scholarly journals Gold Nanoparticles Induce Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Human Kidney Cells

Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Enea ◽  
Eulália Pereira ◽  
Miguel Peixoto de Almeida ◽  
Ana Margarida Araújo ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Bastos ◽  
...  

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are highly attractive for biomedical applications. Therefore, several in vitro and in vivo studies have addressed their safety evaluation. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge regarding their potential detrimental effect on human kidney. To evaluate this effect, AuNPs with different sizes (13 nm and 60 nm), shapes (spheres and stars), and coated with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) or with sodium citrate, were synthesized, characterized, and their toxicological effects evaluated 24 h after incubation with a proximal tubular cell line derived from normal human kidney (HK-2). After exposure, viability was assessed by the MTT assay. Changes in lysosomal integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), reactive species (ROS/RNS), intracellular glutathione (total GSH), and ATP were also evaluated. Apoptosis was investigated through the evaluation of the activity of caspases 3, 8 and 9. Overall, the tested AuNPs targeted mainly the mitochondria in a concentration-dependent manner. The lysosomal integrity was also affected but to a lower extent. The smaller 13 nm nanospheres (both citrate- and MUA-coated) proved to be the most toxic among all types of AuNPs, increasing ROS production and decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential (p ≤ 0.01). For the MUA-coated 13 nm nanospheres, these effects were associated also to increased levels of total glutathione (p ≤ 0.01) and enhanced ATP production (p ≤ 0.05). Programmed cell death was detected through the activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways (caspase 8 and 9) (p ≤ 0.05). We found that the larger 60 nm AuNPs, both nanospheres and nanostars, are apparently less toxic than their smaller counter parts. Considering the results herein presented, it should be taken into consideration that even if renal clearance of the AuNPs is desirable, since it would prevent accumulation and detrimental effects in other organs, a possible intracellular accumulation of AuNPs in kidneys can induce cell damage and later compromise kidney function.

Zygote ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 203-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anima Tripathi ◽  
Vivek Pandey ◽  
A.N. Sahu ◽  
Alok K. Singh ◽  
Pawan K. Dubey

SummaryThe present study investigated if the presence of encircling granulosa cells protected against di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)-induced oxidative stress in rat oocytes cultured in vitro. Denuded oocytes and cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were treated with or without various doses of DEHP (0.0, 25.0, 50.0, 100, 200, 400 and 800 μM) in vitro. Morphological apoptotic changes, levels of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and expression levels of apoptotic markers (Bcl2, Bax, cytochrome c) were analyzed. Our results showed that DEHP induced morphological apoptotic changes in a dose-dependent manner in denuded oocytes cultured in vitro. The effective dose of DEHP (400 µg) significantly (P>0.05) increased oxidative stress by elevating ROS levels and the mitochondrial membrane potential with higher mRNA expression and protein levels of apoptotic markers (Bax, cytochrome c). Encircling granulosa cells protected oocytes from DEHP-induced morphological changes, increased oxidative stress and ROS levels, as well as increased expression of apoptotic markers. Taken together our data suggested that encircling granulosa cells protected oocytes against DEHP-induced apoptosis and that the presence of granulosa cells could act positively towards the survival of oocytes under in vitro culture conditions and may be helpful during assisted reproductive technique programmes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rula Amara ◽  
Nidal Zeineh ◽  
Sheelu Monga ◽  
Abraham Weisman ◽  
Moshe Gavish

Abstract The mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) is a modulator of the apoptotic pathway involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) collapse, activation of caspases and eventually initiation of the apoptotic process. In this in vitro study, H1299 lung cells and BV-2 microglial cells were exposed to the hypoxic effect of CoCl2 with or without PK 11195. Exposing the H1299 cells to 0.5 mM CoCl2 for 24 hours resulted in decreases in cell viability (63%, p<0.05), elevation of cardiolipin peroxidation levels (38%, p<0.05), mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization (13%, p<0.001), and apoptotic cell death (117%, p<0.05). Pretreatment with PK 11195 (25 µM) exhibited significant protective capacity on CoCl2-induced alterations in the mentioned processes. Exposure of BV-2 cells to increasing concentrations of CoCl2 (0.3, 0.5, 0.7 mM) for 4 hours resulted in alterations in the same cellular processes. These alterations were obtained in a dose-dependent manner, except the changes in caspases 3 and 9. The novel ligands as well as PK 1195 attenuated the in vitro hypoxic effects of CoCl2.It appears that the TSPO ligand PK 11195 can prevent CoCl2-induced cellular damage in both non-neuronal and brain cell lines, and they may offer new therapeutic options in hypoxia-related lung and brain diseases which fail to respond to conventional therapies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 557-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nerella S. Goud ◽  
Mahammad S. Ghouse ◽  
Jatoth Vishnu ◽  
Jakkula Pranay ◽  
Ravi Alvala ◽  
...  

Background: Human Galectin-1, a protein of lectin family showing affinity towards β-galactosides has emerged as a critical regulator of tumor progression and metastasis, by modulating diverse biological events including homotypic cell aggregation, migration, apoptosis, angiogenesis and immune escape. Therefore, galectin-1 inhibitors might represent novel therapeutic agents for cancer. Methods: A new series of heterocyclic imines linked coumarin-thiazole hybrids (6a-6r) was synthesized and evaluated for its cytotoxic potential against a panel of six human cancer cell lines namely, lung (A549), prostate (DU-145), breast (MCF-7 & MDA-MB-231), colon (HCT-15 & HT-29) using MTT assay. Characteristic apoptotic assays like DAPI staining, cell cycle, annexin V and Mitochondrial membrane potential studies were performed for the most active compound. Furthermore, Gal-1 inhibition was confirmed by ELISA and fluorescence spectroscopy. Results: Among all, compound 6g 3-(2-(2-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene) hydrazineyl) thiazol-4-yl)-2H-chromen-2- one exhibited promising growth inhibition against HCT-15 colorectal cancer cells with an IC50 value of 1.28 ± 0.14 µM. The characteristic apoptotic morphological features like chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing and apoptotic body formation were clearly observed with compound 6g on HCT-15 cells using DAPI staining studies. Further, annexin V-FITC/PI assay confirmed effective early apoptosis induction by treatment with compound 6g. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and enhanced ROS generation were confirmed with JC-1 and DCFDA staining method, respectively by treatment with compound 6g, suggesting a possible mechanism for inducing apoptosis. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis revealed that compound 6g blocked G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle in a dose-dependent manner. Compound 6g effectively reduced the levels of Gal-1 protein in a dose-dependent manner. The binding constant (Ka) of 6g with Gal-1 was calculated from the intercept value which was observed as 1.9 x 107 M-1 by Fluorescence spectroscopy. Molecular docking studies showed strong interactions of compound 6g with Gal-1 protein. Conclusion: Our studies demonstrate the anticancer potential and Gal-1 inhibition of heterocyclic imines linked coumarin-thiazole hybrids.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 334-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kun Fu ◽  
Liqiang Chen ◽  
Lifeng Miao ◽  
Yan Guo ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
...  

Background/Objective: Grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) are a group of polyphenolic bioflavonoids, which possess a variety of biological functions and pharmacological properties. We studied the neuroprotective effects of GSP against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury and the potential mechanisms in mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells. Methods: OGD/R was conducted in N2a cells. Cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 and LDH release assay. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry. Protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by Western blotting. CHOP, GRP78 and caspase-12 mRNA levels were assessed by real-time PCR. JC-1 dying was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential. ROS levels, activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and ATP production were examined to evaluate mitochondrial function. Results: GSP increased cell viability after OGD/R injury in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, GSP inhibited cell apoptosis, reduced the mRNA levels of CHOP, GRP78 and caspase-12 (ER stressassociated genes), restored mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP generation, improved activities of endogenous anti-oxidant ability (T-AOC, GXH-Px, and SOD), and decreased ROS level. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that GSP can protect N2a cells from OGD/R insult. The mechanism of anti-apoptotic effects of GSP may involve attenuating ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 320
Author(s):  
Wilmer Alcazar ◽  
Sami Alakurtti ◽  
Maritza Padrón-Nieves ◽  
Maija Liisa Tuononen ◽  
Noris Rodríguez ◽  
...  

Herein, we evaluated in vitro the anti-leishmanial activity of betulin derivatives in Venezuelan isolates of Leishmania amazonensis, isolated from patients with therapeutic failure. Methods: We analyzed promastigote in vitro susceptibility as well as the cytotoxicity and selectivity of the evaluated compounds. Additionally, the activity of selected compounds was determined in intracellular amastigotes. Finally, to gain hints on their potential mechanism of action, the effect of the most promising compounds on plasma and mitochondrial membrane potential, and nitric oxide and superoxide production by infected macrophages was determined. Results: From the tested 28 compounds, those numbered 18 and 22 were chosen for additional studies. Both 18 and 22 were active (GI50 ≤ 2 µM, cytotoxic CC50 > 45 µM, SI > 20) for the reference strain LTB0016 and for patient isolates. The results suggest that 18 significantly depolarized the plasma membrane potential (p < 0.05) and the mitochondrial membrane potential (p < 0.05) when compared to untreated cells. Although neither 18 nor 22 induced nitric oxide production in infected macrophages, 18 induced superoxide production in infected macrophages. Conclusion: Our results suggest that due to their efficacy and selectivity against intracellular parasites and the potential mechanisms underlying their leishmanicidal effect, the compounds 18 and 22 could be used as tools for designing new chemotherapies against leishmaniasis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 130
Author(s):  
Nathan P. Wiederhold

Invasive infections caused by Candida that are resistant to clinically available antifungals are of increasing concern. Increasing rates of fluconazole resistance in non-albicans Candida species have been documented in multiple countries on several continents. This situation has been further exacerbated over the last several years by Candida auris, as isolates of this emerging pathogen that are often resistant to multiple antifungals. T-2307 is an aromatic diamidine currently in development for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. This agent has been shown to selectively cause the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential in yeasts when compared to mammalian cells. In vitro activity has been demonstrated against Candida species, including C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. auris strains, which are resistant to azole and echinocandin antifungals. Activity has also been reported against Cryptococcus species, and this has translated into in vivo efficacy in experimental models of invasive candidiasis and cryptococcosis. However, little is known regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of this agent, as published data from studies involving humans are not currently available.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Natalia K. Kordulewska ◽  
Justyna Topa ◽  
Małgorzata Tańska ◽  
Anna Cieślińska ◽  
Ewa Fiedorowicz ◽  
...  

Lipopolysaccharydes (LPS) are responsible for the intestinal inflammatory reaction, as they may disrupt tight junctions and induce cytokines (CKs) secretion. Osthole has a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects, thus its anti-inflammatory potential in the LPS-treated Caco-2 cell line as well as in Caco-2/THP-1 and Caco-2/macrophages co-cultures was investigated. In brief, Caco-2 cells and co-cultures were incubated with LPS to induce an inflammatory reaction, after which osthole (150–450 ng/mL) was applied to reduce this effect. After 24 h, the level of secreted CKs and changes in gene expression were examined. LPS significantly increased the levels of IL-1β, -6, -8, and TNF-α, while osthole reduced this effect in a concentration-dependent manner, with the most significant decrease when a 450 ng/mL dose was applied (p < 0.0001). A similar trend was observed in changes in gene expression, with the significant osthole efficiency at a concentration of 450 ng/μL for IL1R1 and COX-2 (p < 0.01) and 300 ng/μL for NF-κB (p < 0.001). Osthole increased Caco-2 monolayer permeability, thus if it would ever be considered as a potential drug for minimizing intestinal inflammatory symptoms, its safety should be confirmed in extended in vitro and in vivo studies.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dahong Wang ◽  
Lanlan Wei ◽  
Shuaiying Zhang

The biological activities of quinoxalone, a novel small molecular substance isolated from the broth of the myxobacterium Stigmatella eracta WXNXJ-B, was investigated. This study was designed to determine the anti-proliferative, apoptotic property of quinoxalone, using B16 mouse melanoma cells as a model system. The results showed that quinoxalone has antitumor activity and can significantly inhibit the proliferation of B16 cells. The extent and the timing of apoptosis were strongly dependent on the dose. After treating with quinoxalone and staining with Hoechst 33342, B16 cells showed typical apoptotic morphological features such as chromatin condensation by fluorescent microscopy. DNA isolated from B16 cells cultured with quinoxalone showed a typical DNA ladder of apoptosis in agarose gel electrophoresis. Further investigation results showed that the apoptotic machinery of B16 induced by quinoxalone was associated with drop in mitochondrial membrane potential from 5.35% to 23.7%, up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 in a dose-dependent manner. And a significant increased activation of caspase-3. Our finding suggests that quinoxalone could suppress the growth of B16 cells and reduces cell survival via disturbing mitochondrial membrane potential and inducing apoptosis of tumor cells.


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