Morphological and Morphometric Analysis, Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress Study in Hep 2 Cells Treated by Resveratrol or Quercetine / Análisis Morfológico y Morfométrico, Estudio de Apoptosis y Estrés Oxidativo en Células Hep 2 Tratadas con Resveratrol o Quercetina

SUMMARY: Resveratrol (RES) and quercetine (QRC), is a promising agent relevant for both cancer chemoprevention and treatment via several signaling pathways, involved in their anticancer activity related to its chemotherapeutic potential, associated with the induction of ROS generation in cancer cells, leading to apoptosis. In our study, we have summarized the mechanisms of action of RES and QRC, and their pharmacological implications and potential therapeutic applications in cancer therapy. After treatment of Hep 2 cells with QRC or RES, the death pathways such as the cytochrome c release, ERK1/2 and IRS-1 pathways were upregulated, while cell survival pathway, including PI3K/AKT were downregulated. The RES and QRC caused oncosis, cells hypertrophy, hypercondensatin of chromatin, rupture of the plasma membrane and nuclear membrane, and formation of apoptotic bodies. Morphometric measurements of some cellular and nuclear parameters showed that RES and QRC induced an increase in cells and nuclear size, the nucleocytoplasmic ratio remained below 1 (N-Cyt R < 1), sign of low nuclear activity. The RES and QRC induced apoptosis of Hep2 cells by increasing of oxidative stress markers, MDA, and by modulating detoxifying enzymes, CAT and SOD. Our study results prove antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties of quercetin and resveratrol with regard to larynx cancer.

Resveratrol (RES) y quercetina (QRC), es un agente prometedor y relevante tanto para la quimioprevención como para el tratamiento del cáncer a través de varias vías de señalización, involucrado en su actividad anticancerígena relacionada con su potencial quimioterapéutico, asociado con la inducción de la generación de especies reactivas del oxígeno (ROS) en células cancerosas, lo que lleva a apoptosis. En nuestro estudio, hemos resumido los mecanismos de acción de RES y QRC, y sus implicaciones farmacológicas y posibles aplicaciones terapéuticas en la terapia del cáncer. Después del tratamiento de las células Hep 2 con QRC o RES, las vías de muerte, tal como la liberación de citocromo c, las vías ERK1/2 e IRS-1, se regulaban positivamente, mientras que la vía de supervivencia celular, incluida PI3K/AKT, se regulaba negativamente. El RES y el QRC provocaron oncosis, hipertrofia celular, hipercondensación de la cromatina, rotura de la membrana plasmática y nuclear y formación de cuerpos apoptóticos. Las mediciones morfométricas de algunos parámetros celulares y nucleares mostraron que RES y QRC indujeron un aumento en las células y el tamaño nuclear, la proporción nucleocitoplasmática se mantuvo por debajo de 1 (N- Cyt R <1), signo de baja actividad nuclear. RES y QRC indujeron la apoptosis de las células Hep2 aumentando los marcadores de estrés oxidativo, MDA, y modulando las enzimas desintoxicantes, CAT y SOD. Los resultados de nuestro estudio demuestran las propiedades antiproliferativas y proapoptóticas de la quercetina y el resveratrol con respecto al cáncer de laringe.

Protective effect of trans-nerolidol on vascular endothelial cell injury induced by lipopolysaccharides / Efectos protectores del trans-nerolidol en lesiones inducidas por lipopolisacáridos en células endoteliales vasculares

This article aimed to discuss the protection of trans - nerolidol on vascular endothelial cells (ECs) injured by lipopolysac charides. ECs were divided into four groups: normal, model, low and high dose trans - nerolidol treatment groups. The cell survival rate and the contents of NO in the cell culture supernatant were determined. The protein expression and transcript level of pe roxisome proliferator - activated receptor - γ (PPARγ), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were determined by western blotting and RT - PCR respectively. Compared with the normal group, cell livability, protein e xpression and mRNA transcript level of PPARγ and eNOS decreased, NO contents, protein expression and mRNA transcript tlevel of iNOS increased in model group significantly. Compared with model group, all the changes recovered in different degree in treatmen t groups. Hence, it was concluded that trans - nerolidol can alleviate the ECs injuryby the regulation of iNOS/eNOS through activating PPARγ in a dose - dependent manner

Este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir la protección del trans - nerolidol en las células endoteliales vasculares (CE) dañadas por lipopolisacáridos. Las CE se di vidieron en cuatro grupos: normal, modelo, grupos de tratamiento con trans - nerolidol de baja y alta dosis. Se determinó la tasa de supervivencia de las células y los contenidos de óxido nítrico (NO) en el sobrenadante del cultivo celular. La expresión de p roteínas y el nivel de transcripción del receptor activado por proliferadores de peroxisomas - γ (PPARγ), el óxido nítrico sint et asa endotelial (eNOS) y el óxido nítrico sint et asa inducible (iNOS) se determinaron mediante western blot y RT - PCR, respectivamen te. En comparación con el grupo normal, la viabilidad celular, la expresión de proteínas y el nivel de transcripción de PPARγ y eNOS disminuyeron, los contenidos de NO, la expresión de proteínas y el nivel de transcripción de iNOS aumentaron significativam ente en el grupo modelo. En comparación con el grupo modelo, todos los cambios se recuperaron en diferentes grados en los grupos de tratamiento. Por lo tanto, se concluyó que el trans - nerolidol puede aliviar el daño en las CE regulando iNOS/eNOS a través d e la activación de PPARγ de manera dependiente de la dosis.

Influences of Glabridin Treatment on Motor Function Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury / Influencia del Tratamiento con Glabridina en la Recuperación de la Función Motora después de una Lesión de la Médula Espinal

SUMMARY: Spinal cord injury (SCI) usually arises from compression due to traffic accidents and falls, resulting in varying degrees of movement, sensory loss, and possible paralysis. Glabridin (Gla) is a natural compound derived from licorice. It significantly affects drug development and medicine because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-tumoral, antibacterial, bone protective, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, liver protective, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic properties. Various methods were employed to administer Gla to SCI mice in order to investigate its impact on the recovery of motor function. The mice were allocated into four cohorts using a randomization procedure. In the sham cohort, solely the lamina of vertebral arch was surgically exposed without causing any harm to the spinal cord tissue. Conversely, the injury cohort was subjected to spinal cord tissue damage and received no treatment thereafter. The mice in the remaining two cohorts received a dosage of 40 mg/kg Gla every two days via either intraperitoneal or intrathecal injection for a duration of 42 d following spinal cord injury. We conducted behavioral tests utilizing the Basso Mouse Scale score and gait analysis techniques. Magnetic resonance imaging and hematoxylin and eosin were employed to evaluate scar tissue formation. Systemic inflammation in mice was evaluated by employing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gla promoted motor function recovery in mice following SCI and improved the pathological environment in the damaged area. These alterations were more evident in mice subjected to the intrathecal injection method. Intraperitoneal injections appear to be more beneficial for controlling systemic inflammatory responses. Although more intensive studies are required, Gla exhibits promising clinical potential as a cost-effective dietary phytochemical.

La lesión de la médula espinal (LME) generalmente surge de la compresión producto de caídas y accidentes de tránsito, lo que resulta en alteraciones del movimiento, pérdida sensorial y posible parálisis. La Glabridina (Gla) es un compuesto natural derivado del regaliz, constituyéndose en un aporte significativo para el desarrollo de fármacos y la medicina debido a sus propiedades antiinflamatorias, antioxidantes, antitumorales, antibacterianas, osteoprotectoras, cardioprotectoras, neuroprotectoras, hepatoprotectoras, antidiabéticas y contra la obesidad. En el presente trabajo se emplearon varios métodos para administrar Gla a ratones con lesión medular con el fin de investigar su impacto en la recuperación de la función motora. Los ratones fueron distribuidos en cuatro grupos mediante un procedimiento de aleatorización. En el grupo simulado, únicamente se expuso quirúrgicamente la lámina del arco vertebral sin causar ningún daño al tejido de la médula espinal. Por el contrario, el grupo lesionado fue sometido a daño del tejido de la médula espinal, sin recibir tratamiento posterior. Los ratones de los dos grupos restantes recibieron una dosis de 40 mg/kg de Gla cada dos días mediante inyección intraperitoneal o intratecal durante 42 días después de la lesión de la médula espinal. Fueron realizadas pruebas de comportamiento utilizando la puntuación de la escala Basso Mouse y técnicas de análisis de la marcha. Se emplearon imágenes por resonancia magnética y se aplicaron tinciones histológicas (Hematoxilina & Eosina) en muestras para evaluar la formación de tejido cicatricial. La inflamación sistémica en ratones se evaluó mediante el empleo de un ensayo inmunoabsorbente ligado a enzimas. Gla promovió la recuperación de la función motora en ratones después de una lesión medular y mejoró el entorno patológico en el área dañada. Estas alteraciones fueron más evidentes en ratones sometidos al método de inyección intratecal. Las inyecciones intraperitoneales parecen ser más beneficiosas para controlar las respuestas inflamatorias sistémicas. Aunque se requieren estudios más intensivos, Gla exhibe un potencial clínico prometedor como fitoquímico dietético rentable.

Modulación por Passiflora edulis de triglicéridos y colesterol intracelulares en líneas celulares de cáncer colorrectal SW480 y sus derivadas metastásicas (SW620) / Modulation by Passiflora edulis of intracellular triglycerides and cholesterol in SW480 col orectal cancer cell lines and their metastatic derivatives (SW620)

Cancer cells modify lipid metabolism to proliferate, Passiflora edulis ( P. edulis ) fruit juice (ZuFru) has antitumor activity, but whether a mechanism is through modulation of cell lipids is unknown. T o establish if ZuFru modifies cholesterol and triglycerides in SW480 and SW620. ZuFru composition was studied by phytochemical march; antiproliferative activity by sulforhodamine B, cholesterol , and triglycerides by Folch method. Z ufru contains anthocyanins, flavonoids, alkaloids , and tannins. Cell lines showed differences in their growth rate ( p =0.049). At 39.6 µg/m L of ZuFru, cell viability was decreased: SW480 (45.6%) and SW620 (45.1%). In SW480, cholesterol (44.6%) and triglycerides (46.5%) decreased; In SW620, cholesterol decreased 14.8% and triglycerides increased 7%, with significant differences for both lines. A ntiproliferative activity of ZuFru could be associated with the inhibition of intracellular biosynthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides in SW480. Action mechanisms need to be further investigated.

Las células cancerosas modifican el metabolismo lipídico para proliferar; el zumo de fruta (ZuFru) de Passiflora edulis ( P. edulis ) tiene activida d antitumoral, sin embargo, se desconoce si se involucran los lípidos celulares. E stablecer si ZuFru modifica colesterol y triglicéridos en células SW480 y SW620. C omposición del ZuFru, actividad antiproliferativa, colesterol y triglicéridos. Se encontraro n antocianinas, flavonoides, alcaloides y taninos. Las líneas celulares mostraron diferencias en su tasa de crecimiento ( p =0 . 049); ZuFru 39,6 µg/ml se disminuyó la viabilidad celular; SW480 (45,6%) y SW620 (45,1%); en SW480 colesterol (44,6%) y triglicérid os (46,5%) en SW620, colesterol (14,8%) y los triglicéridos aumentaron 7%, con diferencias significativas para ambas líneas. La actividad antiproliferativa del ZuFru podría estar asociada a la inhibición de la biosíntesis intracelular de colesterol y de tr iglicéridos en SW480, pero no en SW620. Estos mecanismos de acción deben ser fuertemente investigados.

Evaluation of the immunomodulatory effect of Bougainvillea xbuttiana (Var. Orange) on the cytokine production induced by Botrhops jararaca venom in macrophages / Evaluación del efecto inmunomodulador de Bougainvillea xbuttiana (var. naranja) sobre la producción de citoquinas de macrófagos inducida pelo veneno de Bothrops jararaca

To study the effect of 50% ethanol extract of Bougainvillea xbuttiana on the enzymatic activity, cell via bility and cytokine production provoked by the venom of Bothrops jararaca in macro - phages. Three assays were used to study the effects of B. xbuttiana extract on the damage pro - duced by B. jararaca : Enzymatic activity was detected by measuring the proteoly tic and phos - pholipase A2; macrophages cytotoxicity was determined by the MTT method; levels of cytokine were evaluated using ELISA and a biological assay. After treatment with 300 µg/mL B. xbuttiana extract for 30 min, the proteolytic and phospholipase A2 activities of the venom were reduced to 95 and 61%, respectively. In macrophages cultures treated with B. xbuttiana extract combined with venom, the production of TNF - α, IL - 6 and IFN - γ was reduced, whereas IL - 10 was potenti - ated. Our results support the potential effect of the B. xbuttiana extract as a complementary therapy against the toxicity caused by the venom of B . jararaca snakes

Estudiar el efecto del extracto etanólico al 50% de Bougainvillea xbuttiana sobre la actividad enzimática viabilidad celular y producci ón de citoquinas provocada por el veneno de Bothrops jararaca en macrófagos Se utilizaron tres ensayos para estudiar los efectos del extracto de B. xbuttiana sobre el daño producido por B. jararaca : Se detectó actividad enzimática mediante la medición del proteolítico y fosfolipasa A2; la citotoxicidad de los macrófagos se determinó por el método MTT; Los niveles de citoquinas se evaluaron utilizando ELISA y un ensayo biológico. Después del tratamiento con 300 µg/mL de extracto de B. xbuttiana durante 30 mi n, las actividades proteolíticas y de fosfolipasa A2 del veneno se redujeron a 95 y 61%, respectivamente. En cultivos de macrófagos tratados con extracto de B. xbuttiana combinado con veneno, la producción de TNF - α, IL - 6 e IFN - γ se redujeron, mientras que IL - 10 se potenció. Nuestros resultados apoyan el efecto potencial del extracto de B. xbuttiana como terapia complementaria frente a la toxicidad provocada por el veneno de B. jararaca .

Cytotoxic effects of bioceramic materials on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) / Efeitos citotóxicos de materiais biocerâmicos em células-tronco de dentes decíduos esfoliados humanos (SHED)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate stem cell from human deciduous teeth (SHED) viability after exposure to different bioceramic materials. Material and Methods: Discs were constructed to obtain the material extracts according to the following groups: G1 - Bio-C Repair, G2 - MTA Repair HP, G3 - TheraCal LC, and G4 ­ Biodentine. Positive and negative control group were respectively maintained with αMEM + 10% FBS and αMEM + 1% FBS. SHED obtained through primary culture were in contact with material extracts for 24, 48, and 72h. MTT assay evaluated cell viability. Groups were plated in triplicate and the cell viability assay were repeated three times. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p<0.05). Results: The treatment and period comparisons showed statistically significant differences (p<0.000). G2 (MTA Repair HP) had greater cell viability values than the other experimental groups and negative control. MTA Repair HP and the control groups exhibited a similar behavior with cell viability values decreasing from 24h to 48h and increasing from 48h to 72h. Bio-C Repair, Biodentine, and Theracal LC did not show statistically significant differences among periods. Conclusions: SHED increased viability values after contact with MTA Repair HP in comparison with other bioceramic materials.(AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade de células-tronco de dentes decíduos humanos (SHED) após o contato com diferentes materiais biocerâmicos. Material e Métodos: Foram confeccionados discos para obtenção dos extratos dos materiais de acordo com os seguintes grupos: G1 - Bio-C Repair, G2 - MTA Repair HP, G3 - TheraCal LC e G4 - Biodentine. Grupo de controle positivo e negativo foram mantidos respectivamente com αMEM + 10% FBS e αMEM + 1% FBS. SHED obtidas por cultura primária entraram em contato com os extratos de materiais por 24, 48 e 72h. O ensaio MTT avaliou a viabilidade celular. Os grupos foram semeados em triplicata e o ensaio de viabilidade celular foi repetido três vezes. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA a dois critérios seguido pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Resultados: As comparações de tratamentos e períodos mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p<0,000). O G2 (MTA Repair HP) apresentou maiores valores de viabilidade celular que os demais grupos experimentais e controle negativo. O MTA Repair HP e os grupos controle exibiram um comportamento semelhante com os valores de viabilidade celular diminuindo de 24h para 48h e aumentando de 48h para 72h. Bio-C Repair, Biodentine e Theracal LC não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os períodos. Conclusões: SHED aumentou os valores de viabilidade após o contato com o MTA Repair HP em comparação com outros materiais biocerâmicos (AU)

Protective Autophagy in 5-Fluorouracil-Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells and ERK-RSK-ABCG2 Linkage / Autofagia Protectora en Células de Cáncer Colorrectal Resistentes al 5-Fluorouracilo y Enlace ERK-RSK-ABCG2

SUMMARY: To evaluate the anti-cancer effects of yeast extract on resistant cells, autophagy and necroptosis were investigated in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant colorectal cancer cells. Further underlying characteristics on drug resistance were evaluated, focused on ERK-RSK-ABCG2 linkage. SNU-C5 and 5-FU resistant SNU-C5 (SNU-C5/5-FUR) colorectal cancer cells were adopted for cell viability assay and Western blotting to examine the anti-cancer effects of yeast extract. Yeast extract induced autophagy in SNU-C5 cells with increased Atg7, Atg12-5 complex, Atg16L1, and LC3 activation (LC3-II/LC3-I), but little effects in SNU-C5/5-FUR cells with increased Atg12-5 complex and Atg16L1. Both colorectal cancer cells did not show necroptosis after yeast extract treatment. Based on increased ABCG2 and RSK expression after yeast extract treatment, drug resistance mechanisms were further evaluated. As compared to wild type, SNU-C5/5-FUR cells showed more ABCG2 expression, less RSK expression, and less phosphorylation of ERK. ABCG2 inhibitor, Ko143, treatment induces following changes: 1) more sensitivity at 500 mM 5-FU, 2) augmented proliferation, and 3) less phosphorylation of ERK. These results suggest that protective autophagy in SNU-C5/5-FUR cells with increased ABCG2 expression might be candidate mechanisms for drug resistance. As the ERK responses were different from each stimulus, the feasible mechanisms among ERK-RSK-ABCG2 should be further investigated in 5-FU-resistant CRC cells.

Para evaluar los efectos anticancerígenos del extracto de levadura en células resistentes, se investigaron la autofagia y la necroptosis en células de cáncer colorrectal resistentes al 5-fluorouracilo (5-FU). Además se evaluaron otras características subyacentes de la resistencia a los medicamentos centrándose en el enlace ERK-RSK-ABCG2. Se usaron células de cáncer colorrectal SNU-C5 (SNU-C5/5-FUR) resistentes a SNU-C5 y 5- FU para el ensayo de viabilidad celular y la transferencia Western para examinar los efectos anticancerígenos del extracto de levadura. El extracto de levadura indujo autofagia en células SNU-C5 con mayor activación de Atg7, complejo Atg12-5, Atg16L1 y LC3 (LC3-II/LC3-I), pero pocos efectos en células SNU-C5/5-FUR con aumento de Atg12-5 complejo y Atg16L1. Ambas células de cáncer colorrectal no mostraron necroptosis después del tratamiento con extracto de levadura. Se evaluaron los mecanismos de resistencia a los medicamentos. en base al aumento de la expresión de ABCG2 y RSK después del tratamiento con extracto de levadura.En comparación con las de tipo salvaje, las células SNU-C5/5-FUR mostraron más expresión de ABCG2, menos expresión de RSK y menos fosforilación de ERK. El tratamiento con inhibidor de ABCG2, Ko143, induce los siguientes cambios: 1) más sensibilidad a 5-FU 500 mM, 2) proliferación aumentada y 3) menos fosforilación de ERK. Estos resultados sugieren que la autofagia protectora en células SNU-C5/5-FUR con mayor expresión de ABCG2 podría ser un mecanismo candidato para la resistencia a los medicamentos. Como las respuestas de ERK fueron diferentes de cada estímulo, los mecanismos factibles entre ERK-RSK- ABCG2 deberían investigarse más a fondo en células CCR resistentes a 5-FU.

Acidic Environment Induces Pyroptosis of NLRP3 Inflammatory Vesicle-Mediated Nucleus Pulposus Cells Through Up-Regulation of POSTN Expression

SUMMARY: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is induced by nucleus pulposus (NP) dysfunction as a result of massive loss of NP cells. It has been reported that the acidic microenvironment of the intervertebral disc (IVD) can induce NP cell pyroptosis, and that up-regulation of periostin (POSTN) expression has a negative effect on NP cell survival. However, the relationship between the acidic environment, POSTN expression level and NP cell pyroptosis is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between acidic environment and POSTN expression level in NP cells, as well as the effect of POSTN in acidic environment on NP cell pyroptosis. NP cells were obtained from the lumbar vertebrae of Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats. These cells were divided into normal and acidic groups according to whether they were exposed to 6 mM lactic acid solution. And NP cells in the acidic group were additionally divided into three groups: (1) Blank group: no transfection; (2) NC group: cells transfected with empty vector plasmid; (3) sh-POSTN group: cells transfected with sh-POSTN plasmid to knock down the expression level of POSTN. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot was performed to assess the expression of POSTN at the mRNAand protein levels. CCK8 was used to evaluate cell survival. Western blot, in addition, was performed to examine acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC)-related proteins. And pyroptosis was detected by ELISA and western blot. The expression level of POSTN was significantly increased in NP cells in acidic environment. Knockdown of POSTN expression promoted the survival of NP cells in acidic environment and reduced the protein levels of ASIC3 and ASIC1a in NP cells. Moreover, knockdown of POSTN expression decreased the pyroptosis proportion of NP cells and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. The levels of pyroptosis-related proteins NLRP3, ASC, cleaved-Caspase-1, and cleaved-GSDMD were also affected by the decreased POSTN expression. The extracellular acidic environment created by lactic acid solution activated NLRP3 inflammatory vesicle-induced caspase-1 to get involved in NP cell pyroptosis by up-regulating POSTN expression.

La degeneración del disco intervertebral (DDIV) es inducida por una disfunción del núcleo pulposo (NP) como resultado de una pérdida masiva de células NP. Se ha informado que el microambiente ácido del disco intervertebral (DIV) puede inducir la piroptosis de las células NP y que la regulación positiva de la expresión de periostina (POSTN) tiene un efecto negativo en la supervivencia de las células NP. Sin embargo, la relación entre el ambiente ácido, el nivel de expresión de POSTN y la piroptosis de las células NP es poco clara. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la relación entre el ambiente ácido y el nivel de expresión de POSTN en células NP, así como el efecto de POSTN en ambiente ácido sobre la piroptosis de las células NP. Las células NP se obtuvieron de las vertebras lumbares de ratas macho Sprague Dawley (SD). Estas células se dividieron en grupos normales y ácidos según se expusieron a una solución de ácido láctico 6 mM. Las células NP en el grupo ácido se dividieron adicionalmente en tres grupos: (1) Grupo en blanco: sin transfección; (2) grupo NC: células transfectadas con plásmido vector vacío; (3) grupo sh-POSTN: células transfectadas con plásmido sh-POSTN para reducir el nivel de expresión de POSTN. Se realizó una PCR cuantitativa en tiempo real (qRT-PCR) y una transferencia Western para evaluar la expresión de POSTN en los niveles de ARNm y proteína. Se utilizó CCK8 para evaluar la supervivencia celular. Además, se realizó una transferencia Western para examinar las proteínas relacionadas con los canales iónicos sensibles al ácido (ASIC). La piroptosis se detectó mediante ELISA y Western blot. El nivel de expresión de POSTN aumentó significativamente en células NP en ambiente ácido. La eliminación de la expresión de POSTN promovió la supervivencia de las células NP en un ambiente ácido y redujo los niveles de proteína de ASIC3 y ASIC1a en las células NP. Además, la eliminación de la expresión de POSTN disminuyó la proporción de piroptosis de las células NP y los niveles de citocinas proinflamatorias interleucina (IL) - 1β e IL-18. Los niveles de proteínas relacionadas con la piroptosis NLRP3, ASC, Caspasa-1 escindida y GSDMD escindida también se vieron afectados por la disminución de la expresión de POSTN. El ambiente ácido extracelular creado por la solución de ácido láctico activó la caspasa-1 inducida por vesículas inflamatorias NLRP3 para involucrarse en la piroptosis de las células NP mediante la regulación positiva de la expresión de POSTN.

Identification of antarctic soil bacteria exhibiting antiproliferative activity against a colon cancer cell line / Identificación de bacterias de suelo antártico que presentan actividad antiproliferativa sobre una línea celular de cáncer de colon

SUMMARY: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world and colorectal cancer is the only cancer that has shown a sustained increase in mortality in the last decade. In the search for new chemotherapeutic agents against cancer, extremophilic microorganisms have shown to be a potential source to obtain molecules of natural origin and with selective cytotoxic action towards cancer cells. In this work we analyzed the ability of a collection of Antarctic soil bacteria, isolated on Collins Glacier from the rhizosphere of Deschampsia antarctica Desv plant, to secrete molecules capable of inhibiting cell proliferation of a colorectal cancer tumor line. Our results demonstrated that culture supernatants from the Antarctic bacteria K2I17 and MI12 decreased the viability of LoVo cells, a colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of the Antarctic bacteria showed that they were taxonomically related and nucleotide identity analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence identified the bacterium K2I17 as a species belonging to the genus Bacillus.

El cáncer es la segunda causa de muerte en el mundo y el cáncer colorrectal es el único que presenta un aumento sostenido de la mortalidad en la última década. En la búsqueda de nuevos agentes quimioterapeúticos contra el cáncer, se ha propuesto a los microorganismos extremófilos como una fuente potencial para obtener moléculas de origen natural y con acción citotóxica selectiva hacia las células cancerígenas. En este trabajo analizamos la capacidad de una colección de bacterias de suelo antártico, aisladas en el glaciar Collins desde rizosfera de la planta de Deschampsia antarctica Desv, de secretar moléculas capaces de inhibir la proliferación celular de una línea tumoral de cáncer colorrectal. Nuestros resultados demostraron que los sobrenadantes de cultivo de las bacterias antárticas K2I17 y MI12 disminuyeron la viabilidad de la línea celular de adenocarcinoma colorrectal LoVo, en un ensayo de reducción metabólica de MTT. La caracterización fenotípica y genotípica de las bacterias antárticas, demostró que estaban relacionadas taxonómicamente y el análisis de la identidad nucleotídica en base a la secuencia del gen ARNr 16S identificó a la bacteria K2I17 como una especie perteneciente al género Bacillus.

Fibra de carbono ativada: avaliação das interações biológicas in vitro / Activated carbon fiber: evaluation of biological interactions in vitro

Devido a constante necessidade de desenvolver materiais biocompatíveis com propriedades osteocondutores e osteoindutoras, a presente tese conta com o desenvolvimento de dois estudos in vitro com fibra de carbono obtida a partir de fibra PAN têxtil, incorporada com diferentes íons de metais, na osteogênese com vistas à compreensão das necessidades da engenharia tecidual no desenvolvimento desse biomaterial com adequadas propriedades biológicas. As células foram obtidas dos fêmures de 09 ratos machos adultos (Wistar) pesando 300g, com 90 dias.Estudo 1: A partir da preparação da fibras foram obtidos corpos de prova de 4 mm de diâmetro e 2 mm de altura, dos seguintes grupos: fibra de carbono não ativada (FCNA), fibra carbono ativada (FCA) e fibra carbono ativada com prata (FCAAg). Após plaqueamento (n=5) em meio suplementado (MTS) e meio suplementado osteogênico (MTSO) foram analisados: viabilidade celular, conteúdo de proteína total (PT), atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP), interaçãocelular e formação de nódulos de mineralização. Foi avaliada a formação de biofilme nos corpos de prova, utilizando cepas de S. aureus, P. aeruginosa e E. coli. Na viabilidade celular, houve diferença estatística entre grupo controle celular (C) e FCA-MTS, FCAAg-MTS e FCAAg-MTSO. Em PT, não houvediferença, na ALP houve diferença entre C-MTS e as fibras, C-MTSO se mostrou semelhante. Em nódulos, houve diferença entre C-MTS e C-MTSO e as fibras do MTSO. Houve redução de formação de biofilme do S. aureus na FCAAg.Estudo 2: Foram obtidos corpos de prova da mesma dimensão do estudo 1 (n=5) dos seguintes grupos: fibra carbono ativada com prata (FCAAg), fibra carbono ativada com ouro (FCAAu), fibra carbono ativada com cobre (FCACu), fibra carbono ativada com paládio (FCAPd) e fibra carbono ativada com platina (FCAPt). Foram quantificadas a proliferação celular, viabilidade celular, formação de nódulos de mineralização, conteúdo de PT e ALP. Todas as amostras mostraram-se semelhantes quanto a proliferação celular, com exceção do grupo FCAAg comparado ao grupo controle (C). Sobre viabilidade celular, C obteve maior viabilidade que os outros grupos, e FCA obteve maior taxa que os grupos FCAAg, FCACu, FCAPt, sendo semelhante aos grupos FCAAu e FCAPd. Já os grupos FCAAu e FCAPd apresentaram diferença aos grupos FCAAg e FCACu. Na análise de expressão de PT apenas houve diferença entre FCA e FCAAu, sendo FCAAu com menor expressão de produção de PT. Na avaliação da ALP os grupos FCAAg e FACu mostraram diferença estatística e inferior com os grupos C, FCAAu, FCAPd e FCAPt, além disso, o grupo FCA mostrou menor taxa que C.Conclusões: As fibras utilizadas de base para a incorporação dos íons demonstraram grande potencial para uso como scaffold para reparação óssea, isso porque em ambos os estudos, na forma ativada e não ativada, as fibras apresentaram viabilidade celular e quantificação de cálcio satisfatórias. Sendo a versão não ativada mais econômica no que diz respeito ao tempo e custo de preparação. Mais estudos devem ser empregados a fim de assegurar sua segurança clínica em relação à citotoxicidade da incorporação de íons de ouro e paládio.(AU)

Due to the constant need to develop biocompatible materials with osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, this thesis involves the development of two in vitro studies with carbon fiber obtained from textile PAN fiber, incorporated with different metal ions, in osteogenesis with a view to understanding the needs of tissue engineering in the development of this biomaterial with adequate biological properties. The cells were obtained from the femurs of 9 adult male rats (Wistar) weighing 300g, aged 90 days. Study 1: From the fiber preparation, specimens measuring 4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height were obtained from the following groups: non-activated carbon fiber (FCNA), activated carbon fiber (FCA) and silver-activated carbon fiber (FCAAg). After plating (n=5) in supplemented medium (MTS) and supplemented osteogenic medium (MTSO), cell viability, total protein content (PT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, cell interaction and formation of mineralization nodules were analyzed. . Biofilm formation was evaluated in the specimens, using strains of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. In cell viability, there was a statistical difference between the cell control group (C) and FCAMTS, FCAAg-MTS and FCAAg-MTSO. In PT, there was no difference, in ALP there was a difference between C-MTS and fibers, C-MTSO was similar. In nodules, there was a difference between C-MTS and C-MTSO and MTSO fibers. There was a reduction in S. aureus biofilm formation on FCAAg. Study 2: Specimens of the same size as in study 1 (n=5) were obtained from the following groups: carbon fiber activated with silver (FCAAg), carbon fiber activated with gold (FCAAu), carbon fiber activated with copper (FCACu), palladium-activated carbon fiber (FCAPd) and platinum-activated carbon fiber (FCAPt). Cell proliferation, cell viability, formation of mineralization nodules, PT and ALP content were quantified. All samples were similar in terms of cell proliferation, with the exception of the FCAAg group compared to the control group (C). Regarding cell viability, C obtained higher viability than the other groups, and FCA obtained a higher rate than the FCAAg, FCACu, FCAPt groups, being similar to the FCAAu and FCAPd groups. The FCAAu and FCAPd groups showed differences to the FCAAg and FCACu groups. In the analysis of PT expression, there was only a difference between FCA and FCAAu, with FCAAu having lower expression of PT production. In the ALP assessment, the FCAAg and FACu groups showed a lower statistical difference compared to the C, FCAAu, FCAPd and FCAPt groups, in addition, the FCA group showed a lower rate than C. Conclusions: The fibers used as the basis for the incorporation of ions demonstrated great potential for use as a scaffold for bone repair, because in both studies, in activated and non-activated form, the fibers showed satisfactory cell viability and calcium quantification. The non-activated version is moreeconomical in terms of preparation time and cost. More studies must be carried out to ensure its clinical safety in relation to the cytotoxicity of the incorporation of gold and palladium ions. (AU)

Cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extracts of Lippia graveolens HBK leaves and stem against lung cancer cell line SK-LU-1 / Actividad citotóxica de extractos etanólicos de hoja y tallos de Lippia graveolens HBK contra la línea celular de cáncer de pulmón SK-LU-1

Lippia graveolens HBK (Verbenaceae) is an aromatic herb of economic importance in Mexico, known as oregano. The leaves are used as condiments, and people use this species for respiratory and digestive disorders. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of ethanolic extracts obtained from free-oil leaves (L9) and stem (S15), against lung cancer cell line SK-LU-1, through tetrazolium salt (MTT) assay. Extracts concentrations of 0.3 to 300 µg/mL were used and HFF-1 as normal control cells. Both L9 and S15 extracts, showed cytotoxic effect, although stem was stronger than leaves and without damage to normal cell control. The phenolic compounds caffeic acid and acacetin werein higher concentration in L9, whereas naringenin, taxifolin, eriodictyol, luteolin, and apigenin had higher concentrations in S15. The ethanolic extracts of L. graveolens have excellent cytotoxic activity, and have a wide possibility of use in lung cancer treatment.

Lippia graveolens HBK. (Verbenaceae) es una hierba aromática de importancia económica en México, conocida como orégano. Las hojas se usan como condimento y en medicina tradicional se utiliza para aliviar malestares respiratorios y digestivos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto citotóxico de extractos etanólicos obtenidos de hojas sin aceite (L9) y tallo (S15), sobre la línea celular de cáncer de pulmón SK-LU-1, mediante el ensayo de la sal de tetrazolium (MTT). Los extractos se aplicaron a concentraciones de 0,3 a 300 µg/mL y se utilizaron células HFF-1 como control normal. Tanto los extractos L9 como S15 mostraron efecto citotóxico, aunque el efecto del tallo fue mayor al de las hojas y sin daño al control celular normal. Los compuestos fenólicos ácido cafeico y acacetina se encontraron en mayor concentración en L9, mientras que naringenina, taxifolina, eriodictyol, luteolina y apigenina tuvieron mayor concentración en S15. Los extractos etanólicos de L. graveolens tienen una excelente actividad citotóxica, con amplia posibilidad de utilizar en el tratamiento de cáncer de pulmón.

The luminescent Chalcones. Its potential use as a luminescent and antitumoral agents / Chalconas luminiscentes. Su uso potencial como agentes luminiscentes y antitumorales

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most diagnosed cancers worldwide. Chemoprevention of HCC can be achieved using natural or synthetic compounds that reverse, suppress, detect, or prevent cancer progression. Objectives: In this study, both the antiproliferative effects and luminescent properties of 2'-hydroxychalcones were evaluated. Methods: Cell viability was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay, spectroscopy assays, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to determine the luminescent properties of 2 ́-hydroxychalcones. Results: Cytotoxic effects of 2 ́-hydroxychalcones were observed over the HepG2 and EA.hy926 cells. Since the chalcone moiety could be used as a fluorescent probe, these compounds may be helpful in cancer diagnosis and tumor localization. They may enable tumor observation and regression through the fluorescence during treatment; therefore, the compounds are a potential candidate as novel anticancer agents acting on human hepatomas. Conclusions: This report describes the chalcones' use as a specific luminescent biomarker in tumor cells. We also report the cellular uptake of 2'-hydroxychalcones, their cellular distribution, and the mechanisms that may be responsible for their cytotoxic effects

ANTECEDENTES: El carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) es uno de los cánceres más diagnosticados en todo el mundo. La quimio prevención del CHC se puede lograr utilizando compuestos naturales o sintéticos que reviertan, supriman, detecten o prevengan la progresión del cáncer. OBJETIVOS: En este estudio, se investigó tanto los efectos antiproliferativos como las propiedades luminiscentes de las 2'-hidroxicalconas. MÉTODOS: La viabilidad celular se evaluó usando el ensayo colorimétrico (MTT), los ensayos de espectroscopia y los cálculos DFT se usaron para determinar las propiedades luminiscentes de las 2 ́-hidroxichalconas. RESULTADOS: Se observaron efectos citotóxicos sobre las líneas celulares del tipo HepG2 y EA.hy926. Dado que la estructura de la 2 ́-hidroxichalcona puede ser usada como sonda fluorescente, estos compuestos pueden ser útiles en el diagnóstico del cáncer y la localización del tumor, ya que pueden permitir la observación a través de la fluorescencia y la regresión del tumor durante el tratamiento, por lo que son candidatas potenciales como nuevos agentes anticancerígenos que podrían actuar sobre hepatomas humanos. CONCLUSIONES: Este trabajo describe el uso de las 2 ́-hidroxichalconas como un biomarcador luminiscente específico para células tumorales. También informamos la captación celular de 2>-hidroxicalconas, su distribución celular y los mecanismos que pueden ser responsables de sus efectos citotóxicos

Effects of nitric oxide on C2C12 cell inflammatory responses and notexin-induced muscle injury / Efectos del óxido nítrico en las respuestas inflamatorias de las células C2C12 y la lesión muscular inducida por notexina

SUMMARY: Skeletal muscle injury is an acute inflammatory condition caused by an inflammatory response. To reduce inflammatory cell infiltration and relieve skeletal muscle injury, efficient treatment is urgently needed. Nitric oxide is a free radical molecule reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we showed that NO could inhibit the inflammatory response of C2C12 cells in vitro and protect rat skeletal muscle injury from notexin in vivo. NO synthase inhibitor (L-NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Este?L-NAME) and NO donor (sodium nitroprusside dehydrate ?SNP) were used to explore the vital role of lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) in LPS-stimulated C2C12 myoblasts.The expression of IL-18 and IL-1b was upregulated by L-NAME and downregulated by SNP, as indicated by the ELISA results. NO can reduce ASC, Caspase-1, and NLRP3 mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, NO was detected in the rat model. The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that the production of DMD decreased. We conducted qRT-PCR and western blotting to detect the expression of Jo-1, Mi-2, TLR2, and TLR4 on day 6 post injury following treatment with L-NAME and SNP. The expression of Jo-1, Mi-2, TLR2, and TLR4 was upregulated by L-NAME and significantly reversed by SNP. NO can alleviate C2C12 cell inflammatory responses and protect rat skeletal muscle injury from notexin.

RESUMEN: La lesión del músculo esquelético es una afección inflamatoria aguda causada por una respuesta inflamatoria. Para reducir la infiltración de células inflamatorias y aliviar la lesión del músculo esquelético es necesario un tratamiento eficaz. El óxido nítrico es una molécula de radicales libres que tiene efectos antiinflamatorios. En este estudio, demostramos que el ON podría inhibir la respuesta inflamatoria de las células C2C12 in vitro y proteger la lesión del músculo esquelético de rata de la notexina in vivo. El inhibidor de ON sintasa (L-NG-nitroarginina metil este, L-NAME) y el donante de ON (nitroprusiato de sodio deshidratado, SNP) se utilizaron para explorar el papel vital de los lipopolisacáridos (LPS) en los mioblastos C2C12 estimulados por LPS. La expresión de IL- 18 e IL-1b fue regulada positivamente por L-NAME y regulada negativamente por SNP, como indican los resultados de ELISA. El ON puede reducir los niveles de proteína y ARNm de ASC, Caspasa-1 y NLRP3. Además, se detectó ON en el modelo de rata. Los resultados de la tinción inmunohistoquímica mostraron que disminuyó la producción de DMD. Realizamos qRT-PCR y transferencia Western para detectar la expresión de Jo-1, Mi-2, TLR2 y TLR4 el día 6 después de la lesión después del tratamiento con L-NAME y SNP. La expresión de Jo-1, Mi-2, TLR2 y TLR4 fue regulada positivamente por L- NAME y significativamente revertida por SNP. El ON puede aliviar las respuestas inflamatorias de las células C2C12 en ratas, y proteger la lesión del músculo esquelético de la notexina.

Mitochondrial energy metabolism in baby hamster kidney (BHK-21/C13) cells treated with karnozin extra® / Metabolismo energético mitocondrial en células de riñón de hámster bebé (BHK-21 / C13) tratadas con karnozin extra®

SUMMARY: Carnosine is known as a natural dipeptide, which inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells throughout its action on mitochondrial respiration and cell glycolysis. However, not much is known about its effects on the metabolism of healthy cells. We explored the effects of Karnozin EXTRA® capsule with different concentrations of L-carnosine, on the cell viability and the expressions of intermediate filament vimentin (VIM) and superoxide dismutase (SOD2) in normal fibroblasts BHK-21/C13. Furthermore, we investigated its action on the energy production of these cells. Cell viability was quantified by the MTT assay. The Clark oxygen electrode (Oxygraph, Hansatech Instruments, England) was used to measure the "intact cell respiration rate", state 3 of ADP-stimulated oxidation, maximum oxidation capacity and the activities of complexes I, II and IV. Results showed that Karnozin EXTRA® capsule in concentrations of 2 and 5 mM of L-carnosine did not induce toxic effects and morphological changes in treated cells. Our data revealed a dose-dependent immunofluorescent signal amplification of VIM and SOD2 in the BHK-21/C13 cell line. This supplement substantially increased the recorded mitochondrial respiration rates in the examined cell line. Due to the stimulation of mitochondrial energy production in normal fibroblasts, our results suggested that Karnozin EXTRA® is a potentially protective dietary supplement in the prevention of diseases with altered mitochondrial function.

RESUMEN: La carnosina se conoce como dipéptido natural, que inhibe la proliferación de células tumorales a través de su acción sobre la respiración mitocondrial y la glucólisis celular. Sin embargo, no se sabe mucho de sus efectos sobre el metabolismo de las células sanas. Exploramos los efectos de la cápsula Karnozin EXTRA® con diferentes concentraciones de L-carnosina, sobre la viabilidad celular y las expresiones de vimentina de filamento intermedio (VIM) y superóxido dismutasa (SOD2) en fibroblastos normales BHK-21 / C13. Además, estudiamos su acción sobre la producción de energía de estas células. La viabilidad celular se cuantificó mediante el ensayo MTT. Se utilizó el electrodo de oxígeno Clark (Oxygraph, Hansatech Instruments, Inglaterra) para medir la "tasa de respiración de células intactas", el estado 3 de oxidación estimulada por ADP, la capacidad máxima de oxidación y las actividades de los complejos I, II y IV. Los resultados mostraron que la cápsula de Karnozin EXTRA® en concentraciones de 2 y 5 mM de L- carnosina no indujo efectos tóxicos ni cambios morfológicos en las células tratadas. Nuestros datos revelaron una amplificación de señal inmunofluorescente dependiente de la dosis de VIM y SOD2 en la línea celular BHK-21 / C13. Este suplemento aumentó sustancialmente las tasas de respiración mitocondrial registradas en la línea celular examinada. Debido a la estimulación de la producción de energía mitocondrial en fibroblastos normales, nuestros resultados sugirieron que Karnozin EXTRA® es un suplemento dietético potencialmente protector en la prevención de enfermedades con función mitocondrial alterada.

Cytotoxicity Comparison of a Calcium Silicate-Based Resin Cement versus Conventional Self-Adhesive Resin Cement and a Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer: Cell Viability Analysis

Abstract Objective: To compare the cytotoxicity level of a new calcium silicate-based resin cement (TheraCem) with two commonly used cements, including a conventional self-adhesive resin cement (Panavia SA) and a resinmodified glass ionomer cement (FujiCem2), on the human gingival fibroblast cells after 24 and 48 hours. Material and Methods: Twelve discs of each cement type were fabricated. The extract of cement disks was made by incubating them in the cell medium. Human gingival fibroblast cells were cultured and exposed to cement extracts for 24 h and 48 h. MTT assay was performed on extracts and optical density and cell viability rates were calculated by the spectrophotometer device at 570 nm. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. Results: The cell viability rates after 24 hours and 48 hours were as follows: TheraCem: 89.24% and 85.46%, Panavia SA: 49.51% and 46.57% and FujiCem2: 50.63% and 47.36%. TheraCem represented the highest cell viability rate. However, no significant difference was noted between Panavia SA and FujiCem2. Time had no significant effect on cell viability. Conclusion: TheraCem exhibited the best results among three tested cements and was considered non-toxic. Panavia SA and FujiCem2 were not significantly different regarding the cell viability rate. Time had no significant effect on the cytotoxicity level of cements (AU).

Citotoxicidad in vitro del polipéptido antimicrobiano nisina sobre células tumorales sanguíneas / In vitro cytotoxicity of the antimicrobial polypeptide nisin on blood tumor cells

RESUMEN: Las bacteriocinas son péptidos antimicrobianos de síntesis ribosomal secretadas por bacterias. Dentro de estas destaca nisina que posee potenciales usos en terapias antibióticas, como biopreservante de alimentos y probióticos. También se ha descrito que nisina posee citotoxicidad sobre líneas celulares neoplásicas, pero existe poca información de su efecto sobre células tumorales sanguíneas. Debido al potencial uso que presenta nisina, es relevante determinar la toxicidad que presenta sobre líneas celulares tumorales del tipo sanguíneo. Para esto, se realizaron ensayos de actividad hemolítica sobre eritrocitos humanos y de toxicidad sobre células mononucleares de sangre periférica humanas, determinándose que nisina no posee efecto citotóxico sobre este tipo de células normales humanas sanguíneas. Se realizaron también, ensayos de citotoxicidad con líneas celulares tumorales (K562 y U937), con el fin de determinar dosis, tiempo de exposición y selectividad en el efecto tóxico de nisina sobre las células tumorales humanas. Estos ensayos muestran que nisina presenta actividad citotóxica sobre líneas celulares K562 y U937 a las 72 h de exposición, a una concentración de 40 µg/mL, que corresponde a 100 veces la concentración mínima inhibitoria (MIC) usada para su acción sobre bacterias. Al comparar el efecto de nisina sobre células mononucleares de sangre periférica humanas con las líneas tumorales linfoides y mieloides (K562 y U937 respectivamente), se observa un efecto selectivo de nisina sobre las células tumorales sanguíneas.

SUMMARY: Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides of ribosomal synthesis secreted by bacteria. Among these, nisin stands out, which has potential uses in antibiotic therapies, as a food bio preservative and probiotics. Nisin has also been reported to have cytotoxicity on neoplastic cell lines, but there is little information on its effect on blood tumor cells. Due to the potential use that nisin presents, it is relevant to determine the toxicity it presents on tumor cell lines of the blood type. For this, hemolytic activity tests were carried out on human erythrocytes and toxicity on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, determining that nisin does not have a toxic effect on this type of normal human blood cells. Cytotoxicity tests were also carried out with tumor cell lines (K562 and U937), to determine dose, exposure time and selectivity in the toxic effect of nisin on human tumor cells. These tests show that nisin shows cytotoxic activity on K562 and U937 cell lines at 72 h of exposure, at a concentration of 40 µg / mL, which corresponds to 100 times the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) used for its action on bacteria. When comparing the effect of nisin on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with lymphoid and myeloid tumor lines (K562 and U937 respectively), a selective effect of nisin on blood tumor cells is observed.

Application of CRISPR-Cas9 to interrogate novel gene functions in cutaneous melanoma

Melanoma accounts for 3% of skin neoplasms and is the leading cause of death from skin disorders worldwide. The high mortality rate associated with this disease stems from the high capacity of melanoma patients to develop metastases and treatment relapse with inhibitors of the MAPK signaling pathway (such as BRAF inhibitors), commonly used in melanoma therapy. Thus, the investigation of genes involved in the mechanisms of melanoma development is essential for new and more effective therapeutic strategies. Hence, we describe in this thesis two projects involving the genes SIN3B and IRF4 as possible biomarkers for cutaneous melanoma. Initially, through bioinformatics analyses performed by our group, an upregulation of SIN3B was found in metastatic melanomas. This result together with the understanding of SIN3B role in regulating gene expression and oncogenic transformation, prompted us to describe in this thesis some mechanisms by which SIN3B may influence melanoma development. We then sought to characterize the gene function using SIN3B-deleted cells, generated by the CRISPR-Cas9 methodology. Initially, we observed increased SIN3B expression in BRAF-mutant metastatic melanomas, where we noted that the long splicing variant of the gene (NM_001297595.1) was effectively prevalent in melanomas. Subsequently, we designed gRNAs between the exons 2 and 3 of the human SIN3B gene and engineered three knockout clones and three control clones (containing empty lentiCRISPRv2 plasmid) from different melanoma cell lines (SKMEL28, A2058, and A375). Through functional analyses, it was observed that the absence of the gene did not interfere in the proliferation of tumor cells; however, it led to a decrease in invasive properties. These results were verified by Boyden chamber assays and transcriptome analysis (total RNA sequencing of deleted cells), where a decrease in migration and motility pathways was observed. Additionally, a screening of synthetically lethal genes with SIN3B was performed with a genome wide CRISPR library. These results showed that USP7 and STK11 genes, which belong to the FoxO signaling pathway, were essential in SIN3B-depleted melanoma cells. Finally, through a collaborative project with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, previous large-scale sequencing analyses demonstrated that deletion of the IRF4 gene was lethal for melanoma cells. Accordingly, we performed IRF4 silencing in vitro and noticed that the lack of IRF4 promotes cell death and apoptosis, independently of MYC and MITF, known in the literature to be downstream targets of this gene. Therefore, these data suggest that IRF4 plays a vital role in melanoma cell survival. Taken together, both works herein described in this thesis demonstrate how CRISPR-Cas9 can be applied to study the functions and mechanisms of genes involved in melanoma progression, collectively helping in the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for this tumor

O melanoma representa 3% dos tipos de neoplasias cutâneas e é a maior causa das mortes por distúrbios de pele no mundo. A alta taxa de mortalidade associada à essa doença advém da alta capacidade de pacientes com melanoma desenvolverem metástases, e apresentarem recidiva após tratamento com inibidores da via de sinalização MAPK (como da proteína BRAF), comumente utilizados no tratamento de pacientes metastáticos. Assim, a investigação de genes envolvidos nos mecanismos de desenvolvimento do melanoma é primordial para novas estratégias terapêuticas mais efetivas. Dessa forma, descrevemos no presente trabalho dois projetos envolvendo os genes SIN3B e IRF4 como possíveis biomarcadores para melanoma cutâneo. Em análises prévias de bioinformática realizados pelo nosso grupo, SIN3B foi identificado tendo maior expressão em melanomas metastáticos. Além disso, diversos estudos mostraram que o gene está envolvido na regulação da expressão gênica e transformação oncogênica. Dessa forma, descrevemos nessa tese alguns mecanismos pelos quais SIN3B pode influenciar no desenvolvimento do melanoma, através da caracterização funcional de células SIN3B-deletadas pela metodologia CRISPR-Cas9. Inicialmente, observamos aumento na expressão de SIN3B em melanomas metastáticos BRAF-mutados, onde notamos que a variante de splicing longa do gene (NM_001297595.1), era efetivamente prevalente em melanomas. Assim, desenhamos sequências de RNA guias entre os éxons 2 e 3 do gene SIN3B humano e, obtivemos três clones knockout e outros três clones controle (contendo plasmídeo vazio) em diferentes linhagens de melanoma (SKMEL28, A2058 e A375), para caracterização funcional. Observou-se que a ausência do gene não interferiu na proliferação das células tumorais, contudo, acarretou na diminuição de processos invasivos. Esses resultados foram averiguados através de ensaios em câmara de Boyden e análises de transcriptoma (sequenciamento de RNA total das células deletadas), onde notou-se diminuição das vias de migração e motilidade. Adicionalmente, um rastreamento de genes sinteticamente letais com SIN3B foi realizado com uma biblioteca de CRISPR capaz de silenciar todo o genoma. Esses resultados mostraram que os genes USP7 e STK11, ambos pertencentes à via de sinalização de FoxO, são essenciais nas células SIN3B deletadas. Por fim, através de um projeto colaborativo com o Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, análises prévias de sequenciamento de larga escala demonstraram que a deleção do gene IRF4 era letal para células de melanoma. Dessa forma, realizamos o silenciamento de IRF4 in vitro e notamos que a ausência do gene promove morte celular e apoptose, independentemente de MYC e MITF, conhecidos na literatura por serem alvos downstream do gene. Portanto, esses dados sugerem que IRF4 tem um papel importante na sobrevivência de células de melanoma. Em conjunto, ambos trabalhos descritos nessa tese, demonstram como a metodologia CRISPR-Cas9 pode auxiliar no entendimento de processos importantes para a malignidade do melanoma e contribuir para estratégias terapêuticas mais efetivas para esse tumor

Ação antimicrobiana e antibiofilme de flavonóis isolados ou incorporados em hidrogéis termossensíveis e sua influência sobre marcadores de mineralização em células odontoblastóides para aplicação em endodontia / Antimicrobial/antibiofilm action of flavonols alone or incorporated in thermosensitive hydrogels and their influence on mineralization markers in odontoblast-like cells for endodontic applications

Ainda não foi encontrado um medicamento capaz de desinfetar os canais radiculares e permitir a recuperação celular e a regeneração tecidual em dentes permanentes jovens com comprometimento endodôntico. Dois importantes flavonóis detectados no vinho tinto, morina (MO) e miricetina (MY), são atualmente estudados por suas amplas propriedades biológicas, incluindo atividade antimicrobiana. No entanto, o desenvolvimento de sistemas de liberação controlada pode ser útil para a liberação desses flavonóis para fins de terapia endodôntica. Este estudo avaliou a citocompatibilidade e os efeitos antimicrobianos/antibiofilme de MO e MY, isolados ou incorporados em hidrogéis termorreversíveis de quitosana-poloxamer-ß-glicerofosfato de sódio (CPG), além dos efeitos de MO e MY, isolados e combinados sobre a viabilidade, atividade de ALP e produção de nódulos de mineralização em células MDPC-23. A atividade antimicrobiana dos compostos foi avaliada em Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces israelii e Fusobacterium nucleatum em condições planctônicas, em biofilmes dual-espécies e multiespécies e analisadas por contagem bacteriana e microscopia de varredura. Os hidrogéis CPG foram caracterizados por reometria de fluxo e oscilatória, temperatura de gelificação, perfil de textura e análise de bioadesão em espécimes de dentina. MO, MY e controles (hidróxido de cálcio ­ CH e clorexidina ­ CHX) foram incorporados em hidrogéis de CPG e o efeito do antibiofilme sobre biofilmes multiespécies formados em amostras de dentina radicular foi avaliado por microscopia confocal. O efeito de toxicidade dos compostos isolados ou incorporados em hidrogéis de CGP foi determinado em cultura de fibroblastos por ensaios de resazurina. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelos testes ANOVA e Tukey considerando p < 0,05. A combinação de MO e MY foi sinérgica ou aditiva contra bactérias endodônticas testadas a partir de concentrações de 0,03 mg/mL MO + 0,06 mg/mL MY e não foram tóxicas para fibroblastos até 0,125mg/mL. MO + MY apresentou melhor efeito sobre biofilmes dual-espécies e multiespécies considerando suas menores concentrações quando comparados com os flavonóis isolados. Os hidrogéis CPG foram caracterizados como termorreversíveis e com propriedades mecânicas e bioadesivas adequadas. Hidrogéis de CPG carregados com MO+MY, CH e CHX apresentaram efeitos inibitórios semelhantes quando aplicados em biofilmes multiespécies formados no interior dos túbulos dentinários radiculares por 48h e seus extratos apresentaram citotoxicidade acima de 50% de diluição. As células semelhantes a odontoblastos (MDPC-23) foram expostas a diferentes concentrações de MO, MY, isoladamente ou em combinação e CH como controle positivo por 24h e 48h, e troca contínua de meio osteogênico por 8 dias e 14 dias. As combinações de MO+MY ou CH também foram incorporadas em hidrogéis de quitosana-poloxamer-ß-glicerofosfato e seus extratos em meio de cultura celular foram coletados após 48h e 7 dias. Viabilidade celular, atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP) e ensaios de deposição de nódulos mineralizados (MN) foram realizados pelo método de resazurina, ensaios de monofosfato de timolftaleína e coloração com vermelho de alizarina, respectivamente. Todos os compostos não causaram citotoxicidade nas concentrações testadas em 24h e 8 dias e 0,5 mg/mL MO e MY isolados reduziram a viabilidade celular em 48h. A atividade de ALP e a deposição de MN foram aumentadas para a combinação MO+MY e CH em células MDPC-23. Extratos de hidrogel de 7 dias contendo ou não MO+MY não foram citotóxicos até diluição de 25% em 48h e em baixas concentrações estimularam a atividade de ALP e deposição de MN aos 8 e 14 dias de avaliação. Em conclusão, a combinação de morina e miricetina incorporada ou não em hidrogéis de CPG apresentou efeito antibiofilme sobre patógenos orais e baixa toxicidade sobre fibroblastos. Morina e miricetina em baixas concentrações, isoladas, em combinação ou em hidrogéis CPG não foram citotóxicas e foram eficazes na indução de marcadores de mineralização em células semelhantes a odontoblastos(AU)

A drug capable of disinfecting the root canals and allow cell recovery and tissue regeneration in permanent young teeth with endodontic problems has not been found yet. Two important flavonols detected in red wine, morin (MO) and myricetin (MY), are currently studied for their wide biological properties including antimicrobial activity. However, the development of controlled release systems could be useful for the delivery of these flavonols for endodontic therapies. This study evaluated the cytocompatibility and antimicrobial/antibiofilm effects of MO and MY, alone or incorporated in thermoreversible chitosanpoloxamer hydrogels containing sodium ß-glycerophosphate (CPG), in addition to the effects of isolated and combined morin and myricetin flavonols on viability, ALP activity and production of mineralization nodules in MDPC-23 cells. Antimicrobial activity of the compounds was evaluated on Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces israelii, and Fusobacterium nucleatum under planktonic conditions, on dual-species and multispecies biofilms and analyzed by bacterial counts and scanning microscopy. CPG hydrogels were characterized by flow and oscillatory rheometry, gelation temperature, texture profile and bioadhesion analysis in dentin specimens. MO, MY and controls (calcium hydroxide ­ CH and chlorhexidine ­ CHX) were incorporated in CPG hydrogels and antibiofilm effect on multispecies biofilms formed in radicular dentin samples were evaluated by confocal microscopy. Cytotoxicity of the compounds alone or incorporated in CGP hydrogels was determined on fibroblasts culture by resazurin assays. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey considering p < 0.05. The combination of MO and MY had synergistic or additive against oral bacteria tested starting at concentrations of 0.03 mg/mL MO + 0.06 mg/mL MY and they were not toxic to fibroblasts up to 0.125mg/mL. MO + MY had better effect on dual-species and multispecies biofilms considering their lower concentrations when compared with the flavonols alone. CPG hydrogels were characterized as thermoreversible and with adequate mechanical and bioadhesive properties. CPG hydrogels loaded with MO+MY, CH and CHX have similar inhibitory effects when applied on multispecies biofilms formed inside root dentin tubules for 48h and their extracts were cytotoxicity above 50% dilution. Furthermore, the effects of morin, myricetin, alone or in combination or incorporated in chitosan-based hydrogels on cytotoxicity and expression of mineralization markers in odontoblast-like cells. The MDPC-23 cells were exposed to different concentrations of morin (MO), myricetin (MY), alone or in combination and calcium hydroxide (CH) as a positive control for 24h and 48h, and continuous osteogenic medium changing for 8 days and 14 days. The combinations of MO+MY or CH were also incorporated in chitosan-poloxamer-ß- glycerophosphate hydrogels and their extracts in cell culture media were collected after 48h and 7 days. Cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and assays mineralized nodules (MN) deposition were performed using resazurin method, thymolphthalein monophosphate assays and alizarin red staining, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed considering p< 0.05. All compounds were non-toxic at the concentrations tested at 24h and 8 days and 0.5 mg/mL MO and MY alone reduced cell viability at 48h. ALP activity and deposition of MN were increased for MO+MY combination and CH in MDPC-23 cells. 7 days hydrogel extracts containing or not MO+MY were not cytotoxic up to 25% dilution at 48h and at low concentrations stimulated ALP activity and MN deposition at 8 and 14 days of evaluation. In conclusion, the combination of morin and myricetin incorporated or not in CPG hydrogels presented antibiofilm effect on oral pathogens and low cytotoxicity on fibroblasts. Morin myricetin at low concentrations, alone, in combination or in CPG hydrogels were not cytotoxic and were effective in inducing mineralization markers in odontoblast-like cells(AU)

Sideritis perfoliata inhibits cell proliferation, induces apoptosis and exhibits cellular antioxidant activity in cervical cancer cells / Sideritis perfoliata inhibe la proliferación celular, induce apoptosis y exhibe actividad antioxidante celular en células de cáncer de cuello uterino

In this study, it was aimed to determine the antioxidant and anticancer activities of Sideritis perfoliata methanolic extract (SPE) on cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Different doses (25, 50,100 and 200 µg/mL) of SPE were used to determine proliferation of HeLa cells by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) staining method. Induction of apoptosis was determined by Annexine-V and propidium iodide staining method. Interleukin (IL) 6-8 levels were measured by ELISA method. Antioxidant activities of SPE were determined by DPPH, DNA (plasmid pBR322) protecting and cellular antioxidant activity tests. Some phytochemicals of SPE were also screened by LC-MS-MS. It was determined that SPE reduced the proliferation of HeLa cells and also induced apoptosis. IL6-8 levels importantly decreased at 200 µg/mL. SPE exhibited moderately antioxidant activities in tests used. Among the phenolics identified, vanillic acid had the highest amount. As a result, it was determined to have the anticancer activity of SPE by decreasing cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and decreasing IL6-8 in HeLa cells.

En este estudio, se tuvo como objetivo determinar las actividades antioxidantes y anticancerígenas del extracto metanólico de Sideritis perfoliata (SPE) en las células de cáncer de cuello uterino (HeLa). Se utilizaron diferentes dosis (25, 50, 100 y 200 µg/mL) de SPE para determinar la proliferación de células HeLa mediante el método de tinción con bromuro de 3-[4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il] -2,5-difenil-tetrazolio (MTT). La inducción de apoptosis se determinó mediante el método de tinción con anexina-V y yoduro de propidio. Los niveles de interleucina (IL) 6-8 se midieron mediante el método ELISA. Las actividades antioxidantes de SPE se determinaron mediante pruebas de DPPH, protección de ADN (plásmido pBR322) y actividad antioxidante celular. Algunos fitoquímicos de SPE también se analizaron mediante LC-MS-MS. Se determinó que SPE redujo la proliferación de células HeLa y también indujo apoptosis. Los niveles de IL6-8 disminuyeron de manera importante a 200 µg/mL. SPE mostró actividades moderadamente antioxidantes en las pruebas utilizadas. Entre los fenólicos identificados, el ácido vainílico tuvo la mayor cantidad. Como resultado, se determinó que tenía la actividad anticancerígena de SPE al disminuir la proliferación celular, inducir apoptosis y disminuir la IL6-8 en las células HeLa.