It was suggested that impaired β-adrenergic relaxation in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) might contribute to their high blood pressure (BP). Our study was focused on isoprenaline-induced dilatation of conduit femoral or resistance mesenteric arteries and on isoprenaline-induced BP reduction in SHR and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). We confirmed decreased β-adrenergic relaxation of SHR femoral arteries due to the absence of its endothelium-independent component, whereas endothelium-dependent component of β-adrenergic smooth muscle relaxation was similar in both strains. Conversely, isoprenaline-induced relaxation of resistance mesenteric arteries was similar in both strains and this was true for endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent components. We observed moderately reduced sensitivity of SHR mesenteric arteries to salmeterol (β2-adrenergic agonist) and this strain difference disappeared after endothelium removal. However, there was no difference in mesenteric arteries relaxation by dobutamine (β1-adrenergic agonist) which was independent of endothelium. The increasing isoprenaline doses elicited similar BP decrease in both rat strains, although BP sensitivity to isoprenaline was slightly decreased in SHR. The blockade of cyclooxygenase (indomethacin) and NO synthase (L-NAME) further reduced BP sensitivity to isoprenaline in SHR. On the other hand, salmeterol elicited similar BP decrease in both strains and the blockade of cyclooxygenase and NO synthase increased BP sensitivity to salmeterol in SHR as compared to WKY. In conclusion, attenuated β-adrenergic vasodilatation of conduit arteries of SHR but similar β-adrenergic relaxation of resistance mesenteric arteries from WKY and SHR and their similar BP response to β-adrenergic agonists do not support major role of altered β-adrenergic vasodilatation for high BP in genetic hypertension.
- MeSH
- adrenergní látky * MeSH
- agonisté adrenergních beta-receptorů farmakologie MeSH
- arteriae mesentericae MeSH
- cévní endotel MeSH
- cévní rezistence MeSH
- cyklooxygenasy MeSH
- hypertenze * MeSH
- isoprenalin farmakologie MeSH
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- potkani inbrední SHR MeSH
- potkani inbrední WKY MeSH
- salmeterol xinafoát MeSH
- synthasa oxidu dusnatého MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CARTp) is an anorexigenic neuropeptide whose receptor is undisclosed. Previously, we reported the specific binding of CART(61-102) to pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, where CART(61-102) affinity and the number of binding sites per cell corresponded to ligand-receptor binding. Recently, Yosten et al. designated orphan GPR160 as the CARTp receptor, because the GPR160 antibody abolished neuropathic pain and anorexigenic effects induced by CART(55-102) and exogenous CART(55-102) coimmunoprecipitated with GPR160 in KATOIII cells. As no direct evidence that CARTp is a ligand for GPR160 has been described, we decided to verify this hypothesis by testing CARTp affinity to the GPR160 receptor. We investigated the GPR160 expression in PC12 cells since it is cell line known to specifically bind CARTp. Moreover, we examined the specific CARTp binding in THP1 cells, with high endogenous GPR160 expression and GPR160-transfected cell lines U2OS and U-251 MG. In PC12 cells, the GPR160 antibody did not compete for specific binding with 125I-CART(61-102) or with 125I-CART(55-102), and GPR160 mRNA expression and GPR160 immunoreactivity were not detected. Moreover, THP1 cells did not show any 125I-CART(61-102) or 125I-CART(55-102) specific binding despite GPR160 detection by fluorescent immunocytochemistry (ICC). Finally, no 125I-CART(61-102) or 125I-CART(55-102) specific binding in the GPR160-transfected cell lines U2OS and U-251 MG, selected due to their negligible endogenous expression of GPR160, was detected, despite the detection of GPR160 by fluorescent ICC. Our binding studies clearly demonstrated that GPR160 cannot be a receptor for CARTp. Further studies are needed to identify true CARTp receptors.
- MeSH
- kokain * MeSH
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- ligandy MeSH
- proteiny nervové tkáně * genetika metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells is a common hallmark of malignant transformation. The preference for aerobic glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation in tumors is a well-studied phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. Importantly, metabolic transformation of cancer cells also involves alterations in signaling cascades contributing to lipid metabolism, amino acid flux and synthesis, and utilization of ketone bodies. Also, redox regulation interacts with metabolic reprogramming during malignant transformation. Flavonoids, widely distributed phytochemicals in plants, exert various beneficial effects on human health through modulating molecular cascades altered in the pathological cancer phenotype. Recent evidence has identified numerous flavonoids as modulators of critical components of cancer metabolism and associated pathways interacting with metabolic cascades such as redox balance. Flavonoids affect lipid metabolism by regulating fatty acid synthase, redox balance by modulating nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity, or amino acid flux and synthesis by phosphoglycerate mutase 1. Here, we discuss recent preclinical evidence evaluating the impact of flavonoids on cancer metabolism, focusing on lipid and amino acid metabolic cascades, redox balance, and ketone bodies.
- MeSH
- aminokyseliny * MeSH
- faktor 2 související s NF-E2 metabolismus MeSH
- flavonoidy farmakologie MeSH
- ketolátky metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- metabolismus lipidů MeSH
- nádorová transformace buněk metabolismus MeSH
- nádory * farmakoterapie metabolismus MeSH
- oxidace-redukce MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
AIMS: The hsa-miR-128-3p expression is downregulated in advanced breast cancer patients. Empagliflozin (EMPA) is an anti-diabetic drug with anticancer potential. The present study investigated the effect of EMPA on cancer cell differentiation by acting as a miR-128-3p mimicking drug in breast cancer. MAIN METHODS: Our results first demonstrate SP1 and PKM2 as the downstream effectors of hsa-miR-128-3p. Further, transfection with siPKM2, miR-128-3p mimics, and inhibitors was performed to assess their involvement in cancer stemness using flow cytometry. Further, EMPA as miR-128-3p mimicking drug was screened and explored on cancer cell differentiation. Then, we treated the 4T1-Red-FLuc allograft breast tumor with EMPA to assess its inhibitory potential toward tumor growth using IVIS® Spectrum. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate cancer cell differentiation and cell proliferation. KEY FINDINGS: We found that hsa-miR-128-3p is the upstream regulator of SP1 and PKM2 in hypoxic breast cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-128-3p with mimics downregulate SP1 and PKM2, whereas miR-128-3p inhibitor shows an opposite effect. The enhanced expression of miR-128-3p and PKM2 knockdown diminishes hypoxia-induced CD44 expression and enhance CD44+/CD24+ differentiated cells. We also identified EMPA as the miR-128-3p mimicking drug that can enhance the differentiated cell population. Further, EMPA suppressed in vivo tumor growth, lung metastasis, tumor bioluminescence, and cell proliferation. Therefore, EMPA abrogates breast cancer stemness by inactivating SP1 and PKM2 via enhanced miR-128-3p expression. SIGNIFICANCE: EMPA could be a promising drug in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs in advanced breast cancer.
- MeSH
- buněčná diferenciace MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikro RNA * genetika metabolismus MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- nádory prsu * farmakoterapie genetika patologie MeSH
- proliferace buněk genetika MeSH
- regulace genové exprese u nádorů MeSH
- upregulace MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The goal of this study was to evaluate mixed cortical and hippocampal primary rat postnatal neuronal culture as in vitro tool for identification of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists and to find out, whether this model is comparable with other commonly used primary rat neuronal models differing in their origin (pure cortical vs. mixed cortical and hippocampal) and differentiation state (embryonal vs. postnatal). Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) - derived human glutamatergic neurons have been included in this study as well. First, the cultures were characterized by their neuron/astrocyte composition, the mRNA expression of NR2B/NR2A NMDAR subunit ratios, and the expression of glutamate transporters (GLT1, GLAST). Then, selected endogenous steroids and synthetic neuroactive steroids that have been previously identified as negative allosteric modulators of recombinant GluN1/GluN2B NMDA receptors, were evaluated for their ability to prevent an NMDA or glutamate-induced Ca2+ influx (acute effect) and excitotoxicity over 24 h. Though the neuroprotective potential against excitotoxic stimuli varied among the models studied, postnatal mixed cortical and hippocampal culture proved to be a convenient and robust tool for NMDAR antagonist screening. The most widely used embryonal (E18) cultures offered higher cell yields but at the expense of a higher sensitivity to compounds' cytotoxicity. iPSC-derived neurons were not found to be superior to rat cultures for screening purposes.
Although paclitaxel (PTX) is potent chemotherapeutic agent commonly used in variety of cancers, in colorectal carcinoma its usage is excluded because of low effectivity. Up to now, some experimental attempts were utilized to improve sensitivity of colorectal carcinoma to PTX. We used a slow sulfide donor GYY4137 to increase sensitivity of colorectal carcinoma cells to PTX. As a model of colorectal carcinoma, we utilized three different cell lines - HCT116, SW620 and DLD1. We compared IC50 for PTX and PTX/GYY4137, cell cycle, apoptosis, ATP levels and changes in intracellular pH. We observed significant decrease in IC50 levels in PTX/GYY4137 groups compared to PTX in all three cell lines. PTX arrested cell cycle in G2/M phase. Differences in S phase were observed in HCT116 and DLD1 cells treated with 20 nM PTX/GYY4137, but not in SW620 cell. GYY4137 increased early, but not late phase of apoptosis. This increase was not detected in non-cancer EAHy926 cells. Upregulation of IP3R1 suggested involvement of these receptors in PTX and/or GYY4137 induced apoptosis. We also observed partial ATP depletion and intracellular acidification in PTX treated groups. In PTX/GYY4137 groups of all three cell lines no ATP depletion was detectable and intracellular acidification was lower than in PTX treated groups. Slight differences in all measured parameters were determined among HCT116, SW620 and DLD1 cells, which is probably due to physiological variations in these cells. Taking together, sensitivity of PTX to colorectal carcinoma cell lines could be increased by slow sulfide donor GYY4137, probably through potentiation of apoptosis.
- MeSH
- adenosintrifosfát farmakologie MeSH
- apoptóza MeSH
- kolorektální nádory * patologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- morfoliny MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- organothiofosforové sloučeniny MeSH
- paclitaxel farmakologie MeSH
- sulfan * metabolismus MeSH
- sulfidy farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Currently, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progressing into chronic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular cancer has emerged as an epidemiological concern due to lack of proven treatment. Our review briefly comprises of the mechanism of pathogenesis and inflammation corresponding to the disease, and all the offered insights of mechanistic pathways that could be targeted in the progression of NASH. The review principally focuses on mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) as a promising target highlighting its immense role in lipogenesis and alleviating inflammation and fibrosis. A detailed description of signaling pathways of mTORC1 and mTORC2 that are inhibited by rapamycin and other mTOR inhibitor analogues is accentuated. The exploration of mTOR inhibitors clearly explains the exigent molecular aspects of mTOR in regulating adipocyte and lipogenic marker genes (e.g. those encoding PPARγ, SREBP1c). The literature on available mTOR inhibitors and their classification so far could be extremely useful in highlighting mTOR as a favorable drug target in the indication of NASH in the near future.
- MeSH
- hepatocelulární karcinom * patologie MeSH
- jaterní cirhóza patologie MeSH
- játra metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádory jater * patologie MeSH
- nealkoholová steatóza jater * metabolismus MeSH
- TOR serin-threoninkinasy metabolismus MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Endothelin 1 (ET-1) seems essential in salt-dependent hypertension, and activation of ETA receptors causes renal vasoconstriction. However, the response in the renal medulla and the role of tissue NO availability has never been adequately explored in vivo. We examined effects of ETA and ETB receptor blockade (atrasentan and BQ788) on blood pressure (MAP), medullary blood flow (MBF) and medullary tissue NO. Effects of systemic and intramedullary blocker application were compared in anesthetized normotensive ET-1-pretreated Sprague-Dawley rats (S-D), in salt-dependent hypertension (HS/UNX) and in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Total renal blood flow (RBF) was measured using a Transonic renal artery probe, MBF as laser-Doppler flux, and tissue NO signal using selective electrodes. In normotensive rats ET-1 significantly increased MAP, decreased RBF (-20%) and renal medullary NO. In HS/UNX rats atrasentan decreased MAP and increased medullary NO, earlier and more profoundly with intravenous infusion. In SHR atrasentan decreased MAP, more effectively with intravenous infusion; the increase in tissue NO (∼10%) was similar with both routes; however, only intramedullary atrasentan increased MBF. No consistent responses to BQ788 were seen. We confirmed dominant role of ETA receptors in regulation of blood pressure and renal hemodynamics in normotensive and hypertensive rats and provided novel evidence for the role of ETA in control of intrarenal NO bioavailability in salt-dependent and spontaneous hypertension. Under conditions of activation of the endothelin system ETB stimulation preserved medullary perfusion.
- MeSH
- antagonisté endotelinového receptoru A farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- antagonisté endotelinového receptoru B farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- antihypertenziva farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- atrasentan farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- eliminace ledvinami účinky léků MeSH
- endotelin-1 farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- hemodynamika účinky léků MeSH
- hypertenze farmakoterapie metabolismus MeSH
- krevní tlak účinky léků MeSH
- ledviny účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
- oligopeptidy farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- oxid dusnatý metabolismus MeSH
- piperidiny farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- potkani inbrední SHR MeSH
- potkani Sprague-Dawley MeSH
- receptor endotelinu A účinky léků MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Chemotherapy plays an essential role in the management of cancer worldwide. However, it is a non-specific treatment limited by major drawbacks, thus identification and testing of new promising molecular structures representing potential drug candidates are urgently needed. In this work, ferrocene complexes as potential antitumor drugs that display cytotoxicity in low micromolar concentrations against ovarian cancer cells A2780 and SK-OV-3 were investigated to identify their mode of action. Their mechanism of cellular accumulation was studied using differential pulse voltammetry and inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry. Their mode of cell death induction was determined by changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential, production of reactive oxygen species and by Annexin V staining. Transferrin receptors were identified as key mediators of intracellular accumulation of ferrocenes and the extent of cellular uptake reflected the anticancer activity of individual compounds. Functional analysis revealed activation of intrinsic apoptosis as a dominant mechanism leading to regulated cell death induced in ovarian cancer cells by ferrocenes. Ferrocenes represent a group of promising sandwich organometallic complexes exerting cytotoxic activity. We suggest their application not only as standalone chemotherapeutics but also as modifying substituents of known drugs to improve their antitumor effects.
- MeSH
- antitumorózní látky farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- apoptóza účinky léků MeSH
- léky antitumorózní - screeningové testy MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- membránový potenciál mitochondrií účinky léků MeSH
- metaloceny farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- nádory vaječníků farmakoterapie patologie MeSH
- reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus MeSH
- receptory transferinu metabolismus MeSH
- železnaté sloučeniny farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The environmental occurrence of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals and antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistant genes has become a global phenomenon and a multifaceted threat. Integrated actions of many parties are needed to prevent further aggravation of the problem. Well-directed actions require clear understanding of the problem, which can be ensured by frequent revaluation of the existing knowledge and disseminating it among relevant audiences. The goal of this review paper is to discuss the occurrence and abundance of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment in context of adverse effects caused directly by these substances and the threat associated with the antibiotics resistance phenomenon. Several classes of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals (aminoglycosides, β-lactams, glycopeptides, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides and trimethoprim, tetracyclines) have been selected to illustrate their sources, environmental abundance, degradation routes (transformation products) and environmental implications including their ecotoxic effect and the spread of antibiotic resistance within the compartments of the aquatic environment and wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater treatment plants are indeed the main source responsible for the prevalence of these factors in the aquatic environment, since predominantly the plants have not been designed to retain antimicrobial pharmaceuticals. In order to limit the prevalence of these impurities into the environment, better source control is recommended as well as the establishment of stricter environmental quality standards. Counteracting all the above-mentioned threats requires to undertake integrated activities based on cooperation of professionals and scientists from various fields of science or industry, such as environmental sciences, medicine, veterinary, pharmacology, chemical engineering and others.
- MeSH
- antiinfekční látky škodlivé účinky MeSH
- ekotoxikologie MeSH
- léková rezistence účinky léků MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- vodní organismy účinky léků MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
