Blebbing Dynamics, Single Cell Force Measurements, and the Influence of Cytochalasin D on Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells Using STEP Fibers

Author(s):  
Puja Sharma ◽  
Brian Koons ◽  
Amrinder S. Nain

Classified as a grade IV tumor of the central nervous system, Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) arises from the glia. A poor understanding of tumor metastasis and limited treatment options have led to increase in deaths of patients suffering from GBM. Studying glioma behavior using aligned structures that mimic native glioblastoma metastatic path is challenging. In this study, we utilize a previously described non-electrospinning platform to manufacture aligned 3D structures called STEP nanonets that not only allows the study of individual cell-nanofiber interaction, but also allows the calculation of migratory forces using beam mechanics. In particular, the blebbing dynamics, force generation, and the effect of an actin disruptor, Cytochalasin D have been investigated on a glioma cell line (DBTRG, Denver Based Tumor Research Group). It was observed that cell pulled onto the nanofibers causing measurable deflections when they were in spread and non-blebbing conditions. In non-spread configurations while attached to fibers, the cells acquired spherical configurations and resumed blebbing. The average migratory force generated by cells exposed to DMSO (control, 1:1000 dilution) using nanonets of 2μm by 400nm fibers was 0.58±0.06nN. Actin disruptor, Cytochalasin D severely compromised the ability of the glioma cells to migrate causing no deflection of the fibers. Forces exerted by tumor cells on their native microenvironment affects their ability to metastasize, invade and proliferate. While the result presents actin disruptor as a potential target to minimize metastasis, the influence of other cytoskeleton disruptors can also be studied using the platform. Moreover, the results obtained from the study can be utilized to better understand the individual cell – nanofibers interaction which can shed light on how cells interact with their native environment during metastasis.

Author(s):  
Anthony A. Paparo ◽  
Judith A. Murphy

The purpose of this study was to localize the red neuronal pigment in Mytilus edulis and examine its role in the control of lateral ciliary activity in the gill. The visceral ganglia (Vg) in the central nervous system show an over al red pigmentation. Most red pigments examined in squash preps and cryostat sec tions were localized in the neuronal cell bodies and proximal axon regions. Unstained cryostat sections showed highly localized patches of this pigment scattered throughout the cells in the form of dense granular masses about 5-7 um in diameter, with the individual granules ranging from 0.6-1.3 um in diame ter. Tissue stained with Gomori's method for Fe showed bright blue granular masses of about the same size and structure as previously seen in unstained cryostat sections.Thick section microanalysis (Fig.l) confirmed both the localization and presence of Fe in the nerve cell. These nerve cells of the Vg share with other pigmented photosensitive cells the common cytostructural feature of localization of absorbing molecules in intracellular organelles where they are tightly ordered in fine substructures.


Author(s):  
Л.И. Герасимова-Мейгал ◽  
И.М. Сиренев

Цель исследования - изучение особенностей восприимчивости пациентов с рассеянным склерозом (РС) к холодовому воздействию с помощью функциональных тестов, характеризующих функцию терморегуляции. Как известно, РС - хроническое прогрессирующее аутоиммунное заболевание центральной нервной системы мультифакториальной природы, более часто встречающееся в регионах с холодным и влажным климатом. Нарушения терморегуляции вследствие автономной дисфункции являются характерным признаком РС, вместе с тем участию холодового фактора в развитии заболевания не придается существенного значения. Методика. Обследовано 32 пациента (17 мужчин и 15 женщин, средний возраст 29,6 ± 4,2 года) с установленным диагнозом: РС ремиттирующе-рецидивирующая форма течения (средняя продолжительность заболевания - 4,2 ± 2,7 года) и 18 практически здоровых лиц группы сравнения. Восприятие холода оценивали с помощью визуально-аналоговой шкалы. Продолжительность холод-индуцированной вазоконстрикции после локального холодового теста изучали по данным инфракрасной термометрии. Вегетативную регуляцию вазомоторных реакций оценивали по результатам анализа вызванных кожных вегетативных потенциалов (ВКВП). Результаты. На основе анализа самооценки восприятия холода у пациентов с РС показана низкая переносимость холодового фактора. При проведении локального холодового теста отмечено замедление восстановления температуры кожи кисти, что характерно для усиления холод-индуцированной вазоконстрикции. В группе пациентов с РС выявлено снижение параметров ВКВП ладоней и стоп, свидетельствующее о дефиците нейрогенного контроля терморегуляционных сосудистых реакций. Заключение. У пациентов с РС выявлены нарушения механизмов терморегуляции при действии холода, что обусловливает высокую индивидуальную восприимчивость к холоду у данной категории лиц. Сопоставление результатов анализа механизмов индивидуальной холод-индуцированной реактивности у пациентов с РС с данными эпидемиологических исследований приводит к заключению о потенциальном модулирующем влиянии холодового фактора на течение РС. The purpose of the present study was focused on the evaluation of the sensitivity to cold in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients by means of functional thermoregulatory based tests. MS is known to be a chronic autoimmune progressive disease of the central nervous system of multifactor origin that is very common in regions with cold and humid climate. Disorder of thermoregulation caused by autonomic dysfunction is a typical feature of MS, however the role of the cold in the disease development is still underestimated. Methods. Thirty two MS patients (17 males, 15 females, mean age 29,6 ± 4,2 years) with the remittent form of the disease (mean disease duration 4,2 ± 2,7 years) and 18 age-matched healthy controls volunteered to participate in this study. Susceptibility to cold was analyzed with the use of visual-analogous scale. The duration of cold-induced vasoconstriction after local cold test was estimated using by infrared thermometry. Autonomic regulation of vasomotor reactions was investigated with the help of the skin sympathetic response (SSR) analysis. Results. The analysis of self-reported perception of the cold in MS patients showed their low tolerance to cold. Slow recovery of the skin temperature of the hand in the local cold test observed in MS patients was considered as the aggravated cold-induced vasoconstriction. The decreased SSR in the hands and feet in MS patients was found that indicates the deficit of the neurogenic control of thermoregulatory vasomotor reactions. Conclusion. The results obtained demonstrate the impairment of thermoregulation under cold in MS patients that leads to higher individual susceptibility to cold of this group. Comparing of the data found in this study on the mechanisms of the individual cold-induced reactivity in MS patients with epidemiological surveys enable to conclude that cold environment has potential modulating effect of on the course of MS.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1548
Author(s):  
Mustafa N. Mithaiwala ◽  
Danielle Santana-Coelho ◽  
Grace A. Porter ◽  
Jason C. O’Connor

Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) remain a significant health, social and economic problem around the globe. The development of therapeutic strategies for CNS conditions has suffered due to a poor understanding of the underlying pathologies that manifest them. Understanding common etiological origins at the cellular and molecular level is essential to enhance the development of efficacious and targeted treatment options. Over the years, neuroinflammation has been posited as a common link between multiple neurological, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Processes that precipitate neuroinflammatory conditions including genetics, infections, physical injury and psychosocial factors, like stress and trauma, closely link dysregulation in kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan metabolism as a possible pathophysiological factor that ‘fuel the fire’ in CNS diseases. In this study, we aim to review emerging evidence that provide mechanistic insights between different CNS disorders, neuroinflammation and the KP. We provide a thorough overview of the different branches of the KP pertinent to CNS disease pathology that have therapeutic implications for the development of selected and efficacious treatment strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7536
Author(s):  
Inez Wens ◽  
Ibo Janssens ◽  
Judith Derdelinckx ◽  
Megha Meena ◽  
Barbara Willekens ◽  
...  

Currently, there is still no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), which is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Treatment options predominantly consist of drugs that affect adaptive immunity and lead to a reduction of the inflammatory disease activity. A broad range of possible cell-based therapeutic options are being explored in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including MS. This review aims to provide an overview of recent and future advances in the development of cell-based treatment options for the induction of tolerance in MS. Here, we will focus on haematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, regulatory T cells and dendritic cells. We will also focus on less familiar cell types that are used in cell therapy, including B cells, natural killer cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We will address key issues regarding the depicted therapies and highlight the major challenges that lie ahead to successfully reverse autoimmune diseases, such as MS, while minimising the side effects. Although cell-based therapies are well known and used in the treatment of several cancers, cell-based treatment options hold promise for the future treatment of autoimmune diseases in general, and MS in particular.


Symmetry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 773
Author(s):  
Danko D. Georgiev

Identifying the physiological processes in the central nervous system that underlie our conscious experiences has been at the forefront of cognitive neuroscience. While the principles of classical physics were long found to be unaccommodating for a causally effective consciousness, the inherent indeterminism of quantum physics, together with its characteristic dichotomy between quantum states and quantum observables, provides a fertile ground for the physical modeling of consciousness. Here, we utilize the Schrödinger equation, together with the Planck–Einstein relation between energy and frequency, in order to determine the appropriate quantum dynamical timescale of conscious processes. Furthermore, with the help of a simple two-qubit toy model we illustrate the importance of non-zero interaction Hamiltonian for the generation of quantum entanglement and manifestation of observable correlations between different measurement outcomes. Employing a quantitative measure of entanglement based on Schmidt decomposition, we show that quantum evolution governed only by internal Hamiltonians for the individual quantum subsystems preserves quantum coherence of separable initial quantum states, but eliminates the possibility of any interaction and quantum entanglement. The presence of non-zero interaction Hamiltonian, however, allows for decoherence of the individual quantum subsystems along with their mutual interaction and quantum entanglement. The presented results show that quantum coherence of individual subsystems cannot be used for cognitive binding because it is a physical mechanism that leads to separability and non-interaction. In contrast, quantum interactions with their associated decoherence of individual subsystems are instrumental for dynamical changes in the quantum entanglement of the composite quantum state vector and manifested correlations of different observable outcomes. Thus, fast decoherence timescales could assist cognitive binding through quantum entanglement across extensive neural networks in the brain cortex.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 6781
Author(s):  
Anna Kirstein ◽  
Daniela Schilling ◽  
Stephanie E. Combs ◽  
Thomas E. Schmid

Background: Treatment resistance of glioblastoma multiforme to chemo- and radiotherapy remains a challenge yet to overcome. In particular, the O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter unmethylated patients have only little benefit from chemotherapy treatment using temozolomide since MGMT counteracts its therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, new treatment options in radiotherapy need to be developed to inhibit MGMT and increase radiotherapy response. Methods: Lomeguatrib, a highly specific MGMT inhibitor, was used to inactivate MGMT protein in vitro. Radiosensitivity of established human glioblastoma multiforme cell lines in combination with lomeguatrib was investigated using the clonogenic survival assay. Inhibition of MGMT was analyzed using Western Blot. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were investigated to determine the effects of lomeguatrib alone as well as in combination with ionizing radiation. Results: Lomeguatrib significantly decreased MGMT protein and reduced radiation-induced G2/M arrest. A radiosensitizing effect of lomeguatrib was observed when administered at 1 µM and increased radioresistance at 20 µM. Conclusion: Low concentrations of lomeguatrib elicit radiosensitization, while high concentrations mediate a radioprotective effect.


Author(s):  
Antonio Munafò ◽  
Stefano Frara ◽  
Norberto Perico ◽  
Rosaria Di Mauro ◽  
Monica Cortinovis ◽  
...  

AbstractObesity is a major public health problem worldwide. Only relatively few treatment options are, at present, available for the management of obese patients. Furthermore, treatment of obesity is affected by the widespread misuse of drugs and food supplements. Ephedra sinica is an old medicinal herb, commonly used in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases. Ephedra species contain several alkaloids, including pseudoephedrine, notably endowed with indirect sympathomimetic pharmacodynamic properties. The anorexigenic effect of pseudoephedrine is attributable primarily to the inhibition of neurons located in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), mediating satiety stimuli. Pseudoephedrine influences lipolysis and thermogenesis through interaction with β3 adrenergic receptors and reduces fat accumulation through down-regulation of transcription factors related to lipogenesis. However, its use is associated with adverse events that involve to a large extent the cardiovascular and the central nervous system. Adverse events of pseudoephedrine also affect the eye, the intestine, and the skin, and, of relevance, sudden cardiovascular death related to dietary supplements containing Ephedra alkaloids has also been reported. In light of the limited availability of clinical data on pseudoephedrine in obesity, along with its significantly unbalanced risk/benefit profile, as well as of the psychophysical susceptibility of obese patients, it appears reasonable to preclude the prescription of pseudoephedrine in obese patients of any order and degree.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (04) ◽  
pp. 708-724
Author(s):  
ANDREA LAVAZZA ◽  
VITTORIO A. SIRONI

Abstract:The microbiome is proving to be increasingly important for human brain functioning. A series of recent studies have shown that the microbiome influences the central nervous system in various ways, and consequently acts on the psychological well-being of the individual by mediating, among others, the reactions of stress and anxiety. From a specifically neuroethical point of view, according to some scholars, the particular composition of the microbiome—qua microbial community—can have consequences on the traditional idea of human individuality. Another neuroethical aspect concerns the reception of this new knowledge in relation to clinical applications. In fact, attention to the balance of the microbiome—which includes eating behavior, the use of psychobiotics and, in the treatment of certain diseases, the use of fecal microbiota transplantation—may be limited or even prevented by a biased negative attitude. This attitude derives from a prejudice related to everything that has to do with the organic processing of food and, in general, with the human stomach and intestine: the latter have traditionally been regarded as low, dirty, contaminated and opposed to what belongs to the mind and the brain. This biased attitude can lead one to fail to adequately consider the new anthropological conceptions related to the microbiome, resulting in a state of health, both physical and psychological, inferior to what one might have by paying the right attention to the knowledge available today. Shifting from the ubiquitous high-low metaphor (which is synonymous with superior-inferior) to an inside-outside metaphor can thus be a neuroethical strategy to achieve a new and unbiased reception of the discoveries related to the microbiome.


2016 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 319-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Engel ◽  
Karen Marie Hilling ◽  
Travis Kuder Meuten ◽  
Chad Brendan Frank ◽  
Angela J. Marolf

ABSTRACT Primary hypodipsic hypernatremia is a rarely reported disease in dogs. Reported underlying causes associated with this disease in dogs include congenital malformations, encephalitis, intracranial neoplasia, and pressure atrophy of the hypothalamus secondary to hydrocephalus. The dog in this report had an infiltrative neoplastic disorder, likely causing damage to the hypothalamic osmoreceptors responsible for the thirst generation. The neoplastic process was identified histopathologically as glioblastoma multiforme, an unusual tumor to occur in a dog this young. A tumor of the central nervous system causing physical destruction of the osmoreceptors has rarely been reported in dogs and none of the previously reported cases involved a glial cell tumor.


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