Probiotics Show Promise as a Novel Natural Treatment for Neurological Disorders.

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms shown to improve human health when consumed regularly and in sufficient quantities. Numerous health benefits can be attained by possessing important metabolites with nutritional and medicinal qualities. It has been shown through scientific research that these living microbial consortiums can influence a variety of mental health outcomes, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, cognitive processes, stress responses, and behavioral patterns. Selected strains of bacteria and yeasts control how the central nervous system (CNS) communicates with the gut-brain axis (GBA) through neuronal, humoral, and metabolic pathways to ease mood. Psychobiotics are substances that can affect the digestive system as well as mood and anxiety. There is scant evidence to validate the beneficial effects of psychiatric drugs in treating neurological diseases or disorders. The therapeutic method of research into psychobiotics opens exciting prospects for the future of the field of development. This review compiles the current evidence available in the scientific literature on the use of probiotics to influence neurological disorders.

Photoactive immunoconjugates for targeted photodynamic therapy of cancer.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used as an alternative or as a complement of conventional approaches for cancer treatment. In PDT, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced from the interaction between the photosensitizer (PS), visible light and molecular oxygen, kill malignant cells by triggering a cascade of cytotoxic reactions. In this process, the PS plays an extremely important role in the effectiveness of the therapy. In the present work, a new photoimmunoconjugate (PIC), based on cetuximab and the known third generation PS-glycophthalocyanine ZnPcGal4, was synthesized via reductive amination. The rationale behind this was the simultaneous cancer-associated specific targeting of PIC and photosensitization of targeted receptor positive cells. Varied reaction parameters and photodynamic conditions, such as PS concentrations and both type and intensities of light, were optimized. ZnPcGal4 showed significant photoactivity against EGFR expressing A431, EGFR-transfected HCT116 and HT29 cells when irradiated with white light of stronger intensity (38 mW/cm2). Similarly, the synthesized PICs-T1 and T2 also demonstrated photoactivity with high intensity white light. The best optimized PIC: sample 28 showed no precipitation and aggregation when inspected visually and analyzed through SE-HPLC. Fluorescence excitation of sample 28 and 125I-sample 28 radioconjugate (125I-PIC, 125I-radiolabeling yield ≥95%, determined with ITLC) at 660 nm showed presence of appended ZnPcGal4. In addition, simultaneous fluorescence and radioactivity detection of the 125I-PIC in serum and PBS (pH 7.4) for the longest incubated time point of 72 h, respectively, and superimposed signals thereof demonstrated ≥99% of loading and/or labeling yield, assuring overall stability of the PIC and corresponding PIC-radioconjugate w.r.t. both the appended ZnPcGal4 and bound-125I. Moreover, real-time binding analyses on EGFR-transfected HCT116 cells showed specific binding of 125I-PIC, suggesting no alternation in the binding kinetics of the mAb after appending it with ZnPcGal4. These results suggest dual potential applications of synthesized PICs both for PDT and radio-immunotherapy of cancer.

A Theranostic Small-Molecule Prodrug Conjugate for Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer.

After androgen deprivation therapy, a significant number of prostate cancer cases progress with a therapy-resistant neuroendocrine phenotype (NEPC). This represents a challenge for diagnosis and treatment. Based on our previously reported design of theranostic small-molecule prodrug conjugates (T-SMPDCs), herein we report a T-SMPDC tailored for targeted positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and chemotherapy of NEPC. The T-SMPDC is built upon a triazine core (TZ) to present three functionalities: (1) a chelating moiety (DOTA: 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) for PET imaging when labeled with 68Ga (t1/2 = 68 min) or other relevant radiometals; (2) an octreotide (Octr) that targets the somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2), which is overexpressed in the innervated tumor microenvironment (TME); and (3) fingolimod, FTY720-an antagonist of sphingosine kinase 1 that is an intracellular enzyme upregulated in NEPC. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains were incorporated via conventional conjugation methods or a click chemistry reaction forming a 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole (Trz) linkage for the optimization of in vivo kinetics as necessary. The T-SMPDC, DOTA-PEG3-TZ(PEG4-Octr)-PEG2-Trz-PEG3-Val-Cit-pABOC-FTY720 (PEGn: PEG with n repeating ethyleneoxy units (n = 2, 3, or 4); Val: valine; Cit: citrulline; pABOC: p-amino-benzyloxycarbonyl), showed selective SSTR2 binding and mediated internalization of the molecule in SSTR2 high cells. Release of FTY720 was observed when the T-SMPDC was exposed to cathepsin B, and the released FTY720 exerted cytotoxicity in cells. In vivo PET imaging showed significantly higher accumulation (2.1 ± 0.3 %ID/g; p = 0.02) of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-PEG3-TZ(PEG4-Octr)-PEG2-Trz-PEG3-Val-Cit-pABOC-FTY720 in SSTR2high prostate cancer xenografts than in the SSTR2low xenografts (1.5 ± 0.4 %ID/g) at 13 min post-injection (p.i.) with a rapid excretion through the kidneys. Taken together, these proof-of-concept results validate the design concept of the T-SMPDC, which may hold a great potential for targeted diagnosis and therapy of NEPC.

Conformation specific antagonistic high affinity antibodies to the RON receptor kinase for imaging and therapy.

The RON receptor tyrosine kinase is an exceptionally interesting target in oncology and immunology. It is not only overexpressed in a wide variety of tumors but also has been shown to be expressed on myeloid cells associated with tumor infiltration, where it serves to dampen tumour immune responses and reduce the efficacy of anti-CTLA4 therapy. Potent and selective inhibitory antibodies to RON might therefore both inhibit tumor cell growth and stimulate immune rejection of tumors. We derived cloned and sequenced a new panel of exceptionally avid anti-RON antibodies with picomolar binding affinities that inhibit MSP-induced RON signaling and show remarkable potency in antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Antibody specificity was validated by cloning the antibody genes and creating recombinant antibodies and by the use of RON knock out cell lines. When radiolabeled with 89-Zirconium, the new antibodies 3F8 and 10G1 allow effective immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) imaging of RON-expressing tumors and recognize universally exposed RON epitopes at the cell surface. The 10G1 was further developed into a novel bispecific T cell engager with a 15 pM EC50 in cytotoxic T cell killing assays.

In Vitro Characterization of 177Lu-DOTA-M5A Anti-Carcinoembryonic Antigen Humanized Antibody and HSP90 Inhibition for Potentiated Radioimmunotherapy of Colorectal Cancer.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is an antigen that is highly expressed in colorectal cancers and widely used as a tumor marker. 131I and 90Y-radiolabeled anti-CEA monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have previously been assessed for radioimmunotherapy in early clinical trials with promising results. Moreover, the heat shock protein 90 inhibitor onalespib has previously demonstrated radiotherapy potentiation effects in vivo. In the present study, a 177Lu-radiolabeled anti-CEA hT84.66-M5A mAb (M5A) conjugate was developed and the potential therapeutic effects of 177Lu-DOTA-M5A and/or onalespib were investigated. The 177Lu radiolabeling of M5A was first optimized and characterized. Binding specificity and affinity of the conjugate were then evaluated in a panel of gastrointestinal cancer cell lines. The effects on spheroid growth and cell viability, as well as molecular effects from treatments, were then assessed in several three-dimensional (3D) multicellular colorectal cancer spheroid models. Stable and reproducible radiolabeling was obtained, with labeling yields above 92%, and stability was retained at least 48 h post-radiolabeling. Antigen-specific binding of the radiolabeled conjugate was demonstrated on all CEA-positive cell lines. Dose-dependent therapeutic effects of both 177Lu-DOTA-M5A and onalespib were demonstrated in the spheroid models. Moreover, effects were potentiated in several dose combinations, where spheroid sizes and viabilities were significantly decreased compared to the corresponding monotherapies. For example, the combination treatment with 350 nM onalespib and 20 kBq 177Lu-DOTA-M5A resulted in 2.5 and 2.3 times smaller spheroids at the experimental endpoint than the corresponding monotreatments in the SNU1544 spheroid model. Synergistic effects were demonstrated in several of the more effective combinations. Molecular assessments validated the therapy results and displayed increased apoptosis in several combination treatments. In conclusion, the combination therapy of anti-CEA 177Lu-DOTA-M5A and onalespib showed enhanced therapeutic effects over the individual monotherapies for the potential treatment of colorectal cancer. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to confirm the current study findings.

Insights of ligand binding in modeled h5-HT1A receptor: homology modeling, docking, MM-GBSA, screening and molecular dynamics.

The pharmacologically characterized receptor subtype of the serotonin family, the 5HT1A receptor is implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression and anxiety-related disorders. Being the most extensively targeted receptor for developing novel antidepressants and anxiolytics, a near-ideal theoretical model can aid in high-throughput screening of promising drug candidates. However, the design of potential drug candidates suffers owing to a lack of complete structural information. In this work, homology models of 5-HT1A receptor are generated using two distinct alignments (CW and PSTA) and model building methods (KB and EB). The developed models are validated for virtual screening using a ligand dataset of agonists and antagonists. The best-suited model was efficient in discriminating agonist/antagonist binding. Correlation plots between pKi and docking (R2agonist≥ 0.6, R2antagonist≥ 0.7) and MM-GBSA dG bind values (R2agonist≥ 0.5, R2antagonist≥ 0.7) revealed optimum corroboration between in vitro and in silico outcomes, which further suggested the usefulness of the developed model for the design of high-affinity probes for the neurological disorders.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

p53-Mediated Radiosensitization of 177Lu-DOTATATE in Neuroblastoma Tumor Spheroids.

p53 is involved in DNA damage response and is an exciting target for radiosensitization in cancer. Targeted radionuclide therapy against somatostatin receptors with 177Lu-DOTATATE is currently being explored as a treatment for neuroblastoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the novel p53-stabilizing peptide VIP116 in neuroblastoma, both as monotherapy and together with 177Lu-DOTATATE. Five neuroblastoma cell lines, including two patient-derived xenograft (PDX) lines, were characterized in monolayer cultures. Four out of five were positive for 177Lu-DOTATATE uptake. IC50 values after VIP116 treatments correlated with p53 status, ranging between 2.8-238.2 µM. IMR-32 and PDX lines LU-NB-1 and LU-NB-2 were then cultured as multicellular tumor spheroids and treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE and/or VIP116. Spheroid growth was inhibited in all spheroid models for all treatment modalities. The most pronounced effects were observed for combination treatments, mediating synergistic effects in the IMR-32 model. VIP116 and combination treatment increased p53 levels with subsequent induction of p21, Bax and cleaved caspase 3. Combination treatment resulted in a 14-fold and 1.6-fold induction of MDM2 in LU-NB-2 and IMR-32 spheroids, respectively. This, together with differential MYCN signaling, may explain the varying degree of synergy. In conclusion, VIP116 inhibited neuroblastoma cell growth, potentiated 177Lu-DOTATATE treatment and could, therefore, be a feasible treatment option for neuroblastoma.

Apache Spark based kernelized fuzzy clustering framework for single nucleotide polymorphism sequence analysis.

This paper introduces a kernel based fuzzy clustering approach to deal with the non-linear separable problems by applying kernel Radial Basis Functions (RBF) which maps the input data space non-linearly into a high-dimensional feature space. Discovering clusters in the high-dimensional genomics data is extremely challenging for the bioinformatics researchers for genome analysis. To support the investigations in bioinformatics, explicitly on genomic clustering, we proposed high-dimensional kernelized fuzzy clustering algorithms based on Apache Spark framework for clustering of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) sequences. The paper proposes the Kernelized Scalable Random Sampling with Iterative Optimization Fuzzy c-Means (KSRSIO-FCM) which inherently uses another proposed Kernelized Scalable Literal Fuzzy c-Means (KSLFCM) clustering algorithm. Both the approaches completely adapt the Apache Spark cluster framework by localized sub-clustering Resilient Distributed Dataset (RDD) method. Additionally, we are also proposing a preprocessing approach for generating numeric feature vectors for huge SNP sequences and making it a scalable preprocessing approach by executing it on an Apache Spark cluster, which is applied to real-world SNP datasets taken from open-internet repositories of two different plant species, i.e., soybean and rice. The comparison of the proposed scalable kernelized fuzzy clustering results with similar works shows the significant improvement of the proposed algorithm in terms of time and space complexity, Silhouette index, and Davies-Bouldin index. Exhaustive experiments are performed on various SNP datasets to show the effectiveness of proposed KSRSIO-FCM in comparison with proposed KSLFCM and other scalable clustering algorithms, i.e., SRSIO-FCM, and SLFCM.

5-HT1A targeting PARCEST agent DO3AM-MPP with potential for receptor imaging: Synthesis, physico-chemical and MR studies.

Contrast enhancement in MRI using magnetization or saturation transfer techniques promises better sensitivity, and faster acquisition compared to T1 or T2 contrast. This work reports the synthesis and evaluation of 5-HT1A targeted PARACEST MRI contrast agent using 1,4,7,10-tetraazacycloDOdecane-4,7,10-triacetAMide (DO3AM) as the bifunctional chelator, and 5-HT1A-antagonist methoxyphenyl piperazine (MPP) as a targeting unit. The multi-step synthesis led to the MPP conjugated DO3AM with 60% yield. CEST-related physicochemical parameters were evaluated after loading DO3AM-MPP with paramagnetic MRI active lanthanides: Gadolinium (Gd-DO3AM-MPP) and Europium (Eu-DO3AM-MPP). Luminescence lifetime measurements with Eu-DO3AM-MPP and computational DFT studies using Gd-DO3AM-MPP revealed the coordination of one water molecule (q = 1.43) with metal-water distance (rM-H2O) of 2.7 Å and water residence time (τm) of 0.23 ms. The dissociation constant of Kd 62 ± 0.02 pM as evaluated from fluorescence quenching of 5-HT1A (protein) and docking score of -4.81 in theoretical evaluation reflect the binding potential of the complex Gd-DO3AM-MPP with the receptor 5-HT1A. Insights of the docked pose reflect the importance of NH2 (amide) and aromatic ring in Gd-DO3AM-MPP while interacting with Ser 374 and Phe 370 in the antagonist binding pocket of 5-HT1A. Gd-DO3AM-MPP shows longitudinal relaxivity 5.85 mM-1s-1 with a water residence lifetime of 0.93 ms in hippocampal homogenate containing 5-HT1A. The potentiometric titration of DO3AM-MPP showed strong selectivity for Gd3+ over physiological metal ions such as Zn2+ and Cu2+. The in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed the minimal cytotoxicity and presential binding of Gd-DO3AM-MPP with 5-HT1A receptor in the hippocampus region of the mice. Summarizing, the complex Gd-DO3AM-MPP can have a potential for CEST imaging of 5-HT1A receptors.

In silico Potential of Approved Antimalarial Drugs for Repurposing Against COVID-19.

Although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is wreaking havoc and resulting in mortality and morbidity across the planet, novel treatments are urgently needed. Drug repurposing offers an innovative approach in this context. We report here new findings on the in silico potential of several antimalarial drugs for repurposing against COVID-19. We conducted analyses by docking the compounds against two SARS-CoV-2-specific targets: (1) the receptor binding domain spike protein and (2) the main protease of the virus (MPro) using the Schrödinger software. Importantly, the docking analysis revealed that doxycycline (DOX) showed the most effective binding to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, whereas halofantrine and mefloquine bound effectively with the main protease among the antimalarial drugs evaluated in the present study. The in silico approach reported here suggested that DOX could potentially be a good candidate for repurposing for COVID-19. In contrast, to decipher the actual potential of DOX and halofantrine against COVID-19, further in vitro and in vivo studies are called for. Drug repurposing warrants consideration as a viable research and innovation avenue as planetary health efforts to fight the COVID-19 continue.

A Regenerative Approach for Root Canal Treatment of Mature Permanent Teeth: Comparative Evaluation with 18 Months Follow-up.

AIM: SealBio is a novel technique which stimulates the periradicular cells to deposit a biological barrier at the root apex by inducing healing and regeneration. This clinical trial was undertaken to compare the outcome of teeth treated with the SealBio and the obturation technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to the SealBio and the obturation group. The time taken for both the techniques and periapical healing was evaluated. The patients of both the groups were evaluated at 6, 12, and 18 months follow up. The periapical index (PAI) was the primary outcome measure to check the apical bone density and healing. The secondary outcome measure was the presence/absence of signs and symptoms. The final outcome measure was the sum of the primary and secondary outcome measures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The time taken to perform endodontic treatment with the SealBio technique was significantly lesser than that of obturation. Both groups showed equally favorable outcomes at the end of 18 months without any statistically significant differences. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of the present study have demonstrated that SealBio technique gives similar results as that of conventional gutta-percha obturation. The shortcomings of obturation such as difficulty in obtaining a fluid-tight seal and difficulty in obturating tortuous canals can be overcome by the SealBio method. The SealBio method is cost effective, less technique sensitive, and takes lesser chair time. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Jha P, Virdi MS, et al. A Regenerative Approach for Root Canal Treatment of Mature Permanent Teeth: Comparative Evaluation with 18 Months Follow-up. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(3):182-188.

Acetylated Benzothiazolone as Homobivalent SPECT Metallo-Radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-(6-AcBTZ)2DTPA: Design, Synthesis, and Preclinical Evaluation for Mapping 5-HT1A/7 Receptors.

Mapping different structural forms of serotonin subtypes 5-HT1A-5-HT7 using a selective-specific ligand with good pharmacokinetics and brain permeability can open avenues for personalized medication in depressed population. Herein, the selective 5-HT1A/7 antagonist, modified for enhanced brain permeation, is developed as a homobivalent ligand, (6-AcBTZ)2DTPA. After in-depth computational studies to probe the binding mechanism, two-step synthesis lead to (6-AcBTZ)2DTPA. Biocompatibility studies indicated cytocompatibility with 3.6-1.64% cell death (0.1 mM-1 pM) and hemocompatibility with 2.33% hemolysis of human erythrocytes. When 99mTc-radiolabeled in a quantitative yield (98%), a stable preparation was obtained with 7.4 and 3.5% dissociation upon incubation with human serum and excess cysteine. The single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) tracer 99mTc-(6-AcBTZ)2DTPA showed biphasic clearance (t 1/2, distribution = 0.5 min and t 1/2, elimination = 482 min) and maximum brain uptake of 0.42 ± 0.02% ID/g with the regional localization (hippocampus: 11.38% ID/g; cortex: 26.42% ID/g; cerebellum: 25.23% ID/g). Thus, the 99mTc-metal-based SPECT neurotracer holds potential for neuroreceptor mapping.

Evaluation of BBB permeable nucleolipid (NLDPU): A di-C15-ketalised palmitone appended uridine as neuro-tracer for SPECT.

Despite being in routine for onco-diagnostics for years, the applicability of nucleosidic molecular imaging probes is severely restricted in neurological applications due to their low permeability across blood-brain-barrier (BBB). For extending nucleoside tracers utility for neuro-onco early diagnostics, suitable modification which enhances their BBB permeation needs investigation. Among various modifications, lipidization of nucleosides has been reported to enhance cellular permeability. Extending the concept, the aim was to exemplify the possibility of lipidized nucleosides as potential brain tracer with capability to cross intact BBB and evaluate as metal based neuro-imaging SPECT agent. Uridine based non-lipidic (NSDAU) and di-C15-ketal appended lipidic (NLDPU) ligands were conjugated to chelator, DTPA (DTPA-NSDAU and DTPA-NLDPU) using multi-step chemistry. The ligands were evaluated in parallel for comparative physical and biological parameters. Additionally, effects of enhanced lipophilicity on UV-absorption, acid strength, fluorescence and non-specific protein binding were evaluated. Fluorescence quenching of BSA indicated appreciable interaction of DTPA-NLDPU with protein only above 10 mM without inducing conformational changes. In addition, DTPA-NLDPU was found to be haematocompatible and cytocompatible with low dose-dependent toxicity in HEK-cells. The chelator DTPA was used for 99mTc-complexation for SPECT imaging. Optimized 99mTc-radiolabeling parameters resulted in quantitative (≥97%) labeling with good stability parameters in in-vitro serum and cysteine challenge studies. We demonstrate that the nucleolipid radiotracer (99mTc-DTPA-NLDPU) was successfully able to permeate the BBB with brain uptake of 0.2% ID/g in normal mice as compared to 0.06% ID/g uptake of 99mTc-DTPA-NSDAU at 5 min. Blood kinetics indicate biphasic profile and t1/2(distribution) 46 min for 99mTc-DTPA-NLDPU. The preferential accumulation of 99mTc-DTPA-NLDPU in brain tumor intracranial xenograft indicate the targeting capability of the nucleoside. We conclude that as first-of-its-kind, this work presents the potential of the biocompatible nucleolipidic system for brain targeting and early diagnostics.

Improvising 5-HT7R homology model for design of high affinity ligands: model validation with docking, embrace minimization, MM-GBSA, and molecular dynamic simulations.

The subtype, 5-HT7R has been implicated in neurological disorders and presents itself as a promising target for antidepressant drugs. Design of targeted selective ligands, require a sound knowledge of 3D-receptor structure. In absence of receptor structure, structure-based design of targeted ligands relies on generation of 5-HT7R homology model. In this study, the impact of template choice, alignment, and model building methods on the homology model of 5-HT7R is addressed. The compactness and model quality due to the presence of cholesterol (lipidic receptor) have also been observed. The results suggest good stereochemical quality of the final model. Ramachandran Plot Analysis indicated more than 97.5% amino acid residues in the favorable region. The overall quality factor was 91.8% using ERRAT. The Z-score for backbone confirmation and packing quality were -1.248 and -1.427, respectively, using WHATCHECK. The RMS Z-score for side chain planarity was .711. Other validation results for the final model include binding site analysis in which Asp162, Val163, Phe343, Phe344, Arg350, Arg367, and Leu370 conserved residues were found in the active site, correlation coefficient of .82 in ligand-based screening and .85 in embrace minimization. Further, the model showed good correlation for agonist and antagonist in docking ([Formula: see text] ≈ .76, [Formula: see text] ≈ .82), embrace minimization ([Formula: see text] ≈ .73, [Formula: see text] ≈ .72), and MM-GBSA ([Formula: see text] ≈ .69, [Formula: see text] ≈ .75) studies. The model was subjected to Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation of 20 ns both in ligand-free and ligand-bound receptor (agonist and antagonist) system in order to assess its stability.

Perspective of tuberculosis patients on family support and care in rural Maharashtra.

BACKGROUND: Role of patients' family in TB-control programme has received least attention in research and negligible attention is paid to support and care experiences of patients in rural societies. AIM: Present study aims at collecting qualitative data on how tuberculosis patients define support and care during illness, and document their experiences and perspectives about care and support. METHODS: This is a qualitative study with grounded theory approach. Data were collected by conducting series of 15 focus group discussions (FGD) covering 113 patients from rural Pune district of Maharashtra. Thematic analysis was undertaken after preparing detailed transcripts of each FGD. RESULTS: Good support and care was considered as receiving necessary attention and help in daily routine, monitary help, emotional and moral support and motivation for early recovery. Family provided support by accompanying to the health centre, reminding about medicines, giving meals. Female patients reported less sympathetic attitude and unfair treatment at husband's home while males received emotional and physical support from spouse. Stigma led to discrimination and hindered the support and care mechanism. CONCLUSION: Family awareness and preparedness for providing support need to be strengthened. Counselling and motivation during each visit are the keys to successful completion of treatment. There is need to make counsellors/psychologists available in the existing system.