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Molecular Therapy. Nucleic Acids Sep 2024p47 -deficient chronic granulomatous disease (p47-CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 () gene, resulting in...
p47 -deficient chronic granulomatous disease (p47-CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 () gene, resulting in defective NADPH oxidase function in phagocytes. Due to its complex genomic context, the locus is not suited for safe gene editing with current genome editing technologies. Therefore, we developed a targeted coding sequence knock-in by CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein and viral vector template delivery, to restore p47 expression under the control of the endogenous locus. encodes for p67 , an NADPH oxidase subunit that closely interacts with p47 and is predominantly expressed in myeloid cells. This approach restored p47 expression and NADPH oxidase function in p47-CGD patient hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and in p47 -deficient mouse HSPCs, with the transgene expression following a myeloid differentiation pattern. Adeno-associated viral vectors performed favorably over integration-deficient lentiviral vectors for template delivery, with fewer off-target integrations and higher correction efficacy in HSPCs. Such myeloid-directed gene editing is promising for clinical CGD gene therapy, as it leads to the co-expression of p47 and p67 , ensuring spatiotemporal and near-physiological transgene expression in myeloid cells.
PubMed: 38952440
DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102229 -
Cancer Management and Research 2024Doxorubicin (DOX) is used to treat various types of cancers. However, its use is restricted by cardiotoxicity, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Glucagon-like...
BACKGROUND
Doxorubicin (DOX) is used to treat various types of cancers. However, its use is restricted by cardiotoxicity, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may be associated with cardioprotective properties.
PURPOSE
This study aims to determine the protective effects of different semaglutide (SEM) doses on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in a rat model.
METHODOLOGY
Thirty-five female Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The first group received distilled water as a negative control (NC); the positive control (PC) group received distilled water plus DOX; the third group (SL) received a low dose of SEM (0.06 mg/kg) plus DOX; the fourth group (SM) received a moderate dose of SEM (0.12 mg/kg) plus DOX; and the fifth group (SH) received a high dose of SEM (0.24 mg/kg) plus DOX. Blood samples were collected on day 8 to assess serum troponin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), total lipid profile, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). Cardiac tissue was sent for histopathological analysis.
RESULTS
DOX increased the total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), LDH, and CKP levels. Moderate and high doses of semaglutide significantly reduced serum cholesterol levels (* = 0.0199), (** = 0.0077), respectively. A significant reduction (*** = 0.0013) in total body weight after treatment with SEM was observed in the SL group and a highly significant reduction (**** < 0.0001) was observed in the SM and SH groups. SEM at all doses reduced CPK levels. The SL group showed a significant reduction in troponin level (*=0.0344). Serum LDH levels were reduced by all three SEM doses. The histopathological findings support the biochemical results.
CONCLUSION
Semaglutide may possess cardioprotective properties against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in a rat model by decreasing serum biochemical markers of cardiotoxicity.
PubMed: 38952352
DOI: 10.2147/CMAR.S468453 -
Journal of Korean Medical Science Jul 2024A 30-year-old Korean man with myelodysplastic syndrome admitted hospital due to undifferentiated fever and recurrent skin lesions. He received combination therapy with...
A 30-year-old Korean man with myelodysplastic syndrome admitted hospital due to undifferentiated fever and recurrent skin lesions. He received combination therapy with high doses of meropenem, tigecycline and amikacin, yielding carbapenem resistant (CRKP) harboring carbapenemase (KPC)-2 from blood cultures on hospital day (HD) 23. Ceftazidime/avibactam was started at HD 37 and CRKP was eradicated from blood cultures after 5 days. However, ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant CRKP carrying KPC-44 emerged after 26 days of ceftazidime/avibactam treatment and then ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant, carbapenem-susceptible carrying KPC-135 was isolated on HD 65. The 3-D homology of KPC protein showed that hot spot changes in the omega loop could be attributed to ceftazidime/avibactam resistance and loss of carbapenem resistance. Whole genome sequencing of serial isolates supported that phenotypic variation was due to clonal evolution than clonal replacement. The treatment regimen was changed from CAZ/AVI to meropenem-based therapy (meropenem 1 g iv q 8 hours and amikacin 600 mg iv per day) starting with HD 72. CAZ/AVI-susceptible CRKP was presented again from blood cultures on HD 84, and the patient expired on HD 85. This is the first Korean report on the acquisition of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance through the emergence of variants.
Topics: Humans; Ceftazidime; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Male; Azabicyclo Compounds; Drug Combinations; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; beta-Lactamases; Klebsiella Infections; Bacteremia; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Carbapenems; Whole Genome Sequencing; Bacterial Proteins; Meropenem; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
PubMed: 38952349
DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e208 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Jul 2024Although research on the mechanism and control of pain and inflammation in fish has increased in recent years, the use of analgesic drugs is limited due to the lack of...
BACKGROUND
Although research on the mechanism and control of pain and inflammation in fish has increased in recent years, the use of analgesic drugs is limited due to the lack of pharmacological information about analgesic drugs. Tolfenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and can be used in fish due to its low side effect profile and superior pharmacokinetic properties.
OBJECTIVES
The pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and plasma protein binding of tolfenamic acid were investigated following single intravascular (IV), intramuscular (IM) and oral administration of 2 mg/kg in rainbow trout at 13 ± 0.5°C.
METHODS
The experiment was carried out on a total of 234 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Tolfenamic acid was administered to fish via IV, IM and oral route at a dose of 2 mg/kg. Blood samples were taken at 13 different sampling times until the 72 h after drug administration. The plasma concentrations of tolfenamic acid were quantified using high pressure liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (UV) and pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed using non-compartmental analysis.
RESULTS
The elimination half-life (t) of tolfenamic acid for IV, IM and oral routes was 3.47, 6.75 and 9.19 h, respectively. For the IV route, the volume of distribution at a steady state and total body clearance of tolfenamic acid were 0.09 L/kg and 0.03 L/h/kg, respectively. The peak plasma concentration and bioavailability for IM and oral administration were 8.82 and 1.24 µg/mL, and 78.45% and 21.48%, respectively. The mean plasma protein binding ratio of tolfenamic acid in rainbow trout was 99.48% and was not concentration dependent.
CONCLUSIONS
While IM route, which exhibits both the high plasma concentration and bioavailability, can be used in rainbow trout, oral route is not recommended due to low plasma concentration and bioavailability. However, there is a need to demonstrate the pharmacodynamic activity of tolfenamic acid in rainbow trout.
Topics: Animals; Oncorhynchus mykiss; ortho-Aminobenzoates; Biological Availability; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Administration, Oral; Blood Proteins; Injections, Intramuscular; Protein Binding; Injections, Intravenous; Half-Life
PubMed: 38952278
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1533 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Jul 2024A 10-year-old, neutered male, Golden Retriever dog presented for surgical correction of a descemetocele. Acepromazine (0.02 mg/kg) and methadone (0.5 mg/kg) were...
A 10-year-old, neutered male, Golden Retriever dog presented for surgical correction of a descemetocele. Acepromazine (0.02 mg/kg) and methadone (0.5 mg/kg) were administered intramuscularly for sedation, propofol (2 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) were administered intravenously for anaesthetic induction and isoflurane in oxygen was utilised for anaesthetic maintenance. Rocuronium (0.5 mg/kg), a neuromuscular blocking agent, was administered intravenously to facilitate central positioning of the eye for surgery. Within 10 min of rocuronium administration, the dog became tachycardic and hypotensive. Hemodynamic aberrations did not resolve with initial interventions but were successfully mitigated with the administration of diphenhydramine (0.8 mg/kg) intravenously. The dog remained stable throughout the remainder of the procedure and experienced a smooth and uneventful recovery. While it is difficult to confirm that the hemodynamic changes observed in this clinical case resulted solely from administration of rocuronium, the observance of the cardiovascular changes, timing of events and response to therapy suggest that rocuronium elicited a histamine response that was successfully treated with diphenhydramine.
Topics: Animals; Rocuronium; Dogs; Male; Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents; Hemodynamics; Androstanols; Dog Diseases; Diphenhydramine
PubMed: 38952251
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1531 -
Annals of Clinical and Translational... Jul 2024Impulse control disorders and their consequences display variability among individuals, indicating potential involvement of environmental and genetic factors. In this...
Impulse control disorders and their consequences display variability among individuals, indicating potential involvement of environmental and genetic factors. In this retrospective study, we analyzed a cohort of Parkinson's disease patients treated with dopamine agonists and investigated the influence of the dopamine D4 receptor gene polymorphism, DRD4 7R+, which is linked to psychiatric disorders, impulsive traits, and addictive behaviors. We found that DRD4 7R+ is a significant genetic risk factor associated with the severity of ICD.
PubMed: 38952083
DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52111 -
BMC Pharmacology & Toxicology Jul 2024We investigated acute poisonings resulting from medications affecting the nervous system and illicit substances at Loghman Hakim Hospital in Tehran.
BACKGROUND
We investigated acute poisonings resulting from medications affecting the nervous system and illicit substances at Loghman Hakim Hospital in Tehran.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed patient records at Iran's largest tertiary toxicology referral center between January 2010 and December 2015. We analyzed the prevalence, trend, age and gender distribution of acute poisoning caused by nervous system agents.
RESULTS
The present study included 16,657 (57.27%) males and 12,426 (42.73%) females, resulting in 29,083 patients. The median age of men and women was 29 and 26 years, respectively (p < 0.0001). There were 12,071 (72.47%) men and 10,326 (83.10%) women under the age of 40 (p < 0.001). Most cases were intentional (69.38% in men and 79.00% in women, p < 0.001) and 44.10% had a history of poisoning. The proportions of men and women varied significantly between different age groups and nervous system agents. For women, the most common agent was alprazolam, whereas for men, methadone. The overall trend of acute poisoning with drug used in addictive disorders, opioids and alcohol was increasing but decreasing with benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Acute poisoning by nervous system agents led to more deaths in men (1.95% vs. 0.56%; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Methadone intoxication was common especially among young men and most of these intoxications were intentional. Women and men aged 20-29 most frequently suffer poisoning from alprazolam and clonazepam, respectively. Women over 60 and men over 30 used opium. Illicit drugs caused more than half of the deaths, and opium dominated. This study may create awareness and develop educational and preventive gender and age-specific local programs.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Iran; Adolescent; Poisoning; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Age Factors; Child; Sex Factors; Child, Preschool; Infant; Prevalence
PubMed: 38951926
DOI: 10.1186/s40360-024-00759-1 -
Genome Biology Jul 2024Computational variant effect predictors offer a scalable and increasingly reliable means of interpreting human genetic variation, but concerns of circularity and bias...
BACKGROUND
Computational variant effect predictors offer a scalable and increasingly reliable means of interpreting human genetic variation, but concerns of circularity and bias have limited previous methods for evaluating and comparing predictors. Population-level cohorts of genotyped and phenotyped participants that have not been used in predictor training can facilitate an unbiased benchmarking of available methods. Using a curated set of human gene-trait associations with a reported rare-variant burden association, we evaluate the correlations of 24 computational variant effect predictors with associated human traits in the UK Biobank and All of Us cohorts.
RESULTS
AlphaMissense outperformed all other predictors in inferring human traits based on rare missense variants in UK Biobank and All of Us participants. The overall rankings of computational variant effect predictors in these two cohorts showed a significant positive correlation.
CONCLUSION
We describe a method to assess computational variant effect predictors that sidesteps the limitations of previous evaluations. This approach is generalizable to future predictors and could continue to inform predictor choice for personal and clinical genetics.
Topics: Humans; Benchmarking; Genetic Variation; Phenotype; Computational Biology; Genotype
PubMed: 38951922
DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03314-7 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Jul 2024Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a recurrent, heterogeneous, and invasive form of breast cancer. The treatment of TNBC patients with paclitaxel and fluorouracil...
BACKGROUND
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a recurrent, heterogeneous, and invasive form of breast cancer. The treatment of TNBC patients with paclitaxel and fluorouracil in a sequential manner has shown promising outcomes. However, it is challenging to deliver these chemotherapeutic agents sequentially to TNBC tumors. We aim to explore a precision therapy strategy for TNBC through the sequential delivery of paclitaxel and fluorouracil.
METHODS
We developed a dual chemo-loaded aptamer with redox-sensitive caged paclitaxel for rapid release and non-cleavable caged fluorouracil for slow release. The binding affinity to the target protein was validated using Enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assays and Surface plasmon resonance assays. The targeting and internalization abilities into tumors were confirmed using Flow cytometry assays and Confocal microscopy assays. The inhibitory effects on TNBC progression were evaluated by pharmacological studies in vitro and in vivo.
RESULTS
Various redox-responsive aptamer-paclitaxel conjugates were synthesized. Among them, AS1411-paclitaxel conjugate with a thioether linker (ASP) exhibited high anti-proliferation ability against TNBC cells, and its targeting ability was further improved through fluorouracil modification. The fluorouracil modified AS1411-paclitaxel conjugate with a thioether linker (FASP) exhibited effective targeting of TNBC cells and significantly improved the inhibitory effects on TNBC progression in vitro and in vivo.
CONCLUSIONS
This study successfully developed fluorouracil-modified AS1411-paclitaxel conjugates with a thioether linker for targeted combination chemotherapy in TNBC. These conjugates demonstrated efficient recognition of TNBC cells, enabling targeted delivery and controlled release of paclitaxel and fluorouracil. This approach resulted in synergistic antitumor effects and reduced toxicity in vivo. However, challenges related to stability, immunogenicity, and scalability need to be further investigated for future translational applications.
Topics: Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms; Aptamers, Nucleotide; Humans; Paclitaxel; Nucleolin; Cell Line, Tumor; Animals; Female; Fluorouracil; Drug Liberation; RNA-Binding Proteins; Delayed-Action Preparations; Phosphoproteins; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Mice, Nude; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Cell Proliferation; Oxidation-Reduction; Mice, Inbred BALB C
PubMed: 38951906
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05429-8 -
Harm Reduction Journal Jul 2024Since late 2019, fortification of 'regular' cannabis plant material with synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) has become a notable phenomenon on the drug...
BACKGROUND
Since late 2019, fortification of 'regular' cannabis plant material with synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) has become a notable phenomenon on the drug market. As many SCRAs pose a higher health risk than genuine cannabis, recognizing SCRA-adulterated cannabis is important from a harm reduction perspective. However, this is not always an easy task as adulterated cannabis may only be distinguished from genuine cannabis by dedicated, often expensive and time-consuming analytical techniques. In addition, the dynamic nature of the SCRA market renders identification of fortified samples a challenging task. Therefore, we established and applied an in vitro cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB) activity-based procedure to screen plant material for the presence of SCRAs.
METHODS
The assay principle relies on the functional complementation of a split-nanoluciferase following recruitment of β-arrestin 2 to activated CB. A straightforward sample preparation, encompassing methanolic extraction and dilution, was optimized for plant matrices, including cannabis, spiked with 5 µg/mg of the SCRA CP55,940.
RESULTS
The bioassay successfully detected all samples of a set (n = 24) of analytically confirmed authentic Spice products, additionally providing relevant information on the 'strength' of a preparation and whether different samples may have originated from separate batches or possibly the same production batch. Finally, the methodology was applied to assess the occurrence of SCRA adulteration in a large set (n = 252) of herbal materials collected at an international dance festival. This did not reveal any positives, i.e. there were no samples that yielded a relevant CB activation.
CONCLUSION
In summary, we established SCRA screening of herbal materials as a new application for the activity-based CB bioassay. The simplicity of the sample preparation, the rapid results and the universal character of the bioassay render it an effective and future-proof tool for evaluating herbal materials for the presence of SCRAs, which is relevant in the context of harm reduction.
Topics: Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; Cannabis; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; Humans; Drug Contamination; Biological Assay; Cannabinoids
PubMed: 38951904
DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-01044-4