Photoprotective activity of geopropolis produced by Melipona subnitida (Apidae, Meliponinae) in the semiarid of the Brazilian Northeast

Although geopropolis has been the subject of many chemical and pharmacological studies, there are few studies investigating the photoprotective activity of formulations containing propolis. Thus, we investigated in vivo the photoprotective efficacy of the cream containing geopropolis extract by macroscopic and histological evaluation of the skin of Wistar rats subjected to ultraviolet radiation (UVB). We also evaluated the chemical composition of hydroethanolic extract using the HPLC-DADESI-MS/MS technique, as well as antioxidant activity by the photocolorimetric method of free radical DPPH (2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine) and cytotoxic activity by the in vitro MTT quantitative method [brometo de 3- (4.5dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2.5-difeniltetrazolio]. The extract had a varied chemical composition, 29 different phenolic compounds being detected, distributed between phenols and flavonoids, the latter being represented by chalcones, flavones and flavonols. The highest percentages of DPPH inhibition e o baixo valor de IC50 indicaram que o extrato apresentou alta atividade antioxidante. The hydroethanolic extract did not exert cytotoxic effects since high percentages of viability of L929 fibroblasts were observed after incubation for 72 hours at different concentrations of the extract. On skin submitted to cream application containing of geopropolis extract and the irradiation with UVB did not occur macroscopic and histological lesions. Thus, we concluded that the cream containing of geopropolis extract produced by Melipona subnitida was able to protect the skin from lesions induced by UVB irradiation, thus demonstrating photoprotective effect.

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Protective Effect of Boswellic Resin Against Memory Loss and Alzheimer’s Induced by Aluminum Tetrachloride and D-Galactose (Experimental study in Mice)

Phytothérapie ◽

10.3166/phyto-2020-0222 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

K. Zerrouki ◽

N. Djebli ◽

L. Gadouche ◽

I. Erdogan Orhan ◽

F. SezerSenol Deniz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chemical Composition ◽

Protective Effect ◽

Cell Damage ◽

Memory Loss ◽

Control Group ◽

Total Extract ◽

Swiss Mice ◽

Octyl Acetate

Nowadays, because of the industrialization, a lot of contaminant were available ; the consequences of this availability are apparition of diseases including neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative diseases of the human brain comprise a variety of disorders that affect an increasing percentage of the population. This study is based on the effect of the Boswellic resin, which is from a medicinal plant and known for its antioxidant effects on nerve cell damage. The objective of this work was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of the Boswellic resin on anticholinesterase activity and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) induced by D-galactose and aluminum tetrachloride in Swiss mice. Chemical composition of the resin essential oil was identified by the CG-MS analysis. The antioxidant activity was also assessed by the DMPD and metal chelation methods. In order to understand the mechanism of memory improvement, the acetylcholinesterase, AChE, and butyrylcholinesterase, BChE, inhibitory assays were performed. In vivo part of the study was achieved on Swiss mice divided into four groups: control, AD model, treated AD, and treated control group. The identification of chemical composition by CG-MS reach the 89.67% of the total extract compounds presented some very important molecules (p-Cymene, n-Octyl acetate, α-Pinene…). The present study proves that Boswellic resin improves memory and learning in treated Alzheimer’s group, modulates the oxidative stress and be involved in the protective effect against amyloid deposition and neurodegeneration, and stimulates the immune system in mice’s brain.

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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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Antioxidant Properties of Ergosterol and Its Role in Yeast Resistance to Oxidation

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10071024 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 1024

Author(s):

Sebastien Dupont ◽

Paul Fleurat-Lessard ◽

Richtier Gonçalves Cruz ◽

Céline Lafarge ◽

Cédric Grangeteau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computational Study ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Tert Butyl Hydroperoxide ◽

Resistance To Oxidation ◽

Specific Accumulation ◽

The Subject

Although the functions and structural roles of sterols have been the subject of numerous studies, the reasons for the diversity of sterols in the different eukaryotic kingdoms remain unclear. It is thought that the specificity of sterols is linked to unidentified supplementary functions that could enable organisms to be better adapted to their environment. Ergosterol is accumulated by late branching fungi that encounter oxidative perturbations in their interfacial habitats. Here, we investigated the antioxidant properties of ergosterol using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches. The results showed that ergosterol is involved in yeast resistance to tert-butyl hydroperoxide and protects lipids against oxidation in liposomes. A computational study based on quantum chemistry revealed that this protection could be related to its antioxidant properties operating through an electron transfer followed by a proton transfer mechanism. This study demonstrates the antioxidant role of ergosterol and proposes knowledge elements to explain the specific accumulation of this sterol in late branching fungi. Ergosterol, as a natural antioxidant molecule, could also play a role in the incompletely understood beneficial effects of some mushrooms on health.

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EXTH-70. ENHANCEMENT OF ANTITUMOR ACTIVITY BY USING 5-ALA–MEDIATED SONODYNAMIC THERAPY TO INDUCE APOPTOSIS AND NECROSIS IN A MOUSE GLIOMA MODEL

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noz175.400 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽

pp. vi97-vi97

Author(s):

Satoshi Suehiro ◽

Takanori Ohnishi ◽

Akihiro Inoue ◽

Daisuke Yamashita ◽

Masahiro Nishikawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tumor Cells ◽

Malignant Gliomas ◽

Glioma Cells ◽

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound ◽

Control Group ◽

Normal Brain ◽

Sonodynamic Therapy ◽

Cytotoxic Effects

Abstract OBJECTIVE High invasiveness of malignant gliomas frequently causes local tumor recurrence. To control such recurrence, novel therapies targeted toward infiltrating glioma cells are required. Here, we examined cytotoxic effects of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) combined with a sonosensitizer, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), on malignant gliomas both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS In vitro cytotoxicity of 5-ALA-SDT was evaluated in U87 and U251 glioma cells and in U251Oct-3/4 glioma stemlike cells. Treatment-related apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured and the role of ROS in treatment-related cytotoxicity was examined. Effects of 5-ALA-SDT with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on tumor growth, survival of glioma-transplanted mice, and histological features of the mouse brains were investigated. RESULTS The 5-ALA-SDT inhibited cell growth and changed cell morphology. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that 5-ALA-SDT induced apoptotic cell death. The 5-ALA-SDT generated higher ROS than in the control group, and inhibition of ROS generation completely eliminated the cytotoxic effects of 5-ALA-SDT. In the in vivo study, 5-ALA-SDT with HIFU greatly prolonged survival of the tumor-bearing mice compared with that of the control group (p < 0.05). Histologically, 5-ALA-SDT produced mainly necrosis of the tumor tissue in the focus area and induced apoptosis of the tumor cells in the perifocus area around the target of the HIFU-irradiated field. Normal brain tissues around the ultrasonic irradiation field of HIFU remained intact. CONCLUSIONS The 5-ALA-SDT was cytotoxic toward malignant gliomas. Generation of ROS by the SDT was thought to promote apoptosis of glioma cells. The 5-ALA-SDT with HIFU induced tumor necrosis in the focus area and apoptosis in the perifocus area of the HIFU-irradiated field. These results suggest that 5-ALA-SDT with HIFU may present a less invasive and tumor-specific therapy, not only for a tumor mass but also for infiltrating tumor cells in malignant gliomas.

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An Automated Technique for in Vitro Assessment of the Susceptibility of Urinary Catheter Materials to Encrustation

Engineering in Medicine ◽

10.1243/emed_jour_1987_016_009_02 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 37-41 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

A J Cox ◽

D W L Hukins ◽

K E Davies ◽

J C Irlam ◽

T M Sutton

Keyword(s):

Chemical Composition ◽

Urinary Catheter ◽

Reaction Vessel ◽

Indwelling Catheters ◽

Artificial Urine ◽

In Vitro Assessment ◽

Infected Urine ◽

Automated Technique

An automated technique has been developed for assessing the extent to which existing or potential materials for the construction of indwelling catheters become encrusted during exposure to infected urine. In this technique the enzyme urease is added to artificial urine containing albumin in a reaction vessel which contains the samples to be tested. Controlled replacement of reactants leads to appreciable formation of encrusting deposits which adhere firmly to the surface of the test samples. Deposits have the same chemical composition as those which encrust catheters in vivo.

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The cytokinetic and cytotoxic effects of ICRF-159 and ICRF-187 in vitro and ICRF-187 in human bone marrow in vivo

Investigational New Drugs ◽

10.1007/bf00177411 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 1 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

RichardH. Wheeler ◽

DanielJ. Clauw ◽

RonaldB. Natale ◽

RaymondW. Ruddon

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Human Bone ◽

Human Bone Marrow ◽

Cytotoxic Effects

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Optimized Chitosan/Anion Polyelectrolyte Complex Based Inserts for Vaginal Delivery of Fluconazole: In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation

Pharmaceutics ◽

10.3390/pharmaceutics10040227 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 227 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Bayan Darwesh ◽

Hibah Aldawsari ◽

Shaimaa Badr-Eldin

Keyword(s):

Vaginal Delivery ◽

Polyelectrolyte Complex ◽

Inflammatory Cells ◽

Antifungal Drugs ◽

Vaginal Candidiasis ◽

Histological Evaluation ◽

Anionic Polymer ◽

In Vivo Evaluation

(1) Background: Fluconazole, used orally for vaginal candidiasis, has reported gastrointestinal side effects. Therefore, researchers directed towards the drug vaginal delivery. However, vaginal delivery is limited by poor retention and leakage. Thus, this work aimed at exploring chitosan/anion polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) for the formulation of fluconazole vaginal inserts with controlled release and appreciable mucoadhesion. (2) Methods: PECs were prepared and assessed for interactions. Fluconazole PEC based vaginal inserts were prepared by lyophilization using mannitol. 3151 factorial design was applied to investigate the effect of the anion type and Chitosan/anion ratio on the inserts mucoadhesion and release properties. The optimized insert [based on 5:5 chitosan: anionic polymer (sodium alginate)] release was modulated by the release retardant; Compritol® 888. The selected formulation was subjected to microbiological and histological evaluation. (3) Results: Fluconazole inserts showed satisfactory drug content, acceptable friability percentages and highest swelling indices at six hours. Statistical analysis showed significant effect of the studied factors on detachment force and release properties. Microbiological assays revealed significantly higher antifungal activity of inserts compared to fluconazole solution. Reduced inflammatory cells were confirmed by histological evaluation. (4) Conclusion: CH/Alg based vaginal insert could be a promising platform for vaginal delivery of antifungal drugs used for vaginal candidiasis treatment.

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Human Recombinant Fab Fragment Neutralizes Shiga Toxin Type 2 Cytotoxic Effects in vitro and in vivo

Toxins ◽

10.3390/toxins10120508 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 508 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Daniela Luz ◽

Maria Amaral ◽

Flavia Sacerdoti ◽

Alan Bernal ◽

Wagner Quintilio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Shiga Toxin ◽

Lethal Dose ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Fab Fragment ◽

Cell Viability Assay ◽

Cytotoxic Effects ◽

Morphological Alterations ◽

Viability Assay

Shiga toxin (Stx) producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is responsible for causing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and acute renal failure after bacterially induced hemorrhagic diarrhea. Until now, there has been neither an effective treatment nor method of prevention for the deleterious effects caused by Stx intoxication. Antibodies are well recognized as affinity components of therapeutic drugs; thus, a previously obtained recombinant human FabC11:Stx2 fragment was used to neutralize Stx2 in vitro in a Vero cell viability assay. Herein, we demonstrated that this fragment neutralized, in a dose-dependent manner, the cytotoxic effects of Stx2 on human glomerular endothelial cells, on human proximal tubular epithelial cells, and prevented the morphological alterations induced by Stx2. FabC11:Stx2 protected mice from a lethal dose of Stx2 by toxin-antibody pre-incubation. Altogether, our results show the ability of a new encouraging molecule to prevent Stx-intoxication symptoms during STEC infection.

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