Polyaniline-decorated ZIF-8 nanoparticles (nPANI@nZIF-8) were easily synthesized and employed as a multifunctional system for the delivery of the antitumor drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Because of the ...storage ability of the network ZIF-8, 68% of the total amount of the 5-FU drug was released at pH 5.2. The system exhibits absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region and can be used in the photothermal therapy owing to the presence of nPANI, which has a strong NIR uptake. This absorption causes local hyperthermia by aiding in the diffusion of the drug molecules contained by the polymer into nPANI@nZIF-8/5-FU achieving a greater release of the 5-FU drug, about 80% activated by an NIR laser (λ = 980 nm). This hyperthermia reached about 70 °C (200 μL, 1 mg mL–1 nPANI@nZIF-8), which was directly proportional to the concentration of the material. Therefore, our work can aid in the construction of new chemo-photothermal platforms that may be employed in cancer therapy.
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The secondary metabolites of the aerial parts of Zornia brasiliensis Vogel, Fabaceae, and the biological activity of one of these secondary metabolites were characterized in this ...study. A phytochemical investigation was performed using chromatographic techniques including analytical and preparative reverse-phase HPLC column sequences, which resulted in the isolation of fourteen compounds: one previously undescribed C-glycosylated dihydrochalcone (zornioside), one cyclitol (D-pinitol), one glycosylated megastigmane (roseoside) and eleven phenolic compounds: 7-methoxyflavanone, 7,4′-dimethoxyisoflavone, medicarpin, 2′-4′-dihydroxychalcone, onionin, isoorientin-3′-O-methyl ether, isovitexin, glycosylated (Z)-O-coumaric acid, glycosylated (E)-O-coumaric acid, dihydromelilotoside, and isoorientin. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined based on 1D and 2D-NMR, HRESIMS, IR and CD spectroscopic analyses. The cytotoxic activity of zornoside was assessed against tumor cell lines (MCF-7, HCC1954, T-47D, 4T1, HL60), and a non-tumor cell line (RAW264.7) using MTT assay. The compound zornioside was selectively cytotoxic for HL60 leukemia cells (IC50: 37.26μM).
Amburana cearensis leaves have been used in folk medicine to treat respiratory diseases and inflammations. This study aimed to evaluate the biological potential of A. cearensis leaves by antioxidant ...and in vitro cytogenotoxic analyses of ethanolic crude extract (EE) and its fractions in healthy human cells. The EE was obtained by percolation, followed by fractionation using dichloromethane, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol (MeOH) as organic solvents. Extract and all fractions were evaluated for their antioxidant potential by DPPH and reducing power tests. In vitro cytotoxic activity was determined in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by MTT assay for the extract, EtOAc and MeOH fractions. In turn, the genotoxic activity was determined in human lymphocytes by the Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus assay only for the EtOAc fraction. Only EtOAc fraction was analyzed via gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry due to its higher biological activity. Considering the antioxidant potential, the EtOAc fraction was most effective in DPPH (EC
50
43.37 µg/mL) and reducing power (EC
50
89.80 µg/mL) assays. GC-MS analysis of the EtOAc fraction led to the identification of guaiacol, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, isovanillic acid methyl ester, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and 4-(ethoxymethyl)-phenol. The EE (400-1000 µg/mL), EtOAc (≤150 µg/mL) and MeOH (50 and 150-600 µg/mL) fractions were not cytotoxic by MTT test. Additionally, the EtOAc fraction (100-400 µg/mL) did not induce significant genotoxic damage. Concentrations of the EtOAc fraction with antioxidant activity showed no cytotoxicity, nor genotoxicity potential, indicating them as a nontoxic natural antioxidant source.
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Dostopno za:
DOBA, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Lectins are proteins capable of binding specifically and reversibly to carbohydrates, allowing several biotechnological applications. In the present study, the lectin from Libidibia ferrea var. ...ferrea pod (LifePL) was purified and the cytotoxic and genotoxic potentials were evaluated through cell viability and micronucleus in vitro assays. LifePL was isolated by chitin column chromatography followed by elution with 1 M acetic acid. The hemagglutinating activity (HA) of LifePL was determined in the presence of carbohydrates or divalent cations, as well as after heating and incubation at different pH values. In the cytotoxic assay using MTT, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were exposed to 10 concentrations of the lectin (ranging from 5 to 200 µg/mL) for 24 h. Genotoxicity was tested using the micronucleus assay at concentrations of 120, 160, and 200 µg/mL to evaluate a previous safety use of lectin. The purified LifePL showed a single band of 8 kDa on SDS-PAGE in the presence or absence of 2-mercaptoethanol or by gel filtration using an AKTA purification system. LifePL agglutinated erythrocytes from humans and rabbits and was inhibited by glycoproteins (e.g., fetal bovine serum). The HA of LifePL remained stable and resistant at temperatures of 30–100 °C. The HA of the lectin was stimulated by ions (Ca2+ and Mg2+), as well as at different pH values (pH 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 7.5). There was no cytotoxicity for the concentrations tested. However, all concentrations increased cell viability (p < 0.05). Regarding genotoxicity, no concentration induced statistically significant changes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the lectin isolated from L. ferrea var. ferrea pod revealed a good safety profile, since it did not show cytotoxic or genotoxic potential under used conditions.
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•LifePL lectin was purified from libidibia ferrea var. ferrea pod;.•This lectin presented a single band of 8 kDa on SDS-PAGE;.•The hemagglutinating activity of LifePL was stimulated by Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions;.•LifePL remained stable at different temperatures and pH values;.•LifePL did not present cytotoxicity and genotoxicity according to in vitro assays.
•Libidia ferrea aqueous extract is rich in tannins and flavonoids.•The fractions were able to reduce biofilm formation up to 71%.•The fractions do not present cytotoxicity and genotoxicity according ...to in vitro asssays.
Libidibia ferrea (Mart. Ex Tul) L. P. Queiroz (Fabaceae) is a typical Caatinga species, 53 commonly known as “Brazilian ironwood” and “leopard tree” and has been used in folk 54 medicine in the treatment of several diseases such as anemia, ulcer, hypertension, 55 diabetes, and antimicrobial agent. However, its adverse effects on human health are not 56 entirely known. The present work aimed to investigate the chemical composition, 57 antibiofilm formation, and cytogenotoxicity potential of Libidia ferrea aqueous extract 58 (AELf). Phytochemical screening, chromatographic analyses, and fractionation were 59 performed to characterize AELf. Additionally, the AELf effect on Staphylococcus aureus 60 biofilm formation was also investigated. Also, twelve extract concentrations were tested 61 by the MTT assay to verify cytotoxicity, while genotoxic (cytokinesis-block 62 micronucleus assay - CBMN) evaluations were carried out on PBMC cells using three 63 different concentrations (10, 20, and 30 mg/mL). The phytochemical analysis revealed 64 the presence of flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, leucoanthocyanidins, and hydrolyzable 65 tannins in higher concentrations. As also, AELf was able to inhibit biofilm formation (≥ 66 50%) on the tested strain by up to 55.3% (44.7 ± 7.8) and 71.1% (28.9 ± 3.4) at 67 concentrations 1.25 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively. AELf concentrations used in 68 the MTT and CBMN assays showed no cytotoxic and genotoxicity activity. The aqueous 69 extract of L. ferrea var. ferrea fruit presents good potential for the future development of 70 antimicrobial products since concentrations around 2.5 mg/mL showed antibiofilm 71 activity. Additionally, the aqueous extract has a good safety profile.
Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae), popularly known as cotton-leaf physicnut, is a milky shrub notable for its medicinal properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the toxic, cytotoxic ...and genotoxic effects of the latex of J. gossypiifolia, using Allium cepa L. as test system. Seeds of A. cepa were exposed to five concentrations of the latex (1.25; 2.5; 5; 10 and 20 mL/L) in order to evaluate parameters of toxicity (evaluation of root growth), cytotoxicity (mitotic index frequency) and genotoxicity (frequency of chromosome alterations). The latex showed a significant decrease in root mean growth value as well as mitotic index for the tested concentrations, except for 1.25 mL/L, when compared to results from the negative control. The 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mL/L concentrations induced significant chromo-some adherences, C-metaphases and/or chromosome bridges, as genotoxic effects. The significant frequency of chromosome bridges also indicated mutagenic potential for chromosomes of J. gossypiifolia as discussed in the paper. Considering that the latex is used in popular therapies, and that the test system A. cepa presents good correlation with tests carried out in mammals, it can be pointed out that its use for medicinal purposes may be harmful to human health especially if ingested.
In the present study, the cytotoxic effects of a 1,3-thiazolium-5-thiolate derivative of a mesoionic compound, MIH 2.4Bl, were assessed in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The cytotoxic effects of ...MIH 2.4Bl were determined using a crystal violet assay. Using a dose-response curve, the IC50 value of MIH 2.4Bl was determined to be 45.8±0.8 µM. Additionally, the effects of MIH 2.4Bl on mitochondrial respiration were characterized using oxygen consumption rate analysis. Treating MCF-7 cells with increasing concentrations of MIH 2.4Bl resulted in a significant reduction in all mitochondrial respiratory parameters compared with the control cells, indicative of an overall decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. The induction of autophagy by MIH 2.4Bl was also examined by measuring changes in the expression of protein markers of autophagy. As shown by western blot analysis, treatment of MCF-7 cells with MIH 2.4Bl resulted in increased protein expression levels of Beclin-1 and ATG5, as well as an increase in the microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B)-II to LC3B-I ratio compared with the control cells. Microarray analysis of changes in gene expression following MIH 2.4Bl treatment demonstrated 3,659 genes exhibited a fold-change ≥2. Among these genes, 779 were up-regulated, and 2,880 were down-regulated in cells treated with MIH 2.4Bl compared with the control cells. Based on the identity of the transcripts and fold-change of expression, six genes were selected for verification by reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR; activating transcription factor 3, acidic repeat-containing protein, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor, regulator of G-protein signaling 2, Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1 and adhesion molecule with Ig like domain 2. The results of RT-qPCR analysis of RNA isolated from control and MIH 2.4Bl treated cells were consistent with the expression changes identified by microarray analysis. Together, these results suggest that MIH 2.4Bl may be a promising candidate for treating breast cancer and warrants further in vitro and in vivo investigation.
An adsorbent-heater-thermometer nanomaterial, (ZIF-8,EuxTby)@AuNP, based on ZIF-8 (adsorbent), containing Eu3+ and/or Tb3+ ions (thermometer) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs, heater) was designed, ...synthetized, characterized, and applied to controlled drug release. These composite materials were characterized as core-shell nanocrystals with the AuNPs being the core, around which the crystalline ZIF-8 has grown (shell) and onto which the lanthanide ions have been incorporated or chemosorbed. This shell of ZIF-8 acts as adsorbent of the drugs, the AuNPs act as heaters, while the luminescence intensities of the ligand and the lanthanide ions are used for temperature monitoring. This thermo-responsive material can be activated by visible irradiation to release small molecules in a controlled manner as established for the model pharmaceutical compounds 5-fluorouracil and caffeine. Computer simulations and transition state theory calculations shown that the diffusion of small molecules between neighboring pores in ZIF-8 is severely restricted and involves high-energy barriers. These findings imply that these molecules are uploaded onto and released from the ZIF-8 surface instead of being inside the cavities. This is the first report of ZIF-8 nanocrystals (adsorbents) containing simultaneously lanthanide ions as sensitive nanothermometers and AuNPs as heaters for controlled drug release in a physiological temperature range. These results provide a proof-of-concept that can be applied to other classes of materials, and offer a novel perspective on the design of self-assembly multifunctional thermo-responsive adsorbing materials that are easily prepared and promptly controllable.
•Biocompatible designed drug controlled release nanomaterial.•Thermometry and heating at the nanoscale allow full control of drug release.•Non-cytotoxic nanoheater, nanothermometer, adsorbent multifunctional materials.•Computational atomistic simulations of drug diffusion and release in ZIF-8.
Euphorbia hyssopifolia L. is a weed with recognized antimicrobial potential employed in Indian, Asian and Latin–American popular medicine. However, little is known with regard to its toxic potential. ...The present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ethanolic extract of E. hyssopifolia in HepG2 cell culture.
Phytochemical screening of ethanolic extract was carried out to determine the presence of active secondary plant metabolites. Six concentrations (0.00001, 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0mg/mL) of ethanolic extract were tested by the MTT assay to verify cytotoxicity. Then, genotoxic evaluations (alkaline comet assay and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay – CBMN) were carried out in HepG2 cells with extract concentrations of 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0mg/mL.
Mono and sesquiterpenes, triterpenes and steroids, and flavonoids were the main classes found in the phytochemical screening. Extract concentrations used in the MTT assay showed no cytotoxic activity. On the other hand, genotoxic activity was verified at 0.1 and 1.0mg/mL in the alkaline comet assay. Additionally, the 1.0mg/mL concentration induced severe cell damage leading to death in the CBMN assay, indicating a cytotoxic effect for this concentration in the latter method.
The use of E. hyssopifolia extract for medicinal purposes should be avoided, because concentrations above 0.01mg/mL may pose risk to human health due to cytotoxic and/or genotoxic effects.
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