AZD-7648, a DNA-PK Inhibitor, Induces DNA Damage, Apoptosis, and Cell Cycle Arrest in Chronic and Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells.

The non-homologous end joining pathway is vital for repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSB), with DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) playing a critical role. Altered DNA damage response (DDR) in chronic (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) offers potential therapeutic opportunities. We studied the therapeutic potential of AZD-7648 (DNA-PK inhibitor) in CML and AML cell lines. This study used two CML (K-562 and LAMA-84) and five AML (HEL, HL-60, KG-1, NB-4, and THP-1) cell lines. DDR gene mutations were obtained from the COSMIC database. The copy number and methylation profile were evaluated using MS-MLPA and DDR genes, and telomere length using qPCR. p53 protein expression was assessed using Western Blot, chromosomal damage through cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and γH2AX levels and DSB repair kinetics using flow cytometry. Cell density and viability were analyzed using trypan blue assay after treatment with AZD-7648 in concentrations ranging from 10 to 200 µM. Cell death, cell cycle distribution, and cell proliferation rate were assessed using flow cytometry. The cells displayed different DNA baseline damage, DDR gene expressions, mutations, genetic/epigenetic changes, and p53 expression. Only HEL cells displayed inefficient DSB repair. The LAMA-84, HEL, and KG-1 cells were the most sensitive to AZD-7648, whereas HL-60 and K-562 showed a lower effect on density and viability. Besides the reduction in cell proliferation, AZD-7648 induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and DNA damage. In conclusion, these results suggest that AZD-7648 holds promise as a potential therapy for myeloid leukemias, however, with variations in drug sensitivity among tested cell lines, thus supporting further investigation to identify the specific factors influencing sensitivity to this DNA-PK inhibitor.

Zinc: From Biological Functions to Therapeutic Potential.

The trace element zinc (Zn) displays a wide range of biological functions. Zn ions control intercellular communication and intracellular events that maintain normal physiological processes. These effects are achieved through the modulation of several Zn-dependent proteins, including transcription factors and enzymes of key cell signaling pathways, namely those involved in proliferation, apoptosis, and antioxidant defenses. Efficient homeostatic systems carefully regulate intracellular Zn concentrations. However, perturbed Zn homeostasis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic human diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, depression, Wilson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other age-related diseases. This review focuses on Zn's roles in cell proliferation, survival/death, and DNA repair mechanisms, outlines some biological Zn targets, and addresses the therapeutic potential of Zn supplementation in some human diseases.

Short Peripheral Venous Catheters Contamination and the Dangers of Bloodstream Infection in Portugal: An Analytic Study.

Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are the most used vascular access devices in the world. However, failure rates remain considerably high, with complications such as PVC-related infections posing significant threats to patients' well-being. In Portugal, studies evaluating the contamination of these vascular medical devices and characterizing the associated microorganisms are scarce and lack insight into potential virulence factors. To address this gap, we analyzed 110 PVC tips collected in a large tertiary hospital in Portugal. Experiments followed Maki et al.'s semi-quantitative method for microbiological diagnosis. Staphylococcus spp. were subsequently studied for the antimicrobial susceptibility profile by disc diffusion method and based on the cefoxitin phenotype, were further classified into strains resistant to methicillin. Screening for the mecA gene was also done by a polymerase chain reaction and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)-vancomycin as determined by E-test, proteolytic and hemolytic activity on skimmed milk 1% plate and blood agar, respectively. The biofilm formation was evaluated on microplate reading through iodonitrotetrazolium chloride 95% (INT). Overall, 30% of PVCs were contaminated, and the most prevalent genus was Staphylococcus spp., 48.8%. This genus presented resistance to penicillin (91%), erythromycin (82%), ciprofloxacin (64%), and cefoxitin (59%). Thus, 59% of strains were considered resistant to methicillin; however, we detected the mecA gene in 82% of the isolates tested. Regarding the virulence factors, 36.4% presented α-hemolysis and 22.7% ß-hemolysis, 63.6% presented a positive result for the production of proteases, and 63.6% presented a biofilm formation capacity. Nearly 36.4% were simultaneously resistant to methicillin and showed expression of proteases and/or hemolysins, biofilm formation, and the MIC to vancomycin were greater than 2 µg/mL. Conclusion: PVCs were mainly contaminated with Staphylococcus spp., with high pathogenicity and resistance to antibiotics. The production of virulence factors strengthens the attachment and the permanence to the catheter's lumen. Quality improvement initiatives are needed to mitigate such results and enhance the quality and safety of the care provided in this field.

Zinc Prevents DNA Damage in Normal Cells but Shows Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells.

Genomic instability is prevented by the DNA damage response (DDR). Micronutrients, like zinc (Zn), are cofactors of DDR proteins, and micronutrient deficiencies have been related to increased cancer risk. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients commonly present Zn deficiency. Moreover, reports point to DDR defects in AML. We studied the effects of Zn in DDR modulation in AML. Cell lines of AML (HEL) and normal human lymphocytes (IMC) were cultured in standard culture, Zn depletion, and supplementation (40 µM ZnSO4) conditions and exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Chromosomal damage, cell death, and nuclear division indexes (NDI) were assessed through cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. The phosphorylated histone H2AX (yH2AX) expression was monitored at 0 h, 1 h, and 24 h after exposure. Expression of DDR genes was evaluated by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Zn supplementation increased the genotoxicity of H2O2 and UV radiation in AML cells, induced cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects, and led to persistent yH2AX activation. In contrast, in normal lymphocytes, supplementation decreased damage rates, while Zn depletion favored damage accumulation and impaired repair kinetics. Gene expression was not affected by Zn depletion or supplementation. Zn presented a dual role in the modulation of genome damage, preventing damage accumulation in normal cells and increasing genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in AML cells.

Reduction of Severe Exacerbations of COPD during COVID-19 Pandemic in Portugal: A Protective Role of Face Masks?

Viral infections are known to be the main trigger for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. Face masks are acknowledged for effective viral aerosol shedding reduction. COVID-19 pandemic generated an opportunity to study the impact of face masks and confinement on droplet transmission diseases, usually implicated in acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). We aimed to evaluate the variation on severe AECOPD (sAECOPD) rate in a Portuguese COPD cohort during the first COVID-19 lockdown and following months. This retrospective self-controlled study enrolled 322 adult patients followed at COPD-specialized consultation in a tertiary hospital from February 2016 to July 2020, of whom 286 met inclusion criteria. Severe AECOPD events were registered from March 2020 (beginning of state of emergency) until July 2020. From 2016 to 2019 there was a mean of 38 patients per year with sAECOPD. During 2020, 11 patients experienced sAECOPD. Over the course of 2020 there was a 73.4% (p < 0.001) decrease in sAECOPD events comparing with previous years' average. After the end of State of Emergency, the rate of sAECOPD events also declined by 74.6% (p < 0.001) comparing with the same timeline of previous years. Results were consistent and statistically significant when comparing 2020 with each of previous years for every period of analysis. Our findings suggest a sustained decrease in the rate of sAECOPD during confinement and in the following months. The widespread use of face mask and social distancing during COVID-19 pandemic may play an important role in preventing the transmission of respiratory infections and consequently reducing sAECOPD.