A review on snake venom extracellular vesicles: Past to present.

Around 95% of snake venom is protein. Along with the soluble proteins, snake venom also contains proteins encapsulated in vesicles known as Snake Venom Extracellular Vesicles (SVEV). SVEVs are nano-sized membrane-bound vesicles released from the snake venom gland cells. The available published research works on SVEVs are minimal. Extracellular vesicles in the Snake Venom gland were initially discovered during the histopathological analysis of the Crotalus durissus terrificus snakes' venom gland. Later, various techniques were employed to isolate and characterize the SVEVs. The cargo of SVEV consists of a variety of proteins like Phospholipase A-2, C-type Lectins, L-Amino Acid Oxidase, Cysteine-Rich Secretory Proteins, Serine Proteinases, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV, Aminopeptidase-A, Ecto-5'-nucleotidases, Disintegrins. Proteomic data revealed the presence of some exclusive proteins in the SVEVs, and the other proteins are in varying concentrations in the SVEVs compared to their whole Venom. Interaction of SVEVs with mammalian cell lines showed the disruption of primary physiological functions leads to host immune modulation, and long-term effects of envenoming. Snakebite victim's blood showed variations in the specific Extracellular vesicle concentration. It has been hypothesized that SVEVs are responsible for long-term toxicity. The current review focuses on the various techniques adopted to isolate and characterize SVEVs and discusses the exclusiveness and variations of SVEV proteins and their role in snakebites.

Extracellular vesicles as novel drug delivery systems to target cancer and other diseases: Recent advancements and future perspectives.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bound vesicles produced into the extracellular space by cells. Apoptotic bodies (ApoBD), microvesicles (MVs), and exosomes are examples of EVs, which act as essential regulators in cell-cell communication in both normal and diseased conditions. Natural cargo molecules such as miRNA, messenger RNA, and proteins are carried by EVs and transferred to nearby cells or distant cells through the process of circulation. Different signalling cascades are then influenced by these functionally active molecules. The information to be delivered to the target cells depends on the substances within the EVs that also includes synthesis method. EVs have attracted interest as potential delivery vehicles for therapies due to their features such as improved circulation stability, biocompatibility, reduced immunogenicity, and toxicity. Therefore, EVs are being regarded as potent carriers of therapeutics that can be used as a therapeutic agent for diseases like cancer. This review focuses on the exosome-mediated drug delivery to cancer cells and the advantages and challenges of using exosomes as a carrier molecule.

Effect of Maleic Acid Root Conditioning on Release of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 from Infected Root Canal Dentin.

INTRODUCTION: Chemically released growth factors play a vital role in regenerative endodontics. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) is 1 of the most extensively studied bioactive molecules that promotes cell proliferation, differentiation, and chemotaxis. The goal of the current research was to analyze the effect of 7% maleic acid (MA) root conditioning of an infected root canal on the release of TGF-ß1. METHODS: Single-rooted human teeth were decoronated, and the canals were enlarged with a Peeso reamer. The samples were divided into biofilm and nonbiofilm groups. Subsequently, all the samples of both groups were flushed with 10 mL of each irrigant, namely, 1.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 7% MA, 17% EDTA, and a combination of 1.5% NaOCl with 17% EDTA or 7% MA, for 10 minutes each. TGF-ß1 was estimated quantitatively using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: TGF-ß1 release was lowest among the biofilm samples compared with nonbiofilm among all the groups. MA 7% with 1.5% NaOCl rendered higher amounts of growth factor release in contrast to the combination of 17% EDTA and 1.5% NaOCl in both the biofilm and nonbiofilm groups (P < .048). The nonbiofilm samples treated with 7% MA alone illustrated higher growth factor release compared with 17% EDTA only (P < .006), but there was no significant difference in growth factor release among the biofilm samples treated with 7% MA and 17% EDTA. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial biofilms modified the release of TGF-ß1. MA 7% was observed to be significantly more efficacious than 17% EDTA in TGF-ß1 growth factor release from radicular dentin.

Serum copper, ceruloplasmin, protein thiols and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance status in liver cancer associated with elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein.

Serum copper, ceruloplasmin, protein thiols and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TEARS) were estimated in 25 patients of liver cancer. The copper to ceruloplasmin ratio was moderately increased (P<0.05) but the copper (P<0.001) and ceruloplasmin (P<0.001) levels were significantly increased in liver cancer patients when compared to controls. Protein thiols levels were found to be highly significant (P<0.001). Where as the TEARS levels were not found to be significant. Trace elements and free radicals have been implicated in the etiology of cancer. Hence the estimation of ceruloplasmin and protein thiols along with the copper may be of high value in the early diagnosis of cancer.

Copper and ceruloplasmin status in serum of prostate and colon cancer patients.

Serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels were estimated in 20 patients each of prostate and colon cancer. Although copper to ceruloplasmin ratio was not significantly altered, copper and ceruloplasmin levels were increased significantly in the cancer patients as compared to controls. Trace elements and free radicals have been implicated in the etiology of cancer. Hence determination of specific antioxidants (like ceruloplasmin) and trace elements (like copper) may be of value in the early diagnosis of prostate and colon cancer.

Serum copper, ceruloplasmin and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance status in patients with ovarian cancer.

Serum copper, ceruloplasmin and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were estimated in 30 patients of ovarian cancer. The copper to ceruloplasmin ratio was moderately increased (P<0.05) but the copper (P<0.01( and ceruloplasmin (P<0.001) levels were significantly increased in ovarian cancer patients as compared to controls. TBARS levels were also found to be highly significant (P<0.001). Trace elements and free radicals have been implicated in the etiology of cancer. Hence the estimation of antioxidants like ceruloplasmin and TBARS along with the trace element like copper may be of value in the early diagnosis of cancer.

Serum copper, ceruloplasmin and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance status in patients with ovarian cancer.

Serum copper, ceruloplasmin and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were estimated in 30 patients of ovarian cancer. The copper to ceruloplasmin ratio was moderately increased (P<0.05) but the copper (P<0.01) and ceruloplasmin (P<0.001) levels were significantly increased in ovarian cancer patients as compared to controls. TBARS levels were also found to be highly significant (P<0.001). Trace elements and free radicals have been implicated in the etiology of cancer. Hence the estimation of antioxidants like ceruloplasmin and TBARS along with the trace element like copper may be of value in the early diagnosis of cancer.