Generation of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (gdnf) morphants in zebrafish larvae by cerebroventricular microinjection of vivo morpholino.

Dopaminergic neurons in the brain are an important source of dopamine, which is a crucial neurotransmitter for wellbeing, memory, reward, and motor control. Deficiency of dopamine due to advanced age and accumulative dopaminergic neuron defects can lead to movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is one of many factors involved in dopaminergic neuron development and/or survival. However, other endogenous GDNF functions in the brain await further investigation. Zebrafish is a well-established genetic model for neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration studies. Importantly, zebrafish shares approximately 70% functional orthologs with human genes including GDNF. To gain a better understanding on the precise functional role of gdnf in dopaminergic neurons, our laboratory devised a targeted knockdown of gdnf in the zebrafish larval brain using vivo morpholino. Here, detailed protocols on the generation of gdnf morphants using vivo morpholino are outlined. This method can be applied for targeting of genes in the brain to determine specific spatiotemporal gene function in situ.

Immune-stealth VP28-conjugated heparin nanoparticles for enhanced and reversible anticoagulation.

Heparins are a family of sulfated linear negatively charged polysaccharides that have been widely used for their anticoagulant, antithrombotic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Additionally, it has been used for acute cerebral infarction relief as well as other pharmacological actions. However, heparin's self-aggregated macrocomplex may reduce blood circulation time and induce life-threatening thrombocytopenia (HIT) complicating the use of heparins. Nonetheless, the conjugation of heparin to immuno-stealth biomolecules may overcome these obstacles. An immunostealth recombinant viral capsid protein (VP28) was expressed and conjugated with heparin to form a novel nanoparticle (VP28-heparin). VP28-heparin was characterized and tested to determine its immunogenicity, anticoagulation properties, effects on total platelet count, and risk of inducing HIT in animal models. The synthesized VP28-heparin trimeric nanoparticle was non-immunogenic, possessed an average hydrodynamic size (8.81 ± 0.58 nm) optimal for the evasion renal filtration and reticuloendothelial system uptake (hence prolonging circulating half-life). Additionally, VP28-heparin did not induce mouse death or reduce blood platelet count when administered at a high dosein vivo(hence reducing HIT risks). The VP28-heparin nanoparticle also exhibited superior anticoagulation properties (2.2× higher prothrombin time) and comparable activated partial thromboplastin time, but longer anticoagulation period when compared to unfractionated heparin. The anticoagulative effects of the VP28-heparin can also be reversed using protamine sulfate. Thus, VP28-heparin may be an effective and safe heparin derivative for therapeutic use.

Channa striatus in inflammatory conditions: A systematic review.

Channa striatus (CS), or snakehead murrel, is an obligate air-breathing freshwater fish. Besides its wound healing properties, CS has also been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in multiple studies. While there are anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), their long-term use is associated with an increased risk of peptic ulcers, acute renal failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Thus, it is essential to look at natural methods such as CS extract. While there is an abundant number of investigative studies on the inflammatory properties of CS, the quality of these studies has not been evaluated effectively. Thus, this review aims to summarise, evaluate, and critically appraise currently available literature regarding the anti-inflammatory properties of CS extract. This is done by performing a search using four databases, namely Google Scholar, Embase via Elsevier, Scopus, and Web of Science, with the following terms: Channa striatus AND inflammation. From our review, CS has been experimentally shown to positively affect inflammatory conditions such as gastric ulcers, dermatitis, osteoarthritis, and allergic rhinitis. Beneficial effects were also found on inflammation in the presence of tuberculosis and in situations that involve inflammation, such as wound healing. While CS clearly has potential for treating inflammatory conditions, much work needs to be done on identifying and isolating the active constituents before exact mechanisms of action can be worked out to develop future anti-inflammatory medications.

Channa Striatus Protects Against PTZ-Induced Seizures in LPS Pre-conditioned Zebrafish Model.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. Mounting evidence suggests the link between epileptogenesis and neuroinflammation. We hypothesize that eliminating neuroinflammation can alleviate seizure severity and prolong seizure onset. Channa striatus (CS) is a snakehead murrel commonly consumed by locals in Malaysia, believed to promote wound healing and mitigate inflammation. This study aims to unravel the anticonvulsive potential of CS extract on neuroinflammation-induced seizures using an adult zebrafish model. Neuroinflammation was induced via cerebroventricular microinjection of lipopolysaccharides from E. coli and later challenged with a second-hit pentylenetetrazol at a subconvulsive dose of 80 mg/kg. Zebrafish behaviour and swimming pattern analysis, as well as gene expression analysis, were done to study the pharmacological property of CS. CS extract pre-treatment in all doses significantly reduced seizure score, prolonged seizure onset time and slightly improved the locomotor swimming pattern of the zebrafish. CS extract pre-treatment at all doses significantly reduced the expression of NFKB gene in the brain, and CS extract at 25 mg/L significantly reduced the IL-1 gene expression suggesting anti-neuroinflammatory properties. However, there were no significant changes in the TNFα. Besides, CS extract at 50 mg/L also elevated the expression of the CREB gene, which exerts neuroprotective effects on the neurons and the NPY gene, which plays a role in modulating the inhibition of the excitatory neurotransmission. To sum up, CS extract demonstrated some anticonvulsive and anti-inflammatory activity on neuroinflammation-induced seizures. Still, more studies need to be done to elucidate the mechanism of action of CS extract.

MiR-107 inhibits the sprouting of intersegmental vessels of zebrafish embryos.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in various biological processes. Our previous study showed that inhibition of MTOR with rapamycin treatment suppressed human endothelial cell tube formation, concomitant with the down-regulation of miR-107. Similarly, inhibition of Ztor by rapamycin also suppressed vascular development in zebrafish embryos. To gain a better understanding of the role of miR-107 and MTOR in vascular development, the present study sought to validate its function by over-expressing miR-107 in zebrafish embryos via microinjection with mimic miR-107 duplexes. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining was used to visualise blood vessels in the zebrafish embryo, and expressions of Pten, Ztor and Rap1 were investigated by immunoblotting. Over-expression of miR-107 in zebrafish embryos inhibited the sprouting of intersegmental vessels (ISVs) with concomitant down-regulation of phosphorylated Rps6 expression, which confirmed the inhibition of Ztor signalling. As expected, pten, which is the target of miR-107, was down-regulated. Interestingly, Rap1, a small GTPase protein that is involved in intersomitic vessels sprouting during angiogenesis, was also down-regulated when miR-107 was over-expressed. Overall, our findings suggest that miR-107 and Ztor-mediated suppression of vascular development in zebrafish embryo involves Rap1.

gdnf affects early diencephalic dopaminergic neuron development through regulation of differentiation-associated transcription factors in zebrafish.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been reported to enhance dopaminergic neuron survival and differentiation in vitro and in vivo, although those results are still being debated. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (gdnf) is highly conserved in zebrafish and plays a role in enteric nervous system function. However, little is known about gdnf function in the teleost brain. Here, we employed clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 to impede gdnf function in the maintenance of dopaminergic neuron development. Genotyping of gdnf crispants revealed successful deletions of the coding region with various mutant band sizes and down-regulation of gdnf transcripts at 1, 3 and 7 day(s) post fertilization. Notably, ~20% reduction in ventral diencephalic dopaminergic neuron numbers in clusters 8 and 13 was observed in the gdnf-deficient crispants. In addition, gdnf depletion caused a modest reduction in dopaminergic neurogenesis as determined by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine pulse chase assay. These deleterious effects could be partly attributed to deregulation of dopaminergic neuron fate specification-related transcription factors (otp,lmx1b,shha,and ngn1) in both crispants and established homozygous mutants with whole mount in-situ hybridization (WISH) on gdnf mutants showing reduced otpb and lmx1b.1 expression in the ventral diencephalon. Interestingly, locomotor function of crispants was only impacted at 7 dpf, but not earlier. Lastly, as expected, gdnf deficiency heightened crispants vulnerability to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium toxic insult. Our results suggest conservation of teleost gdnf brain function with mammals and revealed the interactions between gdnf and transcription factors in dopaminergic neuron differentiation.

Determination toxic effects of Hystrix Brachyura Bezoar extracts using cancer cell lines and embryo zebrafish (Danio rerio) models and identification of active principles through GC-MS analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Porcupine bezoar (PB) is used as folk medicine for various medical conditions including cancer treatment in Malaysia. However, its toxicity profile has never been thoroughly ascertained to confirm its safe nature as an efficacious traditional medicine in the treatment of cancer as well as other ailments. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was aimed to reveal three different PBs' aqueous extracts(viz. PB-A, PB-B, PB-C) chemical constituent's profile using GC-MS analysis, anticancer property on A375, HeLa and MCF7 cancer cells, toxicity profile on zebrafish embryo morphology, EC50, LC50 and teratogenicity index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PBs' extracts characterization was performed through GC-MS analysis, in vitro anticancer effect was carried out on A375, HeLa and MCF7 cancer cell lines and finally and toxicity properties on three different PBs aqueous extracts (viz. PB-A, PB-B, PB-C) were determined using zebrafish embryo model. RESULTS: The GC-MS analysis revealed 10 similar compounds in all PBs' extracts. Dilauryl thiodipropionate was found to be a major compound in all PBs' extracts followed by tetradecanoic acid. An in vitro anticancer study revealed PB extracts exerted median inhibition concentration (IC50) <50 µg/mL, on cancer cells viz. A375, HeLa and MCF7 with no significant toxicity on normal cells viz. NHDF cells. In vivo toxicity of PBs extracts found affecting tail detachment, hatching, craniofacial, brain morphology, soft tissues, edema, spinal, somites, notochord and cardiovascular system (brachycardia, disruption of blood circulation) deformities. The LC50 and EC50 demonstrated PB extracts effect as dose and time dependent with median concentration <150.0 µg/mL. Additionally, teratogenicity index (TI) viz. >1.0 revealed teratogenic property for PB extracts. CONCLUSIONS: The findings revealed that all three PBs aqueous extracts possessed anticancer activity and exhibited significant toxicological effects on zebrafish embryos with high teratogenicity index. Hence, its use as an anticancer agent requires further investigation and medical attentions to determine its safe dose.

Cellular Localization of gdnf in Adult Zebrafish Brain.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was initially described as important for dopaminergic neuronal survival and is involved in many other essential functions in the central nervous system. Characterization of GDNF phenotype in mammals is well described; however, studies in non-mammalian vertebrate models are scarce. Here, we characterized the anatomical distribution of gdnf-expressing cells in adult zebrafish brain by means of combined in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry. Our results revealed that gdnf was widely dispersed in the brain. gdnf transcripts were co-localized with radial glial cells along the ventricular area of the telencephalon and in the hypothalamus. Interestingly, Sox2 positive cells expressed gdnf in the neuronal layer but not in the ventricular zone of the telencephalon. A subset of GABAergic precursor cells labeled with dlx6a-1.4kbdlx5a/6a: green fluorescence protein (GFP) in the pallium, parvocellular preoptic nucleus, and the anterior and dorsal zones of the periventricular hypothalamus also showed expression with gdnf mRNA. In addition, gdnf signals were detected in subsets of dopaminergic neurons, including those in the ventral diencephalon, similar to what is seen in mammalian brain. Our work extends our knowledge of gdnf action sites and suggests a potential role for gdnf in adult brain neurogenesis and regeneration.

Activation of death receptor, DR5 and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by a 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxy derivative in wild-type and p53 mutant colorectal cancer cell lines.

The rationale of designing compounds containing a (3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxy) phenyl moiety is largely due to its potential antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. A previous study focused on its antioxidant mechanism, whereas in this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of a series of 28 analogues and the mechanism of apoptosis of the most cytotoxic compound against wild-type (HCT-116) and p53 mutant (HT-29) colorectal cancer cell lines. The series of analogues comprise of different families, namely hydrazone, oxadiazole, thiosemicarbazides and triazoles. In the initial cytotoxicity screening, N-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylidene)-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxy) benzohydrazide, henceforth known as, P5H, was found to be most cytotoxic against human colorectal cancer cell lines (IC50 for HCT-116 = 11.79 µM and HT-29 = 18.52 µM). Additionally, P5H was found to have some degree of selectivity towards cancer cells compared to normal human colon cells (CCD-112 CoN). Subsequent investigation had brought insight on P5H ability to induce apoptosis in both HCT-116 and HT-29 cell lines. Cell cycle analysis showed both cell lines were arrested at the G2/M phase upon treatment. Our study concluded that P5H induced the death receptor, DR5 in HCT-116 and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway in HT-29. Therefore, P5H may be a promising candidate as a chemotherapy agent against colon cancer. Graphical abstract The apoptotic pathways induced in HT-29 and HCT-116 cells upon P5H treatment.

Understanding the Role of ztor in Aging-related Diseases Using the Zebrafish Model.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a 289 kDa serine/threonine protein kinase of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-related family is known for its role in regulating lifespan and the aging process in humans and rodents. Aging in zebrafish very much resembles aging in humans. Aged zebrafish often manifest with spinal curvature, cataracts and cognitive frailty, akin to human age-related phenotypical effects such as osteoarthritis, dwindling vision and cognitive dysfunction. However, the role of the zebrafish orthologue of mTOR, ztor, is less defined in these areas. This review paper discusses the tale of growing old in the zebrafish, the physiological roles of ztor in normal developmental processes and its involvement in the pathogenesis of aging-related diseases such as metabolic disorders and cancers.

MiR-378 and MiR-1827 Regulate Tumor Invasion, Migration and Angiogenesis in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma by Targeting RBX1 and CRKL, Respectively.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been extensively studied over the decades and have been proposed as potential molecular targets for cancer treatment. Studies have shown that miR-378 participates in numerous biological processes in various cancers; whereas miR-1827 has only been reported in pediatric glioma. The mechanism of how miRNAs modulate lung cancer metastasis remains unclear. Our previous study demonstrated that miR-378 is up-regulated while miR-1827 is down-regulated in high invasive lung cancer sub-cell lines, and their biological functions have been described. Here, we report that miR-378 and miR-1827 modulate lung cancer cell invasion and migration via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We also demonstrated that cells treated with miR-378 inhibitors or miR-1827 mimics had reduced number of metastases and ectopic vessels in the zebrafish embryo model. We then showed that miR-378 promoted invasion and miR-1827 suppressed migration by targeting RBX1 and CRKL, respectively. Restored protein expression in miRNA-overexpressed/ miRNA-suppressed cells attenuated the inhibitory/ inducing effect of the miRNA on lung cancer cells. Collectively, our findings highlight that miR-378 and miR-1827 could serve as novel therapeutic targets in lung cancer.

Correction: The Gastroprotective Effect of Vitex pubescens Leaf Extract against Ethanol-Provoked Gastric Mucosal Damage in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157431.].

The antiulcer effect of Cibotium barometz leaves in rats with experimentally induced acute gastric ulcer.

Cibotium barometz is a pharmaceutical plant customarily used in traditional medicine in Malaysia for the treatment of different diseases, such as gastric ulcer. The gastroprotective effect of C. barometz leaves against ethanol-induced gastric hemorrhagic abrasions in Sprague Dawley rats has been evaluated in terms of medicinal properties. Seven groups of rats (normal control and ulcerated control groups, omeprazole 20 mg/kg, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of C. barometz correspondingly) were used in antiulcer experiment and pretreated with 10% Tween 20. After 1 hour, the normal group was orally administered 10% Tween 20, whereas absolute alcohol was fed orally to ulcerated control, omeprazole, and experimental groups. Gastric's homogenate were assessed for endogenous enzymes activities. Stomachs were examined macroscopically and histologically. Grossly, the data demonstrated a significant decrease in the ulcer area of rats pretreated with plant extract in a dose-dependent manner with respect to the ulcerated group. Homogenates of the gastric tissue exhibited significantly increased endogenous enzymes activities in rats pretreated with C. barometz extract associated with the ulcerated control group. Histology of rats pretreated with C. barometz extract group using hematoxylin and eosin staining exhibited a moderate-to-mild disruption of the surface epithelium with reduction in submucosal edema and leucocyte infiltration in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, it showed heat shock protein70 protein up-expression and BCL2-associated X protein downexpression. These outcomes might be attributed to the gastroprotective and antioxidative effects of the plant.

The gastro protective effects of Cibotium barometz hair on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in Sprague-Dawley rats.

BACKGROUND: Cibotium barometz is a medical herb used traditionally in the Malaysian peninsula for several ailments, including gastric ulcer. The aim of this study was assessment the anti-ulcer effects of C. barometz hair on ethanol-induced stomach hemorrhagic abrasions in animals. Seven groups of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were administered 10% Tween 20 in the normal control and ulcer control groups, and omeprazole 20 mg/kg and 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of C. barometz hair extract in the experimental groups. After 60 min, the normal control group of rats was orally administered 10% Tween 20, while absolute ethanol was orally administered to the groups of ulcer control, omeprazole and experimental groups. Stomachs of the rats were examined macroscopically and histologically. Homogenates of stomachs were used to evaluate endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities. RESULTS: Rats pre-fed with plant extract presented a significant decrease in the sore area, increased pH of gastric contents and preserved stomach wall mucus compared to the ulcer group. Histologically, rats pre-fed with C. barometz hair extract showed mild to moderate disruptions of the surface epithelium while animals pre-fed with absolute ethanol showed severe disruptions of the stomach epithelium with edema and leucocyte penetration of the submucosal layer. A Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining revealed that each rat pre-treated with the plant extract displayed an intense uptake of stomach epithelial glycoprotein magenta color compared to the ulcer control group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that rats pre-fed with the plant extract showed an up-regulation of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and down-regulation of Bax proteins compared to ulcer control rats. Homogenates of the stomach tissue demonstrated significant increases in the endogenous antioxidant enzymatic activity and decreased lipid peroxidation (MDA) in rats pre-treated with C. barometz hair extract compared with the ulcer control rats. In acute toxicity, the liver and kidney revealed no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic effects histologically. CONCLUSIONS: The gastric cytoprotective action of C. barometz hair extract might be attributed to antioxidants, an increase in gastric pH, stomach mucus preservation, increased endogenous antioxidant enzymes, decreased lipid peroxidation, up-regulation of HSP70 and down-regulation of Bax proteins.

Anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of girinimbine isolated from Murraya koenigii.

Therapy that directly targets apoptosis and/or inflammation could be highly effective for the treatment of cancer. Murraya koenigii is an edible herb that has been traditionally used for cancer treatment as well as inflammation. Here, we describe that girinimbine, a carbazole alkaloid isolated from M. koenigii, induced apoptosis and inhibited inflammation in vitro as well as in vivo. Induction of apoptosis in human colon cancer cells (HT-29) by girinimbine revealed decreased cell viability in HT-29, whereas there was no cytotoxic effect on normal colon cells. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, nuclear condensation, cell permeability, and cytochrome c translocation in girinimbine-treated HT-29 cells demonstrated involvement of mitochondria in apoptosis. Early-phase apoptosis was shown in both acridine orange/propidium iodide and annexin V results. Girinimbine treatment also resulted in an induction of G0/G1 phase arrest which was further corroborated with the upregulation of two cyclin-dependent kinase proteins, p21 and p27. Girinimbine treatment activated apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway by activation of caspases 3 and 9 as well as cleaved caspases 3 and 9 which ended by triggering the execution pathway. Moreover, apoptosis was confirmed by downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax in girinimbine-treated cells. In addition, the key tumor suppressor protein, p53, was seen to be considerably upregulated upon girinimbine treatment. Induction of apoptosis by girinimbine was also evidenced in vivo in zebrafish embryos, with results demonstrating significant distribution of apoptotic cells in embryos after a 24-hour treatment period. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory action was evidenced by the significant dose-dependent girinimbine inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma-induced cells along with significant inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B translocation from the cytoplasm to nucleus in stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Girinimbine was also shown to have considerable antioxidant activity whereby 20 µg/mL of girinimbine was equivalent to 82.17±1.88 µM of Trolox. In mice with carrageenan-induced peritonitis, oral pretreatment with girinimbine helped limit total leukocyte migration (mainly of neutrophils), and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) in the peritoneal fluid. These findings strongly suggest that girinimbine could act as a chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic agent by inducing apoptosis while suppressing inflammation. There is a potential for girinimbine to be further investigated for its applicability in treating early stages of cancer.

Expression of zTOR-associated microRNAs in zebrafish embryo treated with rapamycin.

AIMS: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are vital in modulating lifespan and various biological processes including vascular function. The pivotal roles of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in regulating senescence and angiogenesis have been extensively described. However, the roles of its orthologue, zebrafish target of rapamycin (zTOR) in senescence and angiogenesis remain to be unravelled. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of zTOR and identify miRNAs associated with senescence and angiogenesis. MAIN METHODS: Zebrafish embryos were treated with rapamycin and the inhibition of zTOR and its downstream proteins were validated by immunoblotting. Following the treatment, melanocyte density was quantitated, and senescence and angiogenic responses were determined by senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) and endogenous alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, respectively. Relative expression of microRNAs were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. KEY FINDINGS: Rapamycin (400 nM) suppressed zTOR pathway by down-regulating the phosphorylation of zTOR-associated proteins such as P70S6K and S6K at both 4h post-fertilisation (hpf) and 8hpf while 4E-BP1 was only down-regulated at 8hpf when compared to their respective vehicle controls. Treatment with rapamycin also resulted in significant suppression of melanocyte development and senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) activity, and perturbed the development of intersegmental vessels (ISVs) of zebrafish embryos. In addition, the expressions of dre-miR-9-5p and -3p, dre-miR-25-3p and dre-miR-124-3p were significantly up-regulated in embryos treated with rapamycin from 4hpf. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest the involvement of zTOR in embryonic senescence and angiogenesis which could be potentially mediated by selected miRNAs.

In vitro and in vivo anti-angiogenic activity of girinimbine isolated from Murraya koenigii.

Girinimbine is a carbazole alkaloid isolated from the stem bark and root of Murraya koenigii. Here we report that girinimbine is an inhibitor of angiogenic activity both in vitro and in vivo. MTT results showed that girinimbine inhibited proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, while results from endothelial cell invasion, migration, tube formation, and wound healing assays demonstrated significant time- and dose-dependent inhibition by girinimbine. A proteome profiler array done on girinimbine-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells showed that girinimbine had mediated regulation of pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic proteins. The anti-angiogenic potential of girinimbine was also evidenced in vivo in the zebrafish embryo model wherein girinimbine inhibited neo vessel formation in zebrafish embryos following 24 hours of exposure. Together, these results showed that girinimbine could effectively suppress angiogenesis, suggestive of its therapeutic potential as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor.

Phospholipase A2 group v in benign familial fleck retina in a set of triplets.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of phospholipase A2, Group V (PLA2G5), with benign familial fleck retina in a consanguineous family with triplets. METHODS: Clinical eye examination, including fundus examination and spectral domain optical coherence tomography, was performed for all the family members. After blood sample collection and DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify regions spanning Exons 2, 3, 4, and 5 of PLA2G5. The amplified products were sequenced to observe the presence of any mutations. RESULTS: Fundus examination in two of the triplets revealed discrete yellow-white flecks and both had good vision and absence of night blindness, consistent with benign familial fleck retina. The flecks were hyperautofluorescent. Furthermore, spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed focal thickening of the retinal pigment epithelium because of the presence of these flecks. Molecular investigations showed that PLA2G5 Exons 2, 4, and 5 harbored no misalignments among all family members. However, PLA2G5 Exon 3 showed a p.Gly45Cys mutation for the father and the third triplet who was affected. CONCLUSION: The clinical findings in this family suggest a diagnosis of benign familial fleck retina with excellent prognosis, in which the PLA2G5 gene may play a role.

In vitro and in vivo anti-angiogenic activities of Panduratin A.

BACKGROUND: Targeting angiogenesis has emerged as an attractive and promising strategy in anti-cancer therapeutic development. The present study investigates the anti-angiogenic potential of Panduratin A (PA), a natural chalcone isolated from Boesenbergia rotunda by using both in vitro and in vivo assays. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: PA exerted selective cytotoxicity on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with IC(50) value of 6.91 ± 0.85 µM when compared to human normal fibroblast and normal liver epithelial cells. Assessment of the growth kinetics by cell impedance-based Real-Time Cell Analyzer showed that PA induced both cytotoxic and cytostatic effects on HUVECs, depending on the concentration used. Results also showed that PA suppressed VEGF-induced survival and proliferation of HUVECs. Furthermore, endothelial cell migration, invasion, and morphogenesis or tube formation demonstrated significant time- and dose-dependent inhibition by PA. PA also suppressed matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) secretion and attenuated its activation to intermediate and active MMP-2. In addition, PA suppressed F-actin stress fiber formation to prevent migration of the endothelial cells. More importantly, anti-angiogenic potential of PA was also evidenced in two in vivo models. PA inhibited neo-vessels formation in murine Matrigel plugs, and angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Taken together, our study demonstrated the distinctive anti-angiogenic properties of PA, both in vitro and in vivo. This report thus reveals another biological activity of PA in addition to its reported anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, suggestive of PA's potential for development as an anti-angiogenic agent for cancer therapy.