INTRODUCTION: The immunosuppressive roles of galectin-3 (Gal-3) in carcinogenesis make this lectin an attractive target for pharmacological inhibition in immunotherapy. Although current clinical immunotherapies appear promising in the treatment of solid tumors, their efficacy is significantly weakened by the hostile immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Gal-3, a prominent TME modulator, efficiently subverts the elimination of cancer, either directly by inducing apoptosis of immune cells or indirectly by binding essential effector molecules, such as interferon-gamma (IFNγ). METHODS: N-(2-Hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA)-based glycopolymers bearing poly-N-acetyllactosamine-derived tetrasaccharide ligands of Gal-3 were designed, synthesized, and characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography, dynamic light scattering, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, high-resolution mass spectrometry and CCK-8 assay for evaluation of glycopolymer non-toxicity. Pro-immunogenic effects of purified glycopolymers were tested by apoptotic assay using flow cytometry, competitive ELISA, and in vitro cell-free INFγ-based assay. RESULTS: All tested glycopolymers completely inhibited Gal-3-induced apoptosis of monocytes/macrophages, of which the M1 subtype is responsible for eliminating cancer cells during immunotherapy. Moreover, the glycopolymers suppressed Gal-3-induced capture of glycosylated IFNγ by competitive inhibition to Gal-3 carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD), which enables further inherent biological activities of this effector, such as differentiation of monocytes into M1 macrophages and repolarization of M2-macrophages to the M1 state. CONCLUSION: The prepared glycopolymers are promising inhibitors of Gal-3 and may serve as important supportive anti-cancer nanosystems enabling the infiltration of proinflammatory macrophages and the reprogramming of unwanted M2 macrophages into the M1 subtype.
- MeSH
- akrylamidy chemie farmakologie MeSH
- apoptóza účinky léků MeSH
- galektin 3 * antagonisté a inhibitory MeSH
- galektiny MeSH
- interferon gama * metabolismus MeSH
- krevní proteiny MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- makrofágy účinky léků MeSH
- monocyty * účinky léků MeSH
- nádorové mikroprostředí účinky léků MeSH
- polymery * chemie farmakologie MeSH
- protinádorové látky * farmakologie chemie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Recent advances in optical sensing technologies underpin the development of high-performance, surface-sensitive analytical tools capable of reliable and precise detection of molecular targets in complex biological media in non-laboratory settings. Optical fibre sensors guide light to and from a region of interest, enabling sensitive measurements of localized environments. This positions optical fibre sensors as a highly promising technology for a wide range of biochemical and healthcare applications. However, their performance in real-world biological media is often limited by the absence of robust post-modification strategies that provide both high biorecognition and antifouling capabilities. In this study, we present the proof-of-concept antifouling and biorecognition performance of a polymer brush nano-coating synthesized at the sensing region of optical fibre long-period grating (LPG) sensors. Using a newly developed antifouling terpolymer brush (ATB) composed of carboxybetaine methacrylamide, sulfobetaine methacrylamide, and N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide, we achieve state-of-the-art antifouling properties. The successful on-fibre ATB synthesis is confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence microscopy, and label-free bio-detection experiments based on antibody-functionalized ATB-coated LPG optical fibres. Despite the challenges in handling optical fibres during polymerization, the resulting nano-coating retains its remarkable antifouling properties upon exposure to blood plasma and enables biorecognition element functionalization. These capabilities are demonstrated through the detection of IgG in buffer and diluted blood plasma using anti-IgG-functionalized ATB-coated sensing regions of LPG fibres in both label-based (fluorescence) and label-free real-time detection experiments. The results show the potential of ATB-coated LPG fibres for use in analytical biosensing applications.
The human body gets exposed to a variety of toxins intentionally or unintentionally on a regular basis from sources such as air, water, food, and soil. Certain toxins can be synthetic, while some are biological. The toxins affect the various parts of the body by activating numerous pro-inflammatory markers, like oxidative stresses, that tend to disturb the normal function of the organs ultimately. Nowadays, people use different types of herbal treatments, viz., herbal drinks that contain different spices for detoxification of their bodies. One such example is turmeric, the most commonly available spice in the kitchen and used across all kinds of households. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a natural polyphenol. Curcumin is a medicinal compound with different biological activities, such as antioxidant, antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Hence, this review gives a comprehensive insight into the promising potential of curcumin in the detoxification of heavy metals, carbon tetrachloride, drugs, alcohol, acrylamide, mycotoxins, nicotine, and plastics. The review encompasses diverse animal-based studies portraying curcumin's role in nullifying the different toxic effects in various organs of the body (especially the liver, kidney, testicles, and brain) by enhancing defensive signaling pathways, improving antioxidant enzyme levels, inhibiting pro-inflammatory markers activities and so on. Furthermore, this review also argues over curcumin's safety assessment for its utilization as a detoxifying agent.
- MeSH
- akrylamid toxicita MeSH
- antioxidancia farmakologie MeSH
- Curcuma chemie MeSH
- kurkumin * farmakologie chemie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- metabolická inaktivace MeSH
- mykotoxiny toxicita MeSH
- nikotin MeSH
- oxidační stres účinky léků MeSH
- těžké kovy toxicita MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Dry skin is a common condition that is experienced by many. Besides being particularly present during the cold season, various diseases exist all year round, leading to localized xerosis. To prevent it, the skin is provided with natural moisturizing factors (NMFs). They are small amino acids or derivatives found in the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC). They are often claimed to be highly efficient humectants, increasing the water content to maintain the fluidity of the skin. However, alternative mechanisms have been proposed, suggesting that NMFs themselves may act as lipid mobility amplifiers. This work aims at investigating the role of three NMFs, namely, urea (URE), glycerol (GLY), and urocanic acid/urocanate (UCA/UCO) in SC in silico models, considering two different levels of humidity. Molecular dynamic simulations showed an increase in the diffusion of different lipid components, mainly free fatty acids (FFAs) and ceramide acyl chain moieties, in the presence of either high water content or NMFs. The membrane properties were modified, as seen by an increased thickness and greater lateral stiffness. All NMFs exhibited a similar impact, whereas UCA revealed slight differences according to its charged state. By studying NMF-water intermolecular interactions, we highlighted the role of NMF as a regulator of membrane perturbations while ensuring membrane fluidity. This role allows NMFs to prevent destabilization of the skin membrane in the presence of high water content. This study, performed at an atomistic resolution, highlighted a strong H-bond network between lipids involving mainly ceramides but also all other components. This network can be modified in the presence of a high water concentration or NMFs, resulting in modifications of membrane properties, rationalizing hydration effects.
- MeSH
- glycerol * chemie MeSH
- kůže * chemie metabolismus MeSH
- kyselina urokanová chemie metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- močovina * chemie MeSH
- simulace molekulární dynamiky * MeSH
- voda * chemie MeSH
- vodíková vazba * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- MeSH
- akryláty terapeutické užití MeSH
- astigmatismus chirurgie MeSH
- implantace nitrooční čočky * dějiny metody MeSH
- katarakta komplikace terapie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nitrooční čočky klasifikace MeSH
- pooperační péče MeSH
- refrakční vady terapie MeSH
- slepota chirurgie etiologie prevence a kontrola MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- novinové články MeSH
PURPOSE: We report CNS efficacy of first-line osimertinib plus chemotherapy versus osimertinib monotherapy in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the phase III FLAURA2 study according to baseline CNS metastasis status. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to osimertinib plus platinum-pemetrexed (combination) or osimertinib monotherapy until disease progression or discontinuation. Brain scans were performed in all patients at baseline and progression and at scheduled assessments until progression for patients with baseline CNS metastases; scans were assessed by neuroradiologist CNS blinded independent central review (BICR). RESULTS: On the basis of baseline CNS BICR, 118 of 279 (combination) and 104 of 278 (monotherapy) randomly assigned patients had ≥one measurable and/or nonmeasurable CNS lesion and were included in the CNS full analysis set (cFAS); 40 of 118 and 38 of 104 had ≥one measurable target CNS lesion and were included in the post hoc CNS evaluable-for-response set (cEFR). In the cFAS, the hazard ratio (HR) for CNS progression or death was 0.58 (95% CI, 0.33 to 1.01). In patients without baseline CNS metastases, the HR for CNS progression or death was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.43 to 1.04). In the cFAS, CNS objective response rates (ORRs; 95% CI) were 73% (combination; 64 to 81) versus 69% (monotherapy; 59 to 78); 59% versus 43% had CNS complete response (CR). In the cEFR, CNS ORRs (95% CI) were 88% (73 to 96) versus 87% (72 to 96); 48% versus 16% had CNS CR. CONCLUSION: Osimertinib plus platinum-pemetrexed demonstrated improved CNS efficacy compared with osimertinib monotherapy, including delaying CNS progression, irrespective of baseline CNS metastasis status. These data support this combination as a new first-line treatment for patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC, including those with CNS metastases.
- MeSH
- akrylamidy * MeSH
- aniliny terapeutické užití MeSH
- erbB receptory genetika MeSH
- indoly * MeSH
- inhibitory proteinkinas terapeutické užití MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mutace MeSH
- nádory centrálního nervového systému * diagnostické zobrazování farmakoterapie genetika MeSH
- nádory plic * farmakoterapie genetika patologie MeSH
- nemalobuněčný karcinom plic * farmakoterapie genetika patologie MeSH
- pemetrexed terapeutické užití MeSH
- platina terapeutické užití MeSH
- pyrimidiny * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- klinické zkoušky, fáze III MeSH
- randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH
OBJECTIVE: This research aims to design and evaluate an enteric-coated hard capsule dosage form for targeted delivery of biological materials, such as FMT (fecal microbiota transplant) or live microbes, to the distal parts of the GIT. The capsules are designed to be internally protected against destruction by hydrophilic filling during passage through the digestive tract. METHODS: Hard gelatin capsules and DRcapsTMcapsules based on HPMC and gellan were used to encapsulate a hydrophilic body temperature-liquefying gelatin hydrogel with caffeine or insoluble iron oxide mixture. Different combinations of polymers were tested for the internal (ethylcellulose, Eudragit® E, and polyvinyl acetate) and external (Eudragit® S, Acryl-EZE®, and cellacefate) coating. The external protects against the acidic gastric environment, while the internal protects against the liquid hydrophilic filling during passage. Coated capsules were evaluated using standard disintegration and modified dissolution methods for delayed-release dosage forms. RESULTS: Combining suitable internal (ethylcellulose 1.0 %) and external (Eudragit® S 20.0 %) coating of DRcapsTM capsules with the wiping and immersion method achieved colonic release times. While most coated capsules met the pharmaceutical requirements for delayed release, one combination stood out. Colonic times were indicated by the dissolution of soluble caffeine (during 120-720 min) measured by the dissolution method, and capsule rupture was indicated by the release of insoluble iron oxide (after 480 min) measured by the disintegration method. This promising result demonstrates the composition's suitability and potential to protect the content until it's released, inspiring hope for the future of colon-targeted delivery systems and its potential for the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. CONCLUSION: Innovative and easy capsule coatings offer significant potential for targeted drugs, especially FMT water suspension, to the GIT, preferably the colon. The administration method is robust and not considerably affected by the quantity of internal or external coatings. It can be performed in regular laboratories without specialized individual and personalized treatment equipment, making it a practical and feasible method for drug delivery.
- MeSH
- bakteriální polysacharidy chemie MeSH
- biokompatibilní materiály chemie MeSH
- celulosa * chemie analogy a deriváty MeSH
- deriváty hypromelózy chemie MeSH
- hydrofobní a hydrofilní interakce * MeSH
- hydrogely chemie MeSH
- kofein chemie aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- kolon * metabolismus MeSH
- kyseliny polymethakrylové chemie MeSH
- lékové transportní systémy * metody MeSH
- léky s prodlouženým účinkem chemie MeSH
- polymery chemie MeSH
- polyvinyly chemie MeSH
- tobolky * MeSH
- uvolňování léčiv * MeSH
- želatina * chemie MeSH
- železité sloučeniny chemie aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
This study investigates various microfluidic chip fabrication techniques, highlighting their applicability and limitations in the context of urgent diagnostic needs showcased by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a detailed examination of methods such as computer numerical control milling of a polymethyl methacrylate, soft lithography for polydimethylsiloxane-based devices, xurography for glass-glass chips, and micromachining-based silicon-glass chips, we analyze each technique's strengths and trade-offs. Hence, we discuss the fabrication complexity and chip thermal properties, such as heating and cooling rates, which are essential features of chip utilization for a polymerase chain reaction. Our comparative analysis reveals critical insights into material challenges, design flexibility, and cost-efficiency, aiming to guide the development of robust and reliable microfluidic devices for healthcare and research. This work underscores the importance of selecting appropriate fabrication methods to optimize device functionality, durability, and production efficiency.
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * virologie MeSH
- design vybavení MeSH
- dimethylpolysiloxany chemie MeSH
- laboratoř na čipu * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrofluidika metody přístrojové vybavení MeSH
- mikrofluidní analytické techniky přístrojové vybavení metody MeSH
- polymethylmethakrylát chemie MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 izolace a purifikace MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
The effective treatment of inflammatory diseases, particularly their chronic forms, is a key task of modern medicine. Herein, we report the synthesis and evaluation of biocompatible polymer conjugates based on N-2-(hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymers enabling the controlled release of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-based anti-inflammatory drugs under specific stimuli. All polymer nanotherapeutics were proposed as water-soluble drug delivery systems with a hydrodynamic size below 10 nm ensuring suitability for the parenteral application and preventing opsonization by the reticuloendothelial system. The nanotherapeutics bearing an ester-bound ASA exhibited long-term release of the ASA/salicylic acid mixture, while the nanotherapeutics carrying salicylic acid hydrazide (SAH) ensured the selective release of SAH in the acidic inflammatory environment thanks to the pH-sensitive hydrazone bond between the polymer carrier and SAH. The ASA- and SAH-containing nanotherapeutics inhibited both cyclooxygenase isoforms and/or the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Thanks to their favorable design, they can preferentially accumulate in the inflamed tissue, resulting in reduced side effects and lower dosage, and thus more effective and safer treatment.
- MeSH
- akrylamidy chemie farmakologie aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- antiflogistika farmakologie aplikace a dávkování chemie MeSH
- Aspirin * aplikace a dávkování farmakologie chemie MeSH
- cyklooxygenasy metabolismus MeSH
- inhibitory cyklooxygenasy farmakologie aplikace a dávkování chemie MeSH
- léky s prodlouženým účinkem * MeSH
- mediátory zánětu metabolismus MeSH
- myši MeSH
- nanočástice * chemie MeSH
- nosiče léků chemie MeSH
- polymery * chemie aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- uvolňování léčiv MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
