Suzan Cinar

β-carotene treatment alters the cellular death process in oxidative stress-induced K562 cells†

Oxidizing agents (e.g., H2O2) cause structural and functional disruptions of molecules by affecting lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. As a result, cellular mechanisms related to disrupted macro molecules are affected and cell death is induced. Oxidative damage can be prevented at a certain point by antioxidants or the damage can be reversed. In this work, we studied the cellular response against oxidative stress induced by H2O2 and antioxidant–oxidant (β‐carotene–H2O2) interactions in terms of time, concentration, and treatment method (pre‐, co‐, and post) in K562 cells. We showed that co‐ or post‐treatment with β‐carotene did not protect cells from the damage of oxidative stress furthermore co‐ and post‐β‐carotene‐treated oxidative stress induced cells showed similar results with only H2O2 treated cells. However, β‐carotene pre‐treatment prevented oxidative damage induced by H2O2 at concentrations lower than 1,000 μM compared with only H2O2‐treated and co‐ and post‐β‐carotene‐treated oxidative stress‐induced cells in terms of studied cellular parameters (mitochondrial membrane potential [Δψm], cell cycle and apoptosis). Prevention effect of β‐carotene pre‐treatment was lost at concentrations higher than 1,000 μM H2O2 (2–10 mM). These findings suggest that β‐carotene pre‐treatment alters the effects of oxidative damage induced by H2O2 and cell death processes in K562 cells.

Increased eNOS levels in hereditary angioedema.

BACKGROUND Hereditary angio-edema (HAE), characterized by recurrent episodes of angioedema involving the skin and the mucosa of the upper respiratory or the gastrointestinal tracts, results from heterozygosity for deficiency of the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin), C1 inhibitor (C1-INH). OBJECTIVE In this study, serum inflammatory cytokine levels and circulating endothelial cells collected from HAE patients during both acute attacks and asymptomatic periods were evaluated. METHOD Twenty-four patients with Type I and 1 patient with Type II HAE in an asymptomatic period (Group I), 8 patients with Type I HAE during a mild to moderate acute attack (Group II) and 20 healthy subjects (13 females, mean age: 32.1±8.2years) were included. Serum IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels were detected by ELISA. Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and circulating endothelial progenitors (CEPs) were evaluated using Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS). RESULTS Serum eNOS levels of HAE patients were significantly higher than healthy subjects (p<0.006) while mean TNF-α levels in Group I were slightly lower (p<0.03) than Group II. There were no differences in terms of other inflammatory cytokines between the control subjects and HAE patients who were either in an asymptomatic period or experiencing an acute attack. CECs and CEPs were also similar. CONCLUSION These results suggest that an inflammatory response is not necessary to trigger HAE attacks. On the other hand, increased eNOS levels might reflect a sustained hyperpermeability state in HAE patients.

Relationship between lymphocytes, IL2 and the hormones E2, LH, PRG and FSH in menopausal and postmenopausal women.

Citation Akyol S, Cınar SA, Purisa S, Aydinli K. Relationship between lymphocytes, IL2 and the hormones E2, LH, PRG and FSH in menopausal and postmenopausal women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 304–309

Evaluation of PAX5 gene in the early stages of leukemic B cells in the childhood B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a common subtype of acute leukemia in children. PAX5 plays a central role in B-cell development and differentiation. In this study, we analyzed PAX5 expression levels, transactivation domain mutations/deletions in B-ALL patients (n=115) and healthy controls (n=10). Relative PAX5 mRNA levels were significantly increased in B-ALL patients (p<0.0001). PAX5 expression was also evaluated in three different B-ALL subgroups (pro B, Common B and Pre B ALL) and showed stage specific expression levels. Pro B (p=0.04) and pre B (p=0.04) patients showed significantly high PAX5 mRNA levels compared to stage specific controls. At least one deletion of exons 7-8 or 9 has been identified in the 41% of the patients. CD34 positivity in patients and presence of large deletions (Δ7/8/9) showed a significant correlation (p=0.05). None of our patients showed PAX5 point mutations, but two previously identified SNPs (rs3780135 and rs35469494) were detected. Our results support that PAX5 is a critical factor in B-ALL development and aberrant PAX5 expression especially at early stages may leads to leukemic transformation.

Synergistic growth inhibitory effect of deracoxib with doxorubicin against a canine mammary tumor cell line, CMT-U27.

Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have been shown to exert anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor activities on many types of malignant tumors. These anticancer properties make it worthwhile to examine the possible benefit of combining COX inhibitors with other anti-cancer agents. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of deracoxib (DER) in potentiating antitumor activity of doxorubicin (DOX) in canine mammary carcinoma cells (CMT-U27). DER (50–250 µM) enhanced the antiproliferative activity of DOX by reducing the IC50 (approximately 3- to 3.5 fold). Interaction analysis of the data showed that combinations of DOX at 0.9 µM with DER (100–250 µM) produced synergism in the CMT-U27 cell line, with a ratio index ranging from 1.98 to 2.33. In additional studies identifying the mechanism of observed synergistic effect, we found that DER strongly potentiated DOX-caused G0/G1 arrest in cell cycle progression. Also, DER (100–250 µM) augmented apoptosis induction with approximately 1.35- and 1.37- fold increases in apoptotic response caused by DOX in the cells. DER enhanced the antiproliferative effect of DOX in conjunction with induction of apoptosis by modulation of Bcl-2 expression and changes in the cell cycle of the CMT-U27 cell line. Although the exact molecular mechanism of the alterations in the cell cycle and apoptosis observed with DER and DOX combinations require further investigations, the results suggest that the synergistic effect of DOX and DER combinations in CMT therapy may be achieved at relatively lower doses of DOX with lesser side effects. Therefore, combining DER with DOX may prove beneficial in the clinical treatment of canine mammary cancer.

The Effects of Piroxicam and Deracoxib on Canine Mammary Tumour Cell Line

Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, already widely used for the treatment of pain and inflammation, are considered as promising compounds for the prevention and treatment of neoplasia. The aim of our study was to determine the direct antiproliferative effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), piroxicam and deracoxib, at a variety of concentrations as both single and combined treatments on canine mammary carcinoma cell line CMT-U27 and to understand the mechanisms of cell death. MTT assay was performed to determine cell viability, and flow cytometric analyses were performed to evaluate apoptosis and cell cycle alterations. Significant decrease in cell viability was observed at high concentrations of piroxicam and deracoxib in both single and combined treatments after 72 h incubation. Combined treatment produced a significantly greater inhibition than that caused by either agent alone. Also apoptotic cell number was increased by both drugs at the cytotoxic concentrations. However, concomitant treatment of cells with piroxicam and deracoxib resulted in significant induction of apoptosis at lower concentrations and accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase. Significant cytotoxic effects exhibited by the combination of piroxicam and deracoxib against canine mammary carcinoma cells in vitro suggest an attractive approach for the treatment of canine mammary carcinoma.

The immune system as a chronotoxicity target of the anticancer mTOR inhibitor everolimus

ABSTRACT The circadian timing system controls many biological functions in mammals including xenobiotic metabolism, detoxification, cell proliferation, apoptosis and immune functions. Everolimus is a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, whose immunosuppressant properties are both desired in transplant patients and unwanted in cancer patients, where it is indicated for its antiproliferative efficacy. Here we sought whether everolimus circadian timing would predictably modify its immunosuppressive effects so as to optimize this drug through timing. C57BL/6J mice were synchronized with light-dark 12h:12h, with L onset at Zeitgeber Time (ZT) 0. Everolimus was administered orally to male (5 mg/kg/day) and female mice (15 mg/kg/day) at ZT1, during early rest span or at ZT13, during early activity span for 4 weeks. Body weight loss, as well as hematological, immunological and biochemical toxicities, were determined. Spleen and thymus were examined histologically. Everolimus toxicity was less severe following dosing at ZT13, as compared to ZT1, as shown with least body weight inhibition in both genders; least reductions in thymus weight both in males (p < 0.01) and females (p < 0.001), least reduction in female spleen weight (p < 0.05), and less severe thymic medullar atrophy both in males (p < 0.001) and females (p < 0.001). The mean circulating counts in total leukocytes, total lymphocytes, T-helper and B lymphocytes displayed minor and non-significant changes following dosing at ZT13, while they were decreased by 56.9% (p < 0.01), 45.5% (p < 0.01), 43.1% (p < 0.05) and 48.7% (p < 0.01) after everolimus at ZT1, respectively, in only male mice. Chronotherapy of everolimus is an effective way to increase the general tolerability and decrease toxicity on the immune system.

Species and number of bacterium may alternate IL-1β levels in the odontogenic cyst fluid

Abstract Objectives The role of oral bacteria in the etiopathogenesis of odontogenic cysts (OC) is controversial. Immune response is regulated by the cytokines secreted during infection. This study aims to describe the association in between bacteria and levels of cytokines in OC. Methods Infected OC fluid samples were obtained from 25 odontogenic keratocysts and 14 radicular cysts (RC). Bacteria detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction on bacterial 16S rRNA genes. Cytokine levels in OC fluids were determined using “luminex” method. Results Porphyromonas gingivalis was the most common bacteria in all samples (41.03%). Bacteria species number was higher in RCs. The significant difference was detected in terms of interleukine (IL)-1β levels to the number of bacteria contained in cyst fluids (p<0.05). IL1-β level of cyst fluid group containing three or more species of bacteria increased compared with cyst fluid group containing two types of bacteria (p<0.05). IL-1β level was high in cyst fluids with Campylobacter rectus and Treponema denticola or with three or more bacteria species. IL-1β level was higher in the cyst fluids with Enterococcus faecalis negative than E. faecalis positives. Conclusions Our results suggest that species and the number of bacterium may differ IL-1β levels in the OC fluid.

Nicotine reduces effectiveness of doxorubicin chemotherapy and promotes CD44+CD24‑ cancer stem cells in MCF‑7 cell populations

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in females and the second most common cause of cancer mortality after lung cancer. Cancer stem cells represent a novel approach to target cancer and reduce cancer recurrence and metastasis. Many patients with breast cancer continue to smoke after receiving their diagnosis. Nicotine is a key factor in tobacco addiction and also changes some cellular functions, such as activation of mitogenic pathways, angiogenesis and cell proliferation. In the present study, the impact of nicotine was assessed in a population of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Cluster of differentiation (CD)44+CD24− cancer stem cell population of MCF-7 cells were evaluated using flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy. Chemoresistance effects of nicotine were demonstrated in these cells. These findings demonstrated harmful effects of nicotine following metastasis of cancer, owing to the chemoresistance produced through uninterrupted smoking, which may impact the effectiveness of treatment.

A novel pathogenic frameshift variant of CD3E gene in two T-B+ NK+ SCID patients from Turkey

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is the most severe form of primary immunodeficiency, which is characterized by the dysfunction and/or absence of T lymphocytes. Early diagnosis of SCID is crucial for overall survival, and if it remains untreated, SCID is often fatal. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become a rapid, high-throughput technology, and has already been proven to be beneficial in medical diagnostics. In this study, a targeted NGS panel was developed to identify the genetic variations of SCID by using SmartChip-TE technology, and a novel pathogenic frameshift variant was found in the CD3E gene. Sanger sequencing has confirmed the segregation of the variant among patients. We found a novel deletion in the CD3E gene (NM000733.3:p.L58Hfs*9) in two T-B+ NK+ patients. The variant was not found in the databases of dbSNP, ExAC, and 1000G. One sibling in family I was homozygous and the rest of the family members were heterozygous for this variant. T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) and kappa-deleting recombination excision circle (KREC) analyses were performed for T and B cell maturation. TRECs were not detected in both patients and the KREC copy numbers were similar to the other family members. In addition, heterozygous family members showed decreased TREC levels when compared with the wild-type sibling, indicating that carrying this variant in one allele does not cause immunodeficiency, but does effect T cell proliferation. Here, we report a novel pathogenic frameshift variant in CD3E gene by using targeted NGS panel.