Comparison of protein, RNA, and DNA binding and cell-cycle-specific growth inhibitory effects of nickel compounds in cultured cells

Crystalline NiS particles are potent inducers of morphological transformation and are actively phagocytosed by cells. Water-soluble nickel compounds are less potent, possibly because the total amount of nickel that enters cells is less, and its subcellular distribution differs in a number of ways from that following the entry of NiS in the form of an internalized particle. To further study this problem, we have examined the binding of ⁶³Ni to DNA, RNA, and protein isolated from cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells treated with either crystalline ⁶³NiS or ⁶³NiCl₂. Treatment of cultured cells with ⁶³NiS at 10 μg/ml for 3 days resulted in binding of nickel to DNA, RNA, or protein in the range of 1 μg of nickel bound per milligram macromolecule. However, similar treatment of cells with ⁶³NiCl₂ at 10 μg/ml for 1 to 5 days resulted in approximately one to several orders of magnitude less nickel bound to DNA, RNA, and protein. In the case of ⁶³NiCl₂ treatment, cellular proteins contained about 100 times more ⁶³Ni bound than the respective RNA or DNA fractions. However, the protein fraction obtained from cells treated with crystalline NiS contained about 15 times more nickel bound than the same fraction isolated from cells that were similarly treated with ⁶³NiCl₂. RNA or DNA had 300 to 2000 times more bound nickel following crystalline NiS treatment compared to cells treated similarly with NiCl₂. In contrast to the selective binding of ⁶³NiCl₂ to protein, cultured cells treated with crystalline ⁶³NiS had equivalent levels of nickel associated with RNA, DNA, and protein. Since the interaction of ⁶³Ni with these macromolecules following crystalline ⁶³NiS treatment was not due to the binding of the actual particles, the dissolution of intracellular ⁶³NiS particles probably plays an important role in governing the distribution of ⁶³Ni ions available for binding. The greater intracellular macromolecular binding of ⁶³Ni resulting from treatment of cells with ⁶³NiS compared to cultures similarly exposed to ⁶³NiCl₂ paralleled the more potent effects of crystalline NiS in slowing and arresting cell proliferation. Crystalline NiS caused pronounced cell cycle specific blockage at a considerably lower concentration than was required for NiCl₂ to similarly arrest cell growth. Flow cytometry analysis showed that both compounds selectively blocked cell cycle progression in S phase (DNA synthetic stage). These results are suggestive of a common mechanism and site of toxicity inherent to both compounds and related to the cell growth phase during which DNA is replicated.     

Nickel‐induced VEGF expression via regulation of Akt,ERK1/2, NFκB,and AMPK pathways in H460 cells

Prospective cohort studies have indicated that a highly nickel‐polluted environment may severely affect human health, resulting in such conditions as respiratory tract cancers. Such exposure can trigger vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. However, the signal transduction pathways leading to VEGF induction by nickel compounds are not well understood. This study revealed the occurrence of VEGF induction in human non‐small‐cell lung cancer H460 cells exposed to NiCl₂. Moreover, exposing H460 cells to NiCl₂ activated extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and protein kinase B (Akt) as well as downregulated AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ERK inhibitor significantly blocked NiCl₂‐induced ERK activation and VEGF production. Pretreating H460 cells with a PI3K/Akt inhibitor substantially inhibited NiCl₂‐induced VEGF expression and reduced Akt, ERK, and NFκB phosphorylation. Furthermore, 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleoside‐induced AMPK activation improved VEGF expression in NiCl₂‐treated H460 cells significantly. These results indicate that NiCl₂ induces VEGF production through Akt, ERK, NFκB activation and AMPK suppression and mediates various types of pathophysiological angiogenesis.     

Embryotoxicity and fetal toxicity of nickel in rats

Embryotoxicity and fetal toxicity of nickel chloride (NiCl₂) and nickel subsulfide (Ni₃S₂) were studied in Fischer rats. Injection of NiCl₂ (16 mg of Ni/kg, im) on Day 8 of gestation reduced the mean number of liver pups per dam and resulted in diminished body weights of fetuses on Day 20 of gestation and of weanlings at 4 to 8 weeks after birth. Injection of Ni₃S₂ (80 mg of Ni/kg, im) on Day 6 of gestation reduced the mean number of live pups per dam. No congenital anomalies were found in fetuses from any Ni-treated dams, including dams that received 10 im injections of NiCl₂ (2 mg of Ni/kg, twice daily, on Days 6–10 of gestation). ⁶³NiCl₂ (12 mg of Ni/kg, im) was administered to a group of nonpregnant female rats and to groups of pregnant rats on Day 8 or 18 of gestation. After 24 hr, the relative concentrations of ⁶³Ni in tissues were: kidney > serum > adrenal ? lung ? ovary > spleen ? heart ? liver > skeletal muscle. Pituitary ⁶³Ni concentrations were much higher in pregnant rats than in nonpregnant females. ⁶³Ni concentrations in products of conception (embryos and embryonic membranes) on Day 9 and in placentas on Day 19 were equivalent to ⁶³Ni concentrations in adrenal, lung, and ovary tissues of the dams. Autoradiography of fetuses and placentas on Day 19 of gestation showed ⁶³Ni localization in fetal urinary bladders and in the basal laminae and yolk sacs of the placentas. These studies show (a) that im injection of NiCl₂ and Ni₃S₂ during early gestation causes embryonic mortality at dosages that do not cause maternal mortality, and (b) that ⁶³Ni(II) can cross the feto-maternal barriers and enter the fetuses during late gestation.     

Recovery of mouse embryos after short-term in vitro exposure to toxic nickel chloride

The development of preimplantation mouse embryos in vitro was adversely affected by the addition of nickel chloride (NiCl₂·6H₂O) to the culture medium. For day 3 (4–8 cell) embryos developmental cessation occurred after 48 h in culture, in NiCl₂·6H₂O-containing medium. However, transfer to NiCl₂·6H₂O-free medium after 5 min, 1 h, and 3 h exposure, resulted in regaining of the developmental capacity for a proportion of the exposed embryos.The in vivo development, in pseudopregnant recipients, of in vitro nickel-exposed embryos was not significantly different from that in control embryos.The results indicated that the effect of NiCl₂·6H₂O on the development of day 3 mouse embryos in vitro was reversible after a short exposure period.     

The toxic effects of nickel chloride on liver,erythropoiesis, and development in Wistar albino preimplanted rats can be reversed with selenium pretreatment

The exposure to nickel chloride (NiCl₂) can cause hematotoxicity and hepatotoxicity and canaffect development. The present study pertains to the protective effect of selenium (Se) against NiCl₂‐induced toxicity in preimplanted Wistar albino rats. The subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of 25 or 50 mg/kg of NiCl₂ to Wistar albino rats on day 3 of gestation induced an immediate and significant decrease in maternal body weight and anemia 2 days after treatment. In addition, an increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was observed. These effects were maintained on day 20 of gestation. Moreover, a significant increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels was observed with the administration of 25 mg/kg of NiCl₂. Conversely, administration of 50 mg/kg of NiCl₂ by s.c. injection increased erythropoiesis at day 20 of gestation and decreased platelets counts. In addition, administration of 100 mg/kg of NiCl₂ markedly reduced the maternal body weight and number of live fetuses and increased fetal loss, predominantly at the end of the experimental period. All dose levels of NiCl₂ caused an alteration in the hepatic histoarchitecture. When 0.3‐mg/kg Se was injected s.c. with 100‐mg/kg NiCl₂, the levels of plasma AST and ALT and the structure of the liver were restored. Administration of 20 mg/L/day of NiCl₂ in the drinking water significantly reduced the maternal body weight at day five of gestation as well as erythropoiesis during the exposure period. The present study suggests that Se can counteract the nocuous effect of nickel on the liver; however this antioxidant did not prevent alterations in development and erythropoiesis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 2013.     

Efficacy of all-trans retinoid acid in preventing nickel induced cardiotoxicity in myocardial cells of rats

Nickel, a metal commonly found in battery plants and welding factories, has potential cardiotoxicity, while all-trans retinoid acid (atRA) can promote cardiovascular repair and myocardial recovery. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether atRA could prevent cardiotoxicity induced by nickel both in vitro and in vivo. In the study, a rat myocardial cell line (H9c2) exposed to different concentrations of nickel chloride (NiCl₂) displayed apoptotic features accompanied by reactive oxygen species generation. In addition, NiCl₂ also caused obvious apoptosis and systolic dysfunction in primary myocardial cells. Treatment with atRA efficiently attenuated the cytotoxicities triggered by NiCl₂ as it significantly mitigated ROS generation and decreased MAP kinases activity in NiCl₂-treated cardiomyocytes. Additionally, NiCl₂ exposure caused obvious arrhythmia in Sprague–Dawley rats with the maximum tolerance dose of NiCl₂ between 2 and 3 mg/kg. A combinational intragastric administration of 40 mg/kg atRA can partially reverse NiCl₂-induced arrhythmia in rats. Our results suggested that atRA might have therapeutic potential in alleviating the adverse effects of nickel on the cardiovascular system.     

Mutagenicity tests with nickel salts in the male mouse

The ability of NiCl₂ and Ni(NO₃)₂ to induce chromosome aberrations in vivo in male mouse has been tested by the micronucleus test and the dominant lethality test. NiCl₂ as well as Ni(NO₃)₂ failed to produce micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes whereas cyclophosphamide, used as positive control, raised their incidence markedly. In contrast to the results obtained with cyclophosphamide, NiCl₂ and Ni(NO₃)₂ did not increase the rate of post-implantation death. These compounds decreased significantly, however, the rate of pregnancy as well as the amount of pre-implantation loss. Taking into account also the data in the literature, it is concluded that nickel probably has no clastogenic properties in mammals.     

In vitro cytogenetic evaluation of the particular combination of flurbiprofen and roxithromycin

Flurbiprofen (FLB) (anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug) and roxithromycin (RXM) (antibiotic) were widely used in world wide. This study deals with investigation of genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and oxidative stress effects of a particular combination of these drugs in human cultured lymphocytes. Also, DNA damaging-protective effects of combination of these drugs were analyzed on plasmid DNA. Human lymphocytes were treated with different concentrations (FLB?+?RXM; 10?μg/mL?+?25?μg/mL, 15?μg/mL?+?50?μg/mL, and 20?μg/mL?+?100?μg/mL) of the drugs following by study of their genotoxic and cytotoxic effects by analysis of cytokinesis-block micronucleus test and nuclear division index, respectively. The effect of the combination in aspect of anti-oxidative and DNA damaging activity was evaluated on Pet-22b plasmid. According to our results, the combination of FLB and RXM did not show a notable genotoxic effect on cells. Although each of the substances had been shown as a cytotoxic agent by previous researchers, in this research, the combination of these drugs did not exhibit any adverse effect on cell division. FLB had DNA protection effect against H₂O₂ while in combination with RXM had not the same effect on the plasmid.     

Application of ED-optimality to screening experiments for analgesic compounds in an experimental model of neuropathic pain

In spite of the evidence regarding high variability in the response to evoked pain, little attention has been paid to its impact on the screening of drugs for inflammatory and neuropathic pain. In this study, we explore the feasibility of introducing optimality concepts to experimental protocols, enabling estimation of parameter and model uncertainty. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic data from different experiments in rats were pooled and modelled using nonlinear mixed effects modelling. Pain data on gabapentin and placebo-treated animals were generated in the complete Freund??s adjuvant model of neuropathic pain. A logistic regression model was applied to optimise sampling times and dose levels to be used in an experimental protocol. Drug potency (EC₅₀) and interindividual variability (IIV) were considered the parameters of interest. Different experimental designs were tested and validated by SSE (stochastic simulation and estimation) taking into account relevant exposure ranges. The pharmacokinetics of gabapentin was described by a two-compartment PK model with first order absorption (CL?=?0.159?l?h^?1, V₂?=?0.118?l, V₃?=?0.253?l, Ka?=?0.26?h^?1, Q?=?1.22?l?h^?1). Drug potency (EC₅₀) for the anti-allodynic effects was estimated to be 1400?ng?ml^?1. Protocol optimisation improved bias and precision of the EC50 by 6 and 11.9.?%, respectively, whilst IIV estimates showed improvement of 31.89 and 14.91?%, respectively. Our results show that variability in behavioural models of evoked pain response leads to uncertainty in drug potency estimates, with potential impact on the ranking of compounds during screening. As illustrated for gabapentin, ED-optimality concepts enable analysis of discrete data taking into account experimental constraints.     

Effect of nickel chloride and cadmium acetate on the development of preimplantation mouse embryos in vitro

Preimplantation mouse embryos were used to investigate the toxic effect of nickel chloride and cadmium acetate on early embryo development in vitro.Embryos at the 2- and 4–8 cell stage were cultured in approximately 0.05 ml of mouse embryo culture medium (No. 16), overlaid with paraffin oil and incubated in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO₂ in air for 48 h. NiCl₂ · 6H₂O was added to the culture medium at concentrations of 10–1000 μM, Cd(CH₃COO)₂ · 2H₂O at concentrations of 10–50 μM. Morphological criteria were used to check embryonic development.Ten micromolars of nickel chloride affected adversely the development of Day 2 embryos (2-cell stage), whereas 300 μM was needed to affect Day 3 embryos (8-cell stage). Toxic effect of cadmium acetate on Day 2 embryos was observed at a concentration of 10 μM.     

Schiff base-nickel,palladium, and platinum complexes derived from N-cyclohexyl hydrazine carbothioamide and 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde: Selective antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects against colorectal carcinoma

The bidentate N-cyclohexyl-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide Schiff base ligand (HL) was coordinated to divalent nickel, palladium and platinum ions to form square planar complexes. The nickel and palladium complexes, [NiL₂], [PdL₂] form square planar complexes with 2:1 ligand to metal ratio. The platinum complex, [PtL(dmso)Cl] formed a square planar complex with 1:1 ligand to metal ratio. Platinum undergoes in situ reaction with DMSO before complexing with the ligand in solution. The cytotoxicity of HL, [NiL₂], [PdL₂], and [PtL(dmso)Cl] were evaluated against human colon cancer cell line (HCT-116), human cervical cancer (Hela) cell line, melanoma (B16F10) cells, and human normal endothelial cell lines (Eahy926) by MTT assay. The [NiL₂] complex displayed selective cytotoxic effect against the HCT 116 cancer cell line with IC₅₀ of 7.9 ± 0.2 μM. However, HL, [PdL₂], and [PtL(dmso)Cl] only exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity with IC₅₀ = 75.9 ± 2.4, 100.0 ± 1.8, and 101.0 ± 3.6 μM, respectively. The potent cytotoxicity of [NiL₂] was characterized using Hoechst and Rhodamine assays. The nickel complex, [NiL₂], caused remarkable nuclear condensation and reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, molecular docking studies confirms that [NiL₂] possesses significant binding efficiency with Tyrosine kinase. Altogether, the results revealed that [NiL₂] exhibits cytotoxicity against the cancer cells via Tyrosine kinase-induced proapoptosis pathway. This study demonstrates that the [NiL₂] complex could be a promising therapeutic agent against colorectal carcinoma.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 1,2,3‐triazole tethered Pyrazoline and Chalcone Derivatives

A series of pyrazoline derivatives and corresponding chalcone intermediates with substituents same as combretastatin‐A4(CA‐4) conjugated with triazole nucleus has been synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer potential. Sulphorhodamine B(SRB) assay indicated compound 12c to be the most active compound from the series with GI₅₀ value of 6.7 μm against the human liver carcinoma cell line HepG2. Interestingly, the intermediate 11c exhibited more promising cytotoxicity demonstrating GI₅₀ value of 1.3 μm against the prostate cancer cell line DU145. Compounds 11c and 12c caused accumulation of cells in G2/M phase and inhibited tubulin polymerization. Furthermore, these compounds reduce the mitochondrial membrane potential and activate caspases 3 and 9, thereby indicating their ability to trigger apoptosis.     

Trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities of flavonoids isolated from Stevia satureiifolia var. satureiifolia

Context Chagas’ disease and leishmaniasis produce significant disability and mortality with great social and economic impact. The genus Stevia (Asteraceae) is a potential source of antiprotozoal compounds.

Objective Aerial parts of four Stevia species were screened on Trypanosoma cruzi. Stevia satureiifolia (Lam.) Sch. Bip. var. satureiifolia (Asteraceae) dichloromethane extract was selected for a bioassay-guided fractionation in order to isolate its active compounds. Additionally, the antileishmanial activity and the cytotoxicity of these compounds on mammalian cells were assessed.

Materials and methods The dichloromethane extract was fractionated by column chromatography. The isolated compounds were evaluated using concentrations of 0–100?μg/mL on T. cruzi epimastigotes and on Leishmania braziliensis promastigotes for 72?h, on trypomastigotes and amastigotes of T. cruzi for 24?h and 120?h, respectively. The compounds’ cytotoxicity (12.5–500?μg/mL) was assessed on Vero cells by the MTT assay. The structure elucidation of each compound was performed by spectroscopic methods and HPLC analysis.

Results The dichloromethane extracts of Stevia species showed significant activity on T. cruzi epimastigotes. The flavonoids eupatorin (1.3%), cirsimaritin (1.9%) and 5-desmethylsinensetin (1.5%) were isolated from S. satureiifolia var. satureiifolia extract. Eupatorin and 5-desmethylsinensetin showed IC₅₀ values of 0.2 and 0.4?μg/mL on T. cruzi epimastigotes and 61.8 and 75.1?μg/mL on trypomastigotes, respectively. The flavonoid 5-desmethylsinensetin showed moderate activity against T. cruzi amastigotes (IC_50? value?=_?78.7?μg/mL) and was the most active compound on L. braziliensis promastigotes (IC_50? value?=_?37.0?μg/mL). Neither of the flavonoids showed cytotoxicity on Vero cells, up to a concentration of 500?μg/mL.     

Additive effects of a cholinesterase inhibitor and a histamine inverse agonist on scopolamine deficits in humans

Rationale

Enhancement of histaminergic neurotransmission or histaminergic plus cholinergic neurotransmission may represent novel strategies for improving cognition in Alzheimer's disease.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of a novel histamine H3 receptor inverse agonist (MK-3134), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (donepezil), and their combination in attenuating the cognitive impairment associated with scopolamine.

Methods

Thirty-one subjects were randomized, and 28 completed this double-blind, placebo-controlled, five-period crossover study. Cognition was assessed using the Groton Maze Learning Task (GMLT) as the primary outcome measure. The two primary hypotheses were that donepezil 10?mg and MK-3134 25?mg, respectively, would attenuate scopolamine (0.5?mg)-induced impairment as measured by the GMLT over the first 12?h after scopolamine administration (AUC_1?C12? _h). A secondary hypothesis was that the combination of donepezil and MK-3134 would attenuate scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment to a greater extent than either agent alone as measured by the GMLT AUC_1?C12?h.

Results

The primary and secondary hypotheses were not met. Upon examining the time course of the scopolamine effects (an exploratory objective), peak effects were generally observed around 2?h after scopolamine administration. Administration of MK-3134 or donepezil improved performance on the GMLT at the 2-h time point, rather than AUC_1?C12?h, compared with scopolamine alone. Moreover, it appeared that the combination of MK-3134 and donepezil blunted the scopolamine effect to a greater extent than either drug alone.

Conclusions

Exploratory analyses provide evidence for cognitive improvement through inverse agonism of the H3 histamine receptor and for cooperation between human cholinergic and histaminergic neurotransmitter systems. (ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration number: NCT01181310)     

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of ZnO and Al2O3 nanoparticles

Abstract

Objectives: Metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs and Al₂O₃-NPs) are used in many fields, including consumer products and biomedical applications. As a result, exposure to these NPs is highly frequent, however, no conclusive information on their potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity mechanisms are available. For this reason, we studied cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ZnO-NPs and Al₂O₃-NPs on human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Materials and methods: We obtained our goals by using MTT assay, Annexin V-FITC flow cytometry, and alkaline, neural and pH 12.1 versions of comet assay.

Results: Exposure of lymphocytes to both NPs for 24?h slightly decreased viability of lymphocytes at ≥0.5?mM. For the first time, we revealed using the comet assays that both ZnO-NPs and Al₂O₃-NPs caused a concentration-dependent increase of DNA single-strand breaks, but not alkali-labile sites. Treatment with DNA glycosylases showed that the NPs induced oxidative DNA damage. DNA damage caused by both nanoparticles at 0.05?mM was removed within 120?min, however lymphocytes did not repair DNA damage induced by 0.5?mM NPs. Studied nanoparticles did not induce apoptosis in lymphocytes.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that ZnO-NPs and Al₂O₃-NPs at concentration up to 0.5?mM did not exhibit cytotoxic effect but may exert genotoxic effect on lymphocytes, at least partially by the generation of oxidative DNA damage and strand breaks.     

Novel blockers of hyperpolarization-activated current with isoform selectivity in recombinant cells and native tissue

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Selective hyperpolarization activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (HCN) blockers represent an important therapeutic goal due to the wide distribution and multiple functions of these proteins, representing the molecular correlate of f- and h-current (I_f or I_h). Recently, new compounds able to block differentially the homomeric HCN isoforms expressed in HEK293 have been synthesized. In the present work, the electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of these new HCN blockers were characterized and their activities evaluated on native channels.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

HEK293 cells expressing mHCN1, mHCN2 and hHCN4 isoforms were used to verify channel blockade. Selected compounds were tested on native guinea pig sinoatrial node cells and neurons from mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) by patch-clamp recordings and on dog Purkinje fibres by intracellular recordings.

KEY RESULTS

In HEK293 cells, EC18 was found to be significantly selective for HCN4 and MEL57A for HCN1 at physiological membrane potential. When tested on guinea pig sinoatrial node cells, EC18 (10 µM) maintained its activity, reducing I_f by 67% at −120 mV, while MEL57A (3 µM) reduced I_f by 18%. In contrast, in mouse DRG neurons, only MEL57A (30 and 100 µM) significantly reduced I_h by 60% at −80 mV. In dog cardiac Purkinje fibres, EC18, but not MEL57A, reduced the amplitude and slowed the slope of the spontaneous diastolic depolarization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results have identified novel and highly selective HCN isoform blockers, EC18 and MEL57A; the selectivity found in recombinant system was maintained in various tissues expressing different HCN isoforms.     

In vitro anti-cancer activity of chamaejasmenin B and neochamaejasmin C isolated from the root of Stellera chamaejasme L

Aim:

To examine the anti-cancer effects of chamaejasmenin B and neochamaejasmin C, two biflavonones isolated from the root of Stellera chamaejasme L (known as the traditional Chinese herb Rui Xiang Lang Du) in vitro.

Methods:

Human liver carcinoma cell lines (HepG2 and SMMC-7721), a human non-small cell lung cancer cell line (A549), human osteosarcoma cell lines (MG63, U2OS, and KHOS), a human colon cancer cell line (HCT-116) and a human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) were used. The anti-proliferative effects of the compounds were measured using SRB cytotoxicity assay. DNA damage was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were assessed using flow cytometry analysis. The expression of the related proteins was examined with Western blotting analysis.

Results:

Both chamaejasmenin B and neochamaejasmin C exerted potent anti-proliferative effects in the 8 human solid tumor cell lines. Chamaejasmenin B (the IC₅₀ values ranged from 1.08 to 10.8 μmol/L) was slightly more potent than neochamaejasmin C (the IC₅₀ values ranged from 3.07 to 15.97 μmol/L). In the most sensitive A549 and KHOS cells, the mechanisms underlying the anti-proliferative effects were characterized. The two compounds induced prominent expression of the DNA damage marker γ-H2AX as well as apoptosis. Furthermore, treatment of the cells with the two compounds caused prominent G₀/G₁ phase arrest.

Conclusion:

Chamaejasmenin B and neochamaejasmin C are potential anti-proliferative agents in 8 human solid tumor cell lines in vitro via inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and DNA damage.     

In vitro evaluation of the toxicity induced by nickel soluble and particulate forms in human airway epithelial cells

Epidemiological studies show that exposure to nickel (Ni) compounds is associated with a variety of pulmonary adverse health effects, such as lung inflammation, fibrosis, emphysema and tumours. However, the mechanisms leading to pulmonary toxicity are not yet fully elucidated. In the current study we used Calu-3, a well differentiated human bronchial cell line, to investigate in vitro the effect of Ni in soluble form (NiCl₂) and in the form of micro-sized Ni particles on the airway epithelium. For this purpose, we evaluated the effect of Ni compounds on the epithelial barrier integrity by monitoring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and on oxidative stress pathways by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and induction of stress-inducible genes. Our results showed that exposure to NiCl₂ and Ni particles resulted in a disruption of the epithelial barrier function observed by alterations in TEER, which occurred prior to the decrease in cell viability. Moreover, Ni compounds induced oxidative stress associated with ROS formation and up-regulation of the stress-inducible genes, Metallothionein 1X (MT1X), Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), Heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX-1), and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γGCS). Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the induced effects by Ni compounds can be partially attributed to the increase in Ni ions (Ni²⁺) intracellular levels.     

In vitro screening of metal oxide nanoparticles for effects on neural function using cortical networks on microelectrode arrays

Nanoparticles (NPs) may translocate to the brain following inhalation or oral exposures, yet higher throughput methods to screen NPs for potential neurotoxicity are lacking. The present study examined effects of 5 CeO₂ (5– 1288?nm), and 4 TiO₂ (6–142?nm) NPs and microparticles (MP) on network function in primary cultures of rat cortex on 12 well microelectrode array (MEA) plates. Particles were without cytotoxicity at concentrations ≤50?µg/ml. After recording 1?h of baseline activity prior to particle (3–50?µg/ml) exposure, changes in the total number of spikes (TS) and # of active electrodes (#AEs) were assessed 1, 24, and 48?h later. Following the 48?h recording, the response to a challenge with the GABA_A antagonist bicuculline (BIC; 25?µM) was assessed. In all, particles effects were subtle, but 69?nm CeO₂ and 25?nm TiO₂ NPs caused concentration-related decreases in TS following 1?h exposure. At 48?h, 5 and 69?nm CeO₂ and 25 and 31?nm TiO₂ decreased #AE, while the two MPs increased #AEs. Following BIC, only 31?nm TiO₂ produced concentration-related decreases in #AEs, while 1288?nm CeO₂ caused concentration-related increases in both TS and #AE. The results indicate that some metal oxide particles cause subtle concentration-related changes in spontaneous and/or GABA_A receptor-mediated neuronal activity in vitro at times when cytotoxicity is absent, and that MEAs can be used to screen and prioritize nanoparticles for neurotoxicity hazard.