Evaluation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC) Functions on a Biomorphic Rattan-Wood-Derived Scaffold: A Comparison between Cultured and Uncultured MSCs

The reconstruction of large bone defects requires the use of biocompatible osteoconductive scaffolds. These scaffolds are often loaded with the patient’s own bone marrow (BM) cells to facilitate osteoinductivity and biological potency. Scaffolds that are naturally sourced and fabricated through biomorphic transitions of rattan wood (B-HA scaffolds) offer a unique advantage of higher mechanical strength and bioactivity. In this study, we investigated the ability of a biomorphic B-HA scaffold (B-HA) to support the attachment, survival and gene expression profile of human uncultured BM-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs, n = 6) and culture expanded MSCs (cMSCs, n = 7) in comparison to a sintered, porous HA scaffold (S-HA). B-HA scaffolds supported BMSC attachment (average 98%) and their survival up to 4 weeks in culture. Flow cytometry confirmed the phenotype of cMSCs on the scaffolds. Gene expression indicated clear segregation between cMSCs and BMSCs with MSC osteogenesis- and adipogenesis-related genes including RUNX2, PPARγ, ALP and FABP4 being higher expressed in BMSCs. These data indicated a unique transcriptional signature of BMSCs that was distinct from that of cMSCs regardless of the type of scaffold or time in culture. There was no statistical difference in the expression of osteogenic genes in BMSCs or cMSCs in B-HA compared to S-HA. VEGF release from cMSCs co-cultured with human endothelial cells (n = 4) on B-HA scaffolds suggested significantly higher supernatant concentration with endothelial cells on day 14. This indicated a potential mechanism for providing vasculature to the repair area when such scaffolds are used for treating large bone defects.

Characterization of the Chemical Components of the Extracted Carduus Pycnocephalus L, and Assessment of Its Potential Novel Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Activities

Carduus pycnocephalus L, which is related to the Astraceae family, was well-known as a privileged medicinal plant that has innumerable respected biological potency. The current research aims to identify the chemical constitutes of the essential oils of the extracted C. pycnocephalus by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopic analysis (GC-MS) and to assess the biological profiles of the plant and its botanical ingredients as a precise antioxidant, and anticancer, as well as, antimicrobial agents. The extraction process of the medicinal plant by methanol provided a possibility to extract and identify the polar chemical constitutes that have the most effective categories of components. The DPPH antioxidant potency of the botanical ingredients of the plant indicated that the flower extract is the most potent with IC50 = 30.69 mg/L followed by leaves (IC50= 32.78 mg/L), stem (IC50= 41.31 mg/L), and root (IC50= 46.84 mg/L). The antibacterial activities of the root, stem, leaf, and flower extracts of C. pycnocephalus exhibited remarkable potency to kill or inhibit the growth of the bacterial species. Leaf, and flower extracts revealed the most potent activities than the antibiotic standards against E. coli, S. typhimurium, and B. cereus species with inhibition zones ranged from 20-26 mm. Also, the extracted C. pycnocephalus revealed a moderate cytotoxic effect against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) tumor cell line using MTT assay with IC50= 46.2 µg/mL. The experimental interpretations inveterate the potential of C. pycnocephalus extract indicated its biological impacts as antioxidant, antibacterial, and moderate cytotoxic agents that provided the ease of using it in cancer therapy.

Recent Developments and Biological Activities of 5-Oxo-Imidazolones Derivatives: A Review

Heterocyclic compounds are essential primary units for both the synthetic and natural starting points. 5-oxo-imidazolone is a 5-member ring system that contains 3 carbons and 2 nitrogens that are arranged at 3 and 1 positions, and ─C═O at the 5th position of the ring. 5-oxo-imidazolone is known as a privileged molecule because of its all biological potency. This biological property increased the attention of many investigators to analyze this ring system and expose several activities. The present review aims to outline the various activities reported on the synthesis and the biological potencies of 5-oxo-imidazolone derivatives. 5-oxo-imidazolone is an important pharmacophore in modern drug discovery.

A Review on Chemical Composition, Bioactivity, and Toxicity of Myristica fragrans Houtt. Essential Oil

Myristica fragrans Houtt., commonly known as nutmeg, is an Indonesian indigenous dioecious evergreen tree which contains 5-15% volatile oil. The oil is usually produced from the seed or mace. Nutmeg oil has been extensively utilized in aromatherapy, natural medicine, and the perfume industry. This article provides an overview of the chemical compounds, biological potency, and toxic effects of nutmeg essential oil compiled from recent literature (2000–2020). Nutmeg oil mainly comprises monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids. Several reports on gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry analysis of nutmeg oil showed that there were 27–38 chemical constituents detected at various concentrations. Many secondary metabolites of nutmeg oil reported to show biological activities that possibly substantiate its utilization in natural medicine. Numerous studies reported the biological activities of this volatile oil such as antioxidant, analgesic, antiinflammation, anticonvulsant, antibacterial, antiparasitic, insecticidal, and anticancer activity. But large intake of nutmeg oil could cause intoxication which is shown through symptoms in cardiovascular, central nervous system, anticholinergic, and local effects in the stomach. These symptoms are mainly attributed to the effect of myristicin, safrole, and elemicin overdose. This updated review paper intends to attract more attention to nutmeg oil and its potential to be developed into a medicinal product for the prophylaxis and therapy of diseases.

Pharmacognostic, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Rosa x damascena Herrm. Georgian cultivar

Rosa x damascena Herrm. represents one of the most popular and important plants of the Rosaceae family. For ages, rose oil, rose water and extracts from its flowers were used in perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and medicine due to diverse pharmacological efficacy. Nowadays, special attention is paid to the valorization of wastes from the rose oil industry in order to fully recover potent biologically active compounds. The present study describes in detail the microstructural features of the flower petals and provides data on chemical composition and biological potency of the aqueous extract of rose oil waste from the R. damascena Georgian cultivar. Up to 25 constituents were detected by HPLC-MS in the extract, and the content of total flavonoids in the extract reaches 2.29%. Amongst them hyperoside is dominating, which content is not less than 1%. Pharmacological evaluation of the extract on "Hot plate" and carrageenan-induced oedema models in mice revealed analgesic (42%) and anti-inflammatory (67%) effects of the extract. As well, the extract revealed antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) strain (IC50 =20.31 µg/mL)

Synthesis and Cytotoxic Potential of 3-oxo-19β-Trifluoroacetoxy-18αH-oleane-28-oic Acid

Trifluoroacetic acid-promoted Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement of betulonic acid carboxamide led to the formation of the expected 19β,28-lactam along with a new germanicane-type 3-oxo-19β-trifluoroacetoxy-18αH-oleane-28-oic acid. The structure of this triterpenoid was confirmed by 2D NMR analyses. A primary evaluation of biological potency revealed an anticancer activity with GI50 < 5 μM against leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer cell lines, while the parent compounds were not active.

Assessing the biological reactivity of organic compounds on volcanic ash: implications for human health hazard

Exposure to volcanic ash is a long-standing health concern for people living near active volcanoes and in distal urban areas. During transport and deposition, ash is subjected to various physicochemical processes that may change its surface composition and, consequently, bioreactivity. One such process is the interaction with anthropogenic pollutants; however, the potential for adsorbed, deleterious organic compounds to directly impact human health is unknown. We use an in vitro bioanalytical approach to screen for the presence of organic compounds of toxicological concern on ash surfaces and assess their biological potency. These compounds include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dlPCBs). Analysis of ash collected in or near urbanised areas at five active volcanoes across the world (Etna, Italy; Fuego, Guatemala; Kelud, Indonesia; Sakurajima, Japan; Tungurahua, Ecuador) using the bioassay inferred the presence of such compounds on all samples. A relatively low response to PCDD/Fs and the absence of a dlPCBs response in the bioassay suggest that the measured activity is dominated by PAHs and PAH-like compounds. This study is the first to demonstrate a biological potency of organic pollutants associated with volcanic ash particles. According to our estimations, they are present in quantities below recommended exposure limits and likely pose a low direct concern for human health.