In vitro anthelmintic, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of extracts from plants used in South African ethnoveterinary medicine

Background: More than 2,000 chemicals have been used in the tannery industry. Although some tannery chemicals have been reported to have harmful effects on both human health and the environment, only a few have been subjected to genotoxicity and cytotoxicity evaluations. Objective: This study focused on cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of ten tannery chemicals widely used in China. Materials and Methods: DNA-damaging effects were measured using the SOS/umu test with Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002. Chromosome-damaging and cytotoxic effects were determined with the high-content in vitro Micronucleus test (MN test) using the human-derived cell lines MGC-803 and A549. Conclusion: The cytotoxicity of the ten tannery chemicals differed somewhat between the two cell assays, with A549 cells being more sensitive than MGC-803 cells. None of the chemicals induced DNA damage before metabolism, but one was found to have DNA-damaging effects on metabolism. Four of the chemicals, DY64, SB1, DB71 and RR120, were found to have chromosome-damaging effects. A Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) analysis indicated that one structural feature favouring chemical genotoxicity, Hacceptor-path3-Hacceptor, may contribute to the chromosome-damaging effects of the four MN-test-positive chemicals.

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In Vitro Evaluation of Chitosan Induced Cytotoxicity against Cancerous Cell lines: MCF-7, Saos-2 and HeLa

Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1871520619666190507113949 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 ◽

Author(s):

Zeinab Abedian ◽

Niloofar Jenabian ◽

Ali Akbar Moghadamnia ◽

Ebrahim Zabihi ◽

Roghayeh Pourbagher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Flow Cytometry ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Anticancer Agents ◽

Fibroblast Cells ◽

Apoptosis Induction ◽

Cytotoxic Effects ◽

Cancerous Cell ◽

Significant Concentration ◽

Mcf 7

Objective/ Background: Cancer is still the most common cause of morbidity in world and new powerful anticancer agents without severe side effects from natural sources is important. Methods: The evaluation of cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction was carried out in MCF-7,HeLa and Saos-2 as cancerous cell lines with different histological origin and human fibroblast served as control normal cell. The cells were treated with different concentrations of chitosan and the cytotoxicity was determined using MTT assay after 24, 48 and 72 h .The mode of death was evaluated by flow cytometry . Results: While both types of chitosan showed significant concentration-dependently cytotoxic effects against the three cancerous cell lines, fibroblast cells showed somehow more compatibility with chitosan. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between LMWC and HMWC cytotoxicity in all cell lines. The flow cytometry results showed the apoptosis pattern of death more in Saos-2 and HeLa while necrosis was more observable with MCF7. Also higher viability with both types of chitosan was seen in fibroblast as normal cells Conclusion: Chitosan shows anticancerous effect against 3 cancerous cell lines, while it is compatible with normal diploid fibroblast cells. Furthermore, it seems that the molecular weight of chitosan does not affect its anticancerous property.

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Simple Thalidomide Analogs in Melanoma: Synthesis and Biological Activity

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11135823 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (13) ◽

pp. 5823

Author(s):

Alexia Barbarossa ◽

Alessia Catalano ◽

Jessica Ceramella ◽

Alessia Carocci ◽

Domenico Iacopetta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anticancer Agent ◽

Ring System ◽

In Vitro Assays ◽

Tubulin Polymerization ◽

Cytotoxic Effects ◽

Ongoing Research ◽

Drug Candidates ◽

Small Series ◽

Clinical Interest

Thalidomide is an old well-known drug that is still of clinical interest, despite its teratogenic activities, due to its antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, efforts to design safer and effective thalidomide analogs are continually ongoing. Research studies on thalidomide analogs have revealed that the phthalimide ring system is an essential pharmacophoric fragment; thus, many phthalimidic compounds have been synthesized and evaluated as anticancer drug candidates. In this study, a panel of selected in vitro assays, performed on a small series of phthalimide derivatives, allowed us to characterize compound 2k as a good anticancer agent, acting on A2058 melanoma cell line, which causes cell death by apoptosis due to its capability to inhibit tubulin polymerization. The obtained data were confirmed by in silico assays. No cytotoxic effects on normal cells have been detected for this compound that proves to be a valid candidate for further investigations to achieve new insights on possible mechanism of action of this class of compounds as anticancer drugs.

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Nanocarriers of Miconazole or Fluconazole: Effects on Three-Species Candida Biofilms and Cytotoxic Effects In Vitro

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof7070500 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (7) ◽

pp. 500

Author(s):

Anne Caroline Morais Caldeirão ◽

Heitor Ceolin Araujo ◽

Laís Salomão Arias ◽

Wilmer Ramírez Carmona ◽

Gustavo Porangaba Miranda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fungal Infections ◽

Artificial Saliva ◽

Cytotoxic Effects ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Colony Forming Units ◽

Mtt Reduction ◽

Diphenyl Tetrazolium Bromide ◽

Negative Controls ◽

Positive Controls

The contribution of different Candida species in oral fungal infections has stimulated the search for more effective therapies. This study assessed the antibiofilm effects of nanocarriers of miconazole (MCZ) or fluconazole (FLZ) on Candida biofilms, and their cytotoxic effects on murine fibroblasts. Three-species biofilms (Candida albicans/Candida glabrata/Candida tropicalis) were formed on 96-well plates, and they were treated with nanocarriers (iron oxide nanoparticles coated with chitosan—“IONPs-CS”) of MCZ or FLZ at 39/78/156 µg/mL; antifungals alone at 156 µg/mL and artificial saliva were tested as positive and negative controls, respectively. Biofilms were analyzed by colony forming units (CFU), biomass, metabolic activity, and structure/viability. The cytotoxicity (L929 cells) of all treatments was determined via 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay. Data were submitted to one- or two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s or Fisher LSD’s tests (p < 0.05). IONPs-CS-MCZ at 78 µg/mL promoted similar antibiofilm and cytotoxic effects compared with MCZ at 156 µg/mL. In turn, IONPs-CS-FLZ at 156 µg/mL was overall the most effective FLZ antibiofilm treatment, surpassing the effects of FLZ alone; this nanocarrier was also less cytotoxic compared with FLZ alone. It can be concluded that both nanocarriers are more effective alternatives to fight Candida biofilms compared with their respective positive controls in vitro, being a promising alternative for the treatment of oral fungal infections.

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In Vitro Chemopreventive Potential of Phlorotannins-Rich Extract from Brown Algae by Inhibition of Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced P2X7 Activation and Toxic Effects

Marine Drugs ◽

10.3390/md19010034 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 34

Author(s):

Mélody Dutot ◽

Elodie Olivier ◽

Sophie Fouyet ◽

Romain Magny ◽

Karim Hammad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Brown Algae ◽

P2x7 Receptor ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Receptor Activation ◽

Cytotoxic Effects ◽

Human Lung Cells ◽

Cytochrome P450 Activity ◽

Species Production ◽

E Cadherin

Phlorotannins are polyphenols occurring exclusively in some species of brown algae, known for numerous biological activities, e.g., antioxidant, antiproliferative, antidiabetic, and antiallergic properties. Their effects on the response of human lung cells to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) has not been characterized. Our objective was to in vitro evaluate the effects of a phlorotannin-rich extract obtained from the brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus on B[a]P cytotoxic effects. The A549 cell line was incubated with B[a]P for 48 and 72 h in the presence or absence of the brown algae extract. Cytochrome P450 activity, activation of P2X7 receptor, F-actin disorganization, and loss of E-cadherin expression were assessed using microplate cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Relative to control, incubation with the brown algae extract was associated with lower B[a]P-induced CYP1 activity, lower P2X7 receptor activation, and lower reactive oxygen species production. The brown algae extract inhibited the alterations of F-actin arrangement and the downregulation of E-cadherin expression. We identified a phlorotannins-rich extract that could be deeper investigated as a cancer chemopreventive agent to block B[a]P-mediated carcinogenesis.

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Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial Applications

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22137202 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (13) ◽

pp. 7202

Author(s):

Tamara Bruna ◽

Francisca Maldonado-Bravo ◽

Paul Jara ◽

Nelson Caro

Keyword(s):

Silver Nanoparticles ◽

Antibacterial Agents ◽

Multidrug Resistant ◽

Secondary Effects ◽

Cytotoxic Effects ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Gram Positive Bacteria ◽

Resistant Strains

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been imposed as an excellent antimicrobial agent being able to combat bacteria in vitro and in vivo causing infections. The antibacterial capacity of AgNPs covers Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug resistant strains. AgNPs exhibit multiple and simultaneous mechanisms of action and in combination with antibacterial agents as organic compounds or antibiotics it has shown synergistic effect against pathogens bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The characteristics of silver nanoparticles make them suitable for their application in medical and healthcare products where they may treat infections or prevent them efficiently. With the urgent need for new efficient antibacterial agents, this review aims to establish factors affecting antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles, as well as to expose the advantages of using AgNPs as new antibacterial agents in combination with antibiotic, which will reduce the dosage needed and prevent secondary effects associated to both.

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The Toxic Effects of Two Dental Materials on Human Buccal Epithelium In Vitro and Monkey Buccal Epithelium In Vivo

Alternatives to Laboratory Animals ◽

10.1177/026119298701400313 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 166-167

Author(s):

D. Arenholt-Bindslev ◽

P. Hørsted-Bindslev ◽

H.P. Philipsen

Keyword(s):

Dental Materials ◽

Microscopical Examination ◽

Buccal Epithelium ◽

Cytotoxic Effects ◽

Buccal Epithelial Cells ◽

Toxicity In Vitro ◽

Toxic Reactions ◽

Light Microscopical Examination

The aim of the present study was to compare the toxicity in vitro with the toxicity in vivo of two commercial chemicals marketed for use in the oral cavity (GLUMA BondR and 3M Etching LiquidR). Confluent cultures of human buccal epithelial cells were exposed to graded concentrations of GLUMA Bond or 3M Etching Liquid for 5 minutes. The cytotoxic effects induced by this treatment were observed (cytomorphology, proliferation rate). In vivo, monkey buccal epithelium was exposed to GLUMA Bond or 3M Etching Liquid for 5 minutes. Biopsies were taken after 24 hours, and the buccal epithelium processed for light microscopical examination. In both models, the toxic reactions to GLUMA Bond were far more extensive than those caused by 3M Etching Liquid.

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Satureja subspicata and S. horvatii Extracts Induce Overexpression of the BCl-2 Family of Anti-apoptotic Genes and Reduce Micronuclei Frequency in Mice

Natural Product Communications ◽

10.1177/1934578x1801300617 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 1934578X1801300

Author(s):

Jasmina Čakar ◽

Naida Kadrić Lojo ◽

Anja Haverić ◽

Maida Hadžić ◽

Lejla Lasić ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Lymphocyte ◽

Micronucleus Assay ◽

Balkan Peninsula ◽

Lymphocyte Culture ◽

Cytotoxic Activities ◽

Cytotoxic Effects ◽

Apoptotic Genes ◽

Apoptotic Activity

Satureja subspicata and S. horvatii are endemic species of the Balkan Peninsula and often used in traditional medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina to treat different health conditions. We aimed to analyze the unevaluated apoptotic, genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of two Satureja species, as well as their content of phenolics that are mainly responsible for the plant's biological activity. Apoptotic and geno/cytotoxic activities of S. subspicata and S. horvatii were investigated in vitro in human lymphocyte culture and in vivo in mice. The content of the main phenolics in plant extracts was determined by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-MS-MS (UHPLC–MS/MS). Genotoxic and cytotoxic activities of Satureja extracts were evaluated in vitro by applying a cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay in human lymphocyte culture and in vivo applying a mice reticulocytes micronucleus assay. SALSA RT-MLPA R011-C1 apoptosis assay was used for measuring the relative expression of 44 genes associated with the regulation of the apoptotic pathways in human lymphocyte cultures treated with different concentrations of two Satureja extracts. The first analysis of phenolic compounds in S. horvatii and S. subspicata determined by an UHPLC-MS/MS method revealed high levels of rosmarinic and caffeic acids. Minor genotoxic potential was determined in relation to the tested concentrations while no cytostatic and cytotoxic effects were revealed in vitro. However, when applied in concentrations of 200 mg/kg per os, aqueous extracts of two Satureja species significantly decreased frequency of reticulocytes micronuclei in treated mice against controls. Extracts of S. subspicata and S. horvatii in concentrations of 0.2 mg/mL, regardless of solvent used, downregulated pro-apoptotic and upregulated anti-apoptotic genes, showing anti-apoptotic activity. Our results indicate that the registered anti-genotoxic and anti-apoptotic activity is most likely related to the high level of phenolic acids (particularly rosmarinic and caffeic) in the tested extracts.

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