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End date: 2024 × Start date: 2020 × DDC: 570 × Publisher: Basel : Molecular Diversity Preservation International ×

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    Enhanced growth of lapine anterior cruciate ligament-derived fibroblasts on scaffolds embroidered from poly(L-lactide-co-Δ-caprolactone) and polylactic acid threads functionalized by fluorination and hexamethylene diisocyanate cross-linked collagen foams
    (Basel : Molecular Diversity Preservation International, 2020) Gögele, Clemens; Hahn, Judith; Elschner, Cindy; Breier, Annette; Schröpfer, Michaela; Prade, Ina; Meyer, Michael; Schulze-Tanzil, Gundula
    Reconstruction of ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) is limited by the availability and donor site morbidity of autografts. Hence, a tissue engineered graft could present an alternative in the future. This study was undertaken to determine the performance of lapine (L) ACL-derived fibroblasts on embroidered poly(l-lactide-co-e-caprolactone) (P(LA-CL)) and polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds in regard to a tissue engineering approach for ACL reconstruction. Surface modifications of P(LA-CL)/PLA by gas-phase fluorination and cross-linking of a collagen foam using either ethylcarbodiimide (EDC) or hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) were tested regarding their influence on cell adhesion, growth and gene expression. The experiments were performed using embroidered P(LA-CL)/PLA scaffolds that were seeded dynamically or statically with LACL-derived fibroblasts. Scaffold cytocompatibility, cell survival, numbers, metabolic activity, ultrastructure and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) synthesis were evaluated. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) revealed gene expression of collagen type I (COL1A1), decorin (DCN), tenascin C (TNC), Mohawk (MKX) and tenomodulin (TNMD). All tested scaffolds were highly cytocompatible. A significantly higher cellularity and larger scaffold surface areas colonized by cells were detected in HMDI cross-linked and fluorinated scaffolds compared to those cross-linked with EDC or without any functionalization. By contrast, sGAG synthesis was higher in controls. Despite the fact that the significance level was not reached, gene expressions of ligament extracellular matrix components and differentiation markers were generally higher in fluorinated scaffolds with cross-linked collagen foams. LACL-derived fibroblasts maintained their differentiated phenotype on fluorinated scaffolds supplemented with a HMDI cross-linked collagen foam, making them a promising tool for ACL tissue engineering. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
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    Plant Coumarins with Anti-HIV Activity: Isolation and Mechanisms of Action
    (Basel : Molecular Diversity Preservation International, 2023) Sharapov, Ainur D.; Fatykhov, Ramil F.; Khalymbadzha, Igor A.; Zyryanov, Grigory V.; Chupakhin, Oleg N.; Tsurkan, Mikhail V.
    This review summarizes and systematizes the literature on the anti-HIV activity of plant coumarins with emphasis on isolation and the mechanism of their antiviral action. This review summarizes the information on the anti-HIV properties of simple coumarins as well as annulated furano- and pyranocoumarins and shows that coumarins of plant origin can act by several mechanisms: inhibition of HIV reverse transcriptase and integrase, inhibition of cellular factors that regulate HIV-1 replication, and transmission of viral particles from infected macrophages to healthy ones. It is important to note that some pyranocoumarins are able to act through several mechanisms or bind to several sites, which ensures the resistance of these compounds to HIV mutations. Here we review the last two decades of research on the anti-HIV activity of naturally occurring coumarins.
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    In search of a phosphorus dendrimer-based carrier of rose bengal: Tyramine linker limits fluorescent and phototoxic properties of a photosensitizer
    (Basel : Molecular Diversity Preservation International, 2020) Sztandera, Krzysztof; Marcinkowska, Monika; Gorzkiewicz, MichaƂ; Janaszewska, Anna; Laurent, Regis; ZabƂocka, Maria; Mignani, Serge; Majoral, Jean Pierre; Klajnert-Maculewicz, Barbara
    Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a skin cancer treatment alternative to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This method exploits three elements: a phototoxic compound (photosensitizer), light source and oxygen. Upon irradiation by light of a specific wavelength, the photosensitizer generates reactive oxygen species triggering the cascade of reactions leading to cell death. The positive therapeutic effect of PDT may be limited due to low solubility, low tumor specificity and inefficient cellular uptake of photosensitizers. A promising approach to overcome these obstacles involves the use of nanocarrier systems. The aim of this initial study was to determine the potential of the application of phosphorus dendrimers as carriers of a photosensitizer—rose bengal (RB). The primary goal involved the synthesis and in vitro studies of covalent drug–dendrimer conjugates. Our approach allowed us to obtain RB–dendrimer conjugates with the use of tyramine as an aromatic linker between the carrier and the drug. The compounds were characterized by FT-IR,1H NMR,13C NMR,31P NMR, size and zeta potential measurements and spectrofluorimetric analysis. The dialysis to check the drug release from the conjugate, flow cytometry to specify intracellular uptake, and singlet oxygen generation assay were also applied. Finally, we used MTT assay to determine the biological activity of the tested compounds. The results of our experiments indicate that the conjugation of RB to phosphorus dendrimers via the tyramine linker decreases photodynamic activity of RB. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
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    Role of Extracellular Vimentin in Cancer-Cell Functionality and Its Influence on Cell Monolayer Permeability Changes Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain
    (Basel : Molecular Diversity Preservation International, 2021) Thalla, Divyendu Goud; Jung, Philipp; Bischoff, Markus; LautenschlÀger, Franziska
    The cytoskeletal protein vimentin is secreted under various physiological conditions. Extracellular vimentin exists primarily in two forms: attached to the outer cell surface and secreted into the extracellular space. While surface vimentin is involved in processes such as viral infections and cancer progression, secreted vimentin modulates inflammation through reduction of neutrophil infiltration, promotes bacterial elimination in activated macrophages, and supports axonal growth in astrocytes through activation of the IGF-1 receptor. This receptor is overexpressed in cancer cells, and its activation pathway has significant roles in general cellular functions. In this study, we investigated the functional role of extracellular vimentin in non-tumorigenic (MCF-10a) and cancer (MCF-7) cells through the evaluation of its effects on cell migration, proliferation, adhesion, and monolayer permeability. Upon treatment with extracellular recombinant vimentin, MCF-7 cells showed increased migration, proliferation, and adhesion, compared to MCF-10a cells. Further, MCF-7 monolayers showed reduced permeability, compared to MCF-10a monolayers. It has been shown that the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can alter blood–brain barrier integrity. Surface vimentin also acts as a co-receptor between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the cell-surface angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. Therefore, we also investigated the permeability of MCF-10a and MCF-7 monolayers upon treatment with extracellular recombinant vimentin, and its modulation of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain. These findings show that binding of extracellular recombinant vimentin to the cell surface enhances the permeability of both MCF-10a and MCF-7 monolayers. However, with SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain addition, this effect is lost with MCF-7 monolayers, as the extracellular vimentin binds directly to the viral domain. This defines an influence of extracellular vimentin in SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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    Endothelial Differentiation of CCM1 Knockout iPSCs Triggers the Establishment of a Specific Gene Expression Signature
    (Basel : Molecular Diversity Preservation International, 2023) Pilz, Robin A.; Skowronek, Dariush; Mellinger, Lara; Bekeschus, Sander; Felbor, Ute; Rath, Matthias
    Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a neurovascular disease that can lead to seizures and stroke-like symptoms. The familial form is caused by a heterozygous germline mutation in either the CCM1, CCM2, or CCM3 gene. While the importance of a second-hit mechanism in CCM development is well established, it is still unclear whether it immediately triggers CCM development or whether additional external factors are required. We here used RNA sequencing to study differential gene expression in CCM1 knockout induced pluripotent stem cells (CCM1−/− iPSCs), early mesoderm progenitor cells (eMPCs), and endothelial-like cells (ECs). Notably, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated inactivation of CCM1 led to hardly any gene expression differences in iPSCs and eMPCs. However, after differentiation into ECs, we found the significant deregulation of signaling pathways well known to be involved in CCM pathogenesis. These data suggest that a microenvironment of proangiogenic cytokines and growth factors can trigger the establishment of a characteristic gene expression signature upon CCM1 inactivation. Consequently, CCM1−/− precursor cells may exist that remain silent until entering the endothelial lineage. Collectively, not only downstream consequences of CCM1 ablation but also supporting factors must be addressed in CCM therapy development.
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    An Innovative Therapeutic Option for the Treatment of Skeletal Sarcomas: Elimination of Osteo- and Ewing’s Sarcoma Cells Using Physical Gas Plasma
    (Basel : Molecular Diversity Preservation International, 2020) Jacoby, Josephine M.; Strakeljahn, Silas; Nitsch, Andreas; Bekeschus, Sander; Hinz, Peter; Mustea, Alexander; Ekkernkamp, Axel; Tzvetkov, Mladen V.; Haralambiev, Lyubomir; Stope, Matthias B.
    Osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma are the most common malignant bone tumors. Conventional therapies such as polychemotherapy, local surgery, and radiotherapy improve the clinical outcome for patients. However, they are accompanied by acute and chronic side effects that affect the quality of life of patients, motivating novel research lines on therapeutic options for the treatment of sarcomas. Previous experimental work with physical plasma operated at body temperature (cold atmospheric plasma, CAP) demonstrated anti-oncogenic effects on different cancer cell types. This study investigated the anti-cancer effect of CAP on two bone sarcoma entities, osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma, which were represented by four cell lines (U2-OS, MNNG/HOS, A673, and RD-ES). A time-dependent anti-proliferative effect of CAP on all cell lines was observed. CAP-induced alterations in cell membrane functionality were detected by performing a fluorescein diacetate (FDA) release assay and an ATP release assay. Additionally, modifications of the cell membrane and modifications in the actin cytoskeleton composition were examined using fluorescence microscopy monitoring dextran-uptake assay and G-/F-actin distribution. Furthermore, the CAP-induced induction of apoptosis was determined by TUNEL and active caspases assays. The observations suggest that a single CAP treatment of bone sarcoma cells may have significant anti-oncogenic effects and thus may be a promising extension to existing applications. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
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    Poly(lysine) Dendrimers Form Complexes with siRNA and Provide Its Effcient Uptake by Myeloid Cells: Model Studies for Therapeutic Nucleic Acid Delivery
    (Basel : Molecular Diversity Preservation International, 2020) Gorzkiewicz, MichaƂ; Kopeć, Olga; Janaszewska, Anna; Konopka, MaƂgorzata; Pędziwiatr-Werbicka, ElĆŒbieta; Tarasenko, Irina I.; Bezrodnyi, Valeriy V.; Neelov, Igor M.; Klajnert-Maculewicz, Barbara
    The disruption of the cellular pathways of protein biosynthesis through the mechanism of RNA interference has been recognized as a tool of great diagnostic and therapeutic significance. However, in order to fully exploit the potential of this phenomenon, efficient and safe carriers capable of overcoming extra-and intracellular barriers and delivering siRNA to the target cells are needed. Recently, attention has focused on the possibility of the application of multifunctional nanoparticles, dendrimers, as potential delivery devices for siRNA. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the formation of dendriplexes using novel poly(lysine) dendrimers (containing lysine and arginine or histidine residues in their structure), and to verify the hypothesis that the use of these polymers may allow an efficient method of siRNA transfer into the cells in vitro to be obtained. The fluorescence polarization studies, as well as zeta potential and hydrodynamic diameter measurements were used to characterize the dendrimer:siRNA complexes. The cytotoxicity of dendrimers and dendriplexes was evaluated with the resazurin-based assay. Using the flow cytometry technique, the efficiency of siRNA transport to the myeloid cells was determined. This approach allowed us to determine the properties and optimal molar ratios of dendrimer:siRNA complexes, as well as to demonstrate that poly(lysine) dendrimers may serve as efficient carriers of genetic material, being much more effective than the commercially available transfection agent Lipofectamine 2000. This outcome provides the basis for further research on the application of poly(lysine) dendrimers as carriers for nucleic acids in the field of gene therapy. © 2020 by the authors.
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    Sleep as a Novel Biomarker and a Promising Therapeutic Target for Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Review Focusing on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Blood-Brain Barrier
    (Basel : Molecular Diversity Preservation International, 2020) Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya, Oxana; Postnov, Dmitry; Penzel, Thomas; Kurths, JĂŒrgen
    Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a leading cause of cognitive decline in elderly people and development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage is a key pathophysiological mechanism of amyloidal CSVD. Sleep plays a crucial role in keeping health of the central nervous system and in resistance to CSVD. The deficit of sleep contributes to accumulation of metabolites and toxins such as beta-amyloid in the brain and can lead to BBB disruption. Currently, sleep is considered as an important informative platform for diagnosis and therapy of AD. However, there are no effective methods for extracting of diagnostic information from sleep characteristics. In this review, we show strong evidence that slow wave activity (SWA) (0–0.5 Hz) during deep sleep reflects glymphatic pathology, the BBB leakage and memory deficit in AD. We also discuss that diagnostic and therapeutic targeting of SWA in AD might lead to be a novel era in effective therapy of AD. Moreover, we demonstrate that SWA can be pioneering non-invasive and bed–side technology for express diagnosis of the BBB permeability. Finally, we review the novel data about the methods of detection and enhancement of SWA that can be biomarker and a promising therapy of amyloidal CSVD and CSVD associated with the BBB disorders. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
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    In-Vitro Biofilm Removal Efficacy Using Water Jet in Combination with Cold Plasma Technology on Dental Titanium Implants
    (Basel : Molecular Diversity Preservation International, 2023) Matthes, Rutger; Jablonowski, Lukasz; Miebach, Lea; Pitchika, Vinay; Holtfreter, Birte; Eberhard, Christian; Seifert, Leo; Gerling, Torsten; SchlĂŒter, Rabea; Kocher, Thomas; Bekeschus, Sander
    Peri-implantitis-associated inflammation can lead to bone loss and implant failure. Current decontamination measures are ineffective due to the implants’ complex geometry and rough surfaces providing niches for microbial biofilms. A modified water jet system (WaterJet) was combined with cold plasma technology (CAP) to achieve superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to cotton gauze treatment. Seven-day-old multi-species-contaminated titanium discs and implants were investigated as model systems. The efficacy of decontamination on implants was determined by rolling the implants over agar and determining colony-forming units supported by scanning electron microscopy image quantification of implant surface features. The inflammatory consequences of mono and combination treatments were investigated with peripheral blood mononuclear cell surface marker expression and chemokine and cytokine release profiles on titanium discs. In addition, titanium discs were assayed using fluorescence microscopy. Cotton gauze was inferior to WaterJet treatment according to all types of analysis. In combination with the antimicrobial effect of CAP, decontamination was improved accordingly. Mono and CAP-combined treatment on titanium surfaces alone did not unleash inflammation. Simultaneously, chemokine and cytokine release was dramatically reduced in samples that had benefited from additional antimicrobial effects through CAP. The combined treatment with WaterJet and CAP potently removed biofilm and disinfected rough titanium implant surfaces. At the same time, non-favorable rendering of the surface structure or its pro-inflammatory potential through CAP was not observed.
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    In-Vitro Biofilm Removal Efficacy Using Water Jet in Combination with Cold Plasma Technology on Dental Titanium Implants
    (Basel : Molecular Diversity Preservation International, 2023) Matthes, Rutger; Jablonowski, Lukasz; Miebach, Lea; Pitchika, Vinay; Holtfreter, Birte; Eberhard, Christian; Seifert, Leo; Gerling, Torsten; SchlĂŒter, Rabea; Kocher, Thomas; Bekeschus, Sander
    Peri-implantitis-associated inflammation can lead to bone loss and implant failure. Current decontamination measures are ineffective due to the implants’ complex geometry and rough surfaces providing niches for microbial biofilms. A modified water jet system (WaterJet) was combined with cold plasma technology (CAP) to achieve superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to cotton gauze treatment. Seven-day-old multi-species-contaminated titanium discs and implants were investigated as model systems. The efficacy of decontamination on implants was determined by rolling the implants over agar and determining colony-forming units supported by scanning electron microscopy image quantification of implant surface features. The inflammatory consequences of mono and combination treatments were investigated with peripheral blood mononuclear cell surface marker expression and chemokine and cytokine release profiles on titanium discs. In addition, titanium discs were assayed using fluorescence microscopy. Cotton gauze was inferior to WaterJet treatment according to all types of analysis. In combination with the antimicrobial effect of CAP, decontamination was improved accordingly. Mono and CAP-combined treatment on titanium surfaces alone did not unleash inflammation. Simultaneously, chemokine and cytokine release was dramatically reduced in samples that had benefited from additional antimicrobial effects through CAP. The combined treatment with WaterJet and CAP potently removed biofilm and disinfected rough titanium implant surfaces. At the same time, non-favorable rendering of the surface structure or its pro-inflammatory potential through CAP was not observed.