077
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.033190 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The present study utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to investigate the impact of varying concentrations of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC: 0.75-1.75 wt%),...
The present study utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to investigate the impact of varying concentrations of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC: 0.75-1.75 wt%), Commiphora mukul polysaccharide (CMP: 0-1 wt%), and Chitosan Nanofiber (CHNF: 0-1 wt%) on the physical and antimicrobial characteristics of nanocomposite films based on CMC. The optimization process aimed to enhance ultimate tensile strength (UTS), strain at break (SAB), and antibacterial activity, while minimizing water vapor permeability (WVP), solubility, swelling, moisture content, opacity, and total color difference (ΔE). The results revealed that both CMP and CHNF had a positive influence on reducing moisture content, WVP, and increasing UTS. However, higher concentrations of CMP and CHNF had a divergent effect on SAB, ΔE, and swelling. The incorporation of CMP led to increased opacity and solubility, while the inclusion of CHNF resulted in decreased opacity and solubility. Notably, only CHNF addition significantly improved the antibacterial properties of the films. By applying the optimization procedure utilizing RSM, the formulation containing CMC (1.5 wt%), CMP (0.25 wt%), and CHNF (0.75 wt%) demonstrated superior physical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties in the biodegradable film matrix. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing these components to enhance the performance of CMC-based nanocomposite films.
Topics: Chitosan; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Nanofibers; Nanocomposites; Tensile Strength; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Plant Gums; Polysaccharides; Solubility; Commiphora; Permeability; Steam; Anti-Infective Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 38871956
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64528-0 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024A novel nano bio-fertilizer encapsulation method was developed to crosslink chitosan and alginate with humic acid. These nanocapsules, referred to as (Ch./Alg.HA.NPK) or...
A novel nano bio-fertilizer encapsulation method was developed to crosslink chitosan and alginate with humic acid. These nanocapsules, referred to as (Ch./Alg.HA.NPK) or (Ch./Alg.HA.NPK.PGPRs), were loaded with nanoscale essential agro-nutrients (NPK) and beneficial microorganisms Pseudomonas Fluorescence abbreviated as (P.Fluorescence). Structural and morphological analyses were conducted using FourierTransform Infrared, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Malvern Zeta NanoSizer, and Zeta potential. Encapsulation efficiency and water retention were also determined compared to control non-crosslinked nanocapsules. The sustained cumulative release of NPK over 30 days was also investigated to 33.2%, 47.8%, and 68.3%, alternatively. The release mechanism, also assessed through the kinetic module of the Korsemeyer- Peppas Mathematical model, demonstrated superior performance compared to non-crosslinked nanocapsules (chitosan/alginate). These results show the potential of the synthesized nanocapsules for environmentally conscious controlled release of NPK and PGPRs, thereby mitigating environmental impact, enhancing plant growth, and reducing reliance on conventional agrochemical fertilizers.
Topics: Fertilizers; Chitosan; Agriculture; Alginates; Nanocapsules; Humic Substances; Pseudomonas
PubMed: 38871758
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62973-5 -
PloS One 2024Humanity is often fascinated by structures and materials developed by Nature. While structural materials such as wood have been widely studied, the structural and...
Humanity is often fascinated by structures and materials developed by Nature. While structural materials such as wood have been widely studied, the structural and mechanical properties of fungi are still largely unknown. One of the structurally interesting fungi is the polypore Fomes fomentarius. The present study deals with the investigation of the light but robust fruiting body of F. fomentarius. The four segments of the fruiting body (crust, trama, hymenium, and mycelial core) were examined. The comprehensive analysis included structural, chemical, and mechanical characterization with particular attention to cell wall composition, such as chitin/chitosan and glucan content, degree of deacetylation, and distribution of trace elements. The hymenium exhibited the best mechanical properties even though having the highest porosity. Our results suggest that this outstanding strength is due to the high proportion of skeletal hyphae and the highest chitin/chitosan content in the cell wall, next to its honeycomb structure. In addition, an increased calcium content was found in the hymenium and crust, and the presence of calcium oxalate crystals was confirmed by SEM-EDX. Interestingly, layers with different densities as well as layers of varying calcium and potassium depletion were found in the crust. Our results show the importance of considering the different structural and compositional characteristics of the segments when developing fungal-inspired materials and products. Moreover, the porous yet robust structure of hymenium is a promising blueprint for the development of advanced smart materials.
Topics: Fruiting Bodies, Fungal; Chitin; Cell Wall; Coriolaceae; Chitosan; Compressive Strength; Glucans; Porosity
PubMed: 38870218
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304614 -
PloS One 2024Previous experimental and clinical studies suggested a beneficial effect of statins, metformin, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor...
BACKGROUND
Previous experimental and clinical studies suggested a beneficial effect of statins, metformin, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (RASi) on portal hypertension. Still, their effects on hard cirrhosis-related clinical endpoints, such as variceal bleeding and bleeding-related mortality, remain to be investigated.
METHODS
Thus, we recorded the use of statins, metformin and RASi in a large cohort of cirrhotic patients undergoing endoscopic band ligation (EBL) for primary (PP, n = 440) and secondary bleeding prophylaxis (SP, n = 480) between 01/2000 and 05/2020. Variceal (re-) bleeding and survival rates were compared between patients with vs. without these co-medications.
RESULTS
A total of 920 cirrhotic patients with varices were included. At first EBL, median MELD was 13 and 515 (56%) patients showed ascites. Statins, metformin and RASi were used by 49 (5.3%), 74 (8%), and 91 (9.9%) patients, respectively. MELD and platelet counts were similar in patients with and without the co-medications of interest. Rates of first variceal bleeding and variceal rebleeding at 2 years were 5.2% and 11.7%, respectively. Neither of the co-medications were associated with decreased first bleeding rates (log-rank tests in PP: statins p = 0.813, metformin p = 0.862, RASi p = 0.919) nor rebleeding rates (log-rank tests in SP: statin p = 0.113, metformin p = 0.348, RASi p = 0.273). Similar mortality rates were documented in patients with and without co-medications for PP (log-rank tests: statins p = 0.630, metformin p = 0.591, RASi p = 0.064) and for SP (statins p = 0.720, metformin p = 0.584, RASi p = 0.118).
CONCLUSION
In clinical practice, variceal bleeding and mortality rates of cirrhotic patients were not reduced by co-medication with statins, metformin or RASi. Nevertheless, we recommend the use of these co-medications by indication, as they may still exert beneficial effects on non-bleeding complications in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Topics: Humans; Metformin; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Liver Cirrhosis; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Aged; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Cohort Studies
PubMed: 38870117
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302811 -
Revue Medicale de Liege Jun 2024Prevention of cardiovascular disease remains a key-objective from a health care point of view. The present article focuses on primary prevention, i.e. to prevent a first... (Review)
Review
Prevention of cardiovascular disease remains a key-objective from a health care point of view. The present article focuses on primary prevention, i.e. to prevent a first cardiovascular event among at-risk people. The first step is to evaluate the cardiovascular risk level (low to moderate, high, very high), which allows to fix target goals. It is especially the case regarding the management of dyslipidaemias. Lipid abnormalities are considered as a major coronary risk factor (especially, LDL or even better non-HDL cholesterol according to recent guidelines). Theoretically, it is quite easy to control this risk factor thanks to available lipid-lowering drugs, yet this goal remains insufficiently reached in clinical practice. The second step is to prescribe, in addition to life-style measures, the best pharmacological treatment. In most cases, it is a statin that should be well titrated, eventually combined with ezetimibe and/or bempedoic acid, to reach the set objectives. Finally, it is important to convince the at-risk individual by providing the valuable information regarding the benefits/risks ratio of the therapy and to verify a good drug compliance in the long run. Indeed, as dyslipidaemia is asymptomatic, people in primary prevention too easily tend to neglect (and eventually stop) the valuable therapy, also because statins have been widely (yet unfairly) criticized by some people in recent years.
Topics: Humans; Dyslipidemias; Cardiovascular Diseases; Primary Prevention; Hypolipidemic Agents; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
PubMed: 38869128
DOI: No ID Found