Elevated Oxygen Pressure Research Articles

Increase in Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Neuronal Cells by RNS60, a Physically-Modified Saline, via Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-Mediated Upregulation of PGC1\u03b1

This study highlights a novel approach to upregulate mitochondrial biogenesis in neuronal cells. RNS60 is a 0.9% saline solution containing oxygenated nanobubbles that is generated by subjecting normal saline to Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille (TCP) flow under elevated oxygen pressure. RNS60, but not NS (normal saline), PNS60 (saline containing a comparable level of oxygen without the TCP modification), or RNS10.3 (TCP-modified normal saline without excess oxygen), increased the expression of Nrf1, Tfam, Mcu, and Tom20 (genes associated with mitochondrial biogenesis) and upregulated mitochondrial biogenesis in MN9D dopaminergic neuronal cells. Similarly RNS60 also increased mitochondrial biogenesis in primary dopaminergic neurons and in the nigra of MPTP-intoxicated mice. However, RNS60 had no effect on lysosomal biogenesis. Interestingly, we found that RNS60 upregulated PGC1α and siRNA knockdown of PGC1α abrogated the ability of RNS60 to increase mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, we delineated that RNS60 increased the transcription of Pgc1a via type IA phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase-mediated activation of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB). Accordingly, knockdown of the PI3K – CREB pathway suppressed RNS60-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis. These results describe a novel property of RNS60 of enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis via PI 3-kinase-CREB-mediated up-regulation of PGC1α, which may be of therapeutic benefit in different neurodegenerative disorders.

Upregulation of Myelin Gene Expression by a Physically-Modified Saline via Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-Mediated Activation of CREB: Implications for Multiple Sclerosis

An increase in central nervous system (CNS) remyelination and a decrease in CNS inflammation are important steps to halt the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). RNS60 is a bioactive aqueous solution generated by subjecting normal saline to Taylor–Couette–Poiseuille flow under elevated oxygen pressure. Recently we have demonstrated that RNS60 exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we describe promyelinating property of RNS60. RNS60, but not normal saline (NS), RNS10.3 (TCP-modified saline without excess oxygen) or PNS60 (saline containing excess oxygen without TCP modification), stimulated the expression of myelin-specific genes and proteins (myelin basic protein, MBP; myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, MOG and proteolipid protein, PLP) in primary mouse oligodendroglia and mixed glial cells. While investigating the mechanisms, we found that RNS60 treatment induced the activation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in oligodendrocytes, ultimately leading to the recruitment of CREB to the promoters of myelin-specific genes. Furthermore, activation of type 1A p110β/α, but not type 1B p110γ, phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI-3) kinase by RNS60 together with abrogation of RNS60-mediated activation of CREB and upregulation of myelin genes by LY294002 (a specific inhibitor of PI-3 kinase) suggest that RNS60 upregulates the activation of CREB and the expression of myelin-specific molecules in oligodendrocytes via activation of PI3 kinase. These results highlight a novel promyelinating property of RNS60, which may be of benefit for MS and other demyelinating disorders.

Nebulization of RNS60, a Physically-Modified Saline, Attenuates the Adoptive Transfer of Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis in Mice: Implications for Multiple Sclerosis Therapy.

Developing a new and effective therapeutic approach against multiple sclerosis (MS) is always an important area of research. RNS60 is a bioactive aqueous solution generated by subjecting normal saline to Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille flow under elevated oxygen pressure. Recently we have demonstrated that RNS60, administered through intraperitoneal injection, ameliorated clinical symptoms and disease progression of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. Since the intravenous route is not preferred for treating a chronic condition, we tested if nebulization of RNS60 could attenuate the disease process of adoptively-transferred EAE in mice. Although we could not directly image RNS60 after nebulization, nebulized Alexa680 reached spleen, spinal cord and different parts of the brain. Nebulization of RNS60 starting from the acute phase attenuated clinical symptoms of relapsing-remitting EAE in female SJL/J mice. RNS60 nebulization also inhibited perivascular cuffing, maintained the integrity of blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barriers, suppressed inflammation, normalized the expression of myelin genes, and blocked demyelination in the CNS of EAE mice. On the immunomodulatory front, nebulization of RNS60 to EAE mice led to the enrichment of anti-autoimmune regulatory T cells (Tregs) and suppression of autoimmune Th17 cells. Together, these results suggest that nebulization of RNS60 may be used to control aberrant immune responses in MS and other autoimmune disorders.

Observation of in situ oxidation dynamics of vanadium thin film with ambient pressure X-ray photoemission spectroscopy

The evolution of oxidation/reduction states of vanadium oxide thin film was monitored in situ as a function of oxygen pressure and temperature via ambient pressure X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Spectra analysis showed that VO2 can be grown at a relatively low temperature, T ∼ 523 K, and that V2O5 oxide develops rapidly at elevated oxygen pressure. Raman spectroscopy was applied to confirm the formation of VO2 oxide inside of the film. In addition, the temperature-dependent resistivity measurement on the grown thin film, e.g., 20 nm exhibited a desirable metal-insulator transition of VO2 with a resistivity change of ∼1.5 × 103 times at 349.3 K, displaying typical characteristics of thick VO2 film, e.g., 100 nm thick. Our results not only provide important spectroscopic information for the fabrication of vanadium oxides, but also show that high quality VO2 films can be formed at relatively low temperature, which is highly critical for engineering oxide film for heat-sensitive electronic devices.

Phase separation in BSCF perovskite under elevated oxygen pressures ranging from 1 to 50 bar

The influence of elevated oxygen pressure (from 1 to 50bar) on phase separation in Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ(BSCF) cubic perovskite was investigated in the range of 300to 1300K. X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis revealed two separation processes occurring in the high temperature (HT), ~1043K, and low temperature (LT), ~713K, ranges. Increasing oxygen pressure shifts slightly the LT phase separation to lower temperature, but has a rather minor effect on the volume fraction growth of the secondary phase. Phase transformation in the HT range is a slow process and the degree of decomposition is strongly influenced by the cooling rate from higher temperatures. On the contrary, the LT separation is relatively fast and is essentially independent of the cooling rate. The BSCF ceramics thermally treated at p(O2)=50bar was analyzed by different electron microscopy techniques. The structures of separation products were identified as trigonal Ba3Co10O17-like lamellae and 2H-hexagonal Ba0.5±xSr0.5±xCoO3−δ perovskite, respectively.

Potential Benefit of the Charge-Stabilized Nanostructure Saline RNS60 for Myelin Maintenance and Repair.

Myelin injury in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been attributed both to “outside-in” primary immune mediated and “inside-out” metabolic stress of oligodendrocyte (OL) related mechanisms. Subsequent remyelination is dependent on recruitment and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). RNS60 is a physically-modified saline containing charge-stabilized nanobubbles generated by subjecting normal saline to Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille (TCP) flow under elevated oxygen pressure. Administration of RNS60 has been shown to reduce the severity of EAE by dampening the immune response and myelin loss. Additionally, RNS60 has been demonstrated to enhance mitochondrial ATP synthesis in neurons. Here, we used post-natal rat derived OLs and OPCs to assess the impact of RNS60 on the response of OLs to metabolic stress in vitro (glucose-nutrient deprivation, referred to as ‘NG’) and on OPC differentiation capacity. Under the NG condition, our findings indicate that RNS60 decreases caspases 3/7 activation. Respirometric analyses revealed that RNS60 increased spare glycolytic capacity (SGC) under normal culture conditions. However, RNS60 enhanced OL spare respiratory capacity (SRC) when a metabolic stress was present. Furthermore, we show that RNS60 promotes OPC differentiation under physiological conditions. Our findings provide evidence for the potential therapeutic efficacy of RNS60 through the promotion of OL survival and OPC differentiation.

RNS60, a charge-stabilized nanostructure saline alters Xenopus Laevis oocyte biophysical membrane properties by enhancing mitochondrial ATP production.

We have examined the effects of RNS60, a 0.9% saline containing charge-stabilized oxygen nanobubble-based structures. RNS60 is generated by subjecting normal saline to Taylor–Couette–Poiseuille (TCP) flow under elevated oxygen pressure. This study, implemented in Xenopus laevis oocytes, addresses both the electrophysiological membrane properties and parallel biological processes in the cytoplasm. Intracellular recordings from defolliculated X. laevis oocytes were implemented in: (1) air oxygenated standard Ringer's solution, (2) RNS60-based Ringer's solution, (3) RNS10.3 (TCP-modified saline without excess oxygen)-based Ringer's, and (4) ONS60 (saline containing high pressure oxygen without TCP modification)-based Ringer's. RNS60-based Ringer's solution induced membrane hyperpolarization from the resting membrane potential. This effect was prevented by: (1) ouabain (a blocker of the sodium/potassium ATPase), (2) rotenone (a mitochondrial electron transfer chain inhibitor preventing usable ATP synthesis), and (3) oligomycin A (an inhibitor of ATP synthase) indicating that RNS60 effects intracellular ATP levels. Increased intracellular ATP levels following RNS60 treatment were directly demonstrated using luciferin/luciferase photon emission. These results indicate that RNS60 alters intrinsic the electrophysiological properties of the X. laevis oocyte membrane by increasing mitochondrial-based ATP synthesis. Ultrastructural analysis of the oocyte cytoplasm demonstrated increased mitochondrial length in the presence of RNS60-based Ringer's solution. It is concluded that the biological properties of RNS60 relate to its ability to optimize ATP synthesis.

Optimization of a Scalable Photochemical Reactor for Reactions with Singlet Oxygen

Oxygenation of α-pinene using photochemically generated singlet oxygen (1O2) was studied in detail in several continuous flow photochemical reactors. Ferrioxalate actinometry and reaction kinetic data were used to compare light sources and reactor geometries, such as the immersed-well, an annular recirculating and microfluidic reactors. It is shown that reactor miniaturization, control of intensity and of spectral composition of light, and elevated oxygen pressure are the crucial factors for safe and efficient photo-oxygenation reactions. Higher quantum yields were generally obtained with the microreactor-LED assemblies due to better energy utilization, compared to all other systems studied. For the single-phase microreactor-LED system, an optimization model has been developed that revealed a broad optimal design window.

A physically-modified saline suppresses neuronal apoptosis, attenuates tau phosphorylation and protects memory in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia in the aging population, is characterized by the presence of neuritic plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and extensive neuronal apoptosis. Neuritic plaques are mainly composed of aggregates of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein while neurofibrillary tangles are composed of the hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Despite intense investigations, no effective therapy is currently available to halt the progression of this disease. Here, we have undertaken a novel approach to attenuate apoptosis and tau phosphorylation in cultured neuronal cells and in a transgenic animal model of AD. RNS60 is a 0.9% saline solution containing oxygenated nanobubbles that is generated by subjecting normal saline to Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille (TCP) flow under elevated oxygen pressure. In our experiments, fibrillar Aβ1-42, but not the reverse peptide Aβ42-1, induced apoptosis and cell death in human SHSY5Y neuronal cells. RNS60, but not NS (normal saline), RNS10.3 (TCP-modified saline without excess oxygen) or PNS60 (saline containing excess oxygen without TCP modification), attenuated Aβ(1–42)-induced cell death. RNS60 inhibited neuronal cell death via activation of the type 1A phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI-3) kinase – Akt – BAD pathway. Furthermore, RNS60 also decreased Aβ(1–42)-induced tau phosphorylation via (PI-3 kinase – Akt)-mediated inhibition of GSK-3β. Similarly, RNS60 treatment suppressed neuronal apoptosis, attenuated Tau phosphorylation, inhibited glial activation, and reduced the burden of Aβ in the hippocampus and protected memory and learning in 5XFAD transgenic mouse model of AD. Therefore, RNS60 may be a promising pharmaceutical candidate in halting or delaying the progression of AD.

Singlet oxygen O2(a1Δg) formation via UV-excitation of isoprene-oxygen C5H8–O2 encounter complexes in gas phase

Photogeneration of singlet oxygen O2(a1Δg) resulted from photoexcitation at 248 and 266nm of isoprene-oxygen mixtures at elevated oxygen pressure has been investigated. Pulse energy and oxygen pressure dependence of the singlet oxygen yield indicate one-quantum photoexcitation of the encounter complex isoprene-oxygen C5H8–O2 as a source of O2(a1Δg). Suggested mechanism of O2(a1Δg) photogeneration involves direct excitation of complex with simultaneous change of both partner spins like that observed in van der Waals complex C5H8–O2 [Vidma et al., J. Chem. Phys. 137 (2012) 054305]. Other supposed pathways involve collision-induced photogeneration of Herzberg III state O2(A’3Δg) or triplet isoprene as the intermediates.

Enhancement of morphological plasticity in hippocampal neurons by a physically modified saline via phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase.

Increase of the density of dendritic spines and enhancement of synaptic transmission through ionotropic glutamate receptors are important events, leading to synaptic plasticity and eventually hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory formation. Here we have undertaken an innovative approach to upregulate hippocampal plasticity. RNS60 is a 0.9% saline solution containing charge-stabilized nanobubbles that are generated by subjecting normal saline to Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille (TCP) flow under elevated oxygen pressure. RNS60, but not NS (normal saline), PNS60 (saline containing a comparable level of oxygen without the TCP modification), or RNS10.3 (TCP-modified normal saline without excess oxygen), stimulated morphological plasticity and synaptic transmission via NMDA- and AMPA-sensitive calcium influx in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons. Using mRNA-based targeted gene array, real-time PCR, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence analyses, we further demonstrate that RNS60 stimulated the expression of many plasticity-associated genes in cultured hippocampal neurons. Activation of type IA, but not type IB, phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI-3) kinase by RNS60 together with abrogation of RNS60-mediated upregulation of plasticity-related proteins (NR2A and GluR1) and increase in spine density, neuronal size, and calcium influx by LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI-3 kinase, suggest that RNS60 upregulates hippocampal plasticity via activation of PI-3 kinase. Finally, in the 5XFAD transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), RNS60 treatment upregulated expression of plasticity-related proteins PSD95 and NR2A and increased AMPA- and NMDA-dependent hippocampal calcium influx. These results describe a novel property of RNS60 in stimulating hippocampal plasticity, which may help AD and other dementias.

Effects of elevated oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures on respiratory function and cognitive performance.

Hyperoxia during diving has been suggested to exacerbate hypercapnic narcosis and promote unconsciousness. We tested this hypothesis in male volunteers (12 at rest, 10 at 75 W cycle ergometer exercise) breathing each of four gases in a hyperbaric chamber. Inspired Po2 (PiO2 ) was 0.21 and 1.3 atmospheres (atm) without or with an individual subject's maximum tolerable inspired CO2 (PiO2 = 0.055-0.085 atm). Measurements included end-tidal CO2 partial pressure (PetCO2 ), rating of perceived discomfort (RPD), expired minute ventilation (V̇e), and cognitive function assessed by auditory n-back test. The most prominent finding was, irrespective of PetCO2 , that minute ventilation was 8-9 l/min greater for rest or exercise with a PiO2 of 1.3 atm compared with 0.21 atm (P < 0.0001). For hyperoxic gases, PetCO2 was consistently less than for normoxic gases (P < 0.01). For hyperoxic hypercapnic gases, n-back scores were higher than for normoxic gases (P < 0.01), and RPD was lower for exercise but not rest (P < 0.02). Subjects completed 66 hyperoxic hypercapnic trials without incident, but five stopped prematurely because of serious symptoms (tunnel vision, vision loss, dizziness, panic, exhaustion, or near syncope) during 69 normoxic hypercapnic trials (P = 0.0582). Serious symptoms during hypercapnic trials occurred only during normoxia. We conclude serious symptoms with hyperoxic hypercapnia were absent because of decreased PetCO2 consequent to increased ventilation.

The surface structure of SrTiO3 at high temperatures under influence of oxygen

We use low energy electron microscopy to investigate the structure of the SrTiO3 (001) surface at elevated temperatures and different oxygen pressures. Upon varying the temperature between 500 °C and 900 °C in oxygen pressures ranging from 10−9 millibar to 10−4 millibar, two surface transitions are found to be present. The lower temperature (1 × 1) → (2 × 1) transition that is known to occur in ultrahigh vacuum can be reversed by increasing the oxygen pressure. At higher temperatures, we observe a (2 × 1) → disordered (1 × 1) transition which is irreversible in the experimental parameter range. The observations are expected to have a strong bearing on the growth of interface structures.

The effect of process parameters on floating zone crystal growth of selected cuprates

Process parameters for floating zone crystal growth with optical heating were analyzed with special emphasis to the effect of external gas pressure. The cuprates are grown at low velocities ≤1mm/h and with a traveling solvent floating zone enriched in CuO. Elevated oxygen pressure up to 15MPa can affect phase equilibria and solidification modes, which enabled crystal growth of various novel compounds, which are not stable at normal pressure. Analyses of quenched zones suggest that crystals grow from oxygen depleted melts. Upon melting at the interface of the feed rod oxygen is released. Undesired formation of gas bubbles in the melt can be partly inhibited by growing under O2/Ar mixed gas atmosphere. Highly anisotropic antiferromagnetic ordering and strong effects of Ca doping in selected cuprates were revealed on single crystalline samples.

Solid-State Chemistry of Cuprous Delafossites: Synthesis and Stability Aspects

Cuprous delafossites exhibit exceptional electrical, magnetic, optical, and catalytic properties. Through the application of a battery of in situ and ex situ characterization methods complemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we gathered an in-depth understanding of the synthesis of CuMO2 (M = Al, Cr, Fe, Ga, Mn) by the solid-state reaction of Cu2O and M2O3 and of their stability against oxidative disproportionation to CuM2O4 and CuO. TGA-DTA and XRD studies of the synthesis revealed that the nature of the M3+ cation strongly impacts (i) the formation temperature of the delafossite phase, which occurred at a much lower temperature for CuCrO2 than for the other metals (1073 versus 1273–1423 K), (ii) the mechanism of formation of the CuMO2 in different atmospheres, which was found to comprise up to four steps in air and a single step in N2, and (iii) the kinetics of the process, which could be significantly accelerated upon mechanochemical activation of the precursors by ball milling. The identification of unstable intermediate phases and, thus, a proper description of the synthesis mechanism was only possible by the application of in situ XRD. Electron microscopy, nitrogen sorption, and mercury porosimetry analyses of the precursor oxide mixtures at different stages of the synthesis in air revealed that particle agglomeration took place prior to the solid-state reactions forming the intermediate spinel phase and the delafossite, respectively, and that these led to a substantial drop in porosity and specific surface area. On the basis of XRD and He pycnometry, the resulting CuMO2 samples exhibit pure delafossite phase with rhombohedral structure (R3̅m), except for CuMnO2 which features a monoclinic structure (C2/m). Upon heating in air, CuCrO2 retained its structure up to 1373 K, while all other delafossites decomposed, CuAlO2 at 1073 K, CuGaO2 at 873 K, CuFeO2 at 773 K, and CuMnO2 at 673 K. The DFT-calculated surface phase diagram of CuCrO2 and CuAlO2 indicated that, at elevated oxygen pressures, the terminations with 1/2 and 0 ML of Cu are the most stable for the (0001) facet. The formation enthalpy for interstitial oxygen species in the bulk is endothermic for both delafossites, while that for oxygen insertion in subsurface layers of these terminations is still endothermic for CuCrO2 but slightly exothermic for CuAlO2. These results provide an improved understanding of the chemistry of these mixed oxides, enabling their optimization for specific applications.

Protection of Dopaminergic Neurons in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease by a Physically-Modified Saline Containing Charge-Stabilized Nanobubbles

Neuroinflammation underlies the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite intense investigations, no effective therapy is available to stop its onset or halt its progression. RNS60 is a novel therapeutic containing charge-stabilized nanobubbles in saline, generated by subjecting normal saline to Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille flow under elevated oxygen pressure. Recently, we have delineated that RNS60 inhibits the expression of proinflammatory molecules in glial cells via type 1A phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)-mediated upregulation of IκBα. In this study, we demonstrate that RNS60 inhibited the expression of proinflammatory molecules in cultured microglial cells stimulated by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridium ion (MPP(+)) and in vivo in the nigra of MPTP-intoxicated mice. While investigating the underlying mechanisms, we found that MPTP intoxication rapidly stimulated the activation of type IB PI3K p110γ in the nigra, while suppressing the activation of type IA PI3K p110α/β. Interestingly, RNS60 treatment suppressed the activation of p110γ PI3K, while inducing the activation of p110α/β PI3K in the nigra of MPTP-intoxicated mice. Accordingly, RNS60 treatment increased the level of IκBα and inhibited the activation of NF-κB in the SNpc of MPTP-intoxicated mice. These findings paralleled dopaminergic neuronal protection, normalized striatal neurotransmitters, and improved motor functions in MPTP-intoxicated mice. These results strongly suggest a promising therapeutic role of this simple modified saline in PD and other neuroinflammatory disorders.

Efficient and ecofriendly options for the chemoselective oxidation of alkenes using manganese porphyrin and dioxygen

Selective oxidation of styrene to benzaldehyde was carried out for the first time in homogeneous system by using a green and easily prepared manganese porphyrin as an efficient catalyst under elevated oxygen pressure in the absence of additive and co-reductant. Effect of temperature (80–130°C), pressure (0.6–1.0MPa), the amount of catalyst (2–15mg) and reaction media was studied to obtain the optimum conditions for the reaction. The best results were obtained at 110°C and 0.8MPa pressure using manganese deuteroporphyrin dimethyl ester (Mn-DPDME) with 98% styrene conversion and 82% selectivity of benzaldehyde in benzonitrile solvent. In order to elaborate the effect of meso substituents on porphyrin catalytic activity and stability, four different Mn-porphyrins were selected and compared under the identical condition. It was found that the natural Mn-DPDME which has no substituents in the meso-sites but does have the methyl and propionate groups in the β-sites exhibited the higher activity than the synthetic manganese tetraphenylporphyrin, however, the later showed the superior stability and high selectivity of benzaldehyde. Furthermore, the catalytic method was widely used in the oxidation of various cycloalkenes, which exhibited excellent selectivity of epoxide. An alternative mechanism for the aerobic oxidation of styrene has been proposed and discussed.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in periodontal diseases

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO 2 ) has been successfully used in several medical fields. The therapeutic effect is related to elevated partial oxygen pressure in the tissues. The pressure itself enhances oxygen solubility in the tissue fluids. HBO 2 has shown to affect angiogenesis, bone metabolism and bone turnover. Studies have been conducted to analyze the effects of HBO 2 therapy on periodontal disease. HBO 2 increases local oxygen distribution, especially at the base of the periodontal pocket, which inhibits the growth of anaerobic bacteria and allows the ischemic tissues to receive an adequate intake of oxygen sufficient for a rapid recovery of cell metabolism. It is increasingly being accepted as a beneficial adjunct to diverse clinical conditions. Nonhealing ulcers, chronic wounds and refractory osteomyelitis are a few conditions for which HBO therapy (HBOT) has been extensively tried out. The dental surgeons have found a good ally in HBOT in managing dental condition.

Protection of Tregs, Suppression of Th1 and Th17 Cells, and Amelioration of Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis by a Physically-Modified Saline

In multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases, the autoreactive T cells overcome the resistance provided by the regulatory T cells (Tregs) due to a decrease in the number of Foxp3-expressing Tregs. Therefore, upregulation and/or maintenance of Tregs during an autoimmune insult may have therapeutic efficacy in autoimmune diseases. Although several immunomodulatory drugs and molecules are available, most present significant side effects over long-term use. Here we have undertaken an innovative approach to upregulate Tregs and achieve immunomodulation. RNS60 is a 0.9% saline solution generated by subjecting normal saline to Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille (TCP) flow under elevated oxygen pressure. RNS60, but not NS (normal saline), RNS10.3 (TCP-modified saline without excess oxygen) and PNS60 (saline containing excess oxygen without TCP modification), was found to upregulate Foxp3 and enrich Tregs in MBP-primed T cells. Moreover, RNS60, but not NS, RNS10.3 and PNS60, inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of iNOS in MBP-primed splenocytes. Incubation of the cells with an NO donor abrogated the RNS60-mediated upregulation of Foxp3. These results suggest that RNS60 boosts Tregs via suppression of NO production. Consistent to the suppressive activity of Tregs towards autoreactive T cells, RNS60, but not NS, RNS10.3, or PNS60, suppressed the differentiation of Th17 and Th1 cells and shifted the balance towards a Th2 response. Finally, RNS60 treatment exhibited immunomodulation and ameliorated adoptive transfer of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, an animal model of MS, via Tregs. These results describe a novel immunomodulatory property of RNS60 and suggest its exploration for therapeutic intervention in MS and other autoimmune disorders.

AFM characterization of nanobubble formation and slip condition in oxygenated and electrokinetically altered fluids

Nanobubbles are gas-filled features that spontaneously form at the interface of hydrophobic surfaces and aqueous solutions. In this study, an atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to characterize the morphology of nanobubbles formed on hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) and octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) films immersed in DI water, saline, saline with oxygen and an electrokinetically altered saline solution produced with Taylor–Couette–Poiseuille flow under elevated oxygen pressure. AFM force spectroscopy was used to evaluate hydrodynamic and electrostatic forces and boundary slip condition in various fluids. The effect of solution, electric field and surface charge on shape, size and density of nanobubbles as well as slip length was quantified and the results and underlying mechanisms are presented in this paper.