Studying peculiarities of chronic kidney disease in patients with concomitant obesity

Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, UkraineIntroduction. Recently, much attention is paid to the study of obesity and overweight influence on the forecast of chronic kidney disease. The negative impact of overweight on renal function is still poorly understood

Photosensitization of pancreatic cancer cells by cationic alkyl-porphyrins in free form or engrafted into POPC liposomes: The relationship between delivery mode and mechanism of cell death

Cationic porphyrins bearing an alkyl side chain of 14 (2b) or 18 (2d) carbons dramatically inhibit proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells following treatment with light. We have compared two different ways of delivering porphyrin 2d: either in free form or engrafted into palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine liposomes (L-2d). Cell cytometry shows that while free 2d is taken up by pancreatic cancer cells by active (endocytosis) and passive (membrane fusion) transports, L-2d is internalized solely by endocytosis. Confocal microscopy showed that free 2d co-localizes with the cell membrane and lysosomes, whereas L-2d partly co-localizes with lysosomes and ER. It is found that free 2d inhibits the KRAS-Nrf2-GPX4 axis and strongly triggers lipid peroxidation, resulting in cell death by ferroptosis. By contrast, L-2d does not affect the KRAS-Nrf2-GPX4 axis and activates cell death mainly through apoptosis. Overall, our study demonstrates for the first time that cationic alkyl porphyrins, which have a IC50 ~ 23 nM, activate a dual mechanism of cell death, ferroptosis and apoptosis, where the predominant form depends on the delivery mode

Addressing Financial Exclusion through Financial Literacy training programs: a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract The development of financial literacy (FL) is significantly influenced by financial literacy training programs (FLTPs), which aid in creating an ecosystem that is more inclusive and participative. This study reviewed 22 studies on FLTPs for marginalised women in developed and developing countries. It seeks to comprehend (a) the characteristics of FLTPs and (b) the impact of FLTPs on women’s financial behaviour. The findings highlight that existing research has demonstrated an overall improvement in post-training financial behaviour, particularly in bank ownership, savings, and expenditure. This indicates that FL programs and interventions can positively impact women’s financial inclusion and empowerment. However, the study also acknowledges the need for further research to delve into women’s specific challenges in various regions and contexts. Understanding these unique challenges is crucial for developing targeted strategies that address women’s particular needs and circumstances in different situations. This study provides valuable insights and guidance to various stakeholders – practitioners, academics, and policymakers – enabling them to make informed decisions and implement impactful measures to promote FL and inclusion among women

Conformational stability of peroxidase from the latex of Artocarpus lakoocha: influence of pH, chaotropes, and temperature

The latex of the medicinal plant Artocarpus lakoocha (A. lakoocha), which has been shown to have potential anti-inflammatory and wound-healing capabilities, contains a novel heme-peroxidase. This protein was subjected to activity assays, fluorescence spectroscopy, and far-UV circular dichroism to investigate its structure, dynamics, and stability. The results demonstrated the presence of three folding states: the native state (N) at neutral pH, intermediate states including molten globule (MG) at pH 2 and acid-unfolded (UA) at pH 1.5 or lower, and acid-refolded (A) at pH 0.5, along with alkaline denatured (UB) at pH 8-12 and the third denatured state (D) at GuHCl concentrations exceeding 5 M. Absorbance studies indicated the presence of loosely associated form of heme in the pH range of 1-2. The protein showed stability and structural integrity across a wide pH range (3-10), temperature (70°C), and high concentrations of GuHCl (5 M) and urea (8 M). This study is the first to report multiple ‘partially folded intermediate states’ of A. lakoocha peroxidase, with varying amounts of secondary structure, stability, and compactness. These results demonstrate the high stability of A. lakoocha peroxidase and its potential for biotechnological and industrial applications, making it a valuable model system for further studies on its structure-function relationship

hnRNPA1/UP1 Unfolds KRAS G-Quadruplexes and Feeds a Regulatory Axis Controlling Gene Expression

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