Autophagy,mitochondria and 3-nitropropionic acid joined in the same model

Huntington''s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the huntingtin protein. Although the precise mechanism by which neuronal degeneration occurs is still unclear, several elements are important to its development: (1) altered gene expression and protein synthesis, (2) mitochondrial damage and (3) improper regulation of the autophagy programme. In this issue of British Journal of Pharmacology, Galindo and co-workers provide the first evidence for a role of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in mitochondrial fragmentation and autophagy activation. In a model of cell death induced by 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) in human neural cells, the authors describe clear functions for mPTP and Bax, but not the mitochondrial fusion/fission machinery, mitochondrial fragmentation and autophagy (mitophagy). This commentary summarises the significance of this relationship and suggests several points for future development.     

Potentialité des huiles essentielles dans la lutte biologique contre la mouche blanche Bemisia tabaci Genn.

The essential oils of the three aromatic plants Lippia multiflora, Melaleuca leucadendron and Erigeron floribundus collected in Ivory Coast were analyzed by GC and GC/MS; their chemical compositions were compared to those of their headspace extracted by a Monotrap method. The major components of Lippia multiflora essential oil were the same in its headspace: linalool, 1,8-cineole, (E)-nerolidol and citral. The essential oil of Melaleuca leucadendron as well as its headspace were dominated by 1,8-cineole, viridiflorol and α-terpineol. Limonene, (Z)-β-farnesene, (E)-β-caryophyllene and (Z)-methyl lachnophyllate were the major components of Erigeron floribundus essential oil while its headspace was characterized by high amounts of limonene, myrcene and germacrene D. The essential oils were tested against Bemisia tabaci using a fumigation method. The three samples presented an insecticidal activity after 24 hours. Nevertheless, Erigeron floribundus essential oil was less efficient compared to the other ones. The relationship chemical composition/biological activity and the potential uses of these essential oils as biopesticides are discussed.     

Induction of cancer cell death by apoptosis and slow release of 5-fluoracil from metal-organic frameworks Cu-BTC

This study aimed to evaluate the mechanism associated with cytotoxic activity displayed by the drug 5-fluorouracil incorporated in Cu-BTC MOF and its slow delivery from the Cu-BTC MOF. Structural characterization encompasses elemental analysis (CHNS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), Fournier transform infrared (FIT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to verify the process of association between the drug 5-FU and Cu-BTC MOF. Flow cytometry was done to indicate that apoptosis is the mechanism responsible for the cell death. The release profile of the drug 5-FU from Cu-BTC MOF for 48 hours was obeisant. Also, the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the peritonitis testing and the production of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured. The chemical characterization of the material indicated the presence of drug associated with the coordination network in a proportion of 0.82 g 5-FU per 1.0 g of Cu-BTC MOF. The cytotoxic tests were carried out against four cell lines: NCI-H292, MCF-7, HT29 and HL60. The Cu-BTC MOF associated drug was extremely cytotoxic against the human breast cancer adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line and against human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL60), cancer cells were killed by apoptosis mechanisms. The drug demonstrated a slow release profile where 82% of the drug was released in 48 hours. The results indicated that the drug incorporated in Cu-BTC MOF decreased significantly the number of leukocytes in the peritoneal cavity of rodents as well as reduced levels of cytokines and nitric oxide production.