Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) for Immunotherapy: Understanding Proteolysis Targeting Chimera-Driven Ubiquitin-Proteasome Interactions.

Targeted protein degradation or TPD, is rapidly emerging as a treatment that utilizes small molecules to degrade proteins that cause diseases. TPD allows for the selective removal of disease-causing proteins, including proteasome-mediated degradation, lysosome-mediated degradation, and autophagy-mediated degradation. This approach has shown great promise in preclinical studies and is now being translated to treat numerous diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer. This review discusses the latest advances in TPD and its potential as a new chemical modality for immunotherapy, with a special focus on the innovative applications and cutting-edge research of PROTACs (Proteolysis TArgeting Chimeras) and their efficient translation from scientific discovery to technological achievements. Our review also addresses the significant obstacles and potential prospects in this domain, while also offering insights into the future of TPD for immunotherapeutic applications.

Patulin alters alpha-adrenergic receptor signalling and induces epigenetic modifications in the kidneys of C57BL/6 mice.

Patulin (PAT) is a food-borne mycotoxin produced by Penicillium and Byssochlamys species. It is widely known for its mutagenic, carcinogenic, and genotoxic effects and has been associated with kidney injury; however, the mechanism of toxicity remains unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a study to explore the changes in α-adrenergic receptor signalling pathways and epigenetic modifications induced by PAT in the kidneys of C57BL/6 mice during acute (1 day) and prolonged (10 days) exposure. The mice (20-22 g) were orally administered PAT (2.5 mg/kg; at 1 and 10 days), and post-treatment, the kidneys were harvested, homogenised and extracted for RNA, DNA, and protein. The relative gene expression of the α-adrenergic receptors (ADRA1, ADRA2A, ADRA2B) and associated signalling pathways (MAPK, MAPK14, ERK, PI3K, and AKT) was assessed by qPCR. The protein expression of ERK1/2 and MAPK was determined by western blot. The impact of PAT on DNA methylation was evaluated by quantifying global DNA methylation; qPCR was used to determine gene expression levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B) and demethylase (MBD2). PAT downregulated the expression of ADRA1, ADRA2A, ADRA2B, PI3K, and AKT and upregulated ERK1/2 and MAPK protein expression. Furthermore, PAT induced alterations in DNA methylation patterns by upregulating DNMT1 and MBD2 expressions and downregulating DNMT3A and DNMT3B expressions, resulting in global DNA hypomethylation. In conclusion, PAT disrupts α-1 and α-2 adrenergic receptor signalling pathways and induces epigenetic modifications, that can lead to kidney injury.

Serum microRNA Profiles and Pathways in Hepatitis B-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A South African Study.

The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to increase sharply by 2040 against a backdrop of limited diagnostic and therapeutic options. Two large South African-based case control studies have developed a serum-based miRNome for Hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC), as well as identifying their gene targets and pathways. Using a combination of RNA sequencing, differential analysis and filters including a unique molecular index count (UMI) ≥ 10 and log fold change (LFC) range > 2: <-0.5 (p < 0.05), 91 dysregulated miRNAs were characterized including 30 that were upregulated and 61 were downregulated. KEGG analysis, a literature review and other bioinformatic tools identified the targeted genes and HBV-HCC pathways of the top 10 most dysregulated miRNAs. The results, which are based on differentiating miRNA expression of cases versus controls, also develop a serum-based miRNA diagnostic panel that indicates 95.9% sensitivity, 91.0% specificity and a Youden Index of 0.869. In conclusion, the results develop a comprehensive African HBV-HCC miRNome that potentially can contribute to RNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Antiretrovirals Promote Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Liver Cells through miRNA Regulation and Transcriptional Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a non-communicable disease characterized by a cluster of metabolic irregularities. Alarmingly, the prevalence of MetS in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and antiretroviral (ARV) usage is increasing rapidly. Insulin resistance is a common characteristic of MetS that leads to the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The progression of insulin resistance is strongly linked to inflammasome activation. This study aimed to draw links between the combinational use of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), Lamivudine (3TC), and Dolutegravir (DTG), and inflammasome activation and subsequent promotion of insulin resistance following a 120 h treatment period in HepG2 liver in vitro cell model. Furthermore, we assess microRNA (miR-128a) expression as a negative regulator of the IRS1/AKT signaling pathway. The relative expression of phosphorylated IRS1 was determined by Western blot. Transcript levels of NLRP3, IL-1ß, JNK, IRS1, AKT, PI3K, and miR-128a were assessed using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Caspase-1 activity was measured using luminometry. Following exposure to ARVs for 120 h, NLRP3 mRNA expression (p = 0.0500) and caspase-1 activity (p < 0.0001) significantly increased. This was followed by a significant elevation in IL-1ß in mRNA expression (p = 0.0015). Additionally, JNK expression (p = 0.0093) was upregulated with coinciding increases in p-IRS1 protein expression (p < 0.0001) and decreased IRS1 mRNA expression (p = 0.0004). Consequently, decreased AKT (p = 0.0005) and PI3K expressions (p = 0.0007) were observed. Interestingly miR-128a expression was significantly upregulated. The results indicate that combinational use of ARVs upregulates inflammasome activation and promotes insulin resistance through dysregulation of the IRS1/PI3K/AKT insulin signaling pathway.

Moringa oleifera: An Updated Comprehensive Review of Its Pharmacological Activities, Ethnomedicinal, Phytopharmaceutical Formulation, Clinical, Phytochemical, and Toxicological Aspects.

Moringa oleifera, also known as the "tree of life" or "miracle tree," is classified as an important herbal plant due to its immense medicinal and non-medicinal benefits. Traditionally, the plant is used to cure wounds, pain, ulcers, liver disease, heart disease, cancer, and inflammation. This review aims to compile an analysis of worldwide research, pharmacological activities, phytochemical, toxicological, and ethnomedicinal updates of Moringa oleifera and also provide insight into its commercial and phytopharmaceutical applications with a motive to help further research. The scientific information on this plant was obtained from various sites and search engines such as Scopus, Pub Med, Science Direct, BMC, Google Scholar, and other scientific databases. Articles available in the English language have only been referred for review. The pharmacological studies confirm the hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts from the various plant parts. It was found that bioactive constituents are present in every part of the plant. So far, more than one hundred compounds from different parts of Moringa oleifera have been characterized, including alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, vitamins, glycosides, and terpenes. In addition, novel isolates such as muramoside A&B and niazimin A&B have been identified in the plant and have potent antioxidant, anticancer, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, and nutritional effects. The traditional and nontraditional use of Moringa, its pharmacological effects and their phytopharmaceutical formulations, clinical studies, toxicity profile, and various other uses are recognized in the present review. However, several traditional uses have yet to be scientifically explored. Therefore, further studies are proposed to explore the mechanistic approach of the plant to identify and isolate active or synergistic compounds behind its therapeutic potential.

The challenges of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing in low-middle income countries and possible cost-effective measures in resource-limited settings.

Diagnostic testing for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains a challenge around the world, especially in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) with poor socio-economic backgrounds. From the beginning of the pandemic in December 2019 to August 2021, a total of approximately 3.4 billion tests were performed globally. The majority of these tests were restricted to high income countries. Reagents for diagnostic testing became a premium, LMICs either cannot afford or find manufacturers unwilling to supply them with expensive analytical reagents and equipment. From March to December 2020 obtaining testing kits for SARS-CoV-2 testing was a challenge. As the number of SARS-CoV-2 infection cases increases globally, large-scale testing still remains a challenge in LMICs. The aim of this review paper is to compare the total number and frequencies of SARS-CoV-2 testing in LMICs and high-income countries (HICs) using publicly available data from Worldometer COVID-19, as well as discussing possible interventions and cost-effective measures to increase testing capability in LMICs. In summary, HICs conducted more SARS-CoV-2 testing (USA: 192%, Australia: 146%, Switzerland: 124% and Canada: 113%) compared to middle-income countries (MICs) (Vietnam: 43%, South Africa: 29%, Brazil: 27% and Venezuela: 12%) and low-income countries (LICs) (Bangladesh: 6%, Uganda: 4% and Nigeria: 1%). Some of the cost-effective solutions to counteract the aforementioned problems includes using saliva instead of oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swabs, sample pooling, and testing high-priority groups to increase the number of mass testing in LMICs.

The effect of ARVs on the MEKKK1 gene promoter, inflammatory cytokine expression and signalling in acute treated Jurkat T cells.

ARVs alter the methylation status of the MEKKK1 gene promoter in acute treated Jurkat T cells with inflammatory outcomesInflammation is reduced in patients under going antiretroviral therapy; however the mechanism is not well understood. We investigated DNA methylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKKK1) gene promoter in Jurkat T cells to determine whether the antiretroviral drugs, lamivudine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, dolutegravir, TLD (a combination of TDF, 3TC and DTG) and efavirenz modify the methylation status of the MEKKK1 gene - a known stimulus of inflammation.Acute antiretroviral treatments (24 h) were not cytotoxic to Jurkat T cells. MEKKK1 promoter hypomethylation occurred in cells treated with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (Aza), TDF and 3TC, and MEKKK1 promoter hypermethylation occurred in cells treated with DTG; however, promoter DNA methylation of the MEKKK1 gene did not influence MEKKK1 gene expression; therefore, these drugs did not epigenetically regulate MEKKK1 and downstream signalling by promoter DNA methylation. Acute TLD and EFV treatments induced inflammation in Jurkat T cells by increasing MEKKK1, MAPK/ERK and NFκB expression, and activating tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression. ARVs decreased IL-10 gene expression, showing no anti-inflammatory activity.The data shows that the inflammation caused by ARVs is not related to the methylation status of MEKKK1 gene promoter and suggests an alternative stimulus via post-transcriptional/post-translational modifications may activate the canonical MEKKK1/NFκB pathway that leads to inflammation. Finally, an increase in NFκB activity and pro-inflammatory cytokine activation seemed to occur via the MAPK/ERK pathway following ARV treatments in Jurkat T cells.

Maternal overweight and obesity and its associated factors and outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and HIV-uninfected black South African pregnant women.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate various variables between maternal overweight and/or obesity versus normal-weight pregnant black South African women living with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 200 pregnant women were enrolled in the study, categorized according to body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2 ) into two groups: (1) overweight/obese (≥25 kg/m2 ) (n = 97); and (2) nonoverweight/nonobese (<25 kg/m2 ) (n = 103), where 90 were HIV-infected and 110 were HIV-uninfected. The differences between the maternal BMI categories were assessed using Fisher's exact t-test and the χ2 test. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with maternal overweight and obesity. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that maternal age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.061; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.008-1.117; p = 0.023) and gestational age (OR: 1.121; 95% CI 1.005-1.251; p = 0.041) were significantly associated with maternal overweight/obesity in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected. For maternal health outcomes, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that hypertensive disorders (OR: 0.273; 95% CI 0.124-0.601; p = 0.001) and anemia (OR: 2.420; 95% CI 1.283-4.563; p = 0.006) were significantly associated with maternal overweight/obesity in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected. The overweight/obese HIV-infected participants (OR: 0.233; 95% CI 0.075-0.717; p = 0.011) had increased odds for developing hypertensive disorders compared to HIV-uninfected overweight/obese participants (OR: 0.471; 95% CI 0.172-1.291; p = 0.143). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal overweight/obesity in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected pregnant black South African women was significantly associated with maternal age, gestational age, HPT disorders, and anemia. Maternal overweight/obesity decreased the odds for anemia, but increased the odds for the development of HPT disorders, especially in the HIV-infected pregnant women.

Malnutrition and Dietary Habits Alter the Immune System Which May Consequently Influence SARS-CoV-2 Virulence: A Review.

COVID-19, resulting from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a major pandemic that the world is fighting. SARS-CoV-2 primarily causes lung infection by attaching to the ACE2 receptor on the alveolar epithelial cells. However, the ACE2 receptor is also present in intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting a link between nutrition, virulence and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Respiratory viral infections perturb the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota is shaped by our diet; therefore, a healthy gut is important for optimal metabolism, immunology and protection of the host. Malnutrition causes diverse changes in the immune system by repressing immune responses and enhancing viral vulnerability. Thus, improving gut health with a high-quality, nutrient-filled diet will improve immunity against infections and diseases. This review emphasizes the significance of dietary choices and its subsequent effects on the immune system, which may potentially impact SARS-CoV-2 vulnerability.

A Review: Highlighting the Links between Epigenetics, COVID-19 Infection, and Vitamin D.

The highly transmittable and infectious COVID-19 remains a major threat worldwide, with the elderly and comorbid individuals being the most vulnerable. While vaccines are currently available, therapeutic drugs will help ease the viral outbreak and prevent serious health outcomes. Epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression through changes in chromatin structure and have been linked to viral pathophysiology. Since epigenetic modifications contribute to the life cycle of the virus and host immune responses to infection, epigenetic drugs are promising treatment targets to ameliorate COVID-19. Deficiency of the multifunctional secosteroid hormone vitamin D is a global health threat. Vitamin D and its receptor function to regulate genes involved in immunity, apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation. Amassed evidence also indicates the biological relations of vitamin D with reduced disease risk, while its receptor can be modulated by epigenetic mechanisms. The immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D suggest a role for vitamin D as a COVID-19 therapeutic agent. Therefore, this review highlights the epigenetic effects on COVID-19 and vitamin D while also proposing a role for vitamin D in COVID-19 infections.

Evaluation of Various Alternative Economical and High Throughput SARS-CoV-2 Testing Methods within Resource-Limited Settings.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak posed a challenge for diagnostic laboratories worldwide, with low-middle income countries (LMICs) being the most affected. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the gold standard method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the challenge with this method is that it is expensive, which has resulted in under-testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection in many LMICs. Hence, this study aimed to compare and evaluate alternative methods for the mass testing of SARS-CoV-2 infection in laboratories with limited resources to identify cost-effective, faster, and accurate alternatives to the internationally approved kits. A total of 50 residual nasopharyngeal swab samples were used for evaluation and comparison between internationally approved kits (Thermo Fisher PureLink™ RNA Isolation Kit and Thermo Fisher TaqPath™ COVID-19 Assay Kit) and alternative methods (three RNA extraction and four commercial SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay kits) in terms of the cost analysis, diagnostic accuracy, and turnaround time. In terms of performance, all of the alternative RNA extraction methods evaluated were comparable to the internationally approved kits but were more cost-effective (Lucigen QuickExtract™ RNA Extraction Kit, Bosphore EX-Tract Dry Swab RNA Solution and Sonicator method) and four commercial SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay kits (Nucleic Acid COVID-19 Test Kit (SARS-CoV-2), abTESTM COVID-19 qPCR I Kit, PCL COVID19 Speedy RT-PCR Kit, and PCLMD nCoV One-Step RT-PCR Kit) with a sensitivity range of 76-100% and specificity of 96-100%. The cost per sample was reduced by more than 50% when compared to internationally approved kits. When compared to the Thermo Fisher PureLink™ Kit and Thermo Fisher TaqPath™ COVID-19 Assay Kit, the alternative methods had a faster turnaround time, indicating that laboratories with limited resources may be able to process more samples in a day. The above-mentioned cost-effective, fast, and accurate evaluated alternative methods can be used in routine diagnostic laboratories with limited resources for mass testing for SARS-CoV-2 because these were comparable to the internationally approved kits, Thermo Fisher PureLink™ Kit and Thermo Fisher TaqPath™ COVID-19 Assay Kit. The implementation of alternative methods will be the most cost-effective option for testing SARS-CoV-2 infection in LMICs.

Molecular and epigenetic modes of Fumonisin B1 mediated toxicity and carcinogenesis and detoxification strategies.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a natural contaminant of agricultural commodities that has displayed a myriad of toxicities in animals. Moreover, it is known to be a hepatorenal carcinogen in rodents and may be associated with oesophageal and hepatocellular carcinomas in humans. The most well elucidated mode of FB1-mediated toxicity is its disruption of sphingolipid metabolism; however, enhanced oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and alterations in immune response may also play a role in its toxicity and carcinogenicity. Alterations to the host epigenome may impact on the toxic and carcinogenic response to FB1. Seeing that the contamination of FB1 in food poses a considerable risk to human and animal health, a great deal of research has focused on new methods to prevent and attenuate FB1-induced toxic consequences. The focus of the present review is on the molecular and epigenetic interactions of FB1 as well as recent research involving FB1 detoxification.

Hepatic expression of cholesterol regulating genes favour increased circulating low-density lipoprotein in HIV infected patients with gallstone disease: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: HIV endemic populations are displaying higher incidence of metabolic disorders. HIV and the standard treatment are both associated with altered lipid and cholesterol metabolism, however gallstone disease (a cholesterol related disorder) in Sub-Saharan African populations is rarely investigated. METHODS: This study sought to evaluate hepatic expression of key genes in cholesterol metabolism (LDLr, HMGCR, ABCA1) and transcriptional regulators of these genes (microRNA-148a, SREBP2) in HIV positive patients on antiretroviral therapy presenting with gallstones. Liver biopsies from HIV positive patients (cases: n = 5) and HIV negative patients (controls: n = 5) were analysed for miR-148a and mRNA expression using quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Circulating total cholesterol was elevated in the HIV positive group with significantly elevated LDL-c levels(3.16 ± 0.64 mmol/L) relative to uninfected controls (2.10 ± 0.74 mmol/L; p = 0.04). A scavenging receptor for LDL-c, LDLr was significantly decreased (0.18-fold) in this group, possibly contributing to higher LDL-c levels. Transcriptional regulator of LDLr, SREBP2 was also significantly lower (0.13-fold) in HIV positive patients. Regulatory microRNA, miR-148a-3p, was reduced in HIV positive patients (0.39-fold) with a concomitant increase in target ABCA1 (1.5-fold), which regulates cholesterol efflux. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively these results show that HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy display altered hepatic regulation of cholesterol metabolizing genes, reducing cholesterol scavenging, and increasing cholesterol efflux.

Fumonisin B1 alters global m6A RNA methylation and epigenetically regulates Keap1-Nrf2 signaling in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells.

FB1 is a common contaminant of cereal grains that affects human and animal health. It has become increasingly evident that epigenetic changes are implicated in FB1 toxicity. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant post-transcriptional RNA modification, is influenced by fluctuations in redox status. Since oxidative stress is a characteristic of FB1 exposure, we determined if there is cross-talk between oxidative stress and m6A in FB1-exposed HepG2 cells. Briefly, HepG2 cells were treated with FB1 (0, 5, 50, 100, 200 µM; 24 h) and ROS, LDH and m6A levels were quantified. qPCR was used to determine the expression of m6A modulators, Nrf2, Keap1 and miR-27b, while western blotting was used to quantify Keap1 and Nrf2 protein expression. Methylation status of Keap1 and Nrf2 promoters was assessed and RNA immunoprecipitation quantified m6A-Keap1 and m6A-Nrf2 levels. FB1 induced accumulation of intracellular ROS (p ≤ 0.001) and LDH leakage (p ≤ 0.001). Elevated m6A levels (p ≤ 0.05) were accompanied by an increase in m6A "writers" [METLL3 (p ≤ 0.01) and METLL14 (p ≤ 0.01)], and "readers" [YTHDF1 (p ≤ 0.01), YTHDF2 (p ≤ 0.01), YTHDF3 (p ≤ 0.001) and YTHDC2 (p ≤ 0.01)] and a decrease in m6A "erasers" [ALKBH5 (p ≤ 0.001) and FTO (p ≤ 0.001)]. Hypermethylation and hypomethylation occurred at Keap1 (p ≤ 0.001) and Nrf2 (p ≤ 0.001) promoters, respectively. MiR-27b was reduced (p ≤ 0.001); however, m6A-Keap1 (p ≤ 0.05) and m6A-Nrf2 (p ≤ 0.01) levels were upregulated. This resulted in the ultimate decrease in Keap1 (p ≤ 0.001) and increase in Nrf2 (p ≤ 0.001) expression. Our findings reveal that m6A RNA methylation can be modified by exposure to FB1, and a cross-talk between m6A and redox regulators does occur.

Nanobodies Enhancing Cancer Visualization, Diagnosis and Therapeutics.

Worldwide, cancer is a serious health concern due to the increasing rates of incidence and mortality. Conventional cancer imaging, diagnosis and treatment practices continue to substantially contribute to the fight against cancer. However, these practices do have some risks, adverse effects and limitations, which can affect patient outcomes. Although antibodies have been developed, successfully used and proven beneficial in various oncology practices, the use of antibodies also comes with certain challenges and limitations (large in size, poor tumor penetration, high immunogenicity and a long half-life). Therefore, it is vital to develop new ways to visualize, diagnose and treat cancer. Nanobodies are novel antigen-binding fragments that possess many advantageous properties (small in size, low immunogenicity and a short half-life). Thus, the use of nanobodies in cancer practices may overcome the challenges experienced with using traditional antibodies. In this review, we discuss (1) the challenges with antibody usage and the superior qualities of nanobodies; (2) the use of antibodies and nanobodies in cancer imaging, diagnosis, drug delivery and therapy (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy); and (3) the potential improvements in oncology practices due to the use of nanobodies as compared to antibodies.

A Critical Review of the Biochemical Mechanisms and Epigenetic Modifications in HIV- and Antiretroviral-Induced Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a non-communicable disease characterised by a cluster of metabolic irregularities. Alarmingly, the prevalence of MetS in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and antiretroviral (ARV) usage is increasing rapidly. This study aimed to look at biochemical mechanisms and epigenetic modifications associated with HIV, ARVs, and MetS. More specifically, emphasis was placed on mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, inflammation, lipodystrophy, and dyslipidaemia. We found that mitochondrial dysfunction was the most common mechanism that induced metabolic complications. Our findings suggest that protease inhibitors (PIs) are more commonly implicated in MetS-related effects than other classes of ARVs. Furthermore, we highlight epigenetic studies linking HIV and ARV usage to MetS and stress the need for more studies, as the current literature remains limited despite the advancement in and popularity of epigenetics.

The Effect of Organoselenium Compounds on Histone Deacetylase Inhibition and Their Potential for Cancer Therapy.

Genetic and epigenetic changes alter gene expression, contributing to cancer. Epigenetic changes in cancer arise from alterations in DNA and histone modifications that lead to tumour suppressor gene silencing and the activation of oncogenes. The acetylation status of histones and non-histone proteins are determined by the histone deacetylases and histone acetyltransferases that control gene transcription. Organoselenium compounds have become promising contenders in cancer therapeutics. Apart from their anti-oxidative effects, several natural and synthetic organoselenium compounds and metabolites act as histone deacetylase inhibitors, which influence the acetylation status of histones and non-histone proteins, altering gene transcription. This review aims to summarise the effect of natural and synthetic organoselenium compounds on histone and non-histone protein acetylation/deacetylation in cancer therapy.

Effect of maternal HIV infection, BMI and NOx air pollution exposure on birth outcomes in South African pregnant women genotyped for the p53 Pro72Arg (rs1042522).

Tumour suppressor protein, p53, plays a role in modulating innate immune responses, DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, senescence and apoptosis. Maternal nitrogen oxide (NOx) air pollution exposure, body mass index (BMI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and p53 Pro72Arg (rs1042522) affect foetal growth. We investigated whether the aforementioned factors influence birth outcomes in a South African population. Pregnant women (n = 300; HIV -ve = 194 and HIV +ve = 106) were genotyped for the p53 rs1042522 using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and further stratified based on HIV status, infants' birthweight (BW; NBW: normal BW [>2,500 g] and LBW: low BW [<2,500 g]) and gestational age (GA; NGA: normal GA [>37 weeks] and PTB: preterm birth [≤37 weeks]). A land use regression model was developed to characterize maternal NOx exposure. Pearson's correlation and multivariate regression analysis statistical tests were used to determine the effect of rs1042522 genotyped pregnant women's BMI and NOx exposure on maternal blood pressure and haemoglobin and iron levels, and infants' anthropometric measurements and Appearance Pulse Grimace Activity and Respiration (APGAR) scores. The prevalence of LBW and PTB was 14.7% and 18.7%, respectively. The LBW group had a higher frequency of the variant Arg-allele versus NBW group (47.7% vs. 31.4%, p = .0046, OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.26-3.17). No association was observed between NGA and PTB groups. A significant association between BMI and systolic blood pressure (r = .50, p = .00; B = 0.76, p = .002) and birth length (r = -.28, p = .01; B = -0.107, p = .011), and NOx and birth length (r = -.26, p = .08; B = -0.191, p = .046) and birthweight (B = -8.87, p = .048) was observed in HIV-infected mothers with the variant Pro/Arg + Arg/Arg genotypes. Mothers from the LBW group with the variant genotypes displayed an association between NOx and diastolic blood pressure (r = .58, p = .04), blood iron levels (r = -.60, p = .04; B = -0.204, p = .004), APGAR scores at 1 min (r = -.86, p = .00; B = -0.101, p = .003) and 5 min (r = -.75, p = .01) and birth length (r = -.61, p = .04), and BMI and diastolic blood pressure (r = .72, p = .01). In the PTB group, maternal variant genotypes and NOx were associated with blood haemoglobin levels (B = -0.132, p = .045) and APGAR scores at 1 min (B = -0.161, p = .045) and 5 min (B = -0.147, p = .043). Maternal rs1042522 Arg-allele, HIV infection, BMI and NOx exposure collectively play a role in lowering blood iron levels, gestational hypertension and LBW outcomes.

Moringa oleifera Aqueous Leaf Extract Induces Cell-Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.

Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading global epidemics. A medicinal tree, Moringa oleifera (MO), has been part of traditional treatments including cancer therapies. We investigated the apoptosis inducing effects of MO crude aqueous leaf extract (MOE) in human liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Methods: HepG2, PBMCs and Hek293 cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay. Oxidative stress and DNA damage was determined using TBARS and comet assays, respectively. Apoptosis was assessed by caspase-9, -3/7 activities and ATP levels (luminometry). Cell cycle, γH2AX, and cleaved PARP-1 were determined (flow cytometry). Protein expression of c-myc, Bax, p-Bcl2, Smac/DIABLO, Hsp70, SRp30a and cleaved PARP-1 was assessed using western blotting. Results: MOE displayed minimal toxicity in PBMCs and Hek293 cells for 24 h. HepG2 cells were exposed to MOE (24 h) and an IC50 (4.479 mg/mL) was determined. MOE significantly increased lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and γH2AX levels. A significant decrease in G1, S and G2-M phase was seen. Significant increase in SRp30a protein expression activated caspase-9. Caspase-9 and -3/7 was significantly increased with significant decrease in ATP levels. Apoptosis was confirmed with significant decrease in c-myc, p-Bcl2 and Hsp70 protein expression and a significant increase in Bax, Smac/DIABLO and PARP-1 cleavage. Conclusion: MOE induces cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancerous HepG2 cells.

MiR-146a G/C rs2910164 variation in South African Indian and Caucasian patients with psoriatic arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are inflammatory associated autoimmune disorders. MicroRNA (miR)-146a plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the miR-146a gene (rs2910164), aberrantly alters its gene expression and linked with the pathogenesis of several disorders, including psoriasis and PsA. In South Africa, psoriasis and PsA are extremely rare in the indigenous African population and most common in both the Indian and Caucasian population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the miR-146a rs2910164 contributes towards psoriasis and PsA development in South African Indian and Caucasian patients. METHODS: South African Indian (n = 84) and Caucasian (n = 32) PsA patients (total n = 116) and healthy control subjects (Indian: n = 62 and Caucasian: n = 38; total n = 100) were recruited in the study. DNA was extracted from whole blood taken from all subjects, and genotyped for the miR-146a rs2910164 using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Data for laboratory parameters were obtained from pathology reports. The consulting rheumatologist collected all other clinical data. RESULTS: Unstratified data (Caucasians + Indians): A significant decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in PsA patients was observed (CRP monitored at inclusion vs. after 6 months of treatment) (18.95 ± 2.81 mg/L vs. 9.68 ± 1.32 mg/L, p = 0.0011). The miR-146a rs2910164 variant C-allele frequency in PsA patients was significantly higher vs. healthy controls (35.78% vs. 26% respectively, p = 0.0295, OR = 1.59 95% CI 1.05-2.40). Stratified data (Indians): The variant C-allele frequency in Indian PsA patients was significantly higher vs. healthy Indian controls (35.71% vs. 22.58%, p = 0.0200, OR = 1.91 95% CI 1.13-3.22). Stratified data (Caucasians): The variant C-allele frequency distribution between Caucasian PsA patients and healthy Caucasian controls was similar. CONCLUSION: The rs2910164 variant C-allele may play a role in the progression of PsA in the South African Indian population. The main limitation in this study was the small sample size in the case-control cohorts, with a low overall statistical power (post-hoc power analysis = 19%).