Resultative Compound Verb in Modern Chinese : A Comment on Imai(1985) and Lu(1986)

<p>A. API and DMO suppresses NF-κB DNA binding ability in HCT116 cells. HCT116 cells were treated with DMO and API at indicated doses, nuclear extracts were prepared, and 20 μg of the nuclear extract protein was used for the ELISA-based DNA-binding assay *p<0.05; **p<0.005). B & C. NF-κB responsive elements linked to a luciferase reporter gene were transfected with wild-type or dominant-negative IκB and transfected cancer cells were treated at indicated doses for 6 h and luciferase activity was measured as described in Materials and Methods section. All luciferase experiments were done in triplicate and repeated twice (*p<0.05; **p<0.005). D. API abrogates constitutive IκBα phosphorylation in dose-dependent manner in HCT116 cells. HCT116 cells were treated with different concentrations of API (0, 5, 10 and 20 μM) for 6 h and cytoplasmic extract was prepared. Lysates were resolved on SDS gel and electrotransferred to a nitrocellulose membrane and probed with anti-phospho-IκBα/IκBα. The blot was washed, exposed to HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies for 1 h, and finally examined by chemiluminescence. GAPDH was used as loading control.</p

Structure and morphological studies of curcuminoids and curcuminoid mixture

Turmeric and commercial curcumin contains curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bisdesmethoxycurcumin as major components and they exhibit potential biological applications. Controlled crystallization of curcuminioids could lead to formation of new polymorphs/with different morphological features. In this report the structure and morphological changes taking place during the crystallization of curcuminoid mixture as well as individual curcuminoid polymorphs at different temperatures have been reported. The samples have been characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, H-1 and C-13 NMR and scanning electron microscopy. Our results show that curcumin exhibit polymorphs of which curcumin form 1 (monoclinic crystal system) has rod like morphology while curcumin form 2 (orthorhombic crystal system) shows sheet like morphology. Desmethoxycurcumin and bisdesmethoxycurcumin does not exhibit polymorphism and possess spherical shape and irregular morphology respectively

The action of Echis carinatus and Naja naja venoms on human neutrophils; an emphasis on NETosis

Background: Neutrophils are the first line defense cells of the innate immunity. As a final defense, they discharge their de-condensed chromatin/DNA fibers, the NETs (Neutrophil Extracellular Traps), by a process called NETosis. Two types of NETosis have been currently described: the suicidal/delayed/classical-type, which is ROS dependent that results in the ejection of nuclear DNA, and the vital/rapid/early-type, which may or may not require ROS but, eject nuclear/mitochondrial DNA or both. Thus, Echis carinatus and Naja naja venoms are comparatively studied for their NET inducing property. Methods: Formation of NETs, cell viability, ROS, and Ca2+ levels are estimated. An in vivo toxicity study and possible cellular signaling have been addressed using immunoblots and pharmacological inhibitors. Results: E. carinatus and N. naja venoms respectively induce suicidal and vital NETosis. E. carinatus venom induces NETosis by activating NOX and PAD-4 enzymes in a ROS dependent manner via PKC/ERK/JNK signaling axis, while N. naja venom does it by activating PAD-4 enzyme, but independent of ROS requirement and as well as PKC/ERK/JNK activation. Conclusion: For the first time our study demonstrates the distinct action of E. carinatus and N. naja venoms on the process of NETosis. NETosis being a newly explored area in snake venom pharmacodynamics, it is important to study its impact on the various pathophysiological properties induced by snake venoms. Significance: Understanding the varied actions of snake venoms on neutrophils/blood cells and the role of DNase are likely to provide insights for better management of snakebite pathophysiology

Research into the Causes of Venom-Induced Mortality and Morbidity Identifies New Therapeutic Opportunities.

Snakebite primarily affects rural subsistent farming populations in underdeveloped and developing nations. The annual number of deaths (100,000) and physical disabilities (400,000) of snakebite victims is a societal tragedy that poses a significant added socioeconomic burden to the society. Antivenom therapy is the treatment of choice for snakebite but, as testified by the continuing high rates of mortality and morbidity, too many rural tropical snakebite victims fail to access effective treatment. Here, we advocate for more basic research to better understand the pathogenesis of systemic and local envenoming and describe how research outcomes can identify novel snakebite therapeutic strategies with the potential to be more accessible and affordable to victims than current treatment

Aggregation is impaired in starved platelets due to enhanced autophagy and cellular energy depletion

<p>Platelet hyperactivity is the hallmark of thrombosis and hemostasis disorders including atherosclerosis, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, and cancer causing significant mortality and morbidity. Therefore, regulating platelet hyperactivity is an ever growing interest. Very recently, basal autophagic process has been demonstrated to be essential for normal functioning of platelets. However, autophagy can be elevated above basal level under conditions like starvation, and how platelets respond in these settings remains to be elucidative. Therefore, in this study we demonstrate a substantial autophagy induction (above basal level) by starvation, which decreases platelet aggregation responses to various agonists. The decreased aggregation in starved platelets was restored in combination with autophagy inhibitors (3-methyladenine and NH₄Cl) and acetate supplementation. Starved platelets also showed decreased calcium mobilization, granule release, and adhesive properties. Furthermore, <i>ex vivo</i> platelets obtained from starved rats showed increased autophagy markers and decreased aggregation responses to various agonists. Our results distinctly explain that enhanced autophagy and cellular energy depletion are the cause for decreased platelet activation and aggregation. The study emphasizes the cardinal role of starvation and autophagy in the management of diseases and disorders associated with platelet hyperactivity.</p

Hump-Nosed Pit Viper (<i>Hypnale hypnale</i>) Venom-Induced Irreversible Red Blood Cell Aggregation, Inhibition by Monovalent Anti-Venom and N-Acetylcysteine

Envenomation by the Hypnale hypnale in the Western Ghats of India (particularly in the Malabar region of Kerala) and the subcontinent island nation of Sri Lanka is known to inflict devastating mortality and morbidity. Currently, H. hypnale bites in India are devoid of anti-venom regimens. A detailed characterization of the venom is essential to stress the need for therapeutic anti-venom. Notably, the deleterious effects of this venom on human blood cells have largely remained less explored. Therefore, in continuation of our previous study, in the present study, we envisioned investigating the effect of venom on the morphological and physiological properties of red blood cells (RBCs). The venom readily induced deleterious morphological changes and, finally, the aggregation of washed RBCs. The aggregation process was independent of the ROS and the intracellular Ca2+ ion concentration. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the loss of biconcave morphology and massive cytoskeletal disarray. Crenation or serrated plasma membrane projections were evenly distributed on the surface of the RBCs. The venom did not cause the formation of methemoglobin in washed RBCs but was significantly induced in whole blood. Venom did not affect glucose uptake and Na+/K+ -ATPase activity but inhibited glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase activity and decreased the fluidity of the plasma membrane. Venom-induced RBC aggregates exhibited pro-coagulant activity but without affecting platelet aggregation. In pre-incubation or co-treatment studies, none of the bioactive compounds, such as melatonin, curcumin, fisetin, berberine, and quercetin, sugars such as mannose and galactose, and therapeutic polyvalent anti-venoms (Bharat and VINS) were inhibited, whereas only N-acetylcysteine and H. hypnale monovalent anti-venom could inhibit venom-induced deleterious morphological changes and aggregation of RBCs. In post-treatment studies, paradoxically, none of the bioactives and anti-venoms, including N-acetylcysteine and H. hypnale monovalent anti-venom, reversed the venom-induced RBC aggregates

Novel synthetic biscoumarins target tumor necrosis factor-α in hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

TNF is a pleotropic cytokine known to be involved in the progression of several pro-inflammatory disorders. Many therapeutic agents have been designed to counteract the effect of TNF in rheumatoid arthritis as well as a number of cancers. In the present study we have synthesized and evaluated the anti-cancer activity of novel biscoumarins in vitro and in vivo. Among new compounds, BIHC was found to be the most cytotoxic agent against the HepG2 cell line while exhibiting less toxicity toward normal hepatocytes. Furthermore, BIHC inhibited the proliferation of various hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in a doseand time-dependent manner. Subsequently, using in silico target prediction, BIHC was predicted as a TNF blocker. Experimental validation was able to confirm this hypothesis, where BIHC could significantly inhibit the recombinant mouse TNF-binding to its antibody with an IC50 of 16.5 μM. Furthermore, in silico docking suggested a binding mode of BIHC similar to a ligand known to disrupt the native, trimeric structure of TNF, and also validated with molecular dynamics simulations. Moreover, we have demonstrated the down-regulation of p65 phos-phorylation and other NF-KB-regulated gene products upon BIHC treatment, and on the phenotypic level the compound shows inhibition of CXCLF2-induced invasion of HepG2 cells. Also, we demonstrate that BIHC inhibits infiltration of macrophages to the peritoneal cavity and suppresses the activity of TNF-α in vivo in mice primed with thioglycollate broth and lipopolysaccharide. We comprehensively validated the TNF-α inhibitory efficacy of BIHC in an inflammatory bowel disease mice model. © 2014 by I he American bociety tor Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc

Melatonin restores neutrophil functions and prevents apoptosis amid dysfunctional glutathione redox system

Melatonin is a chronobiotic hormone, which can regulate human diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis, respiratory disorders, and microbial infections by regulating redox system. Melatonin exhibits innate immunomodulation by communicating with immune system and influencing neutrophils to fight infections and inflammation. However, sustaining redox homeostasis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in neutrophils are critical during chemotaxis, oxidative burst, phagocytosis, and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Therefore, endogenous antioxidant glutathione (GSH) redox cycle is highly vital in regulating neutrophil functions. Reduced intracellular GSH levels and glutathione reductase (GR) activity in the neutrophils during clinical conditions like autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, diabetes, and microbial infections lead to dysfunctional neutrophils. Therefore, we hypothesized that redox modulators like melatonin can protect neutrophil health and functions under GSH and GR activity-deficient conditions. We demonstrate the dual role of melatonin, wherein it protects neutrophils from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by reducing ROS generation; in contrast, it restores neutrophil functions like phagocytosis, degranulation, and NETosis in GSH and GR activity-deficient neutrophils by regulating ROS levels both in vitro and in vivo. Melatonin mitigates LPS-induced neutrophil dysfunctions by rejuvenating GSH redox system, specifically GR activity by acting as a parallel redox system. Our results indicate that melatonin could be a potential auxiliary therapy to treat immune dysfunction and microbial infections, including virus, under chronic disease conditions by restoring neutrophil functions. Further, melatonin could be a promising immune system booster to fight unprecedented pandemics like the current COVID-19. However, further studies are indispensable to address the clinical usage of melatonin