Calycosin Enhances Heat Shock Related-Proteins in H9c2 Cells to Modulate Survival and Apoptosis against Heat Shock.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs), which function as chaperones, are activated in response to various environmental stressors. In addition to their role in diverse aspects of protein production, HSPs protect against harmful protein-related stressors. Calycosin exhibits numerous beneficial properties. This study aims to explore the protective effects of calycosin in the heart under heat shock and determine its underlying mechanism. H9c2 cells, western blot, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining were used. The time-dependent effects of heat shock analyzed using western blot revealed increased HSP expression for up to 2[Formula: see text]h, followed by protein degradation after 4[Formula: see text]h. Hence, a heat shock damage duration of 4[Formula: see text]h was chosen for subsequent investigations. Calycosin administered post-heat shock demonstrated dose-dependent recovery of cell viability. Under heat shock conditions, calycosin prevented the apoptosis of H9c2 cells by upregulating HSPs, suppressing p-JNK, enhancing Bcl-2 activation, and inhibiting cleaved caspase 3. Calycosin also inhibited Fas/FasL expression and activated cell survival markers (p-PI3K, p-ERK, p-Akt), indicating their cytoprotective properties through PI3K/Akt activation and JNK inhibition. TUNEL staining and flow cytometry confirmed that calycosin reduced apoptosis. Moreover, calycosin reversed the inhibitory effects of quercetin on HSF1 and Hsp70 expression, illustrating its role in enhancing Hsp70 expression through HSF1 activation during heat shock. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated HSF1 translocation to the nucleus following calycosin treatment, emphasizing its cytoprotective effects. In conclusion, calycosin exhibits pronounced protective effects against heat shock-induced damages by modulating HSP expression and regulating key signaling pathways to promote cell survival in H9c2 cells.

Tetrahydrobiopterin from cyanide-degrading bacterium Bacillus pumilus strain SVD06 induces apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma cell (A549).

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential biological cofactor and a derivative of pterin which is considered potent anticancer agents. In continuation of our previous study on the identification of BH4 from cyanide-degrading Bacillus pumilus, the present study focuses on evaluating the anticancer properties of BH4 on A549, a human lung adenocarcinoma. Anticancer activity analysis shows that BH4 inhibited A549 cell growth after 24 h of incubation with 0.02 mg/mL. In acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, BH4-treated A549 cells showed apoptotic morphology. BH4 treatment caused cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase compared to control cells. BH4 augmented p53 expression in alveolar cancer cells by downregulating MDM2 levels. There was downregulation of casp-3 and upregulation of iNOS gene in BH4-treated A549 cells. Further, docking studies indicated that BH4 had significant interactions with the above proteins affirming the apoptosis mechanism. Thus, BH4 could be considered a potential anticancer drug.

Mining of transcriptome identifies CD109 and LRP12 as possible biomarkers and deregulation mechanism of T cell receptor pathway in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with highest mortality compared to other types of leukemia. There is a need to find the gene abnormalities and mechanisms behind them due to their heterogenic nature. The present study is aimed to understand genes, pathways and biomarker proteins influenced by transcriptomic deregulation due to AML. Differentially expressed gene (DEG), protein-protein interaction network, gene ontology, KEGG pathway, variant analysis and secretome analyses were performed using different AML RNAseq datasets. A total of 655 DEGs including 291 up-regulated and 364 down-regulated genes, which were satisfied with a fold change of 1.5 were identified. Top hub genes for AML were identified as TP53, PTPRC and AKT1. This integrative bioinformatics approach revealed the deregulation of T Cell Receptor (TCR) pathway and altered immune response related genes. The survival analysis revealed the associated deregulation of multiple TCR pathway related genes. Variant analysis identified the benign and likely benign nature of many important target genes and markers screened, which were found to have an important role in the progression of AML. DEGs and secretome analysis found out a set of seven molecules represents potential biomarkers for AML. In vitro analytical validation showed overexpression pattern of CD109 and LRP12 in AML cell line and HL-60 cells than the normal human bone marrow-derived stromal cell line HS-5. Here we report first time for CD109 and LRP12 as a possible biomarkers for the diagnostic significance. Amino acid substitutions detected by variant analysis and deregulation of immune checkpoint molecules revealed their role in reducing immune response and inability to fight cancer cells. In conclusion, this study highlights the possibility of new biomarkers for AML and the mechanism of decrease in immune response due to the downregulation of co-stimulatory immune molecules, which needs further clinical validation investigations.

Aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum attenuates Angiotensin-II induced cardiac hypertrophy and improves cardiac function by repressing protein kinase C-ζ to restore HSF2 deSUMOlyation and Mel-18-IGF-IIR signaling suppression.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Solanum nigrum, commonly known as Makoi or black shade has been traditionally used in Asian countries and other regions of world to treat liver disorders, diarrhoea, inflammatory conditions, chronic skin ailments (psoriasis and ringworm), fever, hydrophobia, painful periods, eye diseases, etc. It has been observed that S. nigrum contains substances, like steroidal saponins, total alkaloid, steroid alkaloid, and glycoprotein, which show anti-tumor activity. However; there is no scientific evidence of the efficacy of S. nigrum in the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy. AIM: To investigate the ability of S. nigrum to attenuate Angiotensin II - induced cardiac hypertrophy and improve cardiac function through the suppression of protein kinase PKC-ζ and Mel-18-IGF-IIR signaling leading to the restoration of HSF2 desumolyation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cardiomyoblast cells (H9c2) were challenged with 100 nM Angiotensin-II (AngII) for 24 h and were then treated with different concentration of S.nigrum or Calphostin C for 24 h. The hypertrophic effect in cardiomyoblast cells were determined by immunofluorescence staining and the modulations in hypertrophic protein marker along with Protein Kinase C-ζ, MEL18, HSF2, and Insulin like growth factor II (IGFIIR), markers were analyzed by western blotting. In vivo experiments were performed using 12 week old male Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) separated into five groups. [1]Control WKY, [2] WKY -100 mg/kg of S.nigrum treatment, [3] SHR, [4] SHR-100 mg/kg of S.nigrum treatment, [5] SHR-300 mg/kg of S.nigrum treatment. S. nigrum was administered intraperitoneally for 8 week time interval. RESULTS: Western blotting results indicate that S. nigrum significantly attenuates AngII induced cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore, actin staining confirmed the ability of S. nigrum to ameliorate AngII induced cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, S. nigrum administration suppressed the hypertrophic signaling mediators like Protein Kinase C-ζ, Mel-18, and IGFIIR in a dose-dependent manner and HSF2 activation (restore deSUMOlyation) that leads to downregulation of IGF-IIR expression. Additionally in vivo experiments demonstrate the reduced heart sizes of S. nigrum treated SHRs rats when compared to control WKY rats. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the data reveals the cardioprotective effect of S. nigrum inhibiting PKC-ζ with alleviated IGF IIR level in the heart that profoundly remits cardiac hypertrophy for hypertension-induced heart failure.

Evaluation of GABA Production and Probiotic Activities of Enterococcus faecium BS5.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and is produced by irreversible decarboxylation of glutamate. It possesses several physiological functions such as neurotransmission, diuretic, and tranquilizer effects and also regulates cardiovascular functions such as blood pressure and heart rate in addition to playing a role in the reduction of pain and anxiety. The objective of this study was to evaluate the GABA producing ability and probiotic capability of certain lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from dairy products. Around sixty-four bacterial isolates were collected and screened for their ability to produce GABA from monosodium glutamate, among which nine isolates were able to produce GABA. The most efficient GABA producer was Enterococcus faecium BS5. Further, assessment of several important and desirable probiotic properties showed that Ent. faecium BS5 was resistant to acid stress, bile salt, and antibiotics. Ent. faecium BS5 may potentially be used for large-scale industrial production of GABA and also for functional fermented product development.

Microbial (Enzymatic) Degradation of Cyanide to Produce Pterins as Cofactors.

Cyanide is one of the most poisonous substances in the environment, which may have originated from natural and anthropogenic sources. There are many enzymes produced by microorganisms which can degrade and utilize cyanide. The major byproducts of cyanide degradation are alanine, glutamic acid, alpha-amino-butyric acid, beta-cyanoalanine, pterin etc. These products have many pharmaceutical and medicinal applications. For the degradation of cyanide, microbes produce necessary cofactors which catalyze the degradation pathways. Pterin is one of the cofactors for cyanide degradation. There are many pathways involved for the degradation of cyanide, cyanate, and thiocyanate. Some of the microorganisms possess resistance to cyanide, since they have developed adaptive alternative pathways for the production of ATP by utilization of cyanide as carbon and nitrogen sources. In this review, we summarized different enzymes, their mechanisms, and corresponding pathways for the degradation of cyanide and production of pterins during cyanide degradation. We aim to enlighten different types of pterin, its classification, and biological significance through this literature review.

A Brief Review on the Non-protein Amino Acid, Gamma-amino Butyric Acid (GABA): Its Production and Role in Microbes.

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid widely distributed in nature. It is produced through irreversible α-decarboxylation of glutamate by enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). GABA and GAD have been found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. GABA is distributed throughout the human body and it is involved in the regulation of cardiovascular conditions such as blood pressure and heart rate, and plays a role in the reduction of anxiety and pain. Although researchers had produced GABA by chemical method earlier it became less acceptable as it pollutes the environment. Researchers now use a more promising microbial method for the production of GABA. In the drug and food industry, demand for GABA is immense. So, large scale conversion of GABA by microbes has got much attention. So this review focuses on the isolation source, production, and functions of GABA in the microbial system. We also summarize the mechanism of action of GABA and its shunt pathway.

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocol enhances early postoperative recovery after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is a multimodal, multidisciplinary and evidence-based approach to reduce surgical stress and enhance recovery in the postoperative period. This study aimed to analyze the outcome of ERAS protocol in patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: A total of 50 consecutive patients with pancreatic/periampullary cancer who underwent PD between January 2016 to August 2017 were included in the study. As per the institute ERAS protocol, nasogastric tube (NGT) was removed on postoperative day (POD) 1 if output was less than 200 mL and oral sips were allowed; oral liquids were allowed on POD2; semisolid diet by POD3; abdominal drain was removed on POD 4 if output was less than 100 mL with no evidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF); normal diet was allowed on POD5. Discharge criteria on POD6 were afebrile, tolerating oral normal diet, pain free and no surgery related complications (defined as per the ISGPS definitions). RESULTS: NGT was removed on POD1 in 45 (90%) patients, abdominal drain removed by POD4 in 41 (82%) and 43 (86%) patients were discharged on POD6. There was no 30-day postoperative mortality. Three (6%) patients had delayed gastric emptying (DGE). None had postoperative hemorrhage and POPF. Readmission rate was 8%. A significant relation was found between the length of hospital stay (LOS) with age (P < 0.05) and a marginal relation between LOS and postoperative albumin (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ERAS protocol can be safely followed in the perioperative care of patients who undergo PD. Early removal of NGT and allowing oral diet restore bowel function early. ERAS decreases the LOS and postoperative complications.

Evaluation of Pterin, a Promising Drug Candidate from Cyanide Degrading Bacteria.

Pterin is a member of the compounds known as pteridines. They have the same nucleus of 2-amino-4-hydroxypteridine (pterin); however, the side-chain is different at the position 6, and the state of oxidation of the ring may exist in different form viz. tetrahydro, dihydro, or a fully oxidized form. In the present study, the microorganisms able to utilize cyanide, and heavy metals have been tested for the efficient production of pterin compound. The soil samples contaminated with cyanide and heavy metals were collected from Salem steel industries, Tamil Nadu, India. Out of 77 isolated strains, 40 isolates were found to utilize sodium cyanate as nitrogen source at different concentrations. However, only 13 isolates were able to tolerate maximum concentration (60 mM) of sodium cyanate and were screened for pterin production. Among the 13 isolates, only 1 organism showed maximum production of pterin, and the same was identified as Bacillus pumilus SVD06. The compound was extracted and purified by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography and analyzed by UV/visible, FTIR, and fluorescent spectrum. The antioxidant property of the purified pterin compound was determined by cyclic voltammetry. In addition, antimicrobial activity of pterin was also studied which was substantiated by antagonistic activity against Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Besides that the pterin compound was proved to inhibit the formation of biofilm. The extracted pterin compounds could be proposed further not only for antioxidant and antimicrobial but also for its potency to aid as anticancer and psychotic drugs in future.

Identification and in silico characterization of a novel peptide inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme from pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan).

BACKGROUND: Plants are important sources of bioactive peptides. Among these, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides have a major focus on their ability to prevent hypertension. Inhibition of ACE has been established as an effective approach for the treatment of ACE associated diseases. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: Some synthetic ACE inhibitory drugs cause side effects and hence there is a constant interest in natural compounds as alternatives. STUDY DESIGN: The study was designed to identify and characterize a peptide molecule from pigeon pea which has the biological property to inhibit ACE and can be developed as a therapeutic approach towards hypertension. METHODS: Seeds of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) was fermented with Aspergillus niger, a proteolytic fungus isolated from spoiled milk sweet. The extract was purified by size exclusion chromatography by FPLC system. The fractions that showed ACE inhibition was subjected to LC-MS/MS for sequence identification. The stability of the peptide was analyzed by molecular dynamic simulations and the interaction sites with ACE were identified by molecular docking. RESULTS: The study report a novel ACE inhibitory octapeptide Val-Val-Ser-Leu-Ser-Ile-Pro-Arg with a molecular mass of 869.53 Da. The Lineweaver-Burk plot indicated that the inhibition of ACE by this peptide is in competitive mode. Also, molecular docking and simulation studies showed a strong and stable interaction of the peptide with ACE. CONCLUSION: The results clearly show the inhibitory property of the peptide against ACE and hence it can be explored as a therapeutic strategy towards hypertension and other ACE associated diseases.