scholarly journals Environmentally Relevant Levels of Depleted Uranium Impacts Dermal Fibroblast Proliferation, Viability, Metabolic Activity, and Scratch Closure

Toxics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 211
Author(s):  
Nathan Cruz ◽  
Robert Buscaglia ◽  
Matthew Salanga ◽  
Robert Kellar

Uranium (U) is a heavy metal used in military and industrial settings, with a large portion being mined from the Southwest region of the United States. Uranium has uses in energy and military weaponry, but the mining process has released U into soil and surface waters that may pose threats to human and environmental health. The majority of literature regarding U’s human health concern focuses on outcomes based on unintentional ingestion or inhalation, and limited data are available about its influence via cutaneous contact. Utilizing skin dermis cells, we evaluated U’s topical chemotoxicity. Employing soluble depleted uranium (DU) in the form of uranyl nitrate (UN), we hypothesized that in vitro exposure of UN will have cytotoxic effects on primary dermal fibroblasts by affecting cell viability and metabolic activity and, further, may delay wound healing aspects via altering cell proliferation and migration. Using environmentally relevant levels of U found in water (0.1 μM to 100 μM [UN]; 23.8–23,800 ppb [U]), we quantified cellular mitosis and migration through growth curves and in vitro scratch assays. Cells were exposed from 24 h to 144 h for a time-course evaluation of UN chemical toxicity. The effects of UN were observed at concentrations above and below the Environmental Protection Agency threshold for safe exposure limits. UN exposure resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the viable cell count; however, it produced an increase in metabolism when corrected for the viable cells present. Furthermore, cellular proliferation, population doubling, and percent closure was hindered at levels ≥10 μM UN. Therefore, inadvertent exposure may exacerbate pre-existing skin diseases in at-risk demographics, and additionally, it may substantially interfere in cutaneous tissue repair processes.

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johana Muchová ◽  
Vanessa Hearnden ◽  
Lenka Michlovská ◽  
Lucie Vištejnová ◽  
Anna Zavaďáková ◽  
...  

AbstractIn a biological system, nanoparticles (NPs) may interact with biomolecules. Specifically, the adsorption of proteins on the nanoparticle surface may influence both the nanoparticles' and proteins' overall bio-reactivity. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the biocompatibility and risk of exposure to nanomaterials is limited. Here, in vitro and ex ovo biocompatibility of naturally based crosslinked freeze-dried 3D porous collagen/chitosan scaffolds, modified with thermostable fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2-STAB®), to enhance healing and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) to provide antibacterial activity, were evaluated. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity were tested in vitro using normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) with scaffolds and SeNPs and FGF2-STAB® solutions. Metabolic activity assays indicated an antagonistic effect of SeNPs and FGF2-STAB® at high concentrations of SeNPs. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of SeNPs for NHDF was 18.9 µg/ml and IC80 was 5.6 µg/ml. The angiogenic properties of the scaffolds were monitored ex ovo using a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and the cytotoxicity of SeNPs over IC80 value was confirmed. Furthermore, the positive effect of FGF2-STAB® at very low concentrations (0.01 µg/ml) on NHDF metabolic activity was observed. Based on detailed in vitro testing, the optimal concentrations of additives in the scaffolds were determined, specifically 1 µg/ml of FGF2-STAB® and 1 µg/ml of SeNPs. The scaffolds were further subjected to antimicrobial tests, where an increase in selenium concentration in the collagen/chitosan scaffolds increased the antibacterial activity. This work highlights the antimicrobial ability and biocompatibility of newly developed crosslinked collagen/chitosan scaffolds involving FGF2-STAB® and SeNPs. Moreover, we suggest that these sponges could be used as scaffolds for growing cells in systems with low mechanical loading in tissue engineering, especially in dermis replacement, where neovascularization is a crucial parameter for successful skin regeneration. Due to their antimicrobial properties, these scaffolds are also highly promising for tissue replacement requiring the prevention of infection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diwei Zheng ◽  
Weihai Liu ◽  
Wenlin Xie ◽  
Guanyu Huang ◽  
Qiwei Jiang ◽  
...  

AbstractOsteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. Although activator of HSP90 ATPase activity 1 (AHA1) is reported to be a potential oncogene, its role in osteosarcoma progression remains largely unclear. Since metabolism reprogramming is involved in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis, the relationship between AHA1 and cancer metabolism is unknown. In this study, we found that AHA1 is significantly overexpressed in osteosarcoma and related to the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. AHA1 promotes the growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, AHA1 upregulates the metabolic activity to meet cellular bioenergetic needs in osteosarcoma. Notably, we identified that isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is a novel client protein of Hsp90-AHA1. Furthermore, the IDH1 protein level was positively correlated with AHA1 in osteosarcoma. And IDH1 overexpression could partially reverse the effect of AHA1 knockdown on cell growth and migration of osteosarcoma. Moreover, high IDH1 level was also associated with poor prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. This study demonstrates that AHA1 positively regulates IDH1 and metabolic activity to promote osteosarcoma growth and metastasis, which provides novel prognostic biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets for osteosarcoma patients.


Polymers ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samira Tansaz ◽  
Raminder Singh ◽  
Iwona Cicha ◽  
Aldo Boccaccini

Novel composite hydrogels based on the combination of alginate (Alg), soy protein isolate (SPI) and bioactive glass (BG) nanoparticles were developed for soft tissue engineering. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and normal human dermal fibroblasts were cultivated on hydrogels for 7, 14 and 21 days. Cell morphology was visualized using fluorescent staining at Days 7 and 14 for fibroblast cells and Days 14 and 21 for HUVEC. Metabolic activity of cells was analyzed using a colorimetric assay (water soluble tetrazolium (WST) assay). Compared to pure Alg, Alg/SPI and Alg/SPI/BG provided superior surfaces for both types of cells, supporting their attachment, growth, spreading and metabolic activity. Fibroblasts showed better colonization and growth on Alg/SPI/BG hydrogels compared to Alg/SPI hydrogels. The results indicate that such novel composite hydrogels might find applications in soft tissue regeneration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6239
Author(s):  
Raluca Tutuianu ◽  
Ana-Maria Rosca ◽  
Daniela Madalina Iacomi ◽  
Maya Simionescu ◽  
Irina Titorencu

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are major players in regenerative therapies for wound healing via their paracrine activity, mediated partially by exosomes. Our purpose was to test if MSC-derived exosomes could accelerate wound healing by enhancing the biological properties of the main cell types involved in the key phases of this process. Thus, the effects of exosomes on (i) macrophage activation, (ii) angiogenesis, (iii) keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts proliferation and migration, and (iv) the capacity of myofibroblasts to regulate the turnover of the extracellular matrix were evaluated. The results showed that, although exosomes did not exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, they stimulated angiogenesis. Exposure of keratinocytes and dermal (myo)fibroblasts to exosomes enhanced their proliferation and migratory capacity. Additionally, exosomes prevented the upregulation of gene expression for type I and III collagen, α-smooth muscle actin, and MMP2 and 14, and they increased MMP13 expression during the fibroblast–myofibroblast transition. The regenerative properties of exosomes were validated using a wound healing skin organotypic model, which exhibited full re-epithelialization upon exosomes exposure. In summary, these data indicate that exosomes enhance the biological properties of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, thus providing a reliable therapeutic tool for skin regeneration.


Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 2215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Da Kim ◽  
Ji Jang ◽  
Song Jang ◽  
Jungsun Lee

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) is known to stimulate wound healing by regulating the production of relevant cytokines as well as cell proliferation and migration. However, the therapeutic application of SP is limited by its low stability under biological conditions and oxidation during purification, formulation, and storage. To address this problem, we developed a novel formulation of SP as an SP gel, and investigated its wound healing activity both in vitro and in vivo. SP in SP gel was stable at various temperatures for up to 4 weeks. In vitro, SP gel exhibited more potential as a candidate wound-healing agent than SP alone, as evidenced by the observed increases in the proliferation and migration of human epidermal keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts. In vivo experiments showed that SP gel treatment enhanced the healing of full-thickness wounds in mice as compared to SP alone. These results demonstrate the benefits of SP gel as a promising topical agent for wound treatment.


2007 ◽  
Vol 342-343 ◽  
pp. 401-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeon I Woo ◽  
Hyun Joo Son ◽  
Hye Ryeon Lim ◽  
Mi Hee Lee ◽  
Hyun Sook Baek ◽  
...  

Glucans have been reported to stimulate immunity and to promote wound healing. Adult human dermal fibroblast (aHDF) cultured in serum free (serum-starvation). Proliferation of aHDF was measured at various concentrations of β-glucan by MTT assay, and migration was observed for 36h on microscope. The result of fibroblast bioassay, β-glucan had positive influence. In this study, the direct effects of β-glucan on proliferation and migration of human dermal fibroblasts were examined in vitro. That means β-D-glucan has the effect to enhance proliferation and aHDF migration speed, and has the potential as a wound healing agent.


Author(s):  
Byungcheol Lee ◽  
Jisun Song ◽  
Arim Lee ◽  
Daeho Cho ◽  
Tae Sung Kim

Visfatin, a member of the adipokine family, plays an important role in many metabolic and stress responses. The mechanisms underlying the direct therapeutic effects of visfatin on wound healing have not been reported yet. In this study, we examined the effects of visfatin on wound healing in vitro and in vivo. Visfatin enhanced the proliferation and migration of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and keratinocytes, and significantly increased the expression of wound healing-related vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of HDFs with visfatin induced activation of both extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1 and 2 (JNK1/2) in a time-dependent manner. Inhibition of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 led to a significant decrease in visfatin-induced proliferation and migration of HDFs. Importantly, blocking VEGF with its neutralizing antibodies suppressed the visfatin-induced proliferation and migration of HDFs and human keratinocytes, indicating that visfatin induces the proliferation and migration of HDFs and human keratinocytes via increased VEGF expression. Moreover, visfatin effectively improved wound repair in vivo, which was comparable to the wound healing activity of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Taken together, we demonstrate that visfatin promotes the proliferation and migration of HDFs and human keratinocytes by inducing VEGF expression and can be used as a potential novel therapeutic agent for wound healing.


F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huanle Luo ◽  
Tian Wang

West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has been a significant public health concern in the United States for nearly two decades. The virus has been linked to acute viral encephalitis, neurological sequelae, and chronic kidney diseases. Neither antiviral drugs nor vaccines are currently available for humans. In vitro cell culture and experimental animal models have been used to study WNV infection in humans. In this review, we will focus on recent findings and provide new insights into WNV host immunity and viral pathogenesis.


Author(s):  
Marius Otto ◽  
Christine Lux ◽  
Tilo Schlittenbauer ◽  
Frank Halling ◽  
Thomas Ziebart

Abstract Purpose Analysis of the influence of geranyl-geraniol (GG) addition on four bisphosphonate derivatives regarding their influence on cell viability and migration ability of bone metabolism and endothelial cells in vitro. Methods Clodronate, pamidronate, ibandronate, and zoledronate were observed with and without GG addition, for their effect on human osteoblasts (HOB), normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF), human endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), and endothelial cells of the human umbilical cord (HUVEC) using migration-, MTT-, and colony-forming cell assays. Results Data pointed to a depressing effect of all bisphosphonates on the migration ability of NHDF, EPC, and HOB. MTT assay demonstrated a decreased cell viability of HUVEC of all bisphosphonates in a 50 μM concentration and of NHDF when treated with 50 μM of clodronate, ibandronate, or zoledronate. Tested drugs showed a depressing effect on colony-forming potential of EPC even in a 5 μM concentration. GG addition demonstrated an attenuate impact on bisphosphonate effect on all primary cell cultures, respectively. Conclusion In vitro comparison showed that the addition of GG weakens the effect of all bisphosphonates examined. It supports investigations that suggest GG to be able to prevent bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BP-ONJ) in vivo. Future clinical trials may discover the local therapeutic use of GG for the prevention of BP-ONJ.


mSphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren W. Stranahan ◽  
Sankar P. Chaki ◽  
Daniel G. Garcia-Gonzalez ◽  
Omar H. Khalaf ◽  
Angela M. Arenas-Gamboa

ABSTRACT Brucella canis is a Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of canine brucellosis, a highly contagious disease of dogs that can be transmitted to humans. Unfortunately, no vaccine is available to prevent infection. We recently characterized the kinetics of B. canis infection in the mouse model, establishing the required dose necessary to achieve systemic infection. The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of the mouse model in assessing canine brucellosis vaccine candidates and to subsequently investigate the safety and efficacy of a live attenuated vaccine, the B. canis RM6/66 ΔvjbR strain. Mice vaccinated with a dose of 109 CFU of the vaccine strain by both intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes were afforded significant protection against organ colonization and development of histopathologic lesions following intraperitoneal challenge. Addition of an adjuvant or a booster dose 2 weeks following initial vaccination did not alter protection levels. Vaccination also resulted in a robust humoral immune response in mice, and B. canis RM6/66 ΔvjbR was capable of activating canine dendritic cells in vitro. These data demonstrate that the B. canis RM6/66 ΔvjbR strain shows promise as a vaccine for canine brucellosis and validates the mouse model for future vaccine efficacy studies. IMPORTANCE Canine brucellosis, caused by Brucella canis, is the primary cause of reproductive failure in dogs and represents a public health concern due to its zoonotic nature. Cases in dogs in the United States have been increasing due to the persistent nature of the bacterium, deficiencies in current diagnostic testing, and, most importantly, the lack of a protective vaccine. Current estimates place the seroprevalence of B. canis in the southern United States at 7% to 8%, but with the unprecedented rates of animals moving across state and international borders and the lack of federal regulations in regard to testing, the true seroprevalence of B. canis in the United States may very well be higher. Vaccination represents the most effective method of brucellosis control and, in response to the demand for a vaccine against B. canis, we have developed the live attenuated B. canis RM6/66 ΔvjbR vaccine strain capable of protecting mice against challenge.


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