Antibacterial efficacy of novel bismuth-silver nanoparticles synthesis on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli infection models.

Introduction: The emergence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria is one of the main concerns in the health sector worldwide. The conventional strategies for treatment and prophylaxis against microbial infections include the use of antibiotics. However, these drugs are failing due to the increasing antimicrobial resistance. The unavailability of effective antibiotics highlights the need to discover effective alternatives to combat bacterial infections. One option is the use of metallic nanoparticles, which are toxic to some microorganisms due to their nanometric size. Methods: In this study we (1) synthesize and characterize bismuth and silver nanoparticles, (2) evaluate the antibacterial activity of NPs against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in several infection models (in vivo models: infected wound and sepsis and in vitro model: mastitis), and we (3) determine the cytotoxic effect on several cell lines representative of the skin tissue. Results and discussion: We obtained bimetallic nanoparticles of bismuth and silver in a stable aqueous solution from a single reaction by chemical synthesis. These nanoparticles show antibacterial activity on S. aureus and E. coli in vitro without cytotoxic effects on fibroblast, endothelial vascular, and mammary epithelium cell lines. In an infected-wound mice model, antibacterial effect was observed, without effect on in vitro mastitis and sepsis models.

Aluminosilicates as a Double-Edged Sword: Adsorption of Aflatoxin B1 and Sequestration of Essential Trace Minerals in an In Vitro Gastrointestinal Poultry Model.

Aflatoxins can cause intoxication and poisoning in animals and humans. Among these molecules, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most dangerous because of its carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. To mitigate these effects, clay adsorbents are commonly included in the diet of animals to adsorb the carcinogens and prevent their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, four clays, three smectites (C-1, C-2, and C-3), and one zeolite (C-4), were compared as adsorbents of AFB1 and trace inorganic nutrients using an in vitro gastrointestinal model for poultry. Characterization of the clays using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed characteristic bands of smectites in C-1, C-2, and C-3 (stretching vibrations of Si-O, Al-O-Si, and Si-O-Si). The C-4 presented bands related to the bending vibration of structural units (Si-O-Si and Al-O-Si). X-ray diffraction analysis showed that C-1 is a montmorillonite, C-2 is a beidellite, C-3 is a beidellite-Ca-montmorillonite, and C-4 is a clinoptilolite. The elemental compositions of the clays showed alumina, silica, iron, calcium, and sodium contents. The cation exchange capacity was higher in C-3 clay (60.2 cmol(+)/kg) in contrast with the other clays. The AFB1 adsorption of C-1 was the highest (98%; p ˂ 0.001), followed by C-2 (94%). However, all the clays also sequestered trace inorganic nutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Se). Both smectites, montmorillonite and beidellite, were the most suitable for use as adsorbents of AFB1.

Antitumoral and Immunogenic Capacity of ß-D-Glucose-Reduced Silver Nanoparticles in Breast Cancer.

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a type of cell death capable of stimulating immunity against cancer through danger signals that lead to an adaptive immune response. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been shown to have a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells; however, their mechanism of action is not fully understood. The present study synthesized, characterized, and evaluated the cytotoxic effect of beta-D-glucose-reduced AgNPs (AgNPs-G) against breast cancer (BC) cells in vitro; and assess the immunogenicity of cell death in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that AgNPs-G induce cell death in a dose-dependent manner on BC cell lines. In addition, AgNPs show antiproliferative effects by interfering with the cell cycle. Regarding the detection of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), it was found that treatment with AgNPs-G induces calreticulin exposure and the release of HSP70, HSP90, HMGB1, and ATP. In vivo, prophylactic vaccination did not prevent tumor establishment; however, tumor weight was significantly lower in AgNPs-G vaccinated mice, while the survival rate increased. In conclusion, we have developed a new method for the synthesis of AgNPs-G, with in vitro antitumor cytotoxic activity on BC cells, accompanied by the release of DAMPs. In vivo, immunization with AgNPs-G failed to induce a complete immune response in mice. Consequently, additional studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of cell death that leads to the design of strategies and combinations with clinical efficacy.

Putative Wound Healing Induction Functions of Exosomes Isolated from IMMUNEPOTENT CRP.

Chronic wounds in diabetic patients can take months or years to heal, representing a great cost for the healthcare sector and impacts on patients' lifestyles. Therefore, new effective treatment alternatives are needed to accelerate the healing process. Exosomes are nanovesicles involved in the modulation of signaling pathways that can be produced by any cell and can exert functions similar to the cell of origin. For this reason, IMMUNEPOTENT CRP, which is a bovine spleen leukocyte extract, was analyzed to identify the proteins present and is proposed as a source of exosomes. The exosomes were isolated through ultracentrifugation and shape-size, characterized by atomic force microscopy. The protein content in IMMUNEPOTENT CRP was characterized by EV-trap coupled to liquid chromatography. The in silico analyses for biological pathways, tissue specificity, and transcription factor inducement were performed in GOrilla ontology, Panther ontology, Metascape, and Reactome. It was observed that IMMUNEPOTENT CRP contains diverse peptides. The peptide-containing exosomes had an average size of 60 nm, and exomeres of 30 nm. They had biological activity capable of modulating the wound healing process, through inflammation modulation and the activation of signaling pathways such as PIP3-AKT, as well as other pathways activated by FOXE genes related to specificity in the skin tissue.

Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Peptides Derived from L1 Protein Against Bovine Papillomavirus-1/2 Identified Along Mexico's Cattle Export Route.

Introduction: Bovine papillomatosis affects animal health and represents one of the greatest economic losses in the livestock sector. New control and prevention methods to protect the livestock industry from this disease are necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate a candidate peptide for antibody production against bovine papillomavirus (BPV). Material and Methods: A total of 64 cattle underwent wart excision among 5,485 cattle distributed over 2 to 4 farms per state and 12 farms in total in the four Mexican states of Tabasco, Chiapas, Veracruz, and Nuevo León. The prevalence of bovine papillomatosis per farm was calculated by wart visualisation. The warts were genotyped by PCR and sequenced, then a phylogenetic tree was built using MEGA X software. A synthetic peptide was designed in the ABCpred, Bepipred 2.0, Bepipred IDBT, Bepitope, LBtope, and MHC II predictor online server software's based on the C-terminal region of the L1 protein. Mice antibody production was induced by subcutaneous immunisation with 50 µg of synthetic peptide and evaluated by indirect ELISA. Results: The prevalence of BPV was higher in Tabasco, Chiapas, and Veracruz. Bovine papillomaviruses 1 and 2 were found in all representative samples. A phylogenetic tree showed that Mexican sequences were located in exclusive clades yet were highly related to international ones. The peptide immunisation induced antibody titres of 1 : 10,000/1 : 1,000,000 against synthetic peptide and whole wart lysate (WWL), respectively. Conclusion: Co-infections of BPV-1 and -2 were found in all four states. Immunisation of BALB/C mice with BPV-1/2-derived synthetic peptide based on the C-terminal region of the major viral capsid protein L1 induced the production of specific antibodies able to recognise BPV-1/2 viral particles from bovine WWL.

Development of a new generation of miniemulsion based on cottonseed oil with α-tocopherol and ZnO and evaluation of its adjuvant activity.

Background: Emulsions have been widely used as immunological adjuvants. But the use of materials derived from plants such as cottonseed oil, alpha-tocopherol, or minerals such as zinc, as well as their use at the nanometric scale has been little explored. In this study, we develop a new miniemulsion and evaluated its antioxidant and phagocytic capacity, as well as parameters related to immune response stimulation by cytokine expression and antibodies production in a mice model. Methods: Formulated CN (cottonseed oil miniemulsion) and CNZ (cottonseed oil miniemulsion whit zinc oxide nanoparticles) miniemulsions were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy SEM, DLS and FT-IR. In murine macrophages, splenocytes and thymocytes primary cultures safety and cytotoxicity were determined by MTT. In macrophages the antioxidant and phagocytic capacity was evaluated. In BALB/c mice, the stimulation of the immune system was determined by the expression of cytokines and the production of antibodies. Results: The CN and CNZ presented stability for 90 days. Immediately after preparation, the CN presented a higher particle size (543.1 nm) than CNZ (320 nm). FT-IR demonstrated the correct nanoparticle synthesis by the absence of sulfate groups. CN and CNZ (1.25 to 10 µL/mL) had no toxic effect on macrophages (p = 0.108), splenocytes (p = 0.413), and thymocytes (p = 0.923). All CN and CNZ doses tested induced nitric oxide and antioxidants production in dose dependent manner when compared with control. CN-ovalbumin and CNZ-ovalbumin treatments in femoral subcutaneous tissue area showed inflammation with higher leukocyte infiltration compared with FCA. The intraperitoneal administration with CN, CNZ, and FCA showed a higher total intraperitoneal cells recruitment (CD14+) after 24 h of inoculation than control (p = 0.0001). CN and CNZ increased the phagocyte capacity with respect to untreated macrophages in the Candida albicans-phagocytosis assay. The evaluation of residual CFU indicated that only CN significantly decreased (p = 0.004) this value at 3 h. By other side, only CN increased (p = 0.002) the nitric oxide production. CNZ stimulated a major INFγ secretion compared with FCA at day 7. A major IL-2 secretion was observed at days 7 and 14, stimulated with CN and CNZ. Both miniemulsions did not affect the antibody isotypes production (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG3, IgA and IgM) at days 7, 14, 28, and 42. CN induced a significant IgG production against OVA, but lesser than FCA. Conclusions: The two new miniemulsions with adjuvant and antioxidant capacity, were capable of generating leukocyte infiltration and increased cytokines and antibodies production.

Antitumor efficacy of silver nanoparticles reduced with ß-D-glucose as neoadjuvant therapy to prevent tumor relapse in a mouse model of breast cancer.

Introduction: Neoadjuvant therapy constitutes a valuable modality for diminishing tumor volume prior to surgical resection. Nonetheless, its application encounters limitations in the context of recurrent tumors, which manifest resistance to conventional treatments. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as a promising alternative for cancer treatment owing to their cytotoxic effects. Methods: Cellular viability was assessed by Alamar blue assay in 4T1 breast cancer cell line. Silver biodistribution was detected by an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer in an in vivo mice model. For neoadjuvant evaluation, mice were randomized and treated intratumoral with AgNPs-G or intraperitoneally with doxorubicin (DOX) as a control. Recurrence was determined after 170 days by counting lung metastatic nodules (dyed with Bouin solution) with histological confirmation by H&E. Masson's stain, Ki67 immunohistochemistry, and a TUNEL assay were performed in lungs from treated mice. Results: AgNPs-G reduced 4T1 cell viability and in an ex vivo assay the AgNPs-G decreased the tumor cell viability. After intravenous administration of AgNPs-G were detected in different organs. After intratumor administration, AgNPs-G are retained. The AgNPs-G treatment significantly reduced tumor volume before its surgical resection. AgNPs-G reduced the development of lung metastatic nodules and the expression of Ki67. TUNEL assay indicated that AgNPs-G didn't induce apoptosis. Conclusions: We concluded that intratumor administration of AgNPs-G reduced tumor volume before surgical resection, alongside a reduction in lung metastatic nodules, and Ki67 expression. These findings provide valuable insights into the AgNPs-G potential for intratumor and neoadjuvant cancer therapies. However, further research is needed to explore their full potential and optimize their use in clinical settings.

Curcumin Sensitizes 4T1 Murine Breast Cancer Cells to Cisplatin Through PAR4 Secretion.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Prostate apoptosis response 4 (PAR4), a tumour-suppressor protein, selectively induces apoptosis of cancer cells without affecting normal cells. Its soluble form is induced by secretagogues (e.g., chloroquine), and it induces apoptosis by interacting with the receptor of glucose-regulated protein 78, which is overexpressed in cancer cells. In this study, curcumin was analyzed as an inducer of PAR4 expression in 4T1 murine breast cancer cell. and its ability to induce PAR4 secretion in Balb/c mice. In addition, the cisplatin sensitizing effect of soluble PAR4 was analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 4T1 cell line was treated in vitro using different concentrations of curcumin; cell viability was analyzed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and PAR4 expression by western blotting. The expression of soluble PAR4 in the serum of mice treated with intraperitoneal curcumin was analyzed using the dot-blot method. Moreover, MTT assay was used to analyze the effects of serum from curcumin-treated mice on cell viability. Tumor size was analyzed in mice treated with curcumin alone and in combination with cisplatin. RESULTS: Curcumin showed a dose- and time-dependent effects on cell viability on 4T1 cells, as well as increasing PAR4 expression. Compared with the control group (phosphate-buffered saline), mice treated with curcumin showed an increase in plasma PAR4. In the Balb/C tumor model, mice treated with curcumin and cisplatin showed greater tumor shrinkage than the control group. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that curcumin induces expression of soluble PAR4 and sensitizes tumor cells to cisplatin.

In vitro chemosensitivity of a canine tumor venereal transmissible cancer cell line.

The canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is the most common malignity in dogs. Because there are reports that this tumor is resistant to vincristine sulfate, the chemotherapeutic options are scarce, and the development of new therapeutic approaches is necessary. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic activity of vincristine, doxorubicin, temozolomide, panobinostat, toceranib, gemcitabine, cisplatin, fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate on a CTVT cell line, determining that all drugs decreased the viability in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, they inhibit cellular migration in a time- and drug-dependent manner, as evaluated by the wound healing assay. On the other hand, vincristine, panobinostat, gemcitabine, toceranib, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate increased the percentage of cells in the subG1 phase, and doxorubicin, temozolomide, gemcitabine, toceranib, and methotrexate decreased the percentage of cells in the synthesis phase. To efficientize the use of vincristine, only toceranib increased the cytotoxic effect of vincristine in a synergistic manner. Our results confirm the use of vincristine as the gold standard for CTVT treatment as monotherapy and suggest the use of a combinatorial and sequential treatment with toceranib.

Orthotopic and heterotopic triple negative breast cancer preclinical murine models: A tumor microenvironment comparative.

Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer worldwide and triple negative breast cancer is a particularly aggressive subtype. Novel therapies for the treatment of cancer patients focus on the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Orthotopic and heterotopic syngeneic mice are the most common model used to study the TME in preclinical research. Despite this, there are no published studies that address the differences between orthotopic and heterotopic murine breast cancer models at the TME level. In this report we compared proliferation, immune cell infiltrates, extracellular matrix, vascular density, and response to chemotherapy between the mammary fat pad orthotopic model, and the air pouch heterotopic model. Our study shows that the orthotopic tumors form more metastasis, however, the heterotopic tumors grow larger, have a higher FOXP3 cell infiltrate, and resemble more accurately the breast cancer TME. Our findings show that both models are very similar, there are however some differences that should be considered in the experimental design of preclinical studies.

Chitosan-G-Glycidyl Methacrylate/Au Nanocomposites Promote Accelerated Skin Wound Healing.

Herein, we report the synthesis of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) in chitosan (CTS) solution by chemically reducing HAuCl4. CTS was further functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate (chitosan-g-glycidyl methacrylate/AuNP, CTS-g-GMA/AuNP) to improve the mechanical properties for cellular regeneration requirements of CTS-g-GMA/AuNP. Our nanocomposites promote excellent cellular viability and have a positive effect on cytokine regulation in the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory response of skin cells. After 40 days of nanocomposite exposure to a skin wound, we showed that our films have a greater skin wound healing capacity than a commercial film (TheraForm®), and the presence of the collagen allows better cosmetic ave aspects in skin regeneration in comparison with a nanocomposite with an absence of this protein. Electrical percolation phenomena in such nanocomposites were used as guiding tools for the best nanocomposite performance. Our results suggest that chitosan-based Au nanocomposites show great potential for skin wound repair.

Synthesis of ɑ,ß-Unsaturated Benzotriazolyl-1,3,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives: Anticancer Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Cell Imaging.

A series of ten α , ß -unsaturated benzotriazolyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives was synthesized and all compounds were evaluated in vitro against three breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and 4T1) at different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg/mL). The results showed that compounds 6a, 6c, 6d, 6f, 6g, and 6i displayed acceptable anticancer activity, where compound 6f was the most active on the three cell lines (IC50 = 0.80, 0.07, and 0.30 mg/mL, respectively). Regarding the cytotoxicity assay, the compounds exhibited modest toxicity on murine splenocytes and peripheral human blood cells at the highest concentration tested (5 mg/mL). Compound 6f was further evaluated at different concentrations showing moderate cytotoxicity at the 5 mg/mL concentration and negligible cytotoxicity at the minimum concentration evaluated (0.05 mg/mL). Finally, the compounds 6a, 6c, 6d, 6f, 6g, 6i, and 6j were evaluated as fluorescence markers due to their ability to be internalized into MCF-7 cells.

Effects of Transportation Stress on Complete Blood Count, Blood Chemistry, and Cytokine Gene Expression in Heifers.

Blood samples were obtained from 16 high-risk heifers; eight were newly arrived from a 40 h road trip (0 days post-arrival (DPA)), whereas the other eight heifers had been in the feedlot at 25 DPA. Both groups were transported from the southeast tropical region of Mexico to a feedlot in the northeast and were sampled on the same day. The complete blood count, blood chemistry, and cytokine gene expression were analyzed. Gene expression was analyzed using specific primers to amplify and quantify the cDNA reverse transcribed from the mRNA transcripts for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-2. Higher values for hematocrit (p = 0.029), hemoglobin (p = 0.002), eosinophils (0.029), albumin (p = 0.014), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.004), bilirubin (p = 0.003), cholesterol (p = 0.014), and cortisol (p = 0.051) were observed in the 0 DPA group than the 25 DPA group. In the electrophoresis of TNF-α amplification products, two non-specific bands were observed in the 0 DPA group. These bands were sequenced, and BLAST analysis suggested that they corresponded to bovine lymphotoxin and have not been reported previously related to stress. The TNF-α expression level was higher (p = 0.001) in the 25 DPA group than the 0 DPA group according to the semi-quantitative expression analysis. This may indicate a persistent inflammatory process that could be related to trauma and disease, which can negatively impact their subsequent health and growth performance. In conclusion, homeostatic disruption was apparent in the 0 DPA heifers, which showed higher cortisol and reductions in TNF-α levels and stress-induced bovine lymphotoxin (SIBL) co-expression.

The Inflammatory Process Modulates the Expression and Localization of WT1 in Podocytes Leading to Kidney Damage.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is involved in the development of the urogenital system and is expressed in podocytes throughout life. Inflammation of renal glomeruli causes renal damage-induced nephrotic syndrome and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome have mutations in the WT1 gene. The aim of this work was to determine if the inflammatory process modulates the expression and localization of WT1 in podocytes that cause kidney damage using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice as a sepsis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In investigation of renal damage, proteinuria and histology were analyzed. WT1 modulation was analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and western blot assays, and proinflammatory cytokines were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: WT1 expression decreased most at 24 and 36 h after the induction of inflammation and phosphorylated WT1 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm, reduced nephrin mRNA expression and increased mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1ß. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the immune system plays an important role in the modulation of WT1, leading to kidney damage.

Fatal Case of Rabies in a Captive White-Tailed Deer: A Case Report from Chiapas, Mexico.

Rabies is a fatal viral infection that causes enc ephalitis in warm-blooded animals, including humans. Dog-transmitted rabies is considered eradicated in Mexico; however, rabies is not being tested in livestock with neurological symptoms (one of the main manifestations of rabies disease). In this case report, we describe a rabies case in a white-tailed deer in the Santo Domingo ranch, in Catazajá, Chiapas, Mexico, where white-tailed deer are kept under captivity, and are meant for human consumption. This is the first report of a rabies case in white-tailed deer in Mexico. We also describe the challenges to obtain a rabies diagnosis and the lack of public health policies to ensure containment of the disease, as well as the lack of awareness among farmers in the area. One single confirmed case of rabies indicates that more animals are affected by the disease. The risk for human health and economical losses will remain unknown until rabies tests are routinely performed in animals that present neurological symptoms.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic and immunogenic potential of temozolamide, panobinostat, and Lophophora williamsii extract against C6 glioma cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme is a malignant neoplasm of the brain with poor prognosis. The first-line drug against glioblastoma is the alkylating agent temozolamide (TMZ); unfortunately, treatment resistance and tumor re-incidence are common. In some cases, immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducers can decrease treatment resistance and tumor recurrence by stimulating an antitumor specific immune response. Not all ICD inducers, however, are suitable for glioma patients because of the low permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Panobinostat (PAN), a histone deacetylase inhibitor and Lophophora williamsii (LW) extract can pass through the BBB and have antitumor properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of TMZ, PAN and LW extract against the glioma C6 cell line, and its role in the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which is a hallmark of ICD. Our results indicate that all treatments induce cellular death in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, and that PAN and LW extract induce apoptosis, whereas TMZ induces apoptosis and necrosis. Also, that some of the treatments and their sequential administration induce the release of DAMPs. Furthermore, in a rat glioma model, we observed that all treatments decreased tumor volume, but the in vivo cell death mechanism was not ICD. Our findings indicate that TMZ, PAN, and LW combination have a cytotoxic effect against glioma cells but do not induce ICD.

IMMUNEPOTENT CRP plus doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide chemotherapy remodel the tumor microenvironment in an air pouch triple-negative breast cancer murine model.

In 1889, Steven Paget postulated the theory that cancer cells require a permissive environment to grow. This permissive environment is known as the tumor microenvironment (TME) and nowadays it is evident that the TME is involved in the progression and response to therapy of solid cancer tumors. Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most lethal types of cancer for women worldwide and chemotherapy remains the standard treatment for these patients. IMMUNEPOTENT CRP is a bovine dialyzable leukocyte extract with immunomodulatory and antitumor properties. The combination of chemotherapy and IMMUNEPOTENT CRP improves clinical parameters of breast cancer patients. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the antitumor effect of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide chemotherapy plus IMMUNEPOTENT CRP and its impact over the tumor microenvironment in a triple-negative breast cancer murine model. We evaluated CD8+, CD4+, T regulatory cells, memory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, CD71+, innate effector cells and molecules such as α-SMA, VEGF, CTLA-4, PD-L1, Gal-3, IDO, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-6, MCP-1, and IL-10 as part of the components of the TME. Doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide + IMMUNEPOTENT CRP decreased tumor volume, prolonged survival, increased infiltrating and systemic CD8+ T cells and decreased tumor suppressor molecules (such as PD-L1, Gal-3, and IL-10 among others). In conclusion, we suggest that IMMUNEPOTENT CRP act as a modifier of the TME and the immune response, potentiating or prolonging anti-tumor effects of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide in a triple-negative breast cancer murine model.

Triggering of protease-activated receptors (PARs) induces alternative M2 macrophage polarization with impaired plasticity.

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) have been described in a wide diversity of vertebrate cells, including human immune cells. Macrophages are pivotal cells in the host-pathogen interaction and their polarization in M1 or M2 cells has been described as a new central paradigm in the immune response to pathogens. In this context, we explored the involvement of PAR activation by serine proteases on M1/M2 macrophage differentiation and their impact on the Th1/Th2 cytokine profile in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen. Our results demonstrate that the serine proteases, thrombin and trypsin, induce interleukin (IL)-4 release from human monocytes, together with upregulation of the macrophage mannose receptor (CD206) in the same way that alternative M2a differentiated cells with M-CSF/IL-4. Protease stimulation of monocytes in the presence of PAR-1 (SCH-79797) or PAR-2 (FSLLRY-NH2) antagonists abolished IL-4 release from monocytes, whereas the use of the peptide agonist for PAR-1 (SFLLRNPNDKYEPF-NH2) or PAR-2 (SLIGKV-NH2) induced the secretion of IL-4 at a level comparable to thrombin or trypsin. When these protease-induced M2 macrophages from healthy human PPD + donors were co-cultured with autologous lymphocyte population in the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen, we found a consistent inhibition of IFN-γ/IL-12 release together with persistent IL-4 expression, in contrast to the expected Th1 profile obtained with M2a macrophages. To our knowledge, this is the first observation that proteolytic activation of PAR1/2 receptors in monocytes induces M2-like macrophages with impaired plasticity and their implication in the driving of the Th1/Th2 cytokine profile.

Inhibitory Effect of Cuphea aequipetala Extracts on Murine B16F10 Melanoma In Vitro and In Vivo.

Cuphea aequipetala (C. aequipetala) has been used in Mexican traditional medicine since prehispanic times to treat tumors. In this paper, we evaluated the antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of the methanolic and aqueous extracts of C. aequipetala on several cancer cell lines including the B16F10 cell line of murine melanoma and carried a murine model assay. In vitro assay analyzed the effect in the cellular cycle and several indicators of apoptosis, such as the caspase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine exposure (Annexin-V), and induction of cell membrane permeabilization (propidium iodide) in the B16F10 cells. In vivo, groups of C57BL/6 female mice were subcutaneously injected with 5x105 B16F10 cells and treated with 25 mg/mL of C. aequipetala extracts via oral. Aqueous and methanolic extracts showed a cytotoxic effect in MCF-7, HepG2, and B16F10 cell lines. The methanolic extract showed more antiproliferative effect with less concentration, and for this reason, the in vitro experiments were only continued with it. This extract was able to induce accumulation of cells on G1 phase of the cell cycle; moreover, it was able to induce DNA fragmentation and increase the activity of caspase-3 in B16F10 cells. On the other hand, in the murine model of melanoma, the aqueous extract showed a greater reduction of tumor size in comparison with the methanolic extract, showing an 80% reduction versus one of around 31%, both compared with the untreated control, indicating a better antitumor effect of C. aequipetala aqueous extract via oral administration. In conclusion, the in vitro data showed that both C. aequipetala extracts were able to induce cytotoxicity through the apoptosis pathway in B16F10 cells, and in vivo, the oral administration of aqueous extract reduces the melanoma tumoral mass, suggesting an important antitumoral effect and the perspective to search for effector molecules involved in it.

Advantages of adipose tissue stem cells over CD34+ mobilization to decrease hepatic fibrosis in Wistar rats.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic liver inflammation may lead to hepatic cirrhosis, limiting its regenerative capacity. The clinical standard of care is transplantation, although stem cell therapy may be an alternative option. The study aim was to induce endogenous hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and/or intravenous administration of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to decrease hepatic fibrosis in an experimental model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A liver fibrosis model was developed with female Wistar rats via multiple intraperitoneal doses of carbon tetrachloride. Three rats were selected to confirm cirrhosis, and the rest were set into experimental groups to evaluate single and combined therapies of G-CSF-stimulated HSC mobilization and intravenous MSC administration. RESULTS: Treatment with MSCs and G-CSF significantly improved alanine amino transferase levels, while treatment with G-CSF, MSCs, and G-CSF+MSCs decreased aspartate amino transferase levels. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and interleukin 10 levels increased with MSC treatment. Transforming growth factor ß levels were lower with MSC treatment. Interleukin 1ß and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels decreased in all treated groups. Histopathology showed that MSCs and G-CSF reduced liver fibrosis from F4 to F2. CONCLUSIONS: MSC treatment improves liver function, decreases hepatic fibrosis, and plays an anti-inflammatory role; it promotes HGF levels and increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen when followed by MSC treatment mobilization using G-CSF. When these therapies were combined, however, fibrosis improvement was less evident.