Iron nanoparticles green-formulated by Coriandrum sativum leaf aqueous ‎extract: Investigation of its anti-liver cancer effects

IntroductionRecently, scientists have ‎understood that metallic nanoparticles especially iron nanoparticles have ‎excellent anticancer properties‎. A green, productive, and environmentally method was developed for the valuable study and the effective preparation of the biosynthesis of iron nanoparticles using aqueous extracts from the leaf of Coriandrum sativum as a result of reducing and stabilizing factor. The simplicity of the reaction, heterogeneous system, and easy work up are the benefits of the present method.Material and methodsThe as-prepared nanoparticles (FeNPs) was characterized using UV-Vis, SEM, and FT-IR. It has ‎been shown that the iron nanoparticles have spherical shape and uniform size.ResultsThe synthesized nanoparticles had very low cell viability and high anti-liver cancer activities ‎dose-dependently against pleomorphic hepatocellular carcinoma (SNU-387), hepatic ductal ‎carcinoma (LMH/2A), morris hepatoma (McA-RH7777), and novikoff hepatoma (N1-S1 Fudr) ‎cell lines without any cytotoxicity on the normal cell line (HUVEC). The synthesized ‎nanoparticles inhibited half of the DPPH molecules in the concentration of 132 µg/mL. Perhaps ‎notable anti-liver cancer activities of the synthesized nanoparticles against common liver cancer ‎cell lines are linked to their antioxidant activities. ‎ConclusionsOur results point out that the FeNPs from Coriandrum sativum extract are apposite stabilizing ‎agents, which serve as an effective anticancer agent against liver cancer cell lines.‎

Gap junction assembly: PTX-sensitive G proteins regulate the distribution of connexin43 within cells

Cells expressing connexin43 are able to upregulate gap junction (GJ) communication by enhancing the assembly of new GJs, apparently through increased connexin trafficking. Because G proteins are known to regulate different aspects of protein trafficking, we examined the effects of pertussis toxin (PTX; a specific inhibitor of certain G proteins) on GJ assembly. Dissociated Novikoff hepatoma cells were reaggregated for 60 min to form nascent junctions. PTX inhibited GJ assembly, as indicated by a reduction in dye transfer. Electron microscopy also revealed a 60% decrease in the number of GJ channels per cell interface. Importantly, PTX blocked the twofold enhancement in GJ assembly found in the presence of low-density lipoprotein. Two Giαproteins (Giα2 and Giα3), which have been implicated in the control of membrane trafficking, reacted with PTX in ADP-ribosylation studies. PTX and/or the trafficking inhibitors, brefeldin A and monensin, inhibited GJ assembly to comparable degrees. In addition, assays for GJ hemichannels demonstrated reduced plasma membrane levels of connexin43 following PTX treatment. These results suggest that PTX-sensitive G proteins regulate connexin43 trafficking, and, as a result of inhibition with PTX, the number of plasma membrane hemichannels available for GJ assembly is reduced.

Microscopic Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Cultured Cells. II. Transmission Electron Microscopy

The insulin-sensitizing agent troglitazone (Rezulin) has been shown to cause severe hepatotoxicity and liver failure. While the toxic mechanism is still unknown, a component may be oxidative stress. We have demonstrated that increased lipid peroxidation, decreased glutathione levels, and collapse in mitochondrial membrane potential occurred following exposure of cultured hepatocytes to troglitazone. These hallmarks of oxidative stress can manifest morphologically in several ways including damage to cellular membranes, mitochondrial abnormalities, and cell death. The purpose of this study was to assess morphologic changes caused by exposure to troglitazone or cumene hydroperoxide (CH), a compound known to induce oxidative stress.HepG2 and Novikoff hepatoma cells were grown on poly-L-lysine coated 6-well plates overnight, and exposed to 10, 25, 50 or 100 μM concentrations of troglitazone or CH in the growth media for 2 hours. Cells were fixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer, harvested, and pelleted. Pellets were post-fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide, and processed to epoxy resin.