Detrimental impact of fine dust on zebrafish: Investigating a protective agent against ocular-damage using in vitro and in vivo models

Chemosphere ◽  
2022 ◽  
pp. 133602
Author(s):  
Jimin Hyun ◽  
Bomi Ryu ◽  
Yun-Fei Jiang ◽  
Jun-Geon Je ◽  
Hye-Won Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protective Agent ◽  
Fine Dust ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Detrimental Impact

scholarly journals Arctiin Antagonizes Triptolide-Induced Hepatotoxicity via Activation of Nrf2 Pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yuyan Zhou ◽  
Li Xia ◽  
Weiqiang Yao ◽  
Jun Han ◽  
Guodong Wang
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Protective Agent ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Nrf2 Pathway ◽  
Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F ◽  
Oxidative Stress Pathway ◽  
Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook

Triptolide (TP) is the most effective ingredient found in the traditional Chinese herbal Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, and it is widely used in therapies of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. However, the hepatotoxicity induced by TP has restricted its use in clinical trials. Arctiin is known as a protective agent against oxidative stress, and it exerts liver-protecting effect. This study was aimed at investigating the protective role of arctiin against TP-induced hepatotoxicity using in vitro and in vivo models. The results indicated that TP not only obviously induced liver injury in mice but also significantly inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells and increased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen. Furthermore, TP obviously decreased the expressions of proteins of Nrf2 pathway including HO-1, NQO1, and Nrf2 associated with oxidative stress pathway. However, the above experimental indexes were reversed by the treatment of arctiin. Our results suggested that arctiin could alleviate TP-induced hepatotoxicity, and the molecular mechanism is likely related to its capacity against oxidative stress.

scholarly journals Current Drugs and Potential Future Neuroprotective Compounds for Parkinson’s Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iván Carrera ◽  
Ramón Cacabelos
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Cholesterol Metabolism ◽  
Neuronal Degeneration ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Protective Agent ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Beneficial Effects

The research progress of understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) has yet lead to the development of some clinical approaches intended to treat cognitive and behavioral symptoms, such as memory and perception disorders. Despite the major advances in different genetic causes and risk factors for PD, which share common pathways to cell dysfunction and death, there is not yet a complete model of PD that can be used to accurately predict the effect of drugs on disease progression. Clinical trials are also important to test any novel neuro-protective agent, and recently there have been great advances in the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and plant flavonoid antioxidants to protect against specific neuronal degeneration and its interference with lipid and cholesterol metabolism. The increasing knowledge of the molecular events underlying the degenerative process of PD has stimulated research to identify natural compounds capable of halting or slowing the progress of neural deterioration. Polyphenols and flavonoids, which play a neuroprotective role in a wide array of in vitro and in vivo models of neurological disorders, emerged from among the multi-target bio-agents found mainly in plants and microorganisms. This review presents a detailed overview of the multimodal activities of neuroprotective bio-agents tested so far, emphasizing their neurorescue/neuroregenerative activity. The brain-penetrating property of bioagents may make these compounds an important class of natural drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Although there are numerous studies demonstrating beneficial effects in the laboratory by identifying critical molecular targets, the clinical efficacy of these neuroprotective treatments remains to be proven accurately.

Melatonin modifies tumor hypoxia and metabolism by inhibiting HIF-1α and energy metabolic pathway in the in vitro and in vivo models of breast cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 83-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
André De Lima Mota ◽  
Bruna Vitorasso Jardim-Perassi ◽  
Tialfi Bergamin De Castro ◽  
Jucimara Colombo ◽  
Nathália Martins Sonehara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Carbonic Anhydrases ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Ca Ix ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and has a high mortality rate. Adverse conditions in the tumor microenvironment, such as hypoxia and acidosis, may exert selective pressure on the tumor, selecting subpopulations of tumor cells with advantages for survival in this environment. In this context, therapeutic agents that can modify these conditions, and consequently the intratumoral heterogeneity need to be explored. Melatonin, in addition to its physiological effects, exhibits important anti-tumor actions which may associate with modification of hypoxia and Warburg effect. In this study, we have evaluated the action of melatonin on tumor growth and tumor metabolism by different markers of hypoxia and glucose metabolism (HIF-1α, glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 and carbonic anhydrases CA-IX and CA-XII) in triple negative breast cancer model. In an in vitro study, gene and protein expressions of these markers were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry, respectively. The effects of melatonin were also tested in a MDA-MB-231 xenograft animal model. Results showed that melatonin treatment reduced the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells and tumor growth in Balb/c nude mice (p <0.05). The treatment significantly decreased HIF-1α gene and protein expression concomitantly with the expression of GLUT1, GLUT3, CA-IX and CA-XII (p <0.05). These results strongly suggest that melatonin down-regulates HIF-1α expression and regulates glucose metabolism in breast tumor cells, therefore, controlling hypoxia and tumor progression. 

Current Challenges in the Development of Vaccines and Drugs Against Emerging Vector-borne Diseases

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (16) ◽  
pp. 2974-2986 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwang-sun Kim
Keyword(s):  
New Host ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Novel Drugs ◽  
Huge Impact ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Living Organisms

Vectors are living organisms that transmit infectious diseases from an infected animal to humans or another animal. Biological vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies carry pathogens that multiply within their bodies prior to delivery to a new host. The increased prevalence of Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) such as Aedes-borne dengue, Chikungunya (CHIKV), Zika (ZIKV), malaria, Tick-Borne Disease (TBD), and scrub typhus has a huge impact on the health of both humans and livestock worldwide. In particular, zoonotic diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks place a considerable burden on public health. Vaccines, drugs, and vector control methods have been developed to prevent and treat VBDs and have prevented millions of deaths. However, development of such strategies is falling behind the rapid emergence of VBDs. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to fighting VBDs must be considered immediately. In this review, I focus on the challenges posed by emerging outbreaks of VBDs and discuss available drugs and vaccines designed to overcome this burden. Research into promising drugs needs to be upgraded and fast-tracked, and novel drugs or vaccines being tested in in vitro and in vivo models need to be moved into human clinical trials. Active preventive tactics, as well as new and upgraded diagnostics, surveillance, treatments, and vaccination strategies, need to be monitored constantly if we are to manage VBDs of medical importance.

Potential for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases with Natural Products or Synthetic Compounds that Stabilize Microtubules

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (35) ◽  
pp. 4362-4372
Author(s):  
John H. Miller ◽  
Viswanath Das
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Synthetic Compounds ◽  
Stabilizing Agents ◽  
Animal Models Of Disease ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Models Of Disease

No effective therapeutics to treat neurodegenerative diseases exist, despite significant attempts to find drugs that can reduce or rescue the debilitating symptoms of tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Pick’s disease. A number of in vitro and in vivo models exist for studying neurodegenerative diseases, including cell models employing induced-pluripotent stem cells, cerebral organoids, and animal models of disease. Recent research has focused on microtubulestabilizing agents, either natural products or synthetic compounds that can prevent the axonal destruction caused by tau protein pathologies. Although promising results have come from animal model studies using brainpenetrant natural product microtubule-stabilizing agents, such as paclitaxel analogs that can access the brain, epothilones B and D, and other synthetic compounds such as davunetide or the triazolopyrimidines, early clinical trials in humans have been disappointing. This review aims to summarize the research that has been carried out in this area and discuss the potential for the future development of an effective microtubule stabilizing drug to treat neurodegenerative disease.

A Review on Opuntia Species and its Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology and Bioapplications

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1227-1244
Author(s):  
Dharmendra Kumar ◽  
Pramod K. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Human Consumption ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Sugar Amino Acids ◽  
Opuntia Species ◽  
Therapeutic Uses ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Online Library ◽  
Different Parts

Background:: Opuntia species, locally known as prickly pear was used for various purposes as food, medicine, beverage, source of dye and animal food. Many studies have revealed its pharmacology activity from time to time. This review is a collection of chemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmacology and bioapplications of the cactus family. Methods: Many sources were used to collect information about Opuntia species such as Pub med, Google scholar, Agris, science direct, Embase, Merk index, Wiley online library, books and other reliable sources. This review contains studies from 1812 to 2019. Results: The plants from the cactus family offer various pharmacological active compounds including phenolic compounds, carotenoids, betalains, vitamins, steroids, sugar, amino acids, minerals and fibers. These bioactive compounds serve various pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antiviral, anti-diabetic, Neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antiulcer and alcohol hangover. According to various studies, Opuntia species offer many bioapplications such as fodder for animal, soil erosion, prevention, human consumption and waste water decontamination. Finally, different parts of plants are used in various formulations that offer many biotechnology applications. Conclusion: Different parts of Opuntia plant (fruits, seeds, flowers and cladodes) are used in various health problems which include wound healing, anti-inflammatory and urinary tract infection from ancient times. Nowadays, researches have extended several pharmacological and therapeutic uses of Opuntia species as discussed in this review. Many in-vitro and in-vivo models are also discussed in this review as the proofs of research findings. Various research gaps have been observed in current studies that require attention in the future.

scholarly journals GSK-3β in Pancreatic Cancer: Spotlight on 9-ING-41, Its Therapeutic Potential and Immune Modulatory Properties

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 610
Author(s):  
Robin Park ◽  
Andrew L. Coveler ◽  
Ludimila Cavalcante ◽  
Anwaar Saeed
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Glycogen Synthase Kinase ◽  
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Gsk 3Β ◽  
Early Phase Clinical Trials

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta is a ubiquitously and constitutively expressed molecule with pleiotropic function. It acts as a protooncogene in the development of several solid tumors including pancreatic cancer through its involvement in various cellular processes including cell proliferation, survival, invasion and metastasis, as well as autophagy. Furthermore, the level of aberrant glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta expression in the nucleus is inversely correlated with tumor differentiation and survival in both in vitro and in vivo models of pancreatic cancer. Small molecule inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta have demonstrated therapeutic potential in pre-clinical models and are currently being evaluated in early phase clinical trials involving pancreatic cancer patients with interim results showing favorable results. Moreover, recent studies support a rationale for the combination of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta inhibitors with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, warranting the evaluation of novel combination regimens in the future.

scholarly journals STEM-26. SMALL MOLECULE DRUG CBL0137 INHIBITS THE FACT COMPLEX AND SENSITIZES GLIOBLASTOMA CANCER STEM CELLS TO RADIOTHERAPY

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii201-ii202
Author(s):  
Miranda Tallman ◽  
Abigail Zalenski ◽  
Amanda Deighen ◽  
Morgan Schrock ◽  
Sherry Mortach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Orthotopic Model ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Specific Cytotoxicity ◽  
Treatment Paradigm ◽  
Cancer Agent

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor with nearly universal recurrence. GBM cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of radio- and chemo-resistant cancer cells capable of self-renewal, contribute to the high rate of recurrence. The anti-cancer agent, CBL0137, inhibits the FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription) complex leading to cancer cell specific cytotoxicity. Here, we show that CBL0137 sensitized GBM CSCs to radiotherapy using both in vitro and in vivo models. Treatment of CBL0137 combined with radiotherapy led to increased DNA damage in GBM patient specimens and failure to resolve the damage led to decreased cell viability. Using clonogenic assays, we confirmed that CBL0137 radiosensitized the CSCs. To validate that combination therapy impacted CSCs, we used an in vivo subcutaneous model and showed a decrease in the frequency of cancer stem cells present in tumors as well as decreased tumor volume. Using an orthotopic model of GBM, we confirmed that treatment with CBL0137 followed by radiotherapy led to significantly increased survival compared to either treatment alone. Radiotherapy remains a critical component of patient care for GBM, even though there exists a resistant subpopulation. Radio-sensitizing agents, including CBL0137, pose an exciting treatment paradigm to increase the efficacy of irradiation, especially by inclusively targeting CSCs.

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