Comparative biodistribution in mice of cyanine dyes loaded in lipid nanoparticles

Two near infrared cyanine dyes, DiD (1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine perchlorate) and ICG (Indocyanine Green) were loaded in lipid nanoparticles (LNP). DiD-LNP and ICG-LNP presented similar physicochemical characteristics (hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity, zeta potential), encapsulation efficiency, and colloidal stability when stored in PBS buffer. However, whereas DiD had similar biodistribution than cholesteryl-1-¹⁴C-oleate ([¹⁴C]CHO, a constituent of the nanoparticle used as a reference radiotracer), ICG displayed a different biodistribution pattern, similar to that of the free dye, indicative of its immediate leakage from the nanovector after blood injection. NMR spectroscopy using Proton NOE (Nuclear Overhauser Effect) measurements showed that the localization of the dye in the lipid nanoparticles was slightly different: ICG, more amphiphilic than DiD, was found both inside the lipid core and at particle interface, whereas DiD, more hydrophobic, appeared exclusively located inside the particle core. The ICG release rate from the particles was 7% per 1 month under storage conditions (4 °C, dark, 10% of lipids), whereas no leakage could be detected for DiD. ICG leakage increased considerably in the presence of BSA 40 g/L (45% leakage in 24 h at 100 mg/mL of lipids), because of the high affinity of the fluorophore for plasma proteins. On the contrary, no DiD leakage was observed, until high dilution of the nanoparticles which triggered their dissociation (45% leakage in 24 h at 1 mg/mL of lipids). Altogether, the subtle difference in dye localization into the nanoparticles, the partial dissociation of the LNP in diluted media, and more importantly the high ICG affinity for plasma proteins, accounted for the differences observed in the fluorescence biodistribution after tail vein injection of the dye-loaded nanoparticles.     

Analysis of corticosteroid and antiepileptic drug treatment effects on heme biosynthesis mRNA expression in lower-grade gliomas: Potential implications for 5-ALA metabolization

ObjectivesIntraoperative visualization of gliomas with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) induced fluorescence constitutes a powerful technique. While visible fluorescence is typically observed in high-grade gliomas, fluorescence is considerably less common in lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) WHO grade II&III. Whereas the exact mechanisms determining fluorescence in LGGs are not fully understood, metabolization of non-fluorescent 5-ALA to fluorescent Protoporphyrin IX by specific heme biosynthesis enzymes/transporters has been identified as relevant mechanism influencing fluorescence behavior. Furthermore, recent in-vitro studies have suggested preoperative treatment with corticosteroids and anti-epileptic drugs (AED) as potential factors influencing 5-ALA induced fluorescence.MethodsThe goal of this study was thus to investigate the effect of preoperative corticosteroid/AED treatment on heme biosynthesis mRNA expression in a clinically relevant patient population. For this purpose, we analyzed the mRNA expression levels of specific heme biosynthesis factors including ALAD, HMBS, UROS, UROD, CPOX, PPOX, FECH, ABCB6, ACG2, SLC15A1 and SLC15A2, ABCB1, ABCB10 in a cohort of LGGs from “The Cancer Genome Atlas”.ResultsAltogether, 403 patients with available data on preoperative corticosteroid/AED treatment and heme biosynthesis mRNA expression were identified. Regarding corticosteroid treatment, no significant differences in expression of any of the 11 investigated heme biosynthesis factors were found. In contrast, a marginal yet statistically significant increase in SLC15A1 levels and decrease in ABCB6 levels were observed in patients with preoperative AED treatment.ConclusionWhile no significant differences in heme biosynthesis mRNA expression were observed according to preoperative corticosteroid treatment, changes in SLC15A1 as well as ABCB6 expression were detected in patients treated with AED. However, since these alterations were minor and have opposing effects on 5-ALA metabolization, our findings do not support a distinct effect of AED and corticosteroid treatment on heme biosynthesis regulation in LGGs.     

IRF5通过对巨噬细胞极化的调节影响脂质摄取及排出的探究

动脉粥样硬化（AS）是严重危害人类生命健康的一类慢性血管疾病,局部胆固醇的大量蓄积和炎症的发生是其主要原因。现已证明许多细胞因子通过调节巨噬细胞向M1及M2型的转化,影响巨噬细胞对脂质的摄取及排出。该文将阐述干扰素调节因子5（IRF5）是否通过调节巨噬细胞的极化而对巨噬细胞的脂质摄取及排出产生影响,从而为以IRF5为作用靶点治疗AS的可能性提供一些前期理论研究。     

A review of optical imaging and therapy using nanosized graphene and graphene oxide

Nanosized graphene and graphene oxide (GO) are photoluminescent due to the presence of bandgaps and edges/defects. The excellent photostability of these nanomaterials makes them superior to molecular dyes for biological imaging. They can also produce intensive heat under laser irradiation, enabling them to serve as photothermal agents for cancer treatment. In this work, recent studies on the photoluminescence of these materials, their applications for biological imaging and photothermal cancer therapy are reviewed. Properties of laser, particularly the temporal property (continuous wave or pulsed), affect its interaction with materials. Therefore, the photoluminescence and photothermal effects, as well as their applications under both single (one)-photon (continuous wave laser) and two-photon (pulsed laser) excitation were summarized and analyzed. Synergistic therapy which combines chemotherapy and photothermal therapy using these materials is also reviewed. Finally, critical issues and challenges for further research and in medical applications of these materials are analyzed.     

Fluorescence Polarization Assay and SDS-PAGE Confirms Matrilysin Degrades Fibronectin and Collagen IV whereas Gelatinase: A Degrades Collagen IV but not Fibronectin

Matrilysin and gelatinase A are hypothesized to have significant roles in uterine and ovarian function. However, proteolytic activity assays for these enzymes are limited. We describe the development of simple and rapid assays for the proteolysis of fluorescein-labeled full-length substrates, collagen IV (Col-IV) and fibronectin (FN), and demonstrate the selectivity of matrilysin (MMP-7) compared to gelatinase A (MMP-2) for fibronectin. Changes in fluorescence intensity (FIU) and fluorescence polarization (mP) resulting from the protease activity of matrilysin and gelatinase A were measured. These studies show that the fluorescently labeled substrates, Col-IV and FN, are as reliable and amenable to rapid in vitro assay as peptide substrates. In addition, they are easier to use than previously described, non-fluorescent methods. The results demonstrate that assays using full-length, biological matrix proteins are more sensitive indicators of MMP-specific substrate activity than peptide based assays.     

Effects of the Homeopathic Preparation Engystol on Interferon-γ Production by Human T-Lymphocytes

There is a growing interest in complementary medical practices, but few studies have investigated mechanisms behind the possible benefits. The effects of the homeopathic preparation Engystol on interferon-γ producing T-lymphocytes were studied in vitro. Lymphocytes were isolated from 30 healthy human volunteers and the percentage of interferon-γ producing cells was analysed by fluorescence activated cell sorting. Cells were treated with NaCl (control) or Engystol at concentrations from undiluted to 2%. All concentrations of Engystol increased the percentage of interferon-γ producing lymphocytes significantly, from a mean of 20.9% ± 10.5% to over 24%. There was no dose‐dependence of the effect at the concentrations tested.     

人髓核间充质干细胞的分离提纯方式及生物学活性鉴定

目的 :探索人髓核间充质干细胞(nucleus pulposus mesenchymal stem cells,NPMSCs)的提纯方法并鉴定其生物学活性。方法:收集3例腰椎间盘突出症患者的退变髓核组织(Pfirrmann分级均为Ⅳ级),利用酶消化法分离细胞。采用两种方法分离提纯NPMSCs,一组细胞采用贴壁法培养(贴壁组),另一组通过流式细胞分选技术利用NPMSCs表面阳性标志物CD73、CD90、CD105获得NPMSCs(流式组)。将两种方法获得的NPMSCs进行体外培养扩增,分别进行形态学观察,细胞计数试剂盒(Cell Counting Kit,CCK-8)检测增殖能力。贴壁组NPMSCs采用流式细胞分选仪在进行分选之前检测免疫表型,流式组NPMSCs在生长达80%~90%融合时进行免疫表型的检测。向成骨、成脂、成软骨诱导分化,诱导28d后分别进行茜素红染色观察其成骨能力、油红O染色观察其成脂能力、甲苯胺蓝染色观察其成软骨能力,利用Imag J软件计算染色区域所占的面积百分比。比较两组NPMSCs在形态学、免疫表型及增殖和分化能力的差异。结果:形态学观察发现,两组NPMSCs均呈漩涡状生长,贴壁组NPMSCs可见散在的单个细胞生长;流式组NPMSCs长梭形形态更长,排列更加紧密,少见散在的单个贴壁生长细胞。流式细胞分选后所得的NPMSCs占细胞总数的(89.67±2.52)%,可以进行体外培养扩增,细胞为典型的长梭形特征,漩涡状生长,在接种后12~15d达80%~90%融合,增殖能力在接种后5~13d明显高于贴壁组NPMSCs(P0.05)。流式组NPMSCs的CD73、CD90、CD105的表达率明显高于贴壁组NPMSCs(P0.05),并且低表达CD34、CD45及HLA-DR。两种方法获得的NPMSCs均能完成三系诱导分化,流式组成骨、成脂、成软骨染色区域百分比均明显高于贴壁组(P0.05)。结论:利用流式细胞分选技术从人退变髓核组织中可获得较高纯度的NPMSCs,并能进行后续培养扩增。与贴壁法获得的NPMSCs相比,流式细胞分选的NPMSCs具有更强的增殖与分化能力。