GPER: An Estrogen Receptor Key in Metastasis and Tumoral Microenvironments.

Estrogens and their role in cancer are well-studied, and some cancer types are classified in terms of their response to them. In recent years, a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been described with relevance in cancer. GPER is a pleiotropic receptor with tissue-specific activity; in normal tissues, its activation is related to correct development and homeostasis, while in cancer cells, it can be pro- or anti-tumorigenic. Also, GPER replaces estrogen responsiveness in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-lacking cancer cell lines. One of the most outstanding activities of GPER is its role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is relevant for metastasis development. In addition, the presence of this receptor in tumor microenvironment cells contributes to the phenotypic plasticity required for the dissemination and maintenance of tumors. These characteristics suggest that GPER could be a promising therapeutic target for regulating cancer development. This review focuses on the role of GPER in EMT in tumorigenic and associated cells, highlighting its role in relation to the main hallmarks of cancer and possible therapeutic options.

The Antimicrobial Peptide γ-Thionin from Habanero Chile (Capsicum chinense) Induces Caspase-Independent Apoptosis on Human K562 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells and Regulates Epigenetic Marks.

Cancer is a relevant health problem worldwide. In 2020, leukemias represented the 13th most commonly reported cancer cases worldwide but the 10th most likely to cause deaths. There has been a progressive increase in the efficacy of treatments for leukemias; however, these still generate important side effects, so it is imperative to search for new alternatives. Defensins are a group of antimicrobial peptides with activity against cancer cells. However, the cytotoxic mechanism of these peptides has been described mainly for animal defensins. This study shows that defensin γ-thionin (Capsicum chinense) is cytotoxic to the K562 leukemia cells with an IC50 = 290 µg/mL (50.26 µM) but not for human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results showed that γ-thionin did not affect the membrane potential; however, the peptide modified the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the intracellular calcium release. In addition, γ-thionin induced apoptosis in K562 cells, but the activation of caspases 8 and 9 was not detected. Moreover, the activation of calpains was detected at one hour of treatment, suggesting that γ-thionin activates the caspase-independent apoptosis. Furthermore, the γ-thionin induced epigenetic modifications on histone 3 in K562 cells, increased global acetylation (~2-fold), and specific acetylation marks at lysine 9 (H3K9Ac) (~1.5-fold). In addition, γ-thionin increased the lysine 9 methylation (H3K9me) and dimethylation marks (H3K9me2) (~2-fold), as well as the trimethylation mark (H3K9me3) (~2-fold). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a defensin that triggers caspase-independent apoptosis in cancer cells via calpains and regulating chromatin remodelation, a novel property for a plant defensin.

Platelet Reactivity and Inflammatory Phenotype Induced by Full-Length Spike SARS-CoV-2 Protein and Its RBD Domain.

A state of immunothrombosis has been reported in COVID-19. Platelets actively participate in this process. However, little is known about the ability of SARS-CoV-2 virus proteins to induce platelet activity. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was incubated with spike full-length protein and the RBD domain in independent assays. We evaluated platelet activation through the expression of P-selectin and activation of glicoprotein IIbIIIa (GP IIbIIIa), determined by flow cytometry and the ability of the proteins to induce platelet aggregation. We determined concentrations of immunothrombotic biomarkers in PRP supernatant treated with the proteins. We determined that the spike full-length proteins and the RBD domain induced an increase in P-selectin expression and GP IIbIIIa activation (p < 0.0001). We observed that the proteins did not induce platelet aggregation, but favored a pro-aggregating state that, in response to minimal doses of collagen, could re-establish the process (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, the viral proteins stimulated the release of interleukin 6, interleukin 8, P-selectin and the soluble fraction of CD40 ligand (sCD40L), molecules that favor an inflammatory state p < 0.05. These results indicate that the spike full-length protein and its RBD domain can induce platelet activation favoring an inflammatory phenotype that might contribute to the development of an immunothrombotic state.

Biological Activities of Organic Extracts of the Genus Aristolochia: A Review from 2005 to 2021.

Different ethnomedicinal studies have investigated the relationship between various phytochemicals as well as organic extracts and their bioactive aspects. Studies on biological effects are attributed to secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and terpenes. Since there have been no reviews in the literature on the traditional, phytochemical, and ethnomedicinal uses of the genus Aristolochia so far, this article systematically reviews 141 published studies that analyze the associations between secondary metabolites present in organic extracts and their beneficial effects. Most studies found associations between individual secondary metabolites and beneficial effects such as anticancer activity, antibacterial, antioxidant activity, snake anti-venom and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this review was to analyze studies carried out in the period 2005-2021 to update the existing knowledge on different species of the genus Aristolochia for ethnomedicinal uses, as well as pharmacological aspects and therapeutic uses.

Cytotoxicity of a Lipid-Rich Extract from Native Mexican Avocado Seed (Persea americana var. drymifolia) on Canine Osteosarcoma D-17 Cells and Synergistic Activity with Cytostatic Drugs.

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in both children and dogs. It is an aggressive and metastatic cancer with a poor prognosis for long-term survival. The search for new anti-cancer drugs with fewer side effects has become an essential goal for cancer chemotherapy; in this sense, the bioactive compounds from avocado have proved their efficacy as cytotoxic molecules. The objective of this study was to determine the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect of a lipid-rich extract (LEAS) from Mexican native avocado seed (Persea americana var. drymifolia) on canine osteosarcoma D-17 cell line. Also, the combined activity with cytostatic drugs was evaluated. LEAS was cytotoxic to D-17 cells in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 = 15.5 µg/mL. Besides, LEAS induced caspase-dependent cell apoptosis by the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Moreover, LEAS induced a significant loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and increased superoxide anion production and mitochondrial ROS. Also, LEAS induced the arrest of the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase. Finally, LEAS improved the cytotoxic activity of cisplatin, carboplatin, and in less extension, doxorubicin against the canine osteosarcoma cell line through a synergistic effect. In conclusion, avocado could be a potential source of bioactive molecules in the searching treatments for osteosarcoma.

Bioactive Molecules From Native Mexican Avocado Fruit (Persea americana var. drymifolia): A Review.

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a tree native from central and eastern México that belongs to the Lauraceae family. Avocado has three botanical varieties known as Mexican (P. americana var. drymifolia), West Indian (P. americana var. americana), and Guatemalan (P. americana var. guatemalensis). It is an oil-rich fruit appreciated worldwide because of its nutritional value and the content of bioactive molecules. Several avocado molecules show attractive activities of interest in medicine. Avocado fatty acids have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Besides, this fruit possesses a high content of carotenoids and phenolic compounds with possible antifungal, anti-cancer and antioxidant activities. Moreover, several metabolites have been reported with anti-inflammatory effects. Also, an unsaponifiable fraction of avocado in combination with soybean oil is used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The Mexican variety is native from México and is characterized by the anise aroma in leaves and by small thin-skinned fruits of rich flavor and excellent quality. However, the study of the bioactive molecules of the fruit has not been addressed in detail. In this work, we achieved a literature review on the inflammatory, immunomodulatory and cytotoxic properties of long-chain fatty acids and derivatives from Mexican avocado seed. Also, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the oil extracted from the avocado seed are referred. Finally, the antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic activities of some antimicrobial peptides expressed in the fruit are reviewed.

Peptides Derived from (RRWQWRMKKLG)2-K-Ahx Induce Selective Cellular Death in Breast Cancer Cell Lines through Apoptotic Pathway.

The effect on the cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell lines of the substitution of 26Met residue in the sequence of the Bovine Lactoferricin-derived dimeric peptide LfcinB (20-30)2: (20RRWQWRMKKLG30)2-K-Ahx with amino acids of different polarity was evaluated. The process of the synthesis of the LfcinB (20-30)2 analog peptides was similar to the original peptide. The cytotoxic assays showed that some analog peptides exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell lines HTB-132 and MCF-7, suggesting that the substitution of the Met with amino acids of a hydrophobic nature drastically enhances its cytotoxicity against HTB-132 and MCF-7 cells, reaching IC50 values up to 6 µM. In addition, these peptides have a selective effect, since they exhibit a lower cytotoxic effect on the non-tumorigenic cell line MCF-12. Interestingly, the cytotoxic effect is fast (90 min) and is maintained for up to 48 h. Additionally, through flow cytometry, it was found that the obtained dimeric peptides generate cell death through the apoptosis pathway and do not compromise the integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane, and there are intrinsic apoptotic events involved. These results show that the obtained peptides are extremely promising molecules for the future development of drugs for use against breast cancer.

Immunomodulatory molecules regulate adhesin gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus: Effect on bacterial internalization into bovine mammary epithelial cells.

Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen of subclinical bovine mastitis that usually is chronic and recurrent, which has been related to its ability to internalize into bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs). Previously, we reported that short and medium fatty acids and cholecalciferol reduce S. aureus internalization into pretreated-bMECs with these molecules suggesting a role as immunomodulatory agents. Hence, we assessed the role of sodium butyrate (NaB), sodium octanoate (NaO) and cholecalciferol on S. aureus adhesin expression and its internalization into bMECs. S. aureus pre-treated 2 h with 0.5 mM or 2 mM NaB showed a reduction in internalization into bMECs (∼35% and ∼55%; respectively), which coincided with a down-regulated expression of clumping factor B (ClfB). Also, the S. aureus internalization reduction by 2 mM NaB (2 h) agreed with a down-regulated expression of sdrC. Moreover, the 2 mM NaB (24 h) pre-treatment induced bacterial internalization (∼3-fold), which was related with an up-regulation of spa, clfB and sdrC genes. Also, NaO (0.25 mM and 1 mM) only reduced S. aureus internalization when bacteria were grown 2 h with this molecule but there was no relationship with adhesin expression. In addition, cholecalciferol (50 nM) reduced bacteria internalization at similar levels (∼50%) when bacteria were grown 2 and 24 h in broth supplemented with this compound, which correlated with spa and sdrC mRNA expression down-regulated at 2 h, and fnba and clfB mRNA expression decreased at 24 h. In conclusion, our data support the fact that fatty acids and cholecalciferol regulate adhesin gene expression as well as bacteria internalization in nonprofessional phagocytic cells, which may lead to development of anti-virulence agents for control of pathogens.

La psoriasis: de la investigación básica y clínica al desarrollo de nuevos tratamientos.

La psoriasis es una enfermedad cutánea incurable que afecta a 2.9 % de la población mexicana, por lo que es trascendente analizar el impacto de la medicina traslacional en el desarrollo de medicamentos antipsoriásicos. En esta revisión se discuten conceptos etiopatogénicos de la enfermedad y se analizan artículos publicados entre 2005 y 2017 en torno a medicamentos en desarrollo, además, se presenta un análisis crítico sobre las perspectivas futuras en el desarrollo de nuevos tratamientos. El uso de estrategias bidireccionales de la medicina traslacional ha permitido incrementar significativamente el número de tratamientos antipsoriásicos disponibles. Se encontraron 18 nuevos fármacos en exploración. La caracterización de antígenos responsables de la activación inmunológica, la identificación de biomarcadores predictivos de eficacia farmacológica, el desarrollo de modelos más representativos de la enfermedad, así como la integración de aspectos farmacogenómicos a estrategias de medicina traslacional fueron identificados como elementos relevantes que deben ser incorporados en el desarrollo de nuevas opciones terapéuticas.Psoriasis is an incurable cutaneous disease that affects 2.9% of the Mexican population, and it is therefore important for the impact of translational medicine on the development of anti-psoriatic drugs to be analyzed. In this review, current etiopathogenic concepts of the disease are discussed, and articles on drugs under development published between 2005 and 2017 are reviewed; in addition, a critical analysis on future perspectives for the development new treatments is presented. The use of translational medicine bi-directional strategies of has allowed to significantly increase the number of available anti-psoriatic therapies. Eighteen new investigational drugs were found. Characterization of antigens responsible for immune activation, identification of predictive biomarkers with pharmacologic efficacy, and the development of more representative disease models, as well as the integration of pharmacogenomic aspects to translational medicine strategies were identified as relevant aspects that should be incorporated in the development of new therapeutic options.

Maternal separation activates microglial cells and induces an inflammatory response in the hippocampus of male rat pups, independently of hypothalamic and peripheral cytokine levels.

Adult animals subjected to chronic stress show an inflammatory response in the hippocampus which has been related to cognitive dysfunction and psychopathology. However the immediate consequences of early life stress on hippocampal glial cells have not been studied. Here we analyzed the effects of maternal separation (MS) on astrocyte and microglial cell morphology in the hippocampal hilus, compared the expression of cytokines in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, and the peripheral response of cytokines, on postnatal day (PD) 15. Male rat pups of MS (3h/day, PD1-PD14) and Control (CONT) pups showed similar microglial cell densities in the hilus, but MS pups presented more activated microglia. MS decreased astrocyte density and the number of processes in the hilus. Cytokine mRNA expression (qPCR) was analyzed in MS and CONT groups, sacrificed (i) under basal (B) conditions or (ii) after a single stress event (SS) at PN15. In hippocampal extracts, MS increased IL-1ß mRNA, under B and SS conditions while IL-6 and TNF-α did not change. In hypothalamic tissue, MS increased TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA, but not IL-1b, after SS. Peripheral concentrations of IL-1ß were decreased under B and SS conditions in MS; IL-6 concentration increased after SS in MS pups, and TNF-α concentration was unchanged. In conclusion, MS activates microglial cells and decreases astrocyte density in the hippocampus. A differential cytokine expression is observed in the hippocampus and the hypothalamus after MS, and after SS. Also, MS triggers an independent response of peripheral cytokines. These specific responses together could contribute to decrease hippocampal neurogenesis and alter the neuroendocrine axis.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects of Estradiol in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells during Staphylococcus aureus Internalization.

17ß-Estradiol (E2), the predominant sexual hormone in females, is associated with the modulation of the innate immune response (IIR), and changes in its levels at parturition are related to intramammary infections, such as mastitis. In bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs), E2 regulates differentiation and proliferation, but its immunomodulatory functions have not been explored. Staphylococcus aureus is the predominant pathogen causing mastitis, which can persist intracellularly in bMECs. The aim of this work was to analyze whether E2 modulates the IIR of bMECs during S. aureus internalization. bMECs treated with E2 (50 pg/mL, 24 h) reduced bacteria internalization (~50%). The host receptors α5ß1 and TLR2 do not participate in this reduction. However, E2 activates ERα and modulates the IIR reducing the S. aureus induced-mRNA expression of TNF-α (~50%) and IL-1ß (90%). E2 also decreased the secretion of these cytokines as well as IL-6 production; however, in infected bMECs, E2 induced the secretion of IL-1ß. Furthermore, E2 upregulates the expression of the antimicrobial peptides DEFB1, BNBD5, and psoriasin S100A7 (~5-, 3-, and 6-fold, resp.). In addition, E2 induced the production of antimicrobial compounds in bMEC culture medium, which, together with the modulation of the IIR, could be related to the reduction of S. aureus internalization.

A new allele of γ-kafirin gene coding for a protein with high lysine content in Mexican white sorghum germplasm.

BACKGROUND: Low protein digestibility and lysine content of white sorghum grain limit its use as a foodstuff. The increase in γ-kafirin cross-linking, has an important role in the reduction of protein digestibility. The objective of this study was to characterize the γ-kafirin gene in 12 Mexican tannin-free white sorghum genotypes and its relationship with protein digestibility and lysine content. RESULTS: Two alleles of γ-kafirin gene were identified: alleles 1 and 7. The predicted amino acid sequence of allele 7 showed seven point mutations; six were silent, and one missense (C235G), causing the substitution P79A in the deduced amino acid sequence. In silico analysis showed that γ-kafirin codified by allele 1 has five α-helixes without disulfide bonds, while γ-kafirin coding by allele 7 has four α-helixes and three disulfide bonds. Genotypes with allele 7 had higher lysine content than those with allele 1, showing no differences in the kafirin electrophoretic profile, neither a correlation with the protein content nor the in vitro pepsin digestibility. CONCLUSIONS: Mexican tannin-free white sorghum genotypes showed two γ-kafirin alleles, 1 and 7. Allele 7 was associated with higher lysine content; in silico analysis showed that the substitution of P79A in this allele could modify γ-kafirin secondary structure. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Non-classical effects of prolactin on the innate immune response of bovine mammary epithelial cells: Implications during Staphylococcus aureus internalization.

Staphylococcus aureus has the ability to invade mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) causing mastitis. This event depends primarily on the α5ß1 integrin in the host cell. In addition, bMECs are a target for the hormone prolactin (PRL), which can regulate ß1 integrin-dependent actions related to differentiation and lactation. Previously, we demonstrated that bovine PRL (bPRL, 5 ng/ml) stimulates S. aureus internalization into bMECs. TLR2 is important during S. aureus infections, but its activation by PRL has not yet been established. The objective of this study was to determine the role of α5ß1 integrin and TLR2 during S. aureus internalization into bMECs stimulated with bPRL. We demonstrated that the prolactin-stimulated internalization of S. aureus decreases in response to the blockage of α5ß1 integrin (∼ 80%) and TLR2 (∼ 80%). bPRL increases the membrane abundance (MA) of α5ß1 integrin (∼ 20%) and induces TLR2 MA (∼ 2-fold). S. aureus reduces the α5ß1 integrin MA in bMECs treated with bPRL (∼ 75%) but induces TLR2 MA in bMECs (∼ 3-fold). Bacteria and bPRL did not modify TLR2 MA compared with the hormone alone. S. aureus induces the activation of the transcription factor AP-1, which was inhibited in bMECs treated with bPRL and infected. In general, bPRL induces both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in bMECs, which are abated in response to bacterial challenge. Interestingly, the canonical Stat-5 transcription factor was not activated in the challenged bMECs and/or treated with bPRL. Taken together, these results support novel functions of prolactin as a modulator of the innate immune response that do not involve the classical prolactin pathway.

Expression of autocrine prolactin and the short isoform of prolactin receptor are associated with inflammatory response and apoptosis in monocytes stimulated with Mycobacterium bovis proteins.

Increased levels of prolactin (PRL) have recently been associated with carcinogenesis and the exacerbation of autoimmune diseases, and might be involved in the progression of tuberculosis (TB). To investigate the relationship between PRL and prolactin receptor (PRLr) expression with inflammatory response and apoptosis in monocytes, we used THP-1 cells stimulated with antigens of the Mycobacterium bovis AN5 strain culture filtrate protein (CFP-M. bovis). Western blot (WB), real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunocytochemistry were performed to identify both PRL and PRLr molecules. PRL bioactivity and proinflammatory cytokine detection were assessed. The results showed that PRL and PRLr messenger RNA (mRNA) were synthesized in THP-1 monocytes induced with CFP-M. bovis at peaks of 176- and 404-fold, respectively. PRL forms of 60 and 80kDa and PRLr isoforms of 40, 50, and 65kDa were also identified as time-dependent, while 60-kDa PRL, as well as 40-, and 50-kDa PRLr, were found as soluble forms in culture media and later in the nucleus of THP-1 monocytes. PRL of 60kDa released by monocytes exhibited bioactivity in Nb2 cells, and both synthesized PRL and synthesized PRLr were related with nitrite and proinflammatory cytokine levels proapoptotic activity in CFP-M. bovis-induced monocytes. Our results suggest the overexpression of a full-autocrine loop of PRL and PRLr in monocytes that enhances the inflammatory response and apoptosis after priming with M. bovis antigens.

Modulation of the inflammatory response of bovine mammary epithelial cells by cholecalciferol (vitamin D) during Staphylococcus aureus internalization.

Vitamin D is an immunomodulator that exerts anti-inflammatory effects. In this work, the effects of cholecalciferol, a vitamin D precursor, on the inflammatory response of bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) during the internalization of Staphylococcus aureus were analyzed. Cholecalciferol and S. aureus inhibited TLR2 mRNA expression, but cholecalciferol differentially modulated the TLR2 membrane abundance. In fact, 50 nM cholecalciferol inhibited the TLR2 membrane abundance in bMECs infected with S. aureus, and this concentration also exerted the highest inhibitory effect on internalization. Cholecalciferol down-regulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-1ß and up-regulated that of RANTES and IL-10 but did not modify IL-6 and IL-8 expression. S. aureus strongly induced the mRNA expression of TNF-α, RANTES and IL-10 and inhibited IL-8 expression. Interestingly, cholecalciferol pre-treatments inhibited the bacterial-induced expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, RANTES and IL-10. In conclusion, cholecalciferol differentially regulates the inflammatory response of bMECs during S. aureus internalization and may be an effective innate immunity modulator in mammary gland tissues.

Bacterial resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides.

Naturally occurring cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) have been considered as promising candidates to treat infections caused by pathogenic bacteria to animals and humans. This assumption is based on their mechanism of action, which is mainly performed through electrostatic membrane interactions. Unfortunately, the rise in the reports that describe bacterial resistance to CAMPs has redefined their role as therapeutic agents. In this review, we describe the state of the art of the most common resistance mechanisms developed by bacteria to CAMPs, making special emphasis on resistance selection. Considering most of the resistance mechanisms here reviewed, the emergence of resistance is unlikely in the short term, however we also described evidences that show the evolution of resistance to CAMPs, reevaluating their use as good antibacterial agents. Finally, the knowledge related to the description of CAMP resistance mechanisms may provide useful information for improving strategies to control infections.

Genetic damage in patients with chronic kidney disease, peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis: a comparative study.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have signs of genomic instability and, as a consequence, extensive genetic damage, possibly due to accumulation of uraemic toxins, oxidative stress mediators and other endogenous substances with genotoxic properties. We explored factors associated with the presence and background levels of genetic damage in CKD. A cross-sectional study was performed in 91 CKD patients including pre-dialysis (CKD patients; n = 23) and patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD; n = 33) or haemodialysis (HD; n = 35) and with 61 healthy subjects, divided into two subgroups with the older group being in the age range of the patients, serving as controls. Alkaline comet assay and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay in peripheral blood lymphocytes were used to determine DNA and chromosome damage, respectively, present in CKD. Markers of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), thiols, advanced oxidation protein products and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine] and markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha) were also measured. Micronucleus (MN) frequency was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the CKD group (46±4‰) when compared with the older control (oC) group (27.7±14). A significant increase in MN frequency (P < 0.05) was also seen in PD patients (41.9±14‰) versus the oC group. There was no statistically significant difference for the HD group (29.7±15.6‰; P = NS) versus the oC group. Comet assay data showed a significant increase (P < 0.001) of tail DNA intensity in cells of patients with CKD (15.6±7%) with respect to the total control (TC) group (11±1%). PD patients (14.8±7%) also have a significant increase (P < 0.001) versus the TC group. Again, there was no statistically significant difference for the HD group (12.5±3%) compared with the TC group. Patients with MN values in the upper quartile had increased cholesterol, triglycerides, AGEs and MDA levels and lower albumin levels. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that male gender, diabetes and treatment modality were independently associated with higher levels of DNA damage. Our results suggest that oxidative stress, diabetes, gender and dialysis modality in CKD patients increased DNA and chromosome damage. To confirm these data, prospective clinical trials need to be performed.

The plant defensins PaDef and γ-thionin inhibit the endothelial cell response to VEGF.

Angiogenesis is involved in wound repair and tissue maintenance but is associated with diverse diseases. Pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulate this process. Therefore, searching for treatments to inhibit or promote angiogenesis is attractive. Reports from our group showed that plant antimicrobial peptides (PAPs) PaDef from avocado and γ-thionin from habanero pepper are cytotoxic on cancer cells. However, their functions as angiogenic regulators are unknown. In this work, we evaluate the effect of PaDef and γ-thionin on the angiogenic processes of two different endothelial cell lines: bovine endothelial cells (BUVEC) and the human endothelial cell line EA.hy926. The results showed that VEGF (10 ng/mL) stimulated the BUVEC (40 ± 7 %) and EA.hy926 cell proliferation (30 ± 9 %); however, peptides (5-500 ng/mL) reverted this effect. Besides, VEGF increased the migration of BUVEC (20 ± 8 %) and EA.hy926 cells (50 ± 6 %), but both PAPs (5 ng/mL) inhibited the VEGF stimulus (100 %). Furthermore, DMOG 50 µM (an inhibitor of HIF-hydroxylase) was used in BUVEC and EA.hy926 cells to determine the effect of hypoxia on VEGF and peptide activities. The DMOG reverted the inhibitory action of both peptides (100 %), indicating that peptides act through a HIF-independent pathway. Also, the PAPs do not affect the tube formation but decrease it in EA.hy926 cells stimulated with VEGF (100 %). Additionally, docking assays showed a possible interaction between PAPs and the VEGF receptor. These results suggest that plant defensins PaDef and γ-thionin are potential angiogenic modulators of the VEGF activity on endothelial cells.

Comparative virulence of the worldwide ST19 and emergent ST213 genotypes of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium strains isolated from food.

Salmonella enterica Typhimurium represents one of the most frequent causal agents of food contamination associated to gastroenteritis. The sequence type ST19 is the founder and worldwide prevalent genotype within this serotype, but its replacement by emerging genotypes has been recently reported. Particularly, the ST213 genotype has replaced it as the most prevalent in clinical and contaminated food samples in Mexico and has been recently reported in several countries. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo virulence of ST213 and ST19 strains isolated from food samples in Mexico was evaluated. Three out of the five analyzed ST213 strains, showed a greater internalization capacity and increased secretion of interleukins IL-8 and IL-6 of Caco-2 cells than the ST19 strains. Microbiological counts in feces and tissues showed the ability of all strains tested to establish infection in the rat model. The ST213 strains also caused histopathological damage, characteristic of gastroenteritis in Wistar rats. In contrast to the in vitro result, one of the ST19 strains showed marked damage in the test animals. The ST213 genotype strains showed in vitro and in vivo virulence variability, but significantly higher than the observed in the ST19 genotype strains, thus such emergent genotype represents a public health concern.

Evaluating the In Vitro Activity and Safety of Modified LfcinB Peptides as Potential Colon Anticancer Agents: Cell Line Studies and Insect-Based Toxicity Assessments.

Anticancer peptides are increasingly being considered as alternative treatments for cancer due to their potency, selectivity, and low toxicity. Previously, the peptide LfcinB (21-25)Pal showed in vitro anticancer effects against the Caco-2 colon cancer cell line (half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50): 86 µM). In this study, we developed modifications to the peptide sequence to increase its anticancer activity. Sequence modifications were made such as the inclusion of amino hexanoic acid (Ahx), N-terminal biotinylation, acetylation, and substitutions of Orn for Arg and/or d-Arg by l-Arg. The molecules were synthesized using manual solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), and their synthetic feasibility (SAScore) ranged from 6.2 to 7.6. The chromatographic purities of the synthesized peptides were greater than 89%. We found that Ahx-RWQWRWQWR and RWQWRWQW-Orn showed activity against both Caco-2 and HT-29 cell lines and decreased IC50 values by approx. 50% in Caco-2 cells (IC50: 40 µM) when compared to the parent peptide RWQWRWQWR. Moreover, the modified peptides demonstrated lower hemolytic effects, with values <10% at 200 µg/mL. Toxicity was assessed using the Galleria mellonella model and the half-maximal lethal dose (LD50) for the best peptides was >100 mg/kg, indicating that their toxicity is classified as moderately toxic or lower. In contrast, cisplatin showed an LD50 of 13 mg/Kg. The designed anticancer peptides presented good in vitro activity and low toxicity, making them promising molecules for future drug development studies.