scholarly journals Cyclodextrin Encapsulated pH Sensitive Dyes as Fluorescent Cellular Probes: Self-Aggregation and In Vitro Assessments

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (19) ◽  
pp. 4397
Author(s):  
Monica-Cornelia Sardaru ◽  
Oana Carp ◽  
Elena-Laura Ursu ◽  
Anda-Mihaela Craciun ◽  
Corneliu Cojocaru ◽  
...  

We have designed and synthesized a series of novel, supramolecular, long-lived fluorescent probes based on the host-guest inclusion complexes formation between fluorescent indolizinyl-pyridinium salts and β-cyclodextrin. Fluorescence and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry experiments, supported by theoretical molecular docking studies, were utilized in the monitoring of the inclusion complexes formation, evidencing the appearance of corresponding 1:1 and 1:2 species. Additionally, the influence of the guest molecule over the aggregation processes of the cyclodextrin inclusion complexes was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The absence of cytotoxicity, cellular permeability, long-lived intracellular fluorescence, and in time specific accumulation within acidic organelles identified the investigated supramolecular entities as remarkable candidates for intracellular fluorescence probes. Co-staining experiments using specific organelle markers revealed the fact that, after a 24-h incubation period, the inclusion complexes accumulate predominantly in lysosomes rather than in mitochondria. This study opens new possibilities for a broad range of fluorescent dyes with solubility and high toxicity issues, able to form inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin, to be tested as intracellular fluorescence probes.

Biomedicines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Maiyo ◽  
Moganavelli Singh

The development of a biocompatible and nontoxic gene delivery vehicle remains a challenging task. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have the potential to increase delivery efficiency, to reduce side effects, and to improve therapeutic outcomes. In this study, chitosan (Ch) functionalized folate (FA)-targeted SeNPs were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their potential to bind, protect, and safely deliver Fluc-siRNA in vitro. SeNPs of less than 100 nm were successfully synthesised and further confirmed using UV-vis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Cell viability studies were conducted in vitro in selected cancer and non-cancer cell lines. Folate receptor (FOLR1) targeted and nontargeted luciferase gene silencing studies were assessed in the transformed Hela-tat-Luc cell line expressing the luciferase gene. Targeted and nontargeted SeNP nanocomplexes showed minimal toxicity in all cell lines at selected w/w ratios. Maximum gene silencing was achieved at optimum w/w ratios for both nanocomplexes, with Selenium-chitosan-folic acid (SeChFA) nanocomplexes showing slightly better transgene silencing, as supported by results from docking studies showing that SeChFA nanocomplexes interacted strongly with the folate receptor (FOLR1) with high binding energy of −4.4 kcal mol−1.


2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 1014-1025
Author(s):  
Atsushi Okada ◽  
Hiromasa Aoki ◽  
Daichi Onozato ◽  
Taiki Kato ◽  
Tadahiro Hashita ◽  
...  

Background: We previously discovered that renal macrophages (Mφs) phagocytose renal calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals. This study investigated the processing of engulfed crystals using in vitro models. Methods: J774.1 mouse Mφs were exposed to COM crystals and observed for 24 h using polarized light microscopy with/without cytochalasin B (CB), an inhibitor of phagocytosis, to confirm active crystal phagocytosis. LysoTracker and immunohistochemical staining using transmission electron microscopy for lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 were used to confirm engulfed COM crystal uptake into lysosomes. Diachronic tracking of specific Mφs was performed to capture the entire course of engulfed COM crystal processing using polarized light microscopy. Follow-up studies of fluorescent COM (f-COM) crystals using imaging cytometry were performed in the presence and absence of nigericin to dissipate the pH gradient in acidic organelles. Results: Phagocytosis rates increased with COM density and were significantly lower in cells treated with CB (p < 0.01). We observed that engulfed crystals colocalized within lysosomes of the Mφs; moreover, diachronic observation indicated that the engulfed COM crystals were subdivided during Mφ division and eliminated by the 7th day of culture. Additionally, imaging cytometry showed that the fluorescence level of f-COM crystals in the nigericin (–) group after 48 h was significantly lower than that in the nigericin (+) group. Conclusions: This study confirmed active phagocytosis and lysosomal processing of engulfed COM crystals by Mφs. This discovery is expected to contribute to the development of future drugs that enhance the COM crystal phagocytic ability of Mφs.


Author(s):  
Tai-Te Chao ◽  
John Sullivan ◽  
Awtar Krishan

Maytansine, a novel ansa macrolide (1), has potent anti-tumor and antimitotic activity (2, 3). It blocks cell cycle traverse in mitosis with resultant accumulation of metaphase cells (4). Inhibition of brain tubulin polymerization in vitro by maytansine has also been reported (3). The C-mitotic effect of this drug is similar to that of the well known Vinca- alkaloids, vinblastine and vincristine. This study was carried out to examine the effects of maytansine on the cell cycle traverse and the fine struc- I ture of human lymphoblasts.Log-phase cultures of CCRF-CEM human lymphoblasts were exposed to maytansine concentrations from 10-6 M to 10-10 M for 18 hrs. Aliquots of cells were removed for cell cycle analysis by flow microfluorometry (FMF) (5) and also processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FMF analysis of cells treated with 10-8 M maytansine showed a reduction in the number of G1 cells and a corresponding build-up of cells with G2/M DNA content.


Author(s):  
John C. Garancis ◽  
Robert O. Hussa ◽  
Michael T. Story ◽  
Donald Yorde ◽  
Roland A. Pattillo

Human malignant trophoblast cells in continuous culture were incubated for 3 days in medium containing 1 mM N6-O2'-dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (dibutyryl cyclic AMP) and 1 mM theophylline. The culture fluid was replenished daily. Stimulated cultures secreted many times more chorionic gonadotropin and estrogens than did control cultures in the absence of increased cellular proliferation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed remarkable surface changes of stimulated cells. Control cells (not stimulated) were smooth or provided with varying numbers of microvilli (Fig. 1). The latter, usually, were short and thin. The surface features of stimulated cells were considerably different. There was marked increase of microvilli which appeared elongated and thick. Many cells were covered with confluent polypoid projections (Fig. 2). Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated marked activity of cytoplasmic organelles. Mitochondria were increased in number and size; some giant forms with numerous cristae were observed.


Author(s):  
H. J. Kirch ◽  
G. Spates ◽  
R. Droleskey ◽  
W.J. Kloft ◽  
J.R. DeLoach

Blood feeding insects have to rely on the protein content of mammalian blood to insure reproduction. A substantial quantity of protein is provided by hemoglobin present in erythrocytes. Access to hemoglobin is accomplished only via erythrocyte lysis. It has been shown that midgut homogenates from the blood feeding stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, contain free fatty acids and it was proposed that these detergent-like compounds play a major role as hemolysins in the digestive physiology of this species. More recently sphingomyelinase activity was detected in midgut preparations of this fly, which would provide a potential tool for the enzymatic cleavage of the erythrocyte's membrane sphingomyelin. The action of specific hemolytic factors should affect the erythrocyte's morphology. The shape of bovine erythrocytes undergoing in vitro hemolysis by crude midgut homogenates from the stable fly was examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy.


Author(s):  
Gao Fengming

Transmission electron microscope(TEM) and scanning electron microscope(SEM) were widely used in experimental tumor studies. They are useful for evaluation of cellular transformation in vitro, classification of histological types of tumors and treating effect of tumors. We have obtained some results as follows:1. Studies on the malignant transformation of mammalian cells in vitro. Syrian golden hamster embryo cells(SGHEC) were transformed in vitro by ThO2 and/or ore dust. In a few days after dust added into medium, some dust crystals were phagocytized. Two weeks later, malignant transformation took place. These cells were of different size, nuclear pleomorphism, numerous ribosomes, increasing of microvilli on cell surface with various length and thickness, and blebs and ruffles(Figs. 1,2). Myelomonocytic leukemic transformation of mouse embryo cells(MEC) was induced in vitro by 3H-TdR. Transformed cells were become round from fusiform. The number of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum was reduced, ribosomes and nucleoli increased, shape of nuclei irregular, microvilli increased, and blebs and ruffles appeared(Fig. 3).


2008 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Codruta Soica ◽  
Cristina A. Dehelean ◽  
Valentin Ordodi ◽  
Diana Antal ◽  
Vicentiu Vlaia

Birch bark contains important pentacyclic triterpens that determine an anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity. The compounds can be extracted by simple procedures with organic solvents. The major problem of this type of triterpens is their low water solubility which can be increased by physical procedures like cyclodextrin complexation. The aim of present study was to analyse the products between birch bark extract and hydroxypropyl-g -cyclodextrin. Hydroxypropyl-g -cyclodextrin (HPGCD) was used as a host to improve its solubility in water, via inclusion complex formation. In order to obtain the inclusion complexes, 1:2 molar ratio and two preparation methods (physical mixing, kneading) were used. The inclusion complexes were analyzed by in vitro dissolution tests, thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (17) ◽  
pp. 1857-1866
Author(s):  
Munawar Hussain ◽  
Zaheer Ahmed ◽  
Shamsun N. Khan ◽  
Syed A. A. Shah ◽  
Rizwana Razi ◽  
...  

Three new 5-deoxyflavonoid and dihydroflavonoids 2, 3 and 4 have been isolated from the methanolic extract of Abutioln pakistanicum aerial parts, for which structures were elucidated explicitly by extensive MS- and NMR-experiments. In addition to these, 3,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′-methoxy flavonol (1) is reported for the first time from Abutioln pakistanicum. Compound 2 and 4 are p-coumaric acid esters while compounds 2–4 exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Docking studies indicated that the ability of flavonoids 2, 3 and 4 to form multiple hydrogen bonds with catalytically important residues is decisive hence is responsible for the inhibition activity. The docking results signified the observed in-vitro activity quite well which is in accordance with previously obtained conclusion that phenol moiety and hydroxyl group are critical for the inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-221
Author(s):  
Haroon Khan ◽  
Muhammad Zafar ◽  
Helena Den-Haan ◽  
Horacio Perez-Sanchez ◽  
Mohammad Amjad Kamal

Aim and Objective: Lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes play an important role in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory and allergic diseases including bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Inhibitors of the LOX are believed to be an ideal approach in the treatment of diseases caused by its over-expression. In this regard, several synthetic and natural agents are under investigation worldwide. Alkaloids are the most thoroughly investigated class of natural compounds with outstanding past in clinically useful drugs. In this article, we have discussed various alkaloids of plant origin that have already shown lipoxygenase inhibition in-vitro with possible correlation in in silico studies. Materials and Methods: Molecular docking studies were performed using MOE (Molecular Operating Environment) software. Among the ten reported LOX alkaloids inhibitors, derived from plant, compounds 4, 2, 3 and 1 showed excellent docking scores and receptor sensitivity. Result and Conclusion: These compounds already exhibited in vitro lipoxygenase inhibition and the MOE results strongly correlated with the experimental results. On the basis of these in vitro assays and computer aided results, we suggest that these compounds need further detail in vivo studies and clinical trial for the discovery of new more effective and safe lipoxygenase inhibitors. In conclusion, these results might be useful in the design of new and potential lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document