Cristian Vergallo

Effect of 6 mT static magnetic field on the bcl-2, bax, p53 and hsp70 expression in freshly isolated and in vitro aged human lymphocytes

An increasing number of evidence indicates that static magnetic fields (SMFs) are capable of altering apoptosis, mainly through modulation of Ca(2+) influx. Here we present data that suggest apoptotic-related gene expression as an alternative pathway, through which exposure to 6milliTesla (mT) SMF can interfere with apoptosis. Exposure to 6mT SMF affects the apoptotic rate (spontaneous and drug-induced) and [Ca(2+)](i) in isolated human lymphocytes; the aged cells are more susceptible to exposure than fresh ones. The exposure to 6mT exerted a protective effect on chemical or physical-induced apoptosis, irrespective of the age of the cells. The investigation of the gene expression of bcl-2, bax, p53 and hsp70 in freshly isolated and in culture-aged human lymphocytes indicates that these genes are modulated by SMF exposure in the experimental conditions used, in a gene-, age- and time-dependent manner. The exposure of isolated lymphocytes to SMF for up to 24h modulated increased bax and p53 and decreased hsp70, and bcl-2. The amount of increment and/or decrement of the proteins varied for each gene examined and was independent of the apoptotic inducers. Finally, the same stress applied to freshly isolated or aged lymphocytes resulted in different modulation of bcl-2, bax and hsp70.

In Vitro Analysis of the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Inhomogeneous Static Magnetic Field-Exposure on Human Macrophages and Lymphocytes

The effect of inhomogeneous static magnetic field (SMF)-exposure on the production of different cytokines from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBC), i.e., lymphocytes and macrophages, was tested in vitro. Some cultures were activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at time point −3 h and were either left alone (positive control) or exposed to SMF continuously from 0 until 6, 18, or 24 h. The secretion of interleukin IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor TNF-α, and IL-10 was tested by ELISA. SMF-exposure caused visible morphological changes on macrophages as well as on lymphocytes, and also seemed to be toxic to lymphocytes ([36.58; 41.52]%, 0.308≤p≤0.444), but not to macrophages (<1.43%, p≥0.987). Analysis of concentrations showed a significantly reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α from macrophages compared to negative control ([56.78; 87.52]%, p = 0.031) and IL-6 compared to positive control ([45.15; 56.03]%, p = 0.035). The production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 from macrophages and from lymphocytes was enhanced compared to negative control, significantly from lymphocytes ([−183.62; −28.75]%, p = 0.042). The secretion of IL-6 from lymphocytes was significantly decreased compared to positive control ([−115.15; −26.84]%, p = 0.039). This massive in vitro evidence supports the hypotheses that SMF-exposure (i) is harmful to lymphocytes in itself, (ii) suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, and (iii) assists the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10; thus providing a background mechanism of the earlier in vivo demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of SMF-exposure.

Impact of Inhomogeneous Static Magnetic Field (31.7–232.0 mT) Exposure on Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells during Cisplatin Administration

Beneficial or adverse effects of Static Magnetic Fields (SMFs) are a large concern for the scientific community. In particular, the effect of SMF exposure during anticancer therapies still needs to be fully elucidated. Here, we evaluate the effects of SMF at induction levels that cisPt-treated cancer patients experience during the imaging process conducted in Low field (200–500 mT), Open field (300–700 mT) and/or inhomogeneous High field (1.5–3 T) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. Human adrenergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells treated with 0.1 µM cisPt (i.e. the lowest concentration capable of inducing apoptosis) were exposed to SMF and their response was studied in vitro. Exposure of 0.1 µM cisPt-treated cells to SMF for 2 h decreased cell viability (30%) and caused overexpression of the apoptosis-related cleaved caspase-3 protein (46%). Furthermore, increase in ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) production (23%) and reduction in the number of mitochondria vs controls were seen. The sole exposure of SMF for up to 24 h had no effect on cell viability but increased ROS production and modified cellular shape. On the other hand, the toxicity of cisPt was significantly prevented during 24 h exposure to SMF as shown by the levels of cell viability, cleaved caspase-3 and ROS production. In conclusion, due to the cytoprotective effect of 31.7–232.0 mT SMF on low-cisPt-concentration-treated SH-SY5Y cells, our data suggest that exposure to various sources of SMF in cancer patients under a cisPt regimen should be strictly controlled.

Morphofunctional study of 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl‐13‐phorbol acetate (TPA)‐induced differentiation of U937 cells under exposure to a 6 mT static magnetic field

This study deals with the morphofunctional influence of 72 h exposure to a 6 mT static magnetic field (SMF) during differentiation induced by 50 ng/ml 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-phorbol acetate (TPA) in human leukaemia U937 cells. The cell morphology of U937 cells was investigated by optic and electron microscopy. Specific antibodies and/or molecules were used to label CD11c, CD14, phosphatidylserine, F-actin and to investigate the distribution and activity of lysosomes, mitochondria and SER. [Ca(2+)](i) was evaluated with a spectrophotometer. The degree of differentiation in SMF-exposed cells was lower than that of non-exposed cells, the difference being exposure time-dependent. SMF-exposed cells showed cell shape and F-actin modification, inhibition of cell attachment, appearance of membrane roughness and large blebs and impaired expression of specific macrophagic markers on the cell surface. The intracellular localization of SER and lysosomes was only partially affected by exposure. A significant localization of mitochondria with an intact membrane potential at the cell periphery in non-exposed, TPA-stimulated cells was observed; conversely, in the presence of SMF, mitochondria were mainly localised near the nucleus. In no case did SMF exposure affect cell viability. The sharp intracellular increase of [Ca(2+)](i) could be one of the causes of the above-described changes.

Glucose capped silver nanoparticles induce cell cycle arrest in HeLa cells

This study aims to determine the interaction (uptake and biological effects on cell viability and cell cycle progression) of glucose capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-G) on human epithelioid cervix carcinoma (HeLa) cells, in relation to amount, 2×103 or 2×104 NPs/cell, and exposure time, up to 48h. The spherical and well dispersed AgNPs (30±5nm) were obtained by using glucose as reducing agent in a green synthesis method that ensures to stabilize AgNPs avoiding cytotoxic soluble silver ions Ag+ release. HeLa cells take up abundantly and rapidly AgNPs-G resulting toxic to cells in amount and incubation time dependent manner. HeLa cells were arrested at S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle and subG1 population increased when incubated with 2×104 AgNPs-G/cell. Mitotic index decreased accordingly. The dissolution experiments demonstrated that the observed effects were due only to AgNPs-G since glucose capping prevents Ag+ release. The AgNPs-G influence on HeLa cells viability and cell cycle progression suggest that AgNPs-G, alone or in combination with chemotherapeutics, may be exploited for the development of novel antiproliferative treatment in cancer therapy. However, the possible influence of the cell cycle on cellular uptake of AgNPs-G and the mechanism of AgNPs entry in cells need further investigation.

Administration Dependent Antioxidant Effect of Carica papaya Seeds Water Extract

Carica papaya is widely used in folk medicine as herbal remedy to prevent, protect against, and cure several diseases. These curative properties are based on the presence in different parts of the plant of phytochemical nutrients with antioxidant effect. Seeds are the less exploited part; thus this study is aimed at assessing the antioxidant activities of the C. papaya seeds water extract against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidative stress in human skin Detroit 550 fibroblasts. C. papaya seeds water extract is not toxic and acts as a potent free radical scavenger, providing protection to Detroit 550 fibroblasts that underwent H2O2 oxidative stress. Data show that (i) the maximum protective effect is achieved by the simultaneous administration of the extract with 1 mM H2O2; (ii) the extract in presence of an oxidative stress does not increase catalase activity and prevents the release of cytochrome C and the inner mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψ m) loss; (iii) the extract is more efficient than vitamin C to hamper the oxidative damage; (iv) the purified subfractions of the seeds water extract exert the same antioxidant effect of whole extract. In conclusion, C. papaya seeds water extract is potentially useful for protection against oxidative stress.

Silver and carbon nanoparticles toxicity in sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus embryos

Abstract Environment hazards and risks of engineered NanoParticles (NPs) have been debated in recent years. In this paper, the effects of silver (Ag) and carbon (C) NPs were explored in sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (P. lividus) development. Fertilization and development of P. lividus up to the pluteus stage were assayed in the presence of increasing amounts of NPs. The embryotoxicity test performed on sea urchin P. lividus, from fertilization until the larva stage, revealed that both AgNPs and CNPs were embryotoxic since they caused embryo malformations and alteration of the normal progression through the development stages. Embryonic development was slowed down by AgNPs and sped up by CNPs. Interestingly, AgNPs-induced malformations led embryos to die in a concentration-dependent manner; while embryos bearing CNPs-induced malformations survived for a longer time.

Environmental Factors Affecting Phagocytosis of Dying Cells:Smoking and Static Magnetic Fields

Cell surface modifications are fundamental for the correct and fast removal of apoptotic cells. These changes include the appearance of tethering molecules on the surface of apoptotic cells, the externalization of PS, oxidation of phospholipids and qualitative and quantitative changes in surface sugars and ICAM-3. Phagocytes, both professional and non-professional, use specific receptors that bind to the apoptotic cells either directly or through bridging molecules. In non-pathological conditions, apoptotic cells are normally cleared via an anti-inflammatory pathway. In contrast, the uptake and removal of necrotic cells normally involves inflammation and an immune response. Besides the “eat me” signals on the dying cells, phagocytes can also recognize “leave-me-alone” signals on healthy cells. The correct repertoire of molecules exposed on the cell surfaces prevents the engulfment of living undamaged cells. Thus, any factors influencing cell surface molecule expression on both phagocytes and/or apoptotic cells can in turn affect recognition of living and/or apoptotic cells. One such factor is cigarette smoke, which contains highly reactive carbonyls, which can modify proteins that directly or indirectly affect cellular functions. Moreover cigarette smoke is a major etiological factor in the development of COPD, in which apoptosis and defective PACs play a fundamental role. Another environmental factor that may interfere with the normal correct exposure of molecules on cell surfaces is exposure to (S)MFs. Despite the multiplicity of experimental conditions (i.e. in vitro or in vivo models, intensity and type of field, time of exposure, metabolic state of the cells, etc), converging data indicate that the primary site of action of (S)MFs and (E)MFs is the plasma membrane: i.e. they affect the electrochemical balance of the membrane, the distribution of membrane proteins and membrane receptors, cell-cell and cell-matrix junctions, sugar residues on cell membranes and trans-membrane fluxes of various ions, especially calcium. The effects of cigarette smoke and SMF exposure on the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells will be discussed in this chapter.

Effects of extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (ELF-PEMFs) on glioblastoma cells (U87)

ABSTRACT The impact of extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (ELF-PEMFs) at various frequencies and amplitudes was investigated on cell cycle, apoptosis and viability of the Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) cell line (U87), in vitro. The GBM is a malignant brain tumor with high mortality in humans and poorly responsive to the most common type of cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. U87 cells with five experimental groups (I–V) were exposed to various ELF-PEMFs for 2, 4 and 24 h, as follows: (I) no exposure, control; (II) 50 Hz 100 ± 15 G; (III) 100 Hz 100 ± 15 G; (IV) 10 Hz 50 ± 10 G; (V) 50 Hz 50 ± 10 G. The morphology properties, cell viability and gene expression of proteins involved in cell cycle regulation (Cyclin-D1 and P53) and apoptosis (Caspase-3) were investigated. After 24 h, the cell viability and Cyclin-D1 expression increased in Group II (30%, 45%), whereas they decreased in Groups III (29%, 31%) and IV (21%, 34%); P53 and Caspase-3 elevated only in Group III; and no significant difference was observed in Group V, respectively, compared with the control (p < 0.05). The data suggest that the proliferation and apoptosis of human GBM are influenced by exposure to ELF-PEMFs in different time-dependent frequencies and amplitudes. The fact that some of the ELF-PEMFs frequencies and amplitudes favor U87 cells proliferation indicates precaution for the use of medical devices related to the MFs on cancer patients. On the other hand, some other ELF-PEMFs frequencies and intensities arresting U87 cells growth could open the way to develop novel therapeutic approaches.

Cytotoxicity of β-D-glucose coated silver nanoparticles on human lymphocytes

This study deals with the cytotoxicity of 30 nm sized β-D-Glucose-coated silver NanoParticles (AgNPs-G) on human lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood. Human lymphocytes were treated with different amounts (2 or 10×103 NPs/cell) of AgNPs-G for 24hs. AgNPs-G toxicity was assayed with MTT test and morphological observations. Further evaluation included: (i) ROS generation (NBT assay) and (ii) absorption/uptake of AgNPs-G by lymphocytes (GF-AAS). As a general result, AgNPs-G were absorbed/taken up by lymphocytes and cytotoxicity and morphology changes were amount and time-dependent. By incubating cells with the highest NPs amount, only 10% viable lymphocytes were found at the end of experimental time. Parallel to cytotoxicity, morphological modifications and ROS generation were induced, thus supporting the increasing cell deaths. Interestingly, the lower amount of AgNPs-G increased cell viability as the glucose did. Our findings suggest that AgNPs-G-induced cytotoxicity depends on NPs amount and provide...