Methylthiazol Tetrazolium Bromide Research Articles

Influence of permeability enhancers on the paracellular permeability of metformin hydrochloride and furosemide across Caco-2 cells.

Permeability enhancers can affect absorption of paracellularly transported drugs. This study aims to evaluate effects of permeability enhancers (chitosan, methyl-β -cyclodextrin, sodium caprate, sodium lauryl sulfate, etc.) on the permeability of paracellularly absorbed furosemide and metformin hydrochloride. Methyl thiazole tetrazolium bromide test was carried out to determine the drug concentrations in permeability study. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values determined to assess the integrity of tight junctions. Permeability enhancers were applied at different concentrations alone, in dual/triple combinations. Permeability was determined using human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells (TEER>400Ω·cm2). Permeability enhancers have no significant effect (<2-fold; p>0.05) on the permeability of furosemide (1.80×10-5±4.55×10-7cm/s); however, metformin permeability (1.36×10-5±1.25×10-6cm/s) increased significantly (p<0.05) with 0.3% and 0.5% (w/v) chitosan (2.0- and 2.7-fold, respectively), 1% methyl-β -cyclodextrin (w/v) (3.5-fold), 10 and 20µmol/L sodium caprate (2.2- and 2.8-fold, respectively), and 0.012% sodium lauryl sulfate (w/v) (1.9-fold). Furosemide permeability increased significantly (p<0.05) with chitosan-sodium lauryl sulfate combination (1.7-fold), and all triple combinations (1.4- to 1.9-fold). Chitosan containing dual/triple combinations resulted in significant increase (p<0.05) in metformin permeability (1.7 to 2.8-fold). All results indicated that absorption of furosemide and metformin can be improved by the combination of permeability enhancers. Therefore, it can be evaluated for the formulation of development strategies containing furosemide and metformin by the pharmaceutical industry.

Evaluation of melamine and cyanuric acid cytotoxicity: an in vitro study on L929 fibroblasts and CHO cell line

Melamine and its metabolites pose health concern as they are used in various industrial products including feed and drugs. There are a limited number of studies on melamine and cyanuric acid cytotoxicity and cellular damage without a certain conclusion. The present study aimed to evaluate melamine, cyanuric acid and its combined cytotoxic effects using 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) methyl thiazole tetrazolium (MTT) bromide test. The study also evaluated apoptotic and necrotic effect using a double staining method of Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide. Melamine, cyanuric acid and their combination (1:1) were applied to L929 fibroblasts and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells at various concentrations (1000 µg/mL, 500 µg/mL, 250 µg/mL, 125 µg/mL and 62.5 µg/mL). At the highest concentration (1000 µg/mL), the cell viability dropped down approximately to 50% both in CHO cells and L929 cells. Melamine, cyanuric acid and their mixture caused cytotoxicity in CHO cells and L929 fibroblasts in dose-dependent manner. Cell death occurred through both apoptosis and mainly necrosis. Both cell types were more sensitive to the mixture of melamine and cyanuric acid and, furthermore, CHO cells were more sensitive than L929 fibroblasts. As a result, melamine, cyanuric acid and their combination caused cytotoxicity in CHO cells and L929 fibroblasts. Further studies should be conducted in different cell lines. These studies should also aim to reveal the mechanism of cytotoxicity and related pathways.

Sweroside Alleviated Aconitine-Induced Cardiac Toxicity in H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Cell Line.

Aconitine is the main bioactive ingredient of Aconitum plants, which are well-known botanical herbs in China. Aconitine is also notorious for its high cardiotoxicity, as it can induce life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Unfortunately, there are few effective antidotes to aconitine toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the potent protective effects of the ingredients from V. baillonii on aconitine toxicity on H9c2 cell line. Cell viability was assessed by methylthiazoltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Intracellular Ca2+ concentration alteration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were observed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. Cellular oxidative stress was analyzed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) was determined using JC-1 kit. RT-PCR and Hoechst staining techniques were conducted to determine the levels of autophagy/apoptosis. The mRNA levels of dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR), ryanodine receptors (RyR2) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) were measured by RT-PCR. We screened six components from V. baillonii, among which, sweroside exhibited the strongest protective effects on aconitine-induced cardiac toxicity. Sweroside suppressed the aconitine-induced mRNA expressions of NaV1.5 (encoded by SCN5A), RyR2 and DHPR, and reversed the aconitine-induced decrease in mRNA level of SERCA, thus preventing the aconitine-induced persistent intracellular Ca2+ accumulation and avoiding intracellular Ca2+ overload. We further found that sweroside restabilized the aconitine-disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) and reversed the aconitine-induced increase in the mRNA levels of cell autophagy-related factors (Beclin-1, Caspase-3, and LC3- II) in H9c2 cells. In the whole-animal experiments, we observed that sweroside (50 mg/kg) alleviated effectively aconitine-induced arrhythmias by analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) recording in rats. Our results demonstrate that sweroside may protect cardiomyocytes from aconitine toxicity by maintaining intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, restabilizing mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) and avoiding cell autophagy/apoptosis.

N-O Reduction and ROS-Mediated AKT/FOXO1 and AKT/P53 Pathways Are Involved in Growth Promotion and Cytotoxicity of Cyadox.

Cyadox is a novel derivative of quinoxaline-1,4-dioxides (QdNOs) with the potential to be developed as a feed additive. However, the pharmacological and toxicological bioactive molecules of cyadox and the molecular mechanism of its pharmacological and toxic actions remain unclear. In the present study, cyadox and its main metabolites of cy1, cy4, cy6, and cy12 were selected; the growth promotion characteristic was indicated by the mRNA level of EGF; and the cytotoxicity of cyadox was determined by methylthiazol tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit with flow cytometry. The intracellular ROS, cyclin D1, and Akt/P53/FOXO1 signaling pathway were also investigated. Our data suggested that cyadox showed relatively higher activity than its metabolites, and the ROS was generated from N-O reduction of cyadox. Moreover, cyadox (2 μM) activated the Akt and increased the EGF, cyclin D1, and FOXO1 expression levels. Cyadox (100 μM) induced cytotoxicity in L02 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, the activated P53 pathway, hyperactivated Akt, and apoptosis were found in L02 cells after incubation with 100 μM cyadox. Our data demonstrated that Akt promoted cell survival when it was mildly activated by cyadox at 2 μM, and Akt leads to apoptosis when it was severely activated by cyadox at 100 μM. Thus, the present study revealed that N-O reduction of cyadox and ROS-mediated AKT/FOXO1 and AKT/P53 pathways were involved in growth promotion and cytotoxicity of cyadox.

Arcyriaflavin a, a cyclin D1\u2013cyclin-dependent kinase4 inhibitor, induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of human endometriotic stromal cells: a potential therapeutic agent in endometriosis

BackgroundWe previously showed that microRNA-503 (miR-503) transfection into endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs) induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase by suppressing cyclin D1. This finding prompted us to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of cyclin D1 inhibitors in endometriotic cells. This study aimed to determine whether arcyriaflavin A, a representative inhibitor of cyclin D1–cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), is beneficial in the treatment of endometriosis.MethodsECSCs were isolated from the ovarian endometriotic tissues of 32 women. The effects of arcyriaflavin A on cell viability and proliferation, vascular endothelial growth factor A expression, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression were evaluated using a modified methylthiazoletetrazolium assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Caspase-Glo® 3/7 assay, and flow cytometry.ResultsArcyriaflavin A significantly inhibited cell viability, proliferation, and angiogenesis of ECSCs as assessed using the 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and methylthiazoletetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) ELISA. Arcyriaflavin A induced apoptosis as shown in the Caspase-Glo® 3/7 assay and cell death detection ELISA whilethe cell cycle was arrested at the G0/G1 phase.ConclusionThe findings indicate that cyclin D1–CDK4 inhibitors may be promising candidates for the treatment of endometriosis. This is the first study to demonstrate the potential usefulness of arcyriaflavin A as a therapeutic agent for endometriosis. Further studies of the effects of cyclin D1–CDK4 inhibitors on endometriosis may provide useful information on pathogenesis and treatment.

Heating ability and biocompatibility study of silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles as heating mediators for magnetic hyperthermia and magnetically triggered drug delivery systems

The aim of this study is to prepare core–shell La0.73Sr0.27MnO3–silica nanoparticles and evaluating their heat generation ability under the safe alternating magnetic field (f = 100 kHz and H = 10–20 kA m−1) for potential applications in magnetic fluid hyperthermia and magnetically triggered drug delivery systems. The magnetic cores of La0.73Sr0.27MnO3 with an average particle size of 54 nm were synthesized by the citrate–gel method. Then, the Stober method was applied to encapsulate nanoparticles with 5-nm-thick silica shell. The core–shell structure of nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Cytotoxicity of bare and silica-coated nanoparticles was evaluated by methyl thiazol tetrazolium bromide assay with MCF-7 cell line. The results revealed that the both samples have negligible toxicity below 500 μg ml−1 and silica coating can improve the biocompatibility of nanoparticle. In addition, calorimetric measurements were used to determine the heating efficiency of the core–shell nanostructures in aqueous medium. The results showed that the heat generated of the prepared sample could be safely controlled in the range of 40–60∘C which is suitable for biomedical applications.

One-pot, green synthesis of gold nanoparticles by gelatin and investigation of their biological effects on Osteoblast cells

It is useful to find new methods to synthesize and, more importantly, to control the size and shape of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) without using relatively toxic-reducing agents and surfactants. In this work, we present a one-pot, green synthesis of AuNPs taking the advantage of gelatin biopolymer to operate as unique reducing, growth controlling and stabilizing agent in aqueous solution of tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4) at temperatures above its melting point (∼35°C). The shape and size of AuNPs were found to be strongly influenced by the gelatin concentration (0.5–5%), while the growth rate of AuNPs is controlled by temperature of synthesis (40–80°C) and viscosity of the biopolymer. A specific class of gelatin-coated AuNPs was selected to investigate its stability in simulated physiological conditions and cellular media and subsequently to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility and capacity to sustain proliferation and differentiation of Osteoblast cells. Dark-field microscopy and Rayleigh scattering spectra prove a more efficient internalization of gelatin-coated AuNPs as compared with citrate-coated AuNPs, while methylthiazoltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay demonstrates enhanced cell proliferation. Interestingly, in the presence of gelatin-coated AuNPs, we find out a first sign of Osteoblast cells differentiation with bone nodules formation, as confirmed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay.

Dual-responsive polymer coated superparamagnetic nanoparticle for targeted drug delivery and hyperthermia treatment.

In this work, we have prepared water-soluble superparamgnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) coated with a dual responsive polymer for targeted delivery of anticancer hydrophobic drug (curcumin) and hyperthermia treatment. Herein, superparamagnetic mixed spinel (MnFe2O4) was used as a core material (15-20 nm) and modified with carboxymethyl cellulose (water-soluble component), folic acid (tagging agent), and dual responsive polymer (poly-N isopropylacrylamide-co-poly glutamic acid) by microwave radiation. Lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the thermoresponsive copolymer was observed to be around 40 °C, which is appropriate for drug delivery. The polymer-SPIONs show high drug loading capacity (89%) with efficient and fast drug release at the desired pH (5.5) and temperature (40 °C) conditions. Along with this, the SPIONs show a very fast increase in temperature (45 °C in 2 min) when interacting with an external magnetic field, which is an effective and appropriate temperature for the localized hyperthermia treatment of cancer cells. The cytocompatibility of the curcumin loaded SPIONs was studied by the methyl thiazol tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and cells were imaged by fluorescence microscopy. To explore the targeting behavior of curcumin loaded SPIONs, a simple magnetic capturing system (simulating a blood vessel) was constructed and it was found that ∼99% of the nanoparticle accumulated around the magnet in 2 min by traveling a distance of 30 cm. Along with this, to explore an entirely different aspect of the responsive polymer, its antibacterial activity toward an E. coli strain was also studied. It was found that responsive polymer is not harmful for normal or cancer cells but shows a good antibacterial property.

In vitro and in vivo anti-cancer activity of tangeretin against colorectal cancer was enhanced by emulsion-based delivery system

The oral bioavailability and efficacy of citrus polymethoxyflavone, tangeretin, was attenuated by its poor aqueous solubility. An emulsion-based delivery system was utilized to enhance the anti-tumourigenesis activity of tangeretin. The in vitro anti-proliferative activity of tangeretin was first evaluated using methyl thiazol tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test on colonic carcinoma cell lines, HCT116 and HT29. The utilization of emulsion system significantly improved the efficacy of tangeretin at dosing concentrations at 12.5 and 25 µM. The effectiveness of the emulsion system in enhancing the in vivo oral efficacy of tangeretin against colorectal cancer development was also evaluated by azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulphate (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis related colon tumourigenesis model. The tumour incidence, multiplicity, and pathological signs of colorectal adenoma were significantly reduced when tangeretin emulsion was applied. The regulation on tumourigenesis related protein expression was more effective in mice treated with tangeretin emulsion than unformulated suspension. Our finding indicated that emulsion-based delivery system was an effective means to increase the oral efficacy of tangeretin. This study is the first successful demonstration of the effect of delivery system on the oral efficacy of nutraceutical using long-term animal model.

Overexpression of myosin is associated with the development of uterine myoma.

Myosin is involved in cell contraction and motility, but it is unclear whether it is involved in cell proliferation in uterine myoma. In this study therefore we aimed to explore the role of myosin in uterine myoma. Immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to determine the expression of myosin light chain (MLC), myosin heavy chain (MHC) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in patient uterine myoma and adjacent smooth muscle tissue. Human uterine fibroid cells were isolated and cultured in vitro, myosin heavy chain 11 (MHC subtype expressed in uterine fibroid cells) was knocked down by RNA interference to reduce the expression of myosin, then cell proliferation was determined by the methyl thiazol tetrazolium bromide method. To explore the possible mechanism of reduced cell proliferation after myosin heavy chain 11 knockdown, the downstream proteins collagen I, insulin-like growth factor-1, fibronectin and proteoglycans were analyzed. Expression of MLC, MHC, MLCK and p-MLCK in uterine myoma cells was significantly higher than in adjacent smooth muscle cells. After knockdown of MHC, smooth muscle cell proliferation decreased, and the production of collagen I, insulin-like growth factor-1 and fibronectin was also reduced, but proteoglycans did not show any significant change. Myosin is overexpressed in uterine myoma, and the overexpression of myosin is associated with both uterine contraction and tumor development of uterine myoma.

Efficient and safe internalization of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: Two fundamental requirements for biomedical applications

We have performed a series of in vitro tests proposed for the reliable assessment of safety associated with nanoparticles-cell interaction. A thorough analysis of toxicity of three different coating iron oxide nanoparticles on HeLa cells has been carried out including, methyl thiazol tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Trypan blue exclusion tests, cell morphology observation by optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), study of cytoskeletal components, analysis of cell cycle and the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We have quantified magnetic nanoparticle internalization, determined possible indirect cell damages and related it to the nanoparticle coating. The results confirm a very low toxicity of the analyzed iron oxide nanoparticles into HeLa cells by multiple assays and pave the way for a more successful cancer diagnostic and treatment without secondary effects. From the Clinical EditorIn this paper, three different iron oxide nanoparticles are studied and compared from the standpoint of safety and toxicity in HeLa cells, demonstrating low toxicity for each preparation, and paving the way to potential future clinical applications.

Low-dose triptolide in combination with idarubicin induces apoptosis in AML leukemic stem-like KG1a cell line by modulation of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors

Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are considered to be the main reason for relapse and are also regarded as a major hurdle for the success of acute myeloid leukemia chemotherapy. Thus, new drugs targeting LSCs are urgently needed. Triptolide (TPL) is cytotoxic to LSCs. Low dose of TPL enhances the cytotoxicity of idarubicin (IDA) in LSCs. In this study, the ability of TPL to induce apoptosis in leukemic stem cell (LSC)-like cells derived from acute myeloid leukemia cell line KG1a was investigated. LSC-like cells sorted from KG1a were subjected to cell cycle analysis and different treatments, and then followed by in vitro methyl thiazole tetrazolium bromide cytotoxicity assay. The effects of different drug combinations on cell viability, intracellular reactive-oxygen species (ROS) activity, colony-forming ability and apoptotic status were also examined. Combination index-isobologram analysis indicates a synergistic effect between TPL and IDA, which inhibits the colony-forming ability of LSC-like cells and induces their apoptosis. We further investigated the expression of Nrf2, HIF-1α and their downstream target genes. LSC-like cells treated with both TPL and IDA have increased levels of ROS, decreased expression of Nrf2 and HIF-1α pathways. Our findings indicate that the synergistic cytotoxicity of TPL and IDA in LSCs-like cells may attribute to both induction of ROS and inhibition of the Nrf2 and HIF-1α pathways.

Triptolide, a Chinese Herbal Extract, Enhances Drug Sensitivity of Resistant Myeloid Leukemia Cell Lines Through Downregulation of HIF-1α and Nrf2

To explore whether triptolide (TPL) can enhance drug sensitivity of resistant myeloid leukemia cell lines through downregulation of HIF-1α and Nrf2. HL60/A and K562/G cells were subjected to different treatments and thereafter an methyl thiazole tetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry, western blot and real-time PCR were used to determine IC₅₀, apoptotic status and expression of Nrf2, HIF-1α and their target genes. Doxorubicin- or imatinib-induced apoptosis was enhanced when anticancer agents were used in combination with TPL. When combined with TPL, both doxorubicin and imatinib downregulate Nrf2 and HIF-1α expression at protein and mRNA levels. Genes downstream of Nrf2, for example, NQO1, GSR and HO-1, as well as target genes of HIF-1α, for example, BNIP3, VEGF and CAIX are also downregulated at the mRNA level. TPL is able to enhance drug sensitivity of resistant myeloid leukemia cell lines through downregulation of HIF-1α and Nrf2.

Effects of Helicobacter pylori on biological characteristics of gastric epithelial cells.

Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains is linked to an increased risk of inflammation and gastric cancer. To investigate the effects of H. pylori on biological characteristics of gastric epithelial cells SGC-7901, derived from human adenocarcinoma, morphological appearances of both the pathogen and these cells, as well as features of attachment and internalization were observed by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We also investigated cell junctions and invasion by TEM and Transwell Invasion Assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by using chromogenic methylthiazol tetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye and flow cytometry. Three types of H. pylori were observed around, attaching to, or invading tumor cells. Cellular damage was characterized by vacuolar degeneration, dilated endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and reduction of organelles. Cell junctions and cell microvilli reduced or disappeared. H. pylori inhibited cell proliferation, whereas it had no effect on apoptosis. It also promoted gastric carcinoma cell invasion. H. pylori damages cell construction, destroys cell junctions, inhibits cell proliferation, promotes cell invasive ability, and, therefore, might accelerate the malignant progress and metastasis of gastric cancer.

Photodynamic properties of ZnTPPS 4, ClAlPcS 2 and ALA in human melanoma G361 cells

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been approved as proper and effective kind of treatment for certain types of cancer and non-malignant diseases. We tested photodynamic effects on G361 human melanoma cells sensitized by zinc-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulphonatophenyl) porphyrine (ZnTPPS 4), chloraluminium phtalocyanine disulfonate (ClAlPcS 2) and 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). In particular, we examined the PDT efficiency depending on applied light dose (0.8; 1.7; 3.3; 6.6; 13.2; 26.4 J cm −2). The DNA gel electrophoresis, methylthiazol tetrazolium bromide (MTT) viability test, fluorescent microscopy using calcein AM and propidium iodide (PI) staining, and rhodamine 123 mitochondrial membrane potential assay were performed to detect and evaluate the cell death process. We also measured the time course of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and its dependence on sensitizer concentration within continuously irradiated sensitized cells. In conclusion, these results demonstrate most significant phototoxic effect of ClAlPcS 2–PDT in spite of significantly higher ROS production induced by ZnTPPS 4–PDT on G361 cells. On the other hand, ALA–PDT has a minimal photoeffect and induces negligible ROS formation in G361 cells at the conditions described below.

Protective effect of hydroxytyrosol against acrylamide-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in HepG2 cells

The chemoprotective effect of hydroxytyrosol (HT) against acrylamide (AA)-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage was investigated in a human hepatoma cell line, HepG2. The cytotoxicity was estimated by methyl thiazol tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The comet assay was used to monitor DNA damage. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and the level of oxidative DNA damage were estimated by using 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) as a fluorescent probe and by using immunocytochemistry analysis of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Intracellular glutathione (GSH) level was estimated by fluorometric methods. The results showed that HT significantly reduced the cytotoxicity, DNA damage, intracellular ROS formation and 8-OHdG level caused by AA in a concentration-dependent manner. It was also found that HT concentration-dependently attenuated GSH depletion in HepG2 cells treated with 10 mM AA. These findings suggest that HT has a strong protective ability against the cytotoxicity and DNA damage caused by AA.

Effect of Decursin on the Expression of β-Catenin and Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 in Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

Purpose: Alterations in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are associated with the development and progression of human prostate cancer. Decursin can attenuate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. We investigated the relationship between the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and decursin in prostate cancer cells. Materials and Methods: PC-3 and LNCaP cell lines were used. Cell viability was measured with methyl-thiazole tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, and cell apoptosis analysis was performed by FACScan. The amount of β-catenin protein after treatment with decursin was measured by Western blot analysis. Expression of MMP-7 mRNA was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Death and apoptosis were increased after treatment with decursin 0.5-100μM in PC-3 and LNCaP cells. This was revealed dose and time-dependent increase of cancer cell death on 24, 48 and 72 hours. FACScan showed an increment of apoptosis on 24, 48 hours. Expression of intracellular β-catenin protein was decreased dose-dependently in both of prostate cancer cell lines. Decursin reduced MMP-7 mRNA expression on 6, 12, 24, 48 hours dose-dependently. Conclusions: Decursin affects the viability of prostate cancer cells. Increased cancer cell death was associated with increased apoptosis. This study suggests that decursin may play a role in the treatment of prostate cancer. (Korean J Urol 2009;50:81-88)

AC Magnetic-Field-Induced Heating and Physical Properties of Ferrite Nanoparticles for a Hyperthermia Agent in Medicine

AC magnetic-field-induced heating, cytotoxicity, and bio-related physical properties of two kinds of spinel ferrite nanoparticles, soft (NiFe2O4) and hard (CoFe2O4), with different mean particle sizes were investigated in this paper to confirm the effectiveness for an in vivo magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia agent in biomedicine. AC magnetically induced heating temperature of the nanoparticles measured both in a solid and an agar state at different applied magnetic fields and frequencies clarified that the maximum heating temperature of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles is much higher than that of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. In addition, it was demonstrated that solid-state NiFe2O4 nanoparticles with 24.8 and 35 nm mean particle size exhibited a promisingly high heating temperature (21.5degC-45degC) for a hyperthermia agent in the physiologically tolerable range of the ac magnetic field with less than 50 kHz of applied frequency. According to the magnetic and physical analysis results, the superior ac magnetically induced heating performance of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles was primarily due to their higher magnetic susceptibility (permeability) that directly induces a larger magnetic minor hysteresis loop area at the low magnetic field. Cytotoxicity test results, quantitatively estimated by methylthiazol tetrazolium bromide test method, verified that uncoated NiFe2O4, chitosan-coated NiFe2O4, and CoFe2O4 showed a noncytotoxicity, which is clinically suitable for a hyperthermia agent application.

Quercetin inhibits choroidal and retinal angiogenesis in vitro

Quercetin is a natural substance found abundantly in grapes, red wine and other food products. In this study, we examined the effect of quercetin on choroidal and retinal angiogenesis in vitro using rhesus choroids-retina endothelial cell line (RF/6A). RF/6A cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Then cells were treated with different concentrations (from 0 to 100 microM) of quercetin. The cell proliferation was assessed using choromogenic methylthiazol tetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye after 24, 48 and 72 hours. Cell migration after 24-hour incubation with quercetin was investigated by wound assay. Following exposure to the various concentrations of quercetin for 24 hours, tube formation on matrigel by endothelial cells was also analyzed. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry using annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide staining. Quercetin inhibits endothelial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion; 10.1%, 42.6% and 65.2% inhibition on treating with 10, 50 and 100 microM Quercetin respectively. The migration and tube formation of RA/6A cells were also significantly inhibited by quercetin in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the percentages of apoptotic cells were slightly increased only in 100 microM quercetin-treated cells. Our results show that quercetin inhibits choroidal and retinal angiogenesis in vitro. Further studies are ongoing to evaluate this drug as a potential candidate for the treatment of choroidal or retinal neovascularization.

Role of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside in the Growth Regulation of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cells Lines

Background: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is one of the most aggressive hum an cancers with a median survival of only 6 months. Local surgical tumor debulking combined with radio-chemotherapy is generally used to treat this malady, but the low success rate has prompted the search for new therapeutic targets. We used 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) as an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator to induce growth suppression and apoptosis in the anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells. Methods: We investigated the effect of AICAR on the proliferation of thyroid cancer cell lines (ARO, WRO and FRO) by performing methyl-thiazoletetrazolium bromide assay. We wanted to see the effect of AICAR on the apoptosis and cell cycle of the thyroid cancer cells, and we wanted to determine the mechanism of these changes. Results: The proliferation of all thyroid cancer cell lines was significantly inhibited by administration of AICAR. FRO was the most susceptible cell line to AICAR treatment and so further studies were then performed with this cell line. The suppressive effect of AICAR on cell proliferation was related with phosphorylation of AMPK and the increased apoptosis. Also, cell cycle analysis revealed that progression to the G2-M phase was arrested (S-phase arrest) by AICAR treatment. S-phase arrest was associated with the increased protein expression of p21. Conclusion: In the anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines, AICAR inhibited proliferation due to the arrest in the S-phase; this was accompanied with the increased expression of p21. Overall, AMPK activation by AICAR or any other pharmacological agent could be a tempting potential target for thyroid cancer therapy. (J Kor Soc Endocrinol 21:125~131, 2006)