Waterpipe smoking (WPS) has adverse health effects that include endothelial dysfunction with mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammation. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of data on the direct impact of WPS on endothelial function. In this study, we assessed the in vitro effects of waterpipe smoke extract (WPSE) on aortic endothelial cell lines, namely the TeloHAEC. The WPSE markedly caused concentration- and time-dependent decreases in cellular viability. When compared with the control, at a concentration of 20 % and an incubation period of 48 h, the WPSE significantly increased the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, and markers of oxidative stress including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione. Moreover, the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha), and adhesion molecules (E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1) were also significantly augmented. Likewise, WPSE triggered mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA oxidative damage, as well as apoptosis in TeloHAEC cells. Similarly, cells cultured with WPSE have shown increased expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappaB and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1alpha). In conclusion, our study showed that WPSE triggers endothelial inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis via mechanisms involving the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB and HIF-1alpha. Key words Waterpipe smoking, Aortic endothelial cells, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress.

• MeSH
• aorta * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• apoptóza účinky léků   MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• endoteliální buňky * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• kouř * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• kouření vodní dýmky * škodlivé účinky   metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• oxidační stres * účinky léků   MeSH
• poškození DNA účinky léků   MeSH
• viabilita buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common adult leukemia characterized by the accumulation of neoplastic mature B cells in blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. The disease biology remains unresolved in many aspects, including the processes underlying the disease progression and relapses. However, studying CLL in vitro poses a considerable challenge due to its complexity and dependency on the microenvironment. Several approaches are utilized to overcome this issue, such as co-culture of CLL cells with other cell types, supplementing culture media with growth factors, or setting up a three-dimensional (3D) culture. Previous studies have shown that 3D cultures, compared to conventional ones, can lead to enhanced cell survival and altered gene expression. 3D cultures can also give valuable information while testing treatment response in vitro since they mimic the cell spatial organization more accurately than conventional culture. METHODS: In our study, we investigated the behavior of CLL cells in two types of material: (i) solid porous collagen scaffolds and (ii) gel composed of carboxymethyl cellulose and polyethylene glycol (CMC-PEG). We studied CLL cells' distribution, morphology, and viability in these materials by a transmitted-light and confocal microscopy. We also measured the metabolic activity of cultured cells. Additionally, the expression levels of MYC, VCAM1, MCL1, CXCR4, and CCL4 genes in CLL cells were studied by qPCR to observe whether our novel culture approaches lead to increased adhesion, lower apoptotic rates, or activation of cell signaling in relation to the enhanced contact with co-cultured cells. RESULTS: Both materials were biocompatible, translucent, and permeable, as assessed by metabolic assays, cell staining, and microscopy. While collagen scaffolds featured easy manipulation, washability, transferability, and biodegradability, CMC-PEG was advantageous for its easy preparation process and low variability in the number of accommodated cells. Both materials promoted cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions due to the scaffold structure and generation of cell aggregates. The metabolic activity of CLL cells cultured in CMC-PEG gel was similar to or higher than in conventional culture. Compared to the conventional culture, there was (i) a lower expression of VCAM1 in both materials, (ii) a higher expression of CCL4 in collagen scaffolds, and (iii) a lower expression of CXCR4 and MCL1 (transcript variant 2) in collagen scaffolds, while it was higher in a CMC-PEG gel. Hence, culture in the material can suppress the expression of a pro-apoptotic gene (MCL1 in collagen scaffolds) or replicate certain gene expression patterns attributed to CLL cells in lymphoid organs (low CXCR4, high CCL4 in collagen scaffolds) or blood (high CXCR4 in CMC-PEG).

• MeSH
• buněčné kultury metody   MeSH
• chronická lymfatická leukemie * patologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• gely chemie   MeSH
• kolagen * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• polyethylenglykoly * chemie   MeSH
• receptory CXCR4 metabolismus   MeSH
• sodná sůl karboxymethylcelulosy * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• techniky 3D buněčné kultury metody   MeSH
• tkáňové podpůrné struktury * chemie   MeSH
• viabilita buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the nasal cavity, penetrates the nasal epithelial cells through the interaction of its spike protein with the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and then triggers a cytokine storm. We aimed to assess the biocompatibility of fullerenol nanoparticles C60(OH)40 and ectoine, and to document their effect on the protection of primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) against the effects of interaction with the fragment of virus - spike protein. This preliminary research is the first step towards the construction of a intranasal medical device with a protective, mechanical function against SARS-CoV-2 similar to that of personal protective equipment (eg masks). METHODS: We used HNEpCs and the full-length spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 to mimic the first stage of virus infection. We assessed cell viability with the XTT assay and a spectrophotometer. May-Grünwald Giemsa and periodic acid-Schiff staining served to evaluate HNEpC morphology. We assessed reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and commercial kit. Finally, we employed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and confocal microscopy to determine the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: There was normal morphology and unchanged viability of HNEpCs after incubation with 10 mg/L C60(OH)40, 0.2% ectoine or their composite for 24 h. The spike protein exerted cytotoxicity via ROS production. Preincubation with the composite protected HNEpCs against the interaction between the spike protein and the host membrane and prevented the production of key cytokines characteristic of severe coronavirus disease 2019, including interleukin 6 and 8, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and 2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor. CONCLUSION: In the future, the combination of fullerenol and ectoine may be used to prevent viral infections as an intranasal medical device for people with reduced immunity and damaged mucous membrane.

• MeSH
• aminokyseliny diaminové MeSH
• angiotensin-konvertující enzym 2 metabolismus   MeSH
• COVID-19 * prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• cytokiny metabolismus   MeSH
• epitelové buňky * účinky léků   virologie   MeSH
• fullereny * farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• glykoprotein S, koronavirus * metabolismus   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nanočástice * chemie   MeSH
• nosní sliznice účinky léků   cytologie   MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus   MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 * účinky léků   MeSH
• syndrom uvolnění cytokinů * prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• viabilita buněk * účinky léků   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The potential of microRNAs to protect the female reproductive system from the toxic influence of oil-related environmental contaminants has not yet been examined. The aim of the present study was to examine the ability of the microRNA miR-152 to prevent the toxic effects of toluene on ovarian cells. Porcine ovarian granulosa cells transfected or not transfected with miR-152 mimics were cultured with or without toluene (0, 10 and 100 ng/ml). The expression of miR-152; cell viability; proliferation (accumulation of PCNA, cyclin B1 and BrdU); cytoplasmic/mitochondrial apoptosis (accumulation of bax and caspase 3); and release of progesterone, testosterone and estradiol were quantified via RT-qPCR, the Trypan blue exclusion test, quantitative immunocytochemistry, the BrdU assay and ELISA. The addition of toluene reduced cell viability, decreased the levels of all the measured markers of proliferation and the release of all the measured steroid hormones, and promoted the expression of apoptosis markers. Transfection of cells with miR-152 mimics increased the expression of miR-152, cell proliferation, and progesterone release but reduced apoptosis and the release of testosterone and estradiol. Moreover, miR-152 prevented or inhibited all the toluene effects in addition to its inhibitory effect on testosterone and estradiol release. The present results demonstrate that miR-152 can protect ovarian cells from the harmful influence of toluene.

• MeSH
• apoptóza * účinky léků   MeSH
• estradiol MeSH
• folikulární buňky * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• mikro RNA * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• progesteron metabolismus   MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• toluen * toxicita   MeSH
• viabilita buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a cytosolic ligand-activated transcription factor integral to various physiological and pathological processes. Among its diverse ligands, indole-based compounds have garnered attention due to their significant biological activity and potential therapeutic applications. This study explores the activation of AhR by structurally diverse halogenated indoles. We evaluated the transcriptional activity of AhR and cell viability in the human LS174T-AhR-luc reporter cell line. Among the tested compounds, 4-FI, 7-FI, 6-BrI, 7-BrI, 6-Cl-2-ox, 5-Br-2-ox, and 6-Br-2-ox activated AhR in a concentration-dependent manner, displaying high efficacy and potency. Molecular docking analysis revealed moderate binding affinities of these compounds to the PAS-B domain of AhR, corroborated by competitive radioligand binding assays. Functional assays showed that halogenated indoles induce the formation of AhR-ARNT heterodimer and enhance the binding of the AhR to the CYP1A1 promoter. Additionally, 4-FI and 7-FI exhibited anti-inflammatory properties in Caco-2 cell models, highlighting their potential for therapeutic applications. This study underscores the significance of the type and position of halogen moiety in indole scaffold, suggesting their potential as candidates for developing therapeutics drugs to treat conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease via AhR activation.

• MeSH
• cytochrom P-450 CYP1A1 metabolismus   MeSH
• halogenace MeSH
• indoly * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulární struktura MeSH
• receptory aromatických uhlovodíků * metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• simulace molekulového dockingu * MeSH
• transkripční faktory bHLH MeSH
• viabilita buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relies on appropriate contrast agents, especially for visualizing transplanted cells within host tissue. In recent years, compounds containing fluorine-19 have gained significant attention as MRI probe, particularly in dual 1H/19F-MR imaging. However, various factors affecting probe sensitivity, such as fluorine content and the equivalency of fluorine atoms, must be considered. In this study, we synthesized fluorinated micelles with adjustable surface positive charge density and investigated their physicochemical properties and MRI efficacy in phantoms and labeled cells. While the micelles exhibited clear signals in 19F-MR spectra and imaging, the concentrations required for MRI visualization of labeled cells were relatively high, adversely affecting cell viability. Despite their favourable physicochemical properties, achieving higher labeling rates without compromising cell viability during labeling remains a challenge for potential in vivo applications.

• MeSH
• barvení a značení metody   MeSH
• fantomy radiodiagnostické MeSH
• fluor chemie   MeSH
• halogenace MeSH
• kationty * chemie   MeSH
• kontrastní látky chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie metody   MeSH
• micely * MeSH
• myši MeSH
• viabilita buněk * účinky léků   MeSH
• zobrazování fluorovou magnetickou rezonancí metody   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Various strategies have been employed to improve the reliability of 2D, 3D, and co-culture in vitro models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, including using extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen I to promote cell adhesion. While studies have demonstrated the significant benefits of culturing cells on collagen I, its effects on the HepG2 cell line after exposure to palmitate (PA) have not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of PA-induced lipotoxicity in HepG2 cultured in the absence or presence of collagen I. HepG2 cultured in the absence or presence of collagen I was exposed to PA, followed by analyses that assessed cell proliferation, viability, adhesion, cell death, mitochondrial respiration, reactive oxygen species production, gene and protein expression, and triacylglycerol accumulation. Culturing HepG2 on collagen I was associated with increased cell proliferation, adhesion, and expression of integrin receptors, and improved cellular spreading compared to culturing them in the absence of collagen I. However, PA-induced lipotoxicity was greater in collagen I-cultured HepG2 than in those cultured in the absence of collagen I and was associated with increased α2β1 receptors. In summary, the present study demonstrated for the first time that collagen I-cultured HepG2 exhibited exacerbated cell death following exposure to PA through integrin-mediated death. The findings from this study may serve as a caution to those using 2D models or 3D scaffold-based models of HepG2 in the presence of collagen I.

• MeSH
• buněčná adheze * účinky léků   MeSH
• buněčná smrt účinky léků   MeSH
• buňky Hep G2 MeSH
• integrin alfa2beta1 metabolismus   MeSH
• integriny metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• kolagen typu I * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nealkoholová steatóza jater metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• palmitany toxicita   farmakologie   MeSH
• proliferace buněk * účinky léků   MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus   MeSH
• viabilita buněk * účinky léků   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

In intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), and some other immunoglobulin products, protein particles have been implicated in adverse events. Role and mechanisms of immunoglobulin particles in vascular adverse effects of blood components and manufactured biologics have not been elucidated. We have developed a model of spherical silica microparticles (SiMPs) of distinct sizes 200-2000 nm coated with different IVIG- or albumin (HSA)-coronas and investigated their effects on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). IVIG products (1-20 mg/mL), bare SiMPs or SiMPs with IVIG-corona, did not display significant toxicity to unstimulated HUVEC. In contrast, in TNFα-stimulated HUVEC, IVIG-SiMPs induced decrease of HUVEC viability compared to HSA-SiMPs, while no toxicity of soluble IVIG was observed. 200 nm IVIG-SiMPs after 24 h treatment further increased ICAM1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) and tissue factor surface expression, apoptosis, mammalian target of rapamacin (mTOR)-dependent activation of autophagy, and release of extracellular vesicles, positive for mitophagy markers. Toxic effects of IVIG-SiMPs were most prominent for 200 nm SiMPs and decreased with larger SiMP size. Using blocking antibodies, toxicity of IVIG-SiMPs was found dependent on FcγRII receptor expression on HUVEC, which increased after TNFα-stimulation. Similar results were observed with different IVIG products and research grade IgG preparations. In conclusion, submicron particles with immunoglobulin corona induced size-dependent toxicity in TNFα-stimulated HUVEC via FcγRII receptors, associated with apoptosis and mTOR-dependent activation of autophagy. Testing of IVIG toxicity in endothelial cells prestimulated with proinflammatory cytokines is relevant to clinical conditions. Our results warrant further studies on endothelial toxicity of sub-visible immunoglobulin particles.

• MeSH
• apoptóza účinky léků   MeSH
• autofagie * účinky léků   MeSH
• endoteliální buňky pupečníkové žíly (lidské) * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• intravenózní imunoglobuliny * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mezibuněčná adhezivní molekula-1 metabolismus   MeSH
• oxid křemičitý chemie   toxicita   MeSH
• proteinová korona metabolismus   MeSH
• receptory IgG * metabolismus   MeSH
• TNF-alfa * metabolismus   MeSH
• TOR serin-threoninkinasy metabolismus   MeSH
• velikost částic MeSH
• viabilita buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Radiotherapy (RT) is an integral treatment part for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but radioresistance remains a major issue. Here, we use MitoTam, a mitochondrially targeted analogue of tamoxifen, which we aim to stimulate ferroptotic cell death with, and sensitize radioresistant cells to RT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, and lipid peroxidation in radiosensitive (UT-SCC-40) and radioresistant (UT-SCC-5) HNSCC cells following MitoTam treatment. To assess ferroptosis specificity, we used the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (fer-1). Also, total antioxidant capacity and sensitivity to tert-butyl hydroperoxide were evaluated to assess ROS-responses. 53BP1 staining was used to assess radiosensitivity after MitoTam treatment. RESULTS: Our data revealed increased ROS, cell death, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, and lipid peroxidation following MitoTam treatment in both cell lines. Adverse effects of MitoTam on cell death, membrane potential and lipid peroxidation were prevented by fer-1, indicating induction of ferroptosis. Radioresistant HNSCC cells were less sensitive to the effects of MitoTam due to intrinsic higher antioxidant capacity. MitoTam treatment prior to RT led to superadditive residual DNA damage expressed by 53BP1 foci compared to RT or MitoTam alone. CONCLUSION: MitoTam induced ferroptosis in HNSCC cells, which could be used to overcome the elevated antioxidant capacity of radioresistant cells and sensitize such cells to RT. Treatment with MitoTam followed by RT could therefore present a promising effective therapy of radioresistant cancers. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Radiotherapy is applied in the treatment of a majority of cancer patients. Radioresistance due to elevated antioxidant levels can be overcome by promoting ferroptotic cell death combining ROS-inducing drug MitoTam with radiotherapy.

• MeSH
• dlaždicobuněčné karcinomy hlavy a krku radioterapie   farmakoterapie   patologie   MeSH
• ferroptóza * účinky léků   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• membránový potenciál mitochondrií účinky léků   MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• nádory hlavy a krku * radioterapie   patologie   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• peroxidace lipidů * účinky léků   MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku * metabolismus   MeSH
• spinocelulární karcinom radioterapie   patologie   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• tamoxifen farmakologie   MeSH
• tolerance záření * účinky léků   MeSH
• viabilita buněk účinky léků   účinky záření   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Boron has been suggested to enhance the biological effectiveness of proton beams in the Bragg peak region via the p + 11B → 3α nuclear capture reaction. However, a number of groups have observed no such enhancement in vitro or questioned its proposed mechanism recently. To help elucidate this phenomenon, we irradiated DU145 prostate cancer or U-87 MG glioblastoma cells by clinical 190 MeV proton beams in plateau or Bragg peak regions with or without 10B or 11B isotopes added as sodium mercaptododecaborate (BSH). The results demonstrate that 11B but not 10B or other components of the BSH molecule enhance cell killing by proton beams. The enhancement occurs selectively in the Bragg peak region, is present for boron concentrations as low as 40 ppm, and is not due to secondary neutrons. The enhancement is likely initiated by proton-boron capture reactions producing three alpha particles, which are rare events occurring in a few cells only, and their effects are amplified by intercellular communication to a population-level response. The observed up to 2-3-fold reductions in survival levels upon the presence of boron for the studied prostate cancer or glioblastoma cells suggest promising clinical applications for these tumour types.

• MeSH
• bor chemie   MeSH
• glioblastom radioterapie   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• nádory prostaty radioterapie   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• protonová terapie * metody   MeSH
• protony MeSH
• terapie metodou neutronového záchytu (bor-10) * metody   MeSH
• viabilita buněk účinky léků   účinky záření   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH