scholarly journals Favipiravir (T-705) Protects IFNAR−/− Mice against Lethal Zika Virus Infection in a Sex-Dependent Manner

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1178
Author(s):  
Keesha Matz ◽  
Jackson Emanuel ◽  
Julie Callison ◽  
Don Gardner ◽  
Rebecca Rosenke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Host Response ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Nucleoside Analogs ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Specific Host ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Dose Dependent

Zika virus (ZIKV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is an important human pathogen that has caused epidemics in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. No licensed treatments for ZIKV disease are currently available. Favipiravir (T-705; 6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamide) and ribavirin (1-(β-D-Ribofuranosyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide) are nucleoside analogs that have exhibited antiviral activity against a broad spectrum of RNA viruses, including some flaviviruses. In this study, we strengthened evidence for favipiravir and ribavirin inhibition of ZIKV replication in vitro. Testing in IFNAR−/− mice revealed that daily treatments of favipiravir were sufficient to provide protection against lethal ZIKV challenge in a dose-dependent manner but did not completely abrogate disease. Ribavirin, on the other hand, had no beneficial effect against ZIKV infection in this model and under the conditions examined. Combined treatment of ribavirin and favipiravir did not show improved outcomes over ribavirin alone. Surprisingly, outcome of favipiravir treatment was sex-dependent, with 87% of female but only 25% of male mice surviving lethal ZIKV infection. Since virus mutations were not associated with outcome, a sex-specific host response likely explains the observed sex difference.

scholarly journals Resveratrol affects Zika virus replication in vitro

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Azirah Mohd ◽  
Nurhafiza Zainal ◽  
Kim-Kee Tan ◽  
Sazaly AbuBakar
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cultures ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Copy Number ◽  
Virus Titer ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Mrna Copy Number ◽  
Short Period

Abstract Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a serious public health concern. ZIKV infection has been associated with increased occurrences of microcephaly among newborns and incidences of Guillain-Barré syndrome among adults. No specific therapeutics or vaccines are currently available to treat and protect against ZIKV infection. Here, a plant-secreted phytoalexin, resveratrol (RES), was investigated for its ability to inhibit ZIKV replication in vitro. Several RES treatment regimens were used. The ZIKV titers of mock- and RES-treated infected cell cultures were determined using the focus-forming assay and the Zika mRNA copy number as determined using qRT-PCR. Our results suggested that RES treatment reduced ZIKV titers in a dose-dependent manner. A reduction of >90% of virus titer and ZIKV mRNA copy number was achieved when infected cells were treated with 80 µM of RES post-infection. Pre-incubation of the virus with 80 µM RES showed >30% reduction in ZIKV titers and ZIKV mRNA copy number, implying potential direct virucidal effects of RES against the virus. The RES treatment reduced >70% virus titer in the anti-adsorption assay, suggesting the possibility that RES also interferes with ZIKV binding. However, there was no significant decrease in ZIKV titer when a short-period of RES treatment was applied to cells before ZIKV infection (pre-infection) and after the virus bound to the cells (virus internalization inhibition), implying that RES acts through its continuous presence in the cell cultures after virus infection. Overall, our results suggested that RES exhibited direct virucidal activity against ZIKV and possessed anti-ZIKV replication properties, highlighting the need for further exploration of RES as a potential antiviral molecule against ZIKV infection.

Oxygenation of 18-hydroxycorticosterone as the final reaction for aldosterone biosynthesis

1984 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Itaru Kojima ◽  
Etsuro Ogata ◽  
Hiroshi Inano ◽  
Bun-ichi Tamaoki
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Monoxide ◽  
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
In Vitro Production ◽  
Mitochondrial Preparation ◽  
Final Reaction ◽  
Vitro Production ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Cytochrome P 450

Abstract. Incubation of 18-hydroxycorticosterone with the sonicated mitochondrial preparation of bovine adrenal glomerulosa tissue leads to the production of aldosterone, as measured by radioimmunoassay. The in vitro production of aldosterone from 18-hydroxycorticosterone requires both molecular oxygen and NADPH, and is inhibited by carbon monoxide. Cytochrome P-450 inhibitors such as metyrapone, SU 8000. SU 10603, SKF 525A, amphenone B and spironolactone decrease the biosynthesis of aldosterone from 18-hydroxycorticosterone. These results support the conclusion that the final reaction in aldosterone synthesis from 18-hydroxycorticosterone is catalyzed by an oxygenase, but not by 18-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. By the same preparation, the production of [3H]aldosterone but not [3H]18-hydroxycorticosterone from [1,2-3H ]corticosterone is decreased in a dose-dependent manner by addition of non-radioactive 18-hydroxycorticosterone.

Appraisal of Immunological Impacts of Melaleuca leucadendra Extract over Macrophage Performance in Vitro

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Reduced Pressure ◽  
Medical Plant ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Level Production ◽  
Melaleuca Leucadendra ◽  
Phagocytic Killing

This trial research was performed to discuss the immune-influence of Melaleuca leucadendra ‘paper-bark tree’ dried leaves which is an important medical plant known in many regions in the world. The leaves were dissolved in a mixture of (ethanol + water) (3:1) mixture, then filtered, evaporated and dried under reduced pressure to obtain leaves extract. The macrophages of blood derived origin were provided from rats and mixed with three different leaves extracts doses in tissue culture plates and incubated then stained with fluorescent acridine orange and examined under fluorescent microscope to assess the phagocytic and killing potency. The wells contents were aspirated and assayed for nitric oxide and interleukin-2 levels. The results displayed an obvious increase in phagocytic, killing performance as well as nitric oxide and IL-2 level production than control in a dose dependent manner. The obtained results suggested the immune-stimulant impact of the paper-bark tree leaves.

Serotonin elicits long-lasting enhancement of rhythmic respiratory activity in turtle brain stems in vitro

2001 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 2703-2712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen M. Johnson ◽  
Julia E. R. Wilkerson ◽  
Daniel R. Henderson ◽  
Michael R. Wenninger ◽  
Gordon S. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Brain Stem ◽  
Respiratory Activity ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Frequency Increase ◽  
Burst Frequency ◽  
Bath Application ◽  
Burst Amplitude ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
The Brain

Brain stem preparations from adult turtles were used to determine how bath-applied serotonin (5-HT) alters respiration-related hypoglossal activity in a mature vertebrate. 5-HT (5–20 μM) reversibly decreased integrated burst amplitude by ∼45% ( P < 0.05); burst frequency decreased in a dose-dependent manner with 20 μM abolishing bursts in 9 of 13 preparations ( P < 0.05). These 5-HT-dependent effects were mimicked by application of a 5-HT1A agonist, but not a 5-HT1B agonist, and were abolished by the broad-spectrum 5-HT antagonist, methiothepin. During 5-HT (20 μM) washout, frequency rebounded to levels above the original baseline for 40 min ( P < 0.05) and remained above baseline for 2 h. A 5-HT3 antagonist (tropesitron) blocked the post-5-HT rebound and persistent frequency increase. A 5-HT3 agonist (phenylbiguanide) increased frequency during and after bath application ( P < 0.05). When phenylbiguanide was applied to the brain stem of brain stem/spinal cord preparations, there was a persistent frequency increase ( P < 0.05), but neither spinal-expiratory nor -inspiratory burst amplitude were altered. The 5-HT3receptor-dependent persistent frequency increase represents a unique model of plasticity in vertebrate rhythm generation.

scholarly journals Antifungal activity of dendritic cell lysosomal proteins against Cryptococcus neoformans

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin N. Nelson ◽  
Savannah G. Beakley ◽  
Sierra Posey ◽  
Brittney Conn ◽  
Emma Maritz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Cysteine Proteases ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Lysosomal Proteins

AbstractCryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening disease among immune compromised individuals that is caused by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Previous studies have shown that the fungus is phagocytosed by dendritic cells (DCs) and trafficked to the lysosome where it is killed by both oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms. While certain molecules from the lysosome are known to kill or inhibit the growth of C. neoformans, the lysosome is an organelle containing many different proteins and enzymes that are designed to degrade phagocytosed material. We hypothesized that multiple lysosomal components, including cysteine proteases and antimicrobial peptides, could inhibit the growth of C. neoformans. Our study identified the contents of the DC lysosome and examined the anti-cryptococcal properties of different proteins found within the lysosome. Results showed several DC lysosomal proteins affected the growth of C. neoformans in vitro. The proteins that killed or inhibited the fungus did so in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the concentration of protein needed for cryptococcal inhibition was found to be non-cytotoxic to mammalian cells. These data show that many DC lysosomal proteins have antifungal activity and have potential as immune-based therapeutics.

scholarly journals Zika Virus Infection Leads to Demyelination and Axonal Injury in Mature CNS Cultures

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Verena Schultz ◽  
Stephanie L. Cumberworth ◽  
Quan Gu ◽  
Natasha Johnson ◽  
Claire L. Donald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Neural Development ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Neural Cells ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Axonal Pathology ◽  
Time Frames

Understanding how Zika virus (Flaviviridae; ZIKV) affects neural cells is paramount in comprehending pathologies associated with infection. Whilst the effects of ZIKV in neural development are well documented, impact on the adult nervous system remains obscure. Here, we investigated the effects of ZIKV infection in established mature myelinated central nervous system (CNS) cultures. Infection incurred damage to myelinated fibers, with ZIKV-positive cells appearing when myelin damage was first detected as well as axonal pathology, suggesting the latter was a consequence of oligodendroglia infection. Transcriptome analysis revealed host factors that were upregulated during ZIKV infection. One such factor, CCL5, was validated in vitro as inhibiting myelination. Transferred UV-inactivated media from infected cultures did not damage myelin and axons, suggesting that viral replication is necessary to induce the observed effects. These data show that ZIKV infection affects CNS cells even after myelination—which is critical for saltatory conduction and neuronal function—has taken place. Understanding the targets of this virus across developmental stages including the mature CNS, and the subsequent effects of infection of cell types, is necessary to understand effective time frames for therapeutic intervention.

scholarly journals Anti-tumor activity of a novel proteasome inhibitor D395 against multiple myeloma and its lower cardiotoxicity compared with carfilzomib

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuxing Shen ◽  
Chao Wu ◽  
Meng Lei ◽  
Qing Yan ◽  
Haoyang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Proteasome Inhibitor ◽  
Osteoclast Differentiation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Serum Enzyme ◽  
Herg Channels ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity ◽  
Dose Dependent

AbstractCarfilzomib, a second-generation proteasome inhibitor, has significantly improved the survival rate of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, but its clinical application is still restricted by drug resistance and cardiotoxicity. Here, we identified a novel proteasome inhibitor, D395, and assessed its efficacy in treating MM as well as its cardiotoxicity at the preclinical level. The activities of purified and intracellular proteasomes were measured to determine the effect of D395 on the proteasome. CCK-8 and flow cytometry experiments were designed to evaluate the effects of D395 on cell growth and apoptosis. The effects of D395 and carfilzomib on serum enzyme activity, echocardiography features, cardiomyocyte morphology, and hERG channels were also compared. In our study, D395 was highly cytotoxic to MM cell lines and primary MM cells but not normal cells, and it was well tolerated in vivo. Similar to carfilzomib, D395 inhibited osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, D395 exhibited lower cardiotoxicity than carfilzomib in all experiments. In conclusion, D395 is a novel irreversible proteasome inhibitor that has remarkable anti-MM activity and mild cardiotoxicity in vitro and in vivo.

scholarly journals Dose–Response Effects of 3-Nitrooxypropanol Combined with Low- and High-Concentrate Feed Proportions in the Dairy Cow Ration on Fermentation Parameters in a Rumen Simulation Technique

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1784
Author(s):  
Matthias Schilde ◽  
Dirk von Soosten ◽  
Liane Hüther ◽  
Susanne Kersten ◽  
Ulrich Meyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dose Response ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Hydrogen Gas ◽  
Simulation Technique ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Dose Dependent

Methane (CH4) from ruminal feed degradation is a major pollutant from ruminant livestock, which calls for mitigation strategies. The purpose of the present 4 × 2 factorial arrangement was to investigate the dose–response relationships between four doses of the CH4 inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) and potential synergistic effects with low (LC) or high (HC) concentrate feed proportions (CFP) on CH4 reduction as both mitigation approaches differ in their mode of action (direct 3-NOP vs. indirect CFP effects). Diet substrates and 3-NOP were incubated in a rumen simulation technique to measure the concentration and production of volatile fatty acids (VFA), fermentation gases as well as substrate disappearance. Negative side effects on fermentation regarding total VFA and gas production as well as nutrient degradability were observed for neither CFP nor 3-NOP. CH4 production decreased from 10% up to 97% in a dose-dependent manner with increasing 3-NOP inclusion rate (dose: p < 0.001) but irrespective of CFP (CFP × dose: p = 0.094). Hydrogen gas accumulated correspondingly with increased 3-NOP dose (dose: p < 0.001). In vitro pH (p = 0.019) and redox potential (p = 0.066) varied by CFP, whereas the latter fluctuated with 3-NOP dose (p = 0.01). Acetate and iso-butyrate (mol %) decreased with 3-NOP dose, whereas iso-valerate increased (dose: p < 0.001). Propionate and valerate varied inconsistently due to 3-NOP supplementation. The feed additive 3-NOP was proven to be a dose-dependent yet effective CH4 inhibitor under conditions in vitro. The observed lack of additivity of increased CFP on the CH4 inhibition potential of 3-NOP needs to be verified in future research testing further diet types both in vitro and in vivo.

scholarly journals Role of leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF) in decidualisation of murine uterine stromal cells in vitro

2004 ◽  
Vol 181 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
AA Fouladi Nashta ◽  
CV Andreu ◽  
N Nijjar ◽  
JK Heath ◽  
SJ Kimber
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Culture ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Control Level ◽  
Calf Serum ◽  
Prostaglandin E ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Alp Activity ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
In Cells

Decidualisation of uterine stromal cells is a prerequisite for implantation of the embryo in mice. Here we have used an in vitro culture system in which stromal cells decidualise as indicated by a number of markers, including an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The latter was used as a quantitative marker of decidualisation in the presence of low (2%) fetal calf serum. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), which is known to induce decidualisation, increased ALP activity, and this effect was blocked in a dose-dependent manner by indomethacin. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) was then examined, but it had no effect on PGE(2) secretion. However, LIF suppressed ALP activity in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of 2% serum, while an inhibitor of LIF that competes for binding to its receptor reversed the effect of LIF and increased ALP activity above the control level. In serum-free cultures, stromal cells differentiated rapidly, and no differences were observed between LIF-treated and untreated cultures. Stromal cells produce LIF during in vitro culture, and this peaked at 48 h. Freshly collected stromal cells from both day-2 and -4 pregnant mice expressed mRNA for the LIF receptor, and the transcript level was higher in cells isolated on day 4. However, no differences were observed in the relative levels of transcripts in cells from day 2 and day 4 after culture, nor were there differences between the LIF-treated cultures and controls. Therefore, in this study, we have shown that LIF suppresses decidualisation of murine uterine stromal cells in the presence of serum, this is not due to the regulation of PGE(2) secretion by stromal cells.

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