Knockdown of Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1) Suppresses Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia-M5 Cell Line Survival Through Inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species Activities

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of the stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) gene in the survival of the acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML)-M5 cell line (THP-1). Materials and Methods: The STIM1 effect was assessed via dicersubstrate siRNA-mediated STIM1 knockdown. The effect of STIM1 knockdown on the expression of AKT and MAPK pathway-related genes and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation-related genes was tested using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cellular functions, including ROS generation, cell proliferation, and colony formation, were also evaluated following STIM1 knockdown. Results: The findings revealed that STIM1 knockdown reduced intracellular ROS levels via downregulation of NOX2 and PKC. These findings were associated with the downregulation of AKT, KRAS, MAPK, and CMYC. BCL2 was also downregulated, while BAX was upregulated following STIM1 knockdown. Furthermore, STIM1 knockdown reduced THP-1 cell proliferation and colony formation. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated the role of STIM1 in promoting AML cell proliferation and survival through enhanced ROS generation and regulation of AKT/MAPK-related pathways. These findings may help establish STIM1 as a potential therapeutic target for AML treatment.

Study on the Physical, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of SEBS/PP (Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene/Polypropylene) Blend as a Medical Fluid Bag.

The presence of DEHP in PVC-based medical bags poses a significant health risk to patients undergoing blood transfusion. In order to fabricate safer medical fluid bag materials, the use of SEBS/PP polymer blend as a potential material was investigated. Polymeric blends with varying weight percentages of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene/polypropylene (SEBS/PP) were fabricated by melt mixing using an internal Haake mixer. The physical properties of the SEBS/PP polymer blends were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, measurements of the mechanical strength (tensile strength and Young's modulus) as per ASTM 638, polymer hardness was tested using a durometer and swelling was analysed through water absorption and compared with commercial PVC-based blood bags. The results indicate that the SEBS/PP 50/50 blend has approximately similar characteristics as PVC-based blood bags. The SEBS/PP polymer blend possesses approximate tensile strength and Young's modulus with values of 23.28 MPa and 14.42 MPa, respectively, to that of the conventional PVC blood bags. The results show that the SEBS/PP polymer blends have negligible zinc and aluminium migration with values of 1.6 and 2.1 mg/kg, respectively, and do not elute any harmful leachates, while the thermal studies indicate that the studied SEBS/PP materials are capable of withstanding steam sterilisation at 120 °C and cold storage below -40 °C. The investigated material can be utilized for medical fluid bags and contributes towards sustainable development goals, such as SDG 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being, as well as SDG 12 to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

A novel pharmacological approach of herbal mediated cerium oxide and silver nanoparticles with improved biomedical activity in comparison with Lawsonia inermis.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the threatening, non-communicable and chronic ailments worldwide since ancient times to the current stage of human existence. The utilization of nanoparticles as a medicine in the treatment of diabetes is an attractive proposition. In the present study, herbal mediated cerium oxide nanoparticles (HMCeO2 NPs), herbal mediated silver nanoparticles (HMAg NPs) and Lawsonia intermix extract (LIE) was evaluated for them for in-vivo hypoglycemic effect and compared the potency. The resulting HMCeO2 NPs, HMAg NPs and Lawsonia inermis have been characterized by different analytical equipments such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Particle size analyzer (PSA), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The synthesized NPs and Lawsonia inermis extract were assessed for toxicity by using acute oral toxicity using female albino mice (s) model by following OECD-425 guidelines. In in-vivo hypoglycemic animal model, the male wistar rats with weight varying between 180-200 gms were grouped as: normal control: did not receive any treatment, diabetic control (saline): received a single intraperitoneal dose of Streptozotocin (40 mg/kg), standard: received a single daily oral dose of 50 mg/kg body weight, HMCeO2 NPs: received single daily oral dose of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, HMAg NPs: received a single daily oral dose of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and Lawsonia inermis: received a single daily oral dose of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg. The herbal mediated NPs were considered safe as they have not shown toxic effects. From the current study results, it may conclude that, due to the advanced biological and pharmacological characters, the HMAg NPs depicted more potent hypoglycemic activity than that of LIE and CeO2 NPs.