The isolation and study of fungi within specific contexts yield valuable insights into the intricate relationships between fungi and ecosystems. Unlike culture-independent approaches, cultivation methods are advantageous in this context because they provide standardized replicates, specific species isolation, and easy sampling. This study aimed to understand the ecological process using a microcosm system with pesticide concentrations similar to those found in the soil, in contrast to high doses, from the isolation of the enriched community. The atrazine concentrations used were 0.02 mg/kg (control treatment), 300 ng/kg (treatment 1), and 3000 ng/kg (treatment 2), using a 28-day microcosm system. Ultimately, the isolation resulted in 561 fungi classified into 76 morphospecies. The Ascomycota phylum was prevalent, with Purpureocillium, Aspergillus, and Trichoderma being consistently isolated, denoting robust and persistent genera. Diversity analyses showed that the control microcosms displayed more distinct fungal morphospecies, suggesting the influence of atrazine on fungal communities. Treatment 2 (higher atrazine concentration) showed a structure comparable to that of the control, whereas treatment 1 (lower atrazine concentration) differed significantly, indicating that atrazine concentration impacted community variance. Higher atrazine addition subtly altered ligninolytic fungal community dynamics, implying its potential for pesticide degradation. Finally, variations in atrazine concentrations triggered diverse community responses over time, shedding light on fungal resilience and adaptive strategies against pesticides.
- MeSH
- Atrazine * metabolism pharmacology MeSH
- Biodegradation, Environmental MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- Herbicides * metabolism MeSH
- Fungi * classification isolation & purification metabolism drug effects genetics growth & development MeSH
- Soil Pollutants metabolism MeSH
- Mycobiome * drug effects MeSH
- Soil Microbiology MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Foodborne diseases triggered by various infectious micro-organisms are contributing significantly to the global disease burden as well as to increasing mortality rates. Salmonella enterica belongs to the most prevalent form of bacteria accountable for significant burden of foodborne illness across the globe. The conventional therapeutic approach to cater to Salmonella enterica-based infections relies on antibiotic therapy, but the rapid emergence of the antibiotic resistance strains of Salmonella sp. necessitates the development of alternative treatment and prevention strategies. In light of this growing concern, the scientific community is rigorously exploring novel phytochemicals harnessed from medicinally important plants as a promising approach to curb Salmonella enterica infections. A variety of phytochemicals belonging to alkaloids, phenols, flavonoid, and terpene classes are reported to exhibit their inhibitory activity against bacterial cell communication, membrane proteins, efflux pumps, and biofilm formation among drug resistant Salmonella strains. The present review article delves to discuss the emergence of antibiotic resistance among Salmonella enterica strains, various plant sources, identification of phytochemicals, and the current state of research on the use of phytochemicals as antimicrobial agents against Salmonella enterica, shedding light on the promising potential of phytochemicals in the fight against this pathogen.
- MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology MeSH
- Drug Resistance, Bacterial MeSH
- Phytochemicals * pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Foodborne Diseases microbiology prevention & control drug therapy MeSH
- Salmonella enterica * drug effects MeSH
- Salmonella Infections * microbiology drug therapy MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
The activity of the light-oxygen-voltage/helix-turn-helix (LOV-HTH) photoreceptor EL222 is regulated through protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions, both triggered by photo-excitation of its flavin mononucleotide (FMN) cofactor. To gain molecular-level insight into the photocycle of EL222, we applied complementary methods: macromolecular X-ray crystallography (MX), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, optical spectroscopies (infrared and UV-visible), molecular dynamics/metadynamics (MD/metaD) simulations, and protein engineering using noncanonical amino acids. Kinetic experiments provided evidence for two distinct EL222 conformations (lit1 and lit2) that become sequentially populated under illumination. These two lit states were assigned to covalently bound N5 protonated, and noncovalently bound hydroquinone forms of FMN, respectively. Only subtle structural differences were observed between the monomeric forms of all three EL222 species (dark, lit1, and lit2). While the dark state is largely monomeric, both lit states undergo monomer-dimer exchange. Furthermore, molecular modeling revealed differential dynamics and interdomain separation times arising from the three FMN states (oxidized, adduct, and reduced). Unexpectedly, all three EL222 species can associate with DNA, but only upon blue-light irradiation, a high population of stable complexes is obtained. Overall, we propose a model of EL222 activation where photoinduced changes in the FMN moiety shift the population equilibrium toward an open conformation that favors self-association and DNA-binding.
- MeSH
- Bacterial Proteins chemistry metabolism MeSH
- DNA-Binding Proteins chemistry metabolism MeSH
- DNA * chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Flavin Mononucleotide * chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Flavins chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Kinetics MeSH
- Protein Conformation MeSH
- Crystallography, X-Ray MeSH
- Oxidation-Reduction * MeSH
- Molecular Dynamics Simulation MeSH
- Light * MeSH
- Thermosynechococcus metabolism MeSH
- Transcription Factors metabolism chemistry MeSH
- Protein Binding MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Herein, we describe and investigate biological activity of three octahedral ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [Ru(C∧N)(phen)2]+, RuL1-RuL3, containing a π-expansive cyclometalating substituted benzo[g]quinoxaline ligand (C∧N ligand) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). Compounds RuL1-RuL3 in cervical, melanoma, and colon human cancer cells exhibit high phototoxicity after irradiation with light (particularly blue), with the phototoxicity index reaching 100 for the complex RuL2 in most sensitive HCT116 cells. RuL2 accumulates in the cellular membranes. If irradiated, it induces lipid peroxidation, likely connected with photoinduced ROS generation. Oxidative damage to the fatty acids leads to the attenuation of the membranes, the activation of caspase 3, and the triggering of the apoptotic pathway, thus implementing membrane-localized photodynamic therapy. RuL2 is the first photoactive ruthenium-based complex capable of killing the hardly treatable colon cancer stem cells, a highly resilient subpopulation within a heterogeneous tumor mass, responsible for tumor recurrence and the metastatic progression of cancer.
- MeSH
- Apoptosis drug effects MeSH
- Cell Membrane drug effects metabolism MeSH
- Quinoxalines * chemistry pharmacology chemical synthesis MeSH
- Photochemotherapy * MeSH
- Photosensitizing Agents * pharmacology chemistry chemical synthesis therapeutic use MeSH
- Coordination Complexes * pharmacology chemistry chemical synthesis therapeutic use MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
- Neoplastic Stem Cells * drug effects pathology MeSH
- Colonic Neoplasms * drug therapy pathology MeSH
- Antineoplastic Agents * pharmacology chemistry chemical synthesis therapeutic use MeSH
- Reactive Oxygen Species metabolism MeSH
- Ruthenium * chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) during prenatal development leads to various changes in neurobiological and behavioural patterns. Similarly, continuous exposure to constant light (LL) during the critical developmental period of the circadian system affects gene expression in various tissues in adulthood. Given the reciprocal nature of the interaction between the circadian and the immune systems, our study primarily investigated the individual effects of both interventions and, more importantly, their combined effect. We aimed to explore whether there might be a potential synergistic effect on circadian rhythms and their parameters, focussing on the expression of clock genes, immune-related genes, and specific genes in the hippocampus, pineal gland, spleen and adrenal gland of rats at postnatal day 30. Our results show a significant influence of prenatal LPS and postnatal LL on the expression profiles of all genes assessed. However, the combination of prenatal LPS and postnatal LL only revealed an enhanced negative effect in a minority of the comparisons. In most cases, it appeared to attenuate the changes induced by the individual interventions, restoring the measured parameters to values closer to those of the control group. In particular, genes such as Nr1d1, Aanat and Tph1 showed increased amplitude in the pineal gland and spleen, while the kynurenine enzymes Kynu and KatII developed circadian rhythmicity in the adrenal glands only after the combined interventions. Our data suggest that a mild immunological challenge during prenatal development may play a critical role in triggering an adaptive response of the circadian clock later in life.
- MeSH
- Circadian Rhythm * physiology MeSH
- Pineal Gland metabolism MeSH
- Hippocampus metabolism MeSH
- Rats MeSH
- Lipopolysaccharides * MeSH
- Adrenal Glands metabolism MeSH
- Rats, Wistar MeSH
- Spleen * metabolism MeSH
- Light * MeSH
- Pregnancy MeSH
- Transcriptome MeSH
- Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects * metabolism MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Rats MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Pregnancy MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Morbus Hailey-Hailey, benigní familiární pemfigus, je chronická autozomálně dominantní akantolytická genodermatóza charakterizovaná tvorbou plihých puchýřů a erozí v intertriginózních lokalizacích. V chronických lézích dochází ke tvorbě erytematózních plaků, vlhkých vegetací, bolestivých fisur a ložiska nepříjemně zapáchají. Průběh onemocnění je remitující, relabující, se zhoršením v letních měsících. Mezi provokační faktory vedoucí ke zhoršení onemocnění patří UV záření, mechanické dráždění, pocení, infekce, stres, hormonální změny. Postiženi jsou nejčastěji lidé ve věku 30-40 let, bez predilekce rasy a pohlaví. Pozitivní rodinná anamnéza je až u 70 % pacientů. Defekt v genu ATP2C1 na 3. chromozomu je zodpovědný za dysregulaci Ca2+ transportu v buňce s narušením keratinocytových vazeb s následnou akantolýzou v celé šíři epidermis s ojedinělým zachováním intaktních vazeb mezi keratinocyty, tvorbou suprabazálních štěrbin a s typickým histologickým obrazem podobajícím se rozpadající se cihlové zdi. V terapii využíváme lokální kortikosteroidy, antibiotika, antimykotika, kombinované preparáty, lokální imunomodulátory, celkově podáváme kortikosteroidy, antibiotika, antimykotika, antivirotika a tzv. DMARD ́s (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). Z fyzikálních metod doplňujeme terapii o laserové ošetření, aplikaci botulotoxinu, fototerapii, dermabrazi, chirurgické řešení. V následujícím kazuistickém sdělení jsou popsány 2 klinické případy pacientů léčených v naší ambulanci.
Morbus Hailey-Hailey, benign familiar pemfigus, is a chronic autosomal dominant acantholytic dermatosis, which is characterised by flaccid bullae in the intergtriginous areas that rupture easily. In chronic lesions appear erythematous plaques, moist vegetations, painful fissures and lesions are malodorous. Disease has relapsing-remitting course, with worsening during the summer. Trigger factors are UV light, friction, sweating, infection, stress, hormonal changes. It affects mainly people in their 30 ́s-40 ́s, without sex or racial predominance. Positive family history is in 70 % of cases. Defect in ATP2C1 gene, localised at 3rd chromosome is responsible for dysregulation of Ca2+ transport in cells, which influences keratinocytic adhesion, followed by acantholysis throughout the whole epidermis with formation of suprabasal clefting and with a typical histological picture of dilapitated brick wall. For treatment we use topical corticosterids, antibiotics, antimycotics, combined topical treatment, local imunomodulators. Systemically we use corticosteroids, antibiotics, antimycotics, antivirotics and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Patients can as well undergo laser therapy, phototherapy, botulotoxin A injections, dermabrasion and other surgical methods. In a following case report we present 2 cases of patients with Hailey-Hailey disease treated in our dermatological office.
- MeSH
- Acantholysis MeSH
- Pemphigus, Benign Familial * diagnosis drug therapy MeSH
- Diagnosis, Differential MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Skin Diseases, Genetic diagnosis MeSH
- Glucocorticoids MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Prednisone administration & dosage therapeutic use MeSH
- Recurrence MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Case Reports MeSH
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by red pruritic skin lesions, xerosis, ichthyosis, and skin pain. Among the social impacts of atopic dermatitis are difficulties and detachment in relationships and social stigmatization. Additionally, atopic dermatitis is known to cause sleep disturbance, anxiety, hyperactivity, and depression. Although the pathological process behind atopic dermatitis is not fully known, it appears to be a combination of epidermal barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation. Skin is the largest organ of the human body which acts as a mechanical barrier to toxins and UV light and a natural barrier against water loss. Both functions face significant challenges due to atopic dermatitis. The list of factors that can potentially trigger or contribute to atopic dermatitis is extensive, ranging from genetic factors, family history, dietary choices, immune triggers, and environmental factors. Consequently, prevention, early clinical diagnosis, and effective treatment may be the only resolutions to combat this burdensome disease. Ensuring safe and targeted drug delivery to the skin layers, without reaching the systemic circulation is a promising option raised by nano-delivery systems in dermatology. In this review, we explored the current understanding and approaches of atopic dermatitis and outlined a range of the most recent therapeutics and dosage forms brought by nanotechnology. This review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases.
Helicobacter pylori infection is the major risk factor associated with the development of gastric cancer. Currently, administration of standard antibiotic therapy combined with probiotics and postbiotics has gained significant attention in the management of H. pylori infection. In this work, the immunomodulatory effects of Lactobacillus crispatus-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and cell-free supernatant (CFS) were investigated on H. pylori-induced inflammatory response in human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells. L. crispatus-derived EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and physically characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the protein content of L. crispatus-derived EVs was also evaluated by SDS-PAGE. Cell viability of AGS cells exposed to varying concentrations of EVs and CFS was assessed by MTT assay. The mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-10, and TGF-ß genes was determined by RT-qPCR. ELISA was used for the measurement of IL-8 production in AGS cells. In addition, EVs (50 μg/mL) and CFS modulated the H. pylori-induced inflammation by downregulating the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, and upregulating the expression of IL-10, and TGF-ß genes in AGS cells. Furthermore, H. pylori-induced IL-8 production was dramatically decreased after treatment with L. crispatus-derived EVs and CFS. In conclusion, our observation suggests for the first time that EVs released by L. crispatus strain RIGLD-1 and its CFS could be recommended as potential therapeutic agents against H. pylori-triggered inflammation.
- MeSH
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents pharmacology MeSH
- Cytokines * metabolism genetics MeSH
- Epithelial Cells * microbiology MeSH
- Extracellular Vesicles * metabolism chemistry immunology MeSH
- Helicobacter pylori * genetics MeSH
- Helicobacter Infections microbiology immunology MeSH
- Culture Media, Conditioned pharmacology MeSH
- Lactobacillus metabolism physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
- Probiotics pharmacology MeSH
- Cell Survival drug effects MeSH
- Inflammation microbiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: Migraine and epilepsy are two paroxysmal chronic neurological disorders affecting a high number of individuals and being responsible for a high individual and socioeconomic burden. The link between these disorders has been of interest for decades and innovations concerning diagnosing and treatment enable new insights into their relationship. FINDINGS: Although appearing to be distinct at first glance, both diseases exhibit a noteworthy comorbidity, shared pathophysiological pathways, and significant overlaps in characteristics like clinical manifestation or prophylactic treatment. This review aims to explore the intricate relationship between these two conditions, shedding light on shared pathophysiological foundations, genetic interdependencies, common and distinct clinical features, clinically overlapping syndromes, and therapeutic similarities. There are several shared pathophysiological mechanisms, like CSD, the likely underlying cause of migraine aura, or neurotransmitters, mainly Glutamate and GABA, which represent important roles in triggering migraine attacks and seizures. The genetic interrelations between the two disorders can be observed by taking a closer look at the group of familial hemiplegic migraines, which are caused by mutations in genes like CACNA1A, ATP1A2, or SCN1A. The intricate relationship is further underlined by the high number of shared clinical features, which can be observed over the entire course of migraine attacks and epileptic seizures. While the variety of the clinical manifestation of an epileptic seizure is naturally higher than that of a migraine attack, a distinction can indeed be difficult in some cases, e.g. in occipital lobe epilepsy. Moreover, triggering factors like sleep deprivation or alcohol consumption play an important role in both diseases. In the period after the seizure or migraine attack, symptoms like speech difficulties, tiredness, and yawning occur. While the actual attack of the disease usually lasts for a limited time, research indicates that individuals suffering from migraine and/or epilepsy are highly affected in their daily life, especially regarding cognitive and social aspects, a burden that is even worsened using antiseizure medication. This medication allows us to reveal further connections, as certain antiepileptics are proven to have beneficial effects on the frequency and severity of migraine and have been used as a preventive drug for both diseases over many years. CONCLUSION: Migraine and epilepsy show a high number of similarities in their mechanisms and clinical presentation. A deeper understanding of the intricate relationship will positively advance patient-oriented research and clinical work.
- MeSH
- Anticonvulsants therapeutic use MeSH
- Epilepsy * etiology genetics MeSH
- Comorbidity MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Migraine with Aura * genetics MeSH
- Migraine Disorders * diagnosis genetics epidemiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Upconverting nanoparticles are interesting materials that have the potential for use in many applications ranging from solar energy harvesting to biosensing, light-triggered drug delivery, and photodynamic therapy (PDT). One of the main requirements for the particles is their surface modification, in our case using poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) (PMVEMA) and temoporfin (THPC) photosensitizer to ensure the colloidal and chemical stability of the particles in aqueous media and the formation of singlet oxygen after NIR irradiation, respectively. Codoping of Fe2+, Yb3+, and Er3+ ions in the NaYF4 host induced upconversion emission of particles in the red region, which is dominant for achieving direct excitation of THPC. Novel monodisperse PMVEMA-coated upconversion NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+,Fe2+ nanoparticles (UCNPs) with chemically bonded THPC were found to efficiently transfer energy and generate singlet oxygen. The cytotoxicity of the UCNPs was determined in the human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines Capan-2, PANC-01, and PA-TU-8902. In vitro data demonstrated enhanced uptake of UCNP@PMVEMA-THPC particles by rat INS-1E insulinoma cells, followed by significant cell destruction after excitation with a 980 nm laser. Intratumoral administration of these nanoconjugates into a mouse model of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma caused extensive necrosis at the tumor site, followed by tumor suppression after NIR-induced PDT. In vitro and in vivo results thus suggest that this nanoconjugate is a promising candidate for NIR-induced PDT of cancer.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
