3T3 Cell Lines Research Articles

Coating of cochlear implant electrodes with bioactive DNA-loaded calcium phosphate nanoparticles for the local transfection of stimulatory proteins

Calcium phosphate nanoparticles were loaded with nucleic acids to enhance the on-growth of tissue to a cochlear implant electrode. The nanoparticle deposition on a metallic electrode surface is possible by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) or layer-by-layer deposition (LbL). Impedance spectroscopy showed that the coating layer did not interrupt the electrical conductance at physiological frequencies and beyond (1–40,000 Hz). The transfection was demonstrated with the model cell lines HeLa and 3T3 as well as with primary explanted spiral ganglion neurons (rat) with the model protein enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The expression of the functional protein brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was also shown. Thus, a coating of inner-ear cochlear implant electrodes with nanoparticles that carry nucleic acids will enhance the ongrowth of spiral ganglion cell axons for an improved transmission of electrical pulses.

Inhibitory Effect of Cold Atmospheric Plasma on Chronic Wound-Related Multispecies Biofilms

The presence of microbial biofilms in the wounds affects negatively the healing process and can contribute to therapeutic failures. This study aimed to establish the effective parameters of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) against wound-related multispecies and monospecies biofilms, and to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the protocol. Monospecies and multispecies biofilms were formed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis. The monospecies biofilms were grown in 96 wells plates and multispecies biofilm were formed on collagen membranes. The biofilms were exposed to helium CAP for 1, 3, 5 and 7 min. In monospecies biofilms, the inhibitory effect was detected after 1 min of exposure for E. faecalis and after 3 min for MRSA. A reduction in P. aeruginosa biofilm’s viability was detected after 7 min of exposure. For the multispecies biofilms, the reduction in the overall viability was detected after 5 min of exposure to CAP. Additionally, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were evaluated by MTT assay and static cytometry, respectively. CAP showed low cytotoxicity and no genotoxicity to mouse fibroblastic cell line (3T3). It could be concluded that He-CAP showed inhibitory effect on wound-related multispecies biofilms, with low cytotoxicity and genotoxicity to mammalian cells. These findings point out the potential application of CAP in wound care.

Probing the Intracellular Bio-Nano Interface in Different Cell Lines with Gold Nanostars.

Gold nanostars are a versatile plasmonic nanomaterial with many applications in bioanalysis. Their interactions with animal cells of three different cell lines are studied here at the molecular and ultrastructural level at an early stage of endolysosomal processing. Using the gold nanostars themselves as substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering, their protein corona and the molecules in the endolysosomal environment were characterized. Localization, morphology, and size of the nanostar aggregates in the endolysosomal compartment of the cells were probed by cryo soft-X-ray nanotomography. The processing of the nanostars by macrophages of cell line J774 differed greatly from that in the fibroblast cell line 3T3 and in the epithelial cell line HCT-116, and the structure and composition of the biomolecular corona was found to resemble that of spherical gold nanoparticles in the same cells. Data obtained with gold nanostars of varied morphology indicate that the biomolecular interactions at the surface in vivo are influenced by the spike length, with increased interaction with hydrophobic groups of proteins and lipids for longer spike lengths, and independent of the cell line. The results will support optimized nanostar synthesis and delivery for sensing, imaging, and theranostics.

Epithelial Growth Factor-Anchored on Polycaprolactone/6-deoxy-6-amino-β-cyclodextrin Nanofibers: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a well-known FDA approved biomaterial for tissue engineering. However, its hydrophobic properties limit its use for skin wound healing which makes its functionalization necessary. In this work, we present the fabrication and evaluation of PCL nanofibers by the electrospinning technique, as well as PCL functionalized with 6-deoxy-6-amino-β-cyclodextrin (aminated nanofibers). Afterwards, epithelial growth factor (EGF) was anchored onto hydrophilic PCL/deoxy-6-amino-β-cyclodextrin. The characterization of the three electrospun fibers was made by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR); Confocal-Raman Spectroscopy were used for elucidated the chemical structure, the hydrophilicity was determined by Contact Angle (CA). In vitro cell proliferation test was made by seeding embryonic fibroblast cell line (3T3) onto the electrospun mats and in vivo studies in a murine model were conducted to prove its effectivity as skin wound healing material. The in vitro studies showed that aminated nanofibers without and with EGF had 100 and 150% more cell proliferation of 3T3 cells against the PCL alone, respectively. In vivo results showed that skin wound healing in a murine model was accelerated by the incorporation of the EGF. In addition, the EGF had favorable effects in epidermal cell proliferation. The study demonstrates that a protein of high biological interest like EGF can be attached covalently to the surface of a synthetic material enriched with amino groups. This kind of biomaterial has a great potential for applications in skin regeneration and wound healing.

An asymmetric electrospun membrane for the controlled release of ciprofloxacin and FGF-2: Evaluation of antimicrobial and chemoattractant properties

Here, an asymmetric double-layer membrane has been designed and fabricated by electrospinning as a tool for a potential wound healing application. A hydrophobic layer has been produced by using a polyurethane-polycaprolactone (PU-PCL) copolymer and loaded with the antibacterial ciprofloxacin whereas an ion responsive hydrophilic layer has been produced by using an octyl derivative of gellan gum (GG-C8) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and loaded with the growth factor FGF-2. This study investigated how the properties of this asymmetric membrane loaded with actives, were influenced by the ionotropic crosslinking of the hydrophilic layer. In particular, the treatment in DPBS and the crosslinking in CaCl2 0.1 or 1 M of the hydrophilic layer affected the release profile of the bioactive molecules allowing to modulate both the antimicrobial effect, as assayed by logarithmic reduction of the Staphylococcus aureus viable count, and the chemoattractant properties on NIH 3 T3 cell line, as assayed by scratch test and cell chemoattraction assay.

Characterization and photoprotective potentiality of lime dwelling Pseudomonas mediated melanin as sunscreen agent against UV-B radiations

Prolonged exposure to Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) adversely alters the functions of many skin cell types causing skin cancer and photoaging, which had led to increase in demand for more safe and natural sunscreens against UVR. The present study focuses on production, structural characterization and evaluation of photoprotective nature of melanin pigment derived from lime dwelling Pseudomonas sp. Melanin was characterized by solubility, UV–Vis, FT-IR, 13C-CPMAS, ESI-MS spectroscopy, including particle size, melting point and elemental analyses. In vitro cytotoxicity and photo-protective effect of Pseudomonas derived melanin (Mel-P) against UV-B (Broad Band-BB) radiations were assessed on mouse fibroblasts NIH 3 T3 cell lines. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generated in NIH 3 T3 cells upon UV-B (BB) exposure was determined and quantified by Fluorescent microscopic and Flow cytometric analyses. A natural melanin obtained from Pseudomonas sp. contains 5,6- dihydroxy indole 2-carboxyic acid (DHICA) as its basic constituent and possess typical properties of eumelanin as revealed by the characterization studies. Mel-P has shown cell viability of 61.33 ± 6.58% at the concentration of 500 μg/mL proving its non-cytotoxic effect. Owing to its anti-oxidant property, melanin efficiently protected the mouse fibroblast cells from UV-B (BB) irradiation in a dose dependant manner demonstrating its potential as an active photoprotective agent.

Novel 1-methoxyindole- and 2-alkoxyindole-based chalcones: design, synthesis, characterization, antiproliferative activity and DNA, BSA binding interactions

Indole-based chalcones have been identified as interesting compounds with anticancer properties. In the present study, we report the synthesis and evaluation of new 1-methoxyindole and 2-alkoxyindole chalcone hybrids as antiproliferative agents active against colorectal carcinoma cell line. Among the 19 investigated molecules, four inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells HCT-116 with IC50 values <8 µM and display low cytotoxicity to fibroblast cell line 3T3. The UV–visible, CD and fluorescence competitive displacement assays with ethidium bromide and Hoechst 33258 performed with two active chalcones demonstrated that investigated chalcones interact with calf thymus (CT) DNA through the groove binding mode. Likewise, the quenching interaction of chalcones with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied in vitro under optimal physiological condition (pH = 7.4). The Stern–Volmer constant for chalcone-BSA system was found in the range of 105 M−1.

Effects and mechanism of copper oxide nanozymes on wound healing of full-thickness skin defects in diabetic mice

Effects and mechanism of copper oxide nanozymes on wound healing of full-thickness skin defects in diabetic mice

Evaluation of anticancer activity of Melaleuka Alternifolia. (i. e. tea tree oil) on Breast cancer cell line (MDA MB)- An in-vitro study

Introduction and Aims: According to Globocan 2012, India along with United States and China collectively accounts for almost one third of the global breast cancer burden. India is facing challenging situation due to 11.54% increases in incidence and 13.82% increase in mortality due to breast cancer during 2008–2012. The current treatment modality has issues of drug resistance and side effects. Many anticancer drugs currently used clinically have been isolated from plant species hence, investigation of plant species as a source of experimental therapeutic agents, in treating cancer is currently gaining a lot of importance. One such naturally available plant extract Melaleuka Alternifolia (TTO) which belongs to the family of essential oils is a very good antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal and anti-inflammatory agent. But currently there is a lot of importance has been given for its anticancer effect. Hence our aim is to evaluate anticancer activity of Melaleuka Alternifolia on Breast cancer cell line (MDA MB) by MTT assay an in vitro method. Material and Methods: Before the start of the study ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional Review Board. The cytotoxicity checked for Breast cancer cell line (MDA MB) and NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts which were used as a control in our current study. These cell lines were procured from NCCS Pune, India. 1. MTT solution preparation (stock solution): 5 mg in 1 ml of PBS. 2. Cell culture : The cell lines were maintained in 96 wells micro titer plate containing MEM media supplemented with 10% heat inactivated fetal calf serum (FCS), containing 5% of mixture of Gentamicin (10ug), Penicillin ( 100 Units/ ml) and Streptomycin (100µg/ml) in presence of 5% CO2 at 37oC for 48-72 hours. 3. Cytotoxicity Assay: In vitro growth inhibition effect of test compound was assessed by calorimetric or spectrophotometric determination of conversion of MTT into Formazan blue by living cells. Results: The results represent the mean of five readings. The IC50 value of tea tree oil for breast cancer cell line (MDA MB) after 48 hrs was 25µg/ml. Spearmans rho’s Correlation showed P value Conclusion: TTO has a promising anticancer property against Breast cancer cell line (MDA MB) with its IC50 value 25µg/ml. Hence this TTO with its greater efficacy related to its anticancer activity can be brought to the level of clinical trials in the coming future. Keywords: Cytotoxicity, MTT assay, MDAMB cell line, Tea tree oil.

In vitro evaluation of immunobiological activity of simple mannolipids

Immunomodulation, cytotoxicity and anti-cancer activity of selected amphiphilic non-ionic (thio)alkyl α-D-mannosides (with aglycone of C6-C12) were investigated in vitro in human cervix epitheloid carcinoma cell line HeLa, murine melanoma cancer cells B16, murine lymphocytic leukemia cell line L1210, murine fibroblast cell line NIH 3 T3 and murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Toxicological studies revealed structure-dependent immunobiological effectivity based on a tight interaction with relevant cells. The results demonstrated diverse immunomodulation of macrophage cell-line RAW264.7 proliferation and production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, and induction of pro-inflammatory interleukins IL-1α, TNFα, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-17 and anti-inflammatory IL-10 following (thio)alkyl α-D-mannosides 24 and 48 h exposure. Direct application of alkyl mannosides MOC10 and MOC12 and their thio analogues MSC10 and MSC12 in reconstructed human EpiDerm™ and MOC12 and MSC12 in EpiOcular™ model assays for dermal and ocular irritation together with quantification of human proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, TNFα, IL-6 and IL-8 culture media release was used to ascertain toxicological safety.

Lignins from Agroindustrial by-Products as Natural Ingredients for Cosmetics: Chemical Structure and In Vitro Sunscreen and Cytotoxic Activities.

The growing concern about the environmental impact and human health risk related to the excessive use of synthetic ingredients in cosmetics and topical formulations calls for the exploration of safe and sustainable natural alternatives. Lignin-rich lignocellulosic industrial wastes such as hazelnut and walnut shells were used as a lignin polymer source. Agro-derived lignins were evaluated as a potential natural active ingredient for health care products. Aside from the structural characteristics of isolated lignins, which were identified by GPC, Py-GC–MS, and 2D HSQC NMR techniques, functional properties such as antioxidant power and UV absorption ability were investigated. The SPF values found for creams containing 5% of hazelnut and walnut lignin content were 6.9 and 4.5, respectively. Additionally, both lignin types presented appropriate protection against UVA radiation, highly interesting property to block the full ultraviolet spectrum. The biological activity of isolated lignins assessed at different concentrations (0.01–1 mg/mL) and different times (24, 48, and 72 h) on murine fibroblast cell line 3T3 suggested their suitability for cosmetic applications.

Organotin (IV) derivative of Piperic acid and Phenylthioacetic acid: Synthesis, Crystal structure, Spectroscopic characterizations and Biological activities

Three new organotin (IV) derivatives have been prepared from piperic and phenylthio acetic acids, the former is obtained by hydrolysis of piperine, which is extracted from black pepper. The three complexes {[n-Bu 2 SnO 2 C-(CH=CH) 2 -C 7 H 5 O 2 ] 2 O} 2 1 , {[n-Bu 2 SnO 2 C-CH 2 -S-C 6 H 4 ] 2 O} 2 2 , and [Ph 3 SnO 2 C-(CH=CH) 2 -C 7 H 5 O 2 ] n 3 , have been characterized by IR, 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopic techniques. Single crystal diffraction studies were made to determine the structures of the three compounds 1 , 2 and 3 . Compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in the triclinic system ( P\- 1), and the respective cell parameters (A, °) [ a = 10.4427 (19), b = 12.881 (2), c = 15.991 (3), a= 76.840 (7), b= 85.130 (6), g= 87.278 (6), and [ a = 12.237 (3), b = 12.580 (3), c = 13.507 (3), a= 91.146 (8), b= 104.916 (8), g= 111.307 (8)]. Compound 3 crystallizes in the Monoclinic system ( P 2 1 / c) with the cell parameters (A, °) [a= 12.982 (3), b= 11.282 (2), c= 18.528 (4) and b (°) = 108.572 (7)]. The title compounds were evaluated for their biological activities against a range of cancer cell lines (BT-474, MDA-MB-231, AU565), Chronic myeloid leukemia cell line (K562), Lung cancer cell line (H460) and normal cell line 3T3 mouse fibroblast. Especially complexes 1 and 3 (derivatives of the piperic acid), i.e. Pipericcarboxylate triphenyltin [Ph 3 SnO 2 C-(CH=CH) 2 -C 7 H 5 O 2 ] n and {[n-Bu 2 SnO 2 C-(CH=CH) 2 -C 7 H 5 O 2 ] 2 O} 2 were most active against all cancer cell lines. These compounds were also active against 3T3 normal cell line, but the IC 50 values were high as compared to cancer cell lines.

Induction of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway by Green Tea Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) in Colorectal Cancer Cells: Activation of PERK/p-eIF2α/ATF4 and IRE1α.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant bioactive polyphenolic compound among the green tea constituents and has been identified as a potential anticancer agent in colorectal cancer (CRC) studies. This study was aimed to determine the mechanism of actions of EGCG when targeting the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway in CRC. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was performed on HT-29 cell line and normal cell line (3T3) to determine the EGCG toxicity. Next, western blot was done to observe the expression of the related proteins for the ER stress pathway. The Caspase 3/7 assay was performed to determine the apoptosis induced by EGCG. The results demonstrated that EGCG treatment was toxic to the HT-29 cell line. EGCG induced ER stress in HT-29 by upregulating immunoglobulin-binding (BiP), PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha subunit (eIF2α), activating transcription 4 (ATF4), and inositol-requiring kinase 1 alpha (IRE1α). Apoptosis was induced in HT-29 cells after the EGCG treatment, as shown by the Caspase 3/7 activity. This study indicates that green tea EGCG has the potential to inhibit colorectal cancer cells through the induction of ER stress.

Chlorogenic acid intercalated Gadolinium–Zinc/Aluminium layered double hydroxide and gold nanohybrid for MR imaging and drug delivery

A theranostic nanodelivery system for simultaneous therapeutics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic agents’ delivery was successful synthesized, using Zn/Al−layered double hydroxide (LDH) as the nano-carrier, chlorogenic acid (CA) as the therapeutic agent and gadolinium as the diagnostic contrast agent. The contrast of the MR image was improved with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which were coated on the surface of the nanohybrid (ZAGCAu). The kinetic release study was conducted with UV–Vis spectrophotometer and high release was observed (up to 90%). Other characterizations conducted on the nanohybrid include; HRTEM, XRD, FTIR, FESEM and Elemental analysis, which all confirmed the theranostic nanohybrid development (ZAGCAu). Cell viability test (in vitro) was also carried out with ZAGCAu on normal cell lines (3T3) and liver cancer cell lines (HepG2). The results indicated relative cytotoxicity against HepG2 and slight toxicity on the 3T3. The preliminary MRI contrast property of the ZAGCAu was tested to ascertain the inherent signal optimization on a 3 T MRI machine. Various concentrations of the ZAGCAu indicated enhanced T1 and T2 signals in comparison with the Gd and water references used. The preliminary studies conducted on the ZAGCAu nanohybrid developed in this work shows its potentiality as a future theranostic agent for simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic functions in cancer treatment.

Characterization of Magnesium Orotate‐Loaded Chitosan Polymer Nanoparticles for a Drug Delivery System

AbstractThe drug release properties of magnesium orotate (MgOr) encapsulated in the chitosan (CS) cavity and the complexation behavior between MgOr and CS were investigated. The MgOr‐loaded CS nanoparticles (MgOrCSNPs) were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. MgOr was successfully encapsulated into the CS cavity. Results with 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide indicated that MgOrCSNPs retained their cytotoxic activity against the liver cancer cell line (HepG2) and breast cancer cell line (MCF‐7), and low toxicity against the human cell line (3T3) and human retinal epithelial cell line (ARPE‐19).

Libidibia ferrea Fruit Crude Extract and Fractions Show Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antinociceptive Effect In Vivo and Increase Cell Viability In Vitro.

Background Libidibia ferrea (L. ferrea) is found throughout the northeastern region of Brazil, where it has been used in folk medicine with beneficial effects on many inflammatory disorders. Purpose This study investigated the phytochemical composition of the crude extract and fractions of L. ferrea fruit and evaluated its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in vivo and effect on cell viability in vitro. Methods Characterization of polyphenols present in crude extract (CE), hydroalcoholic fractions of 20-80% ethanol (CE20, CE40, CE60, and CE80), aqueous fraction (AqF), and ethyl acetate (EAF) fractions of L. ferrea fruit was performed by chromatographic analysis. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by using a carrageenan-induced peritonitis model submitted to a leukocyte migration assay and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) analysis. Total glutathione and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed to evaluate the oxidative stress level. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and hot plate test. In vitro cell viability was determined by using MTT assay in a mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line (3T3 cells). Results Chromatography revealed the presence of ellagic acid content in EAF (3.06), CE (2.96), and CE40 (2.89). Gallic acid was found in EAF (12.03), CE 20 (4.43), and CE (3.99). L. ferrea crude extract and all fractions significantly reduced leukocyte migration and MPO activity (p<0.001). L. ferrea antioxidant effect was observed through high levels of total glutathione and reduction of MDA levels (p<0.001). Acetic acid-induced nociception was significantly inhibited after administration of L. ferrea crude extract and all fractions (p<0.001). Crude extract and all fractions significantly increased the viability of the 3T3 cell line (p<0.05). Conclusions The appropriate extraction procedure preserves the chemical components of L. ferrea fruit, such as gallic acid and ellargic acid. Crude extract and fractions of L. ferrea fruit exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive activities in vivo and enhanced cell viability in vitro.

Development of New Experimental Dentifrice of Peruvian Solanum tuberosum (Tocosh) Fermented by Water Stress: Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activity

"Tocosh" is a potato that has undergone a process of hydraulic oxidation that enhances its antimicrobial properties so that this natural resource can be used in medical sciences. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of a new experimental tooth based on Solanum tuberosum "Tocosh" on the cell lines 3T3 and DU145. To evaluate the cytotoxicity, cell cultures 3T3 and DU145 were used. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) in a medium containing 10% calf serum where the cells were preincubated at a concentration of 1 × 106 cells/mL in culture medium for 3 hours at 37°C and 6.5% CO2. Then, the absorbance was measured using a microplate reader where the formazan crystals were diluted with acidic and cold isopropanol, and quantified in an ELISA reader. To evaluate the antibacterial effect, the Kirby Bauer inhibition halos method was used on strains of S. aureus (ATCC 25923), S. mutans (ATCC 25175), and S. mitis (ATCC 49456). Solanum tuberosum (tocosh) was not cytotoxic because it only had one CC50 at the concentration of 0.26927 mg/mL and 0.26845 mg/mL for the cell lines 3T3 and DU145, respectively. Tocosh toothpaste (TD) has an antibacterial effect against S. aureus and S. mutans. The new ecological dentifrice was not cytotoxic since it did not alter cell viability because its CC50 was only 0.268 and 0.269 μg/mL for the 3T3 and DU145 cell lines, respectively; however, it presented an optimal antimicrobial activity against the oral strains evaluated. This research has great potential for clinical use because this new dentifrice has antimicrobial activity against different oral germs. How to cite this article: Mayta-Tovalino F, Sedano-Balbin G, Romero-Tapia P, et al. Development of New Experimental Dentifrice of Peruvian Solanum tuberosum (Tocosh) Fermented by Water Stress: Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activity. J Contemp Dent Pract 2019;20(10):1206-1211.

Spectroscopic, Conductometric and Biological Investigation of [Ni(phen)3]F2.EtOH.MeOH.8H2O Complex in Anionic Micellar Media

This manuscript reports the investigation of physicochemical behavior of [Ni(phen)3]F2.EtOH.MeOH.8H2O (Tris(1,10-phenanthroline)nickel(II) fluoride Ethanol(1/2)Methanol(1/2) octahydrate) complex with anionic surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulphate SDS and sodium stearate SS). Binding and partitioning parameters were determined by UV–Visible spectroscopy while CMC and thermodynamic parameters of complex-surfactant interactions were determined by electrical conductivity measurements. Ni-complex increased critical micellar concentration (CMC) of both surfactants. The investigated Ni-complex showed quite significant antioxidant activity against DPPH, hemolytic activity against RBCs, while there was no substantial cytotoxic activity against 3 T3 cell line.

New iridoids from Lyonia ovalifolia and their anti-hyperglycemic effects in mice pancreatic islets

Phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude led to the isolation of three new iridoids, lyonofolin A (1), lyonofolin B (2), and lyonofolin C (3), and a known iridoid, gelsemiol (4). Structures of compounds 1–4 were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including EI-MS, HREI-MS, UV, IR, and 1D- and 2D-NMR (HMBC, HSQC, COSY, NOESY) spectroscopic methods. The effect of insulin secretion of compounds 1, 2, and 4 were evaluated in mice pancreatic islets cellular model. This insulin secretory assay demonstrated that compound 2 potentiates glucose-induced insulin secretion, and thus can serve as a new insulin secretagogue for the treatment of diabetes. The newly isolated compounds were further evaluated against normal 3 T3 cell lines for cytotoxicity, where they did not show any cytotoxicity.

Graphene Oxide as a Nanocarrier for a Theranostics Delivery System of Protocatechuic Acid and Gadolinium/Gold Nanoparticles.

We have synthesized a graphene oxide (GO)-based theranostic nanodelivery system (GOTS) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using naturally occurring protocatechuic acid (PA) as an anticancer agent and gadolinium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Gd) as the starting material for a contrast agent,. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were subsequently used as second diagnostic agent. The GO nanosheets were first prepared from graphite via the improved Hummer’s protocol. The conjugation of the GO and the PA was done via hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions, followed by surface adsorption of the AuNPs through electrostatic interactions. GAGPA is the name given to the nanocomposite obtained from Gd and PA conjugation. However, after coating with AuNPs, the name was modified to GAGPAu. The physicochemical properties of the GAGPA and GAGPAu nanohybrids were studied using various characterization techniques. The results from the analyses confirmed the formation of the GOTS. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) results showed the diffractive patterns for pure GO nanolayers, which changed after subsequent conjugation of the Gd and PA. The AuNPs patterns were also recorded after surface adsorption. Cytotoxicity and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast tests were also carried out on the developed GOTS. The GAGPAu was significantly cytotoxic to the human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) but nontoxic to the standard fibroblast cell line (3T3). The GAGPAu also appeared to possess higher T1 contrast compared to the pure Gd and water reference. The GOTS has good prospects of serving as future theranostic platform for cancer chemotherapy and diagnosis.