External ionotropic gelation offers a unique possibility to entrap multivalent ions in a polymer structure. The aim of this experimental study was to prepare new drug-free sodium alginate (ALG) particles cross-linked by Cu2+ions and to investigate their technological parameters (particle size, sphericity, surface topology, swelling capacity, copper content, release of Cu2+ions, mucoadhesivity) and biological activity (cytotoxicity and efficiency against the most common vaginal pathogens-Herpes simplex, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans) with respect to potential vaginal administration. Beads prepared from NaALG dispersions (3 or 4%) were cross-linked by Cu2+ions (0.5 or 1.0 M CuCl2) using external ionotropic gelation. Prepared mucoadhesive beads with particle size over 1000 μm exhibited sufficient sphericity (all ˃0.89) and copper content (214.8-249.07 g/kg), which increased with concentration of polymer and hardening solution. Dissolution behaviour was characterized by extended burst effect, followed by 2 h of copper release. The efficiency of all samples against the most common vaginal pathogens was observed at cytotoxic Cu2+concentrations. Anti-HSV activity was demonstrated at a Cu2+concentration of 546 mg/L. Antibacterial activity of beads (expressed as minimum inhibition concentration, MIC) was influenced mainly by the rate of Cu2+release which was controlled by the extent of swelling capacity. Lower MIC values were found for E. coli in comparison with C. albicans. Sample ALG-3_1.0 exhibited the fastest copper release and was proved to be the most effective against both bacteria. This could be a result of its lower polymer concentration in combination with smaller particle size and thus larger surface area.
- MeSH
- Alginates chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology MeSH
- Gels chemistry MeSH
- Cations MeSH
- Glucuronic Acid chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Hexuronic Acids chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Copper chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Polymers chemistry MeSH
- Solubility MeSH
- Cattle MeSH
- Particle Size MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Cattle MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Individual variation in immune responses to herpesviruses was observed in various species. Here, associations between polymorphic molecular markers and life-long anti-EHV-1/4 antibody immune responses were analyzed in a model EHV-infected population of the Old Kladruber horses. Two-dimensional analysis including overall mean titers and titer dynamics expressed by differences between spring and autumn titers allowed identification of low-responders. 50 randomly selected microsatellites and nine single nucleotide polymorphisms in nine immunity-related candidate genes were genotyped. Due to differences (p<0.001) in antibody titers between two color varieties of Old Kladruber horses, separate association studies were performed in the two sub-populations by using the Fisher's exact test. In black horses, the interleukin 4 receptor and MxA protein coding genes, and the microsatellite TKY325 were associated with the responder status. In the grey population, the microsatellite TKY343 showed significant association with anti-EHV antibody responsiveness after Bonferroni corrections.
- MeSH
- Phenotype MeSH
- Genotype MeSH
- Herpesvirus 1, Equid genetics immunology MeSH
- Herpesviridae Infections genetics immunology veterinary virology MeSH
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide genetics MeSH
- Horses MeSH
- Microsatellite Repeats MeSH
- Horse Diseases genetics immunology virology MeSH
- Statistics, Nonparametric MeSH
- Polymerase Chain Reaction veterinary MeSH
- Antibodies, Viral blood MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
