IMPACT OF AMMONIUM PYROLIDINE DITHIOCARBAMATE ON BIOMECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FEMORAL BONE IN RATS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF COMBINED EXCESSIVE INTAKE OF FLUORIDE AND SODIUM NITRATE

This article describes the effect of ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of NF-κB activation, on the biomechanical characteristics of femoral bones in rats under the conditions of combined excess intake of fluoride and sodium nitrate. The series of experiments were performed on 30 white Wistar rats weighing 190-240 g, divided into 3 groups: 1st group included intact animals, 2nd group included animals exposed to the combined administration of sodium fluoride (10 mg/kg body weight) and sodium nitrate (500 mg / kg body weight) for 30 days; the 3rd group included rats, who starting from the 15th day of intoxication were injected with an inhibitor of NF-κB activation, ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate is a dose of 76 mg / kg 3 times a week. The investigation of the biomechanical properties of the femur was performed according to a 2-point scheme (linear rupture test) and a 3-point scheme (bending test) using a rupture machine RMU-0.05-1 with an assessment of rupture load (strength) and bone elongation (elasticity); we also applied a 4-point scheme (bending test) using the deformation test setup MRC-1 with following calculation of the Young's modulus, tensile strength, relative residual deformation to failure and relative elongation to failure. The administration of ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate under the conditions of the experiment significantly increased the tensile load at linear rupture and bending by 35.3 and 23.5%, respectively, compared with the results in the 2nd group. The relative elongation of the femoral bones in the test for linear rupture and flexion was more pronounced than the values ​​of the 2nd group by 7.9 and 18.6%. When testing for bending according to the 4-point scheme using the deformation setup MRK-1, we revealed a probable increase in the Young's modulus of elasticity by 19.8% compared to the results in the 2nd group. However, the indicators of the limit of elasticity and strength, the relative elongation of the extreme fibers before fracture did not change significantly. This enables us to conclude that ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, the inhibitor of the NF-κB transcription factor, used under the conditions of combined administration of fluoride and sodium nitrate can serve an effective osteoprotective agent, which increases the strength and elasticity of the femoral bones.

Ammonium Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate-Modified CdTe/CdS Quantum Dots as a Turn-on Fluorescent Sensor for Detection of Trace Cadmium Ions

In this work, ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) was used as a surface etchant to modify CdTe/CdS core-shell quantum dots (QDs). The APDC etchant combines with the cadmium ions (Cd2+) on the surface of the QDs, resulting in the formation of surface holes. The formation of these holes changes the QD surface structure, which leads to fluorescence quenching of the QDs. Newly added Cd2+ can selectively recognize and combine with these holes; thus, the fluorescence intensity of the QDs can be restored. The linear response of this turn-on fluorescent sensor was found to be 0–100 μg/L and 100–600 μg/L under the determined optimal conditions, and its limit of detection (LOD) for Cd2+ was 2.642 μg/L (23.5 nmol/L).

Apoptosis induction effect of Apocynum venetum polyphenol on human U87 glioma cells via NF-κB pathway

Aim: Apocynum venetum polyphenol (AVP) was used in in vitro glioma cells culture to prove the growth inhibitory effect of AVP on human U87 glioma cells via NF-κB pathway. Materials & methods: The MTT assay, DAPI morphology, quantitative PCR and western blot experiments were used for determination in vitro. Results & conclusion: AVP can also induce U87 cancer cells apoptosis illustrated by DAPI morphology. AVP could enhance the mRNA and protein expression of IκB-α, TNF-α, TRAIL, caspase-3 and caspase-9 in U87 cancer cells and reduce those of NF-κBp65, cIAP-1, cIAP-2, TGF-β2, CyclinD1, VEGF and IL-8. After ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) treatment, the NF-κBp65 expression was reduced in U87 cells, and AVP could raise these effects. The results of HPLC indicate that AVP mainly contains six constituents. The growth inhibitory effects of AVP on U87 glioma cells are predominantly from these natural active constituents.

Improved Method for DNA Extraction and Purification from Tetrahymena pyriformis

Tetrahymena pyriformis (protozoa) is intensely investigated as a model organism, offering numerous advantages in comprehensive and multidisciplinary studies using morphologic or molecular methods. Since DNA extraction is a vital step of any molecular experiment, here a new mixed surfactant (Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) 20%/Triton X-100) was adopted for effective DNA extraction from Tetrahymena pyriformis under an easy, fast protocol. The efficiency of this technique was then compared with three widely-used alternative techniques, namely the Chelex 100 matrix, Ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APD) complex and SDS–chloroform methods. DNA extraction was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, spectral measurement, fluorometry (Qubit), restriction enzyme digestion, and polymerase chain reaction. Data analysis revealed that the quantity and quality of the recovered DNA varied depending on the applied DNA extraction method. The new method (SDS 20%/Triton X-100) was the most efficient for extracting DNA from Tetrahymena pyriformis with high integrity and purity, affordable cost, less time, and suitability for molecular applications.