Cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic Effects of Spirulina Platensis Extract on PC-3 Prostate Adenocarcinoma Cell Line

Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, with an increasing incidence and mortality rate. In the present study, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of spirulina platensis extract on PC-3 prostate adenocarcinoma cell line were investigated. Methods: In the present experimental study, the PC-3 prostatic cancer cells were treated in four experimental with 400, 200, 100 and 50 μg / ml extract of spirulina and incubated at 24 and 48 hours. Cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTS kit (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-Carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-Sulfophenyl)-2H-Tetrazolium, Inner Salt) and apoptosis was analyzed by flow- cytometry using an Annexin V-FITC/PI kit according to the manufacturer protocol in both times. Statistical analysis was accomplished by ANOVA and Duncan tests using FlowJo and SPSS 16 software. Results: In the experimental groups treated with extract of spirulina, the viability of the cells showed a decrease compared to control group, while this decrease was more noticeable in the experimental group of 100 μg / ml at both incubation times (<0.0071).Increased incidence of apoptosis was significantly higher in the experimental groups than the control group. However, this increase was significantly higher than the control group at concentrations of 200 μg / ml in 24h incubation time (Ƥ < 0.0331) and 100 μg / ml of 48h incubation time (Ƥ < 0.0502). Conclusion: Extract of Spirulina at specific concentrations reduced cell growth and induced apoptosis in PC-3 prostatic cancer cells. Evidence suggests that spirulina can be used as an anticancer drug for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Minireview: Peripheral Nesfatin-1 in Regulation of the Gut Activity–15 Years since the Discovery

Nesfatin-1, discovered in 2006, is an anorexigenic molecule derived from the precursor protein NEFA/nucleobindin2. It is generally postulated that this molecule acts through a specific G protein-coupled receptor, as yet unidentified. Research conducted over the last 15 years has revealed both central and peripheral actions of nesfatin-1. Given its major central role, studies determining its inhibitory effect on food intake seem to be of major scientific interest. However, in recent years a number of experiments have found that peripheral organs, including those of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), may also be a source (possibly even the predominant source) of nesfatin-1. This mini-review aimed to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the expression and immunoreactivity of nesfatin-1 and its possible involvement (both physiological and pathological) in the mammalian GIT. Research thus far has shown very promising abilities of nesfatin-1 to restore the balance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants, to interplay with the gut microbiota, and to alter the structure of the intestinal barrier. This necessitates more extensive research on the peripheral actions of this molecule. More in-depth knowledge of such mechanisms (especially those leading to anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects) is important for a better understanding of the involvement of nefatin-1 in GIT pathophysiological conditions and/or for future therapeutic approaches.

GC/MS Analysis and Phyto-synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Amygdalus spinosissima Extract: Antibacterial, Antioxidant Effects, Anticancer and Apoptotic Effects

Background: The present study was aimed at phyto-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Amygdalus spinosissima (A. spinosissima) extract and to investigate the antibacterial, antioxidant effects, anticancer and apoptotic effects of phyto-synthe-sized AgNPs. Methods: The bio-fabricated AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-visible), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Disper-sive X-ray (EDX). Results: The phyto-synthesized AgNPs showed maximum absorption in 438 nm, in the UV-visible spectrum. XRD peaks were observed at 2θ values in 38.20°, 44.40°, 64.60°, and 77.50° which are indexed as (111), (200), (220), and (311) bands of Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) structures of silver. FTIR analysis indicated that the AgNPs were capped with A. spinosissima extract. SEM and TEM micrographs revealed that the fabricated AgNPs were spherical and the average size range was 17.89 nm. Also, the EDX results show that the content of Ag was 90%. Conclusion: The phyto-synthesized AgNPs had significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, as well as, the AgNPs exhibited great inhibitory effects on DPPH radicals and their antioxidant properties were favorably comparable to the antioxidant outcomes of ascorbic acid. Moreover, the AgNPs showed anti-cancer activity against the MCF-7 cell line with the IC50=6.1 µg/ml. Moreover, the phyto-synthesized AgNPs could induce apoptosis in the MCF-7 cell line significantly. The GC-MS analysis of the A. spinosissima extract showed that 102 bioactive phyto-chemical compounds, which be of use to the synthesis of AgNPs.

Anti-apoptotic effects of 2-pyrrolidone derivatives in cerebral ischemia

INTRODUCTION: Uncontrolled course of apoptosis reactions underlies a wide range of pathological processes, including ischemic events. AIM: To evaluate the anti-apoptotic properties of some racetams in experimental brain ischemia in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cerebral ischemia was modeled in Wistar rats by irreversible occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. The test-compounds and the reference drug piracetam were administered per os at a dose of 250 mg/kg. After 72 hours of the ischemic period, the activity of apoptotic systems in the brain tissue was evaluated by determining the concentration of the apoptotic-inducing factor (AIF), caspase-3, ionized calcium, the latent opening time of the mitochondrial transition permeability pore and the zone of brain necrosis. RESULTS: The study showed that the use of the studied compounds contributed to a decrease in the intensity of reactions, both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptosis, which was reflected in a decrease in the concentration of AIF and caspase-3 by 32.4% (p < 0.05); 34.6% (p < 0.05); 31.1% (p < 0.05), and 41.9% (p < 0.05); 39.1% (p < 0.05); 34.5% (p < 0.05) when PirPr, PirAc and PirBut were administered, respectively. Also, the use of the studied substances led to an increase in the latent period of opening the mitochondrial transition permeability pore, a decrease in the concentration of intracellular calcium and the zone of brain necrosis. At the same time, the pharmacological effect of the administration of the compound PirAc exceeded the effect of piracetam and other test substances. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results obtained, it can be assumed that the studied racetams have neuroprotective action, realized through suppression of the reactions of apoptosis.

IL-37 expression improves renal function after ischemia and reperfusion in mice model

Renal ischemia is a major problem in the world that lead to renal failure for which no effective treatment is available. Renal ischemia involves a robust inflammatory response, involving up-regulated chemokine expression and leukocyte accumulation, contributes to the mechanism of renal injury and renal failure. IL-37 is a new human cytokine and has an anti-inflammatory function. Currently, it is unknown whether IL-37 suppresses renal inflammatory response to ischemia. We tested the hypothesis that expression of human IL-37 in mouse protects the renal against ischemic injury through suppression of the renal inflammatory response. IL-37 Tg and WT mice were subjected to right renal nephrectomy to induce unilateral model of ischemia the microvascular clamp was positioned around the left renal pedicles. Serum sampling for measurements of TNF-α, IL-1β, Caspase3, MDA, HMGB1, urea and creatinine. Hematoxylin-eosin staining for histological analysis. The resulted data showed that IL-37 has anti-inflammatory effects in renal IRI as evidenced by significant reduction of the inflammatory markers levels TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB1. IL-37 has potent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects with significant reduction in MDA and caspace-3 respectively

A740003 Can Reverse Chondrocyte Apoptosis and Prevent Extracellular Matrix Degradation by NF-KB Pathway in Facet Joint Osteoarthritis

Facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA) is one of the common causes of low back pain, but the molecular mechanism is still unclear. Previous studies have found that P2X7 receptor has been proved to play an important role in skeletal and joint diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of A740003, selective P2X7R antagonist, in the development of FJOA. Our study found that A740003 can inhibit the expression of P2X7R in OA chondrocytes. It can lead to anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in primary chondrocytes by IL-1β/BzATP. Our results imply that decreased P2X7R can reverse chondrocyte apoptosis and prevent extracellular matrix degradation by NF-KB pathway. Moreover, in our present work, we found that A740003 inhibit the abrrently activation of NF-KB pathway by preventing the activated P65 translocation to nucleus. Our results indicate that P2X7R is a therapeutic target for the treatment of FJOA, and that A740003 could be a therapeutic candidate for this clinical application.

IL-37 expression improves renal function after ischemia and reperfusion in mice model

Renal ischemia is a major problem in the world that lead to renal failure for which no effective treatment is available. Renal ischemia involves a robust inflammatory response, involving up-regulated chemokine expression and leukocyte accumulation, contributes to the mechanism of renal injury and renal failure. IL-37 is a new human cytokine and has an anti-inflammatory function. Currently, it is unknown whether IL-37 suppresses renal inflammatory response to ischemia. We tested the hypothesis that expression of human IL-37 in mouse protects the renal against ischemic injury through suppression of the renal inflammatory response. IL-37 Tg and WT mice were subjected to right renal nephrectomy to induce unilateral model of ischemia the microvascular clamp was positioned around the left renal pedicles. Serum sampling for measurements of TNF-α, IL-1β, Caspase3, MDA, HMGB1, urea and creatinine. Hematoxylin-eosin staining for histological analysis. The resulted data showed that IL-37 has anti-inflammatory effects in renal IRI as evidenced by significant reduction of the inflammatory markers levels TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB1. IL-37 has potent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects with significant reduction in MDA and caspace-3 respectively. Keywords: Renal ischemia, IL-37, TNF-α, IL-1β, Caspase-3