Nova in vitro otkrića o citotoksičnosti halogeniranoga boroksina i deregulaciji gena povezanih sa staničnom smrću u stanicama GR-M melanoma

Anti-proliferative effects of halogenated boroxine – K2(B3O3F4OH) (HB) – have been confirmed in multiple cancer cell lines, including melanoma, but the exact mechanism of action is still unknown. This study aimed to determine its cytotoxic effects on human Caucasian melanoma (GR-M) cell growth in vitro as well as on the expression of cell death-related genes BCL-2, BECN1, DRAM1, and SQSTM1. GR-M and peripheral blood mononuclear (PBM) cells were treated with different HB concentrations and their growth inhibition and relative gene expression profiles were determined using the Alamar blue assay and real-time PCR. HB significantly inhibited cell growth of both GR-M and PBM cells but was even more effective in GR-M melanoma cells, as significant inhibition occurred at a lower HB concentration of 0.2 mg/mL. GR-M BCL-2 expression was significantly downregulated (P=0.001) at HB concentration of 0.4 mg/mL, which suggests that HB is a potent tumour growth inhibitor. At the same time, it upregulated BCL-2 expression in normal (PBM) cells, probably by activating protective mechanisms against induced cytotoxicity. In addition, all but the lowest HB concentrations significantly upregulated SQSTM1 (P=0.001) in GR-M cells. Upregulated BECN1 expression suggests early activation of autophagy at the lowest HB concentration in SQSTM1 cells and at all HB concentrations in PBM cells. Our findings clearly show HB-associated cell death and, along with previous cytotoxicity studies, reveal its promising anti-tumour potential.Antiproliferativni učinci halogeniranoga boroksina – K2(B3O3F4OH) (HB) – potvrđeni su u više staničnih linija raka, uključujući melanom, ali točan mehanizam djelovanja još uvijek nije poznat. Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je utvrditi njegove citotoksične učinke na rast stanica ljudskoga melanoma (GR-M) in vitro, kao i na ekspresiju gena BCL-2, BECN1, DRAM1 i SQSTM1, povezanih sa staničnom smrću. GR-M melanom i mononuklearne stanice periferne krvi (PBM) tretirane su različitim koncentracijama HB-a, a njihova inhibicija rasta i relativni profili ekspresije gena određeni su Alamar blue testom i real-time PCR-om. HB je značajno inhibirao rast GR-M melanoma i PBM stanica, no u GR-M melanomu učinci su registrirani pri nižim koncentracijama HB-a. Ekspresija BCL-2 gena u GR-M melanomu bila je značajno smanjena (P=0,001) pri koncentraciji od 0,4 mg/mL, što sugerira da je HB snažan inhibitor rasta tumora. Istodobno, pojačao je ekspresiju BCL-2 u normalnim PBM stanicama, vjerojatno aktiviranjem zaštitnih mehanizama protiv inducirane citotoksičnosti. Osim toga, sve osim najniže koncentracije HB-a značajno su povećale ekspresiju SQSTM1 (P=0,001) u GR-M melanomu. Povećana ekspresija BECN1 u najnižoj koncentraciji HB-a u GR-M stanicama i pri svim koncentracijama u PBM stanicama sugerira ranu aktivaciju autofagije. Naša otkrića jasno pokazuju indukciju stanične smrti povezane s HB-om i zajedno s prethodnim studijama citotoksičnosti otkrivaju njegov obećavajući antitumorski potencijal

Sporadic chromosome translocation frequencies in lymphocyte cultures – a retrospective study in a cohort of patients from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Aim Chromosome translocations are considered as one of the most severe forms of genome defects. Because of the clinical significance of chromosome translocations and scarce data on the incidence of sporadic translocations in population of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we aimed to report sporadic translocation frequencies in samples karyotyped in our laboratory. Methods The study group consisted of 108 samples. Whole blood was cultivated in complete medium for 72 hours with the thymidine application at 48th hour to synchronize the cell culture. Metaphases were arrested by colcemid 60 minutes before harvesting. Following hypotonic treatment, cells were fixed and cell suspension was dropped on coded slides. Dried slides were subjected to conventional GTG (G-banding with trypsin-Giemsa) banding and analyzed under 1000x magnification in the accordance with ISCN (International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature) and E.C.A. Cytogenetic Guidelines and Quality Assurance. Results The incidence of all detected sporadic translocations was 27.81 x 10-4 per metaphase. The incidence of sporadic translocations involving chromosomes 7 and 14, being considered as the most frequent sporadic translocations of the human karyotype in phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated lymphocytes, was 15.89 x 10-4 per metaphase. The most frequent breakpoints were 7p21, 14q11 and 14q21. Other detected sporadic translocation breakpoints were: 1q25, 3p22, 7p13, 7q11.22, 7q33, 14q23 and 19q13.4. Conclusion Higher incidence of sporadic translocations compared to the similar studies was registered. Since potential explanations for this issue are smaller sample size and higher exposure of examined population to genotoxic agents, further monitoring of sporadic translocation incidences is recommended

Antiproliferative and genotoxic potential of xanthen-3-one derivatives

Twelve previously synthesized, biologically active 2,6,7-trihydroxyxanthen-3-one derivatives were evaluated in vitro for antiproliferative activity. Compounds were screened against HeLa, SW620, HepG2 and A549 tumor cell lines. Compound with the trifluormethyl group on C-4\u27 position of the phenyl ring showed the best inhibitory activity towards HeLa and A549 tumor cells with IC50 of 0.7 µmol L–1 4.1 µmol L–1, resp. Compound with chlorine and fluorine substituents on aryl ring showed the best antiproliferative activity against SW620 with IC50 of 4.1 µmol L–1 and against HepG2 tumor cell line with IC50 of 4.2 µmol L–1. Analyses of cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of the trifluormethyl derivative were performed with cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay in human lymphocyte culture and revealed no genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. The most potent compounds were subjected to molecular docking simulations in order to analyse bindings to molecular targets and, at the same time, further support the results of experimental cytotoxic tests. Docking studies showed sites of importance in forming hydrogen bonds of the most potent compounds with targets of interest

A retrospective analysis of spontaneous chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocyte cultures of individuals from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Spontaneous chromosomal aberrations are structural or numerical changes of chromosomes that occur naturally, without exposure to external genotoxic factors. They are not inherited, occur randomly in the karyotype, and do not have direct clinical significance. However, they can affect genomic instability and disease predisposition. They can result from DNA replication or repair processes errors, and typically are observed in cells that are actively dividing. Spontaneous chromosomal aberrations may arise due to the natural chromosomal instability and can be elevated in individuals exposed to mutagens. We analyzed frequencies of spontaneous chromosomal aberrations in 137 individuals subjected to karyotype analysis at the Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genotoxicology, University of Sarajevo – Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, during 2008-2023. Whole blood samples were cultivated for 72 hours with the thymidine added in the 48th hour. Metaphases were arrested by colcemid 60 minutes before harvesting. GTG banding was performed and slides were analyzed under 1000x magnification in accordance with An International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature and E.C.A. Cytogenetic Guidelines and Quality Assurance. Constitutionally aberrant karyotypes were found in 2.92% of analysed individuals as well as altered karyotypes considered as normal chromosomal variants. In the total of 3092 analyzed metaphases, 20 spontaneous chromosomal aberrations were found in 13 individuals. This study contributes to the limited knowledge of the cytogenetic status of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian population. Further monitoring of spontaneous chromosomal aberrations incidences is recommended

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Micromeria pulegium (Rochel) Benth Extract in Human Lymphocytes and Gr-M Melanoma Cells in vitro

Micromeria pulegium (Rochel) Benth. is an endemic species of Lamiacea family that includes frequently used plants in culinary and folk medicine. As cytotoxic potential of some species of Micromeria genus has been confirmed, this study aimed to test unknown antiproliferative and genotoxic potential of M. pulegium, endemic bh species, aqueous leaf extract in normal (human lymphocytes) and cancer (human melanoma GR-M) cells in order to protect small populations of native M. pulegium populations or promote its controlled micropropagation or cultivation. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay was applied for human lymphocyte cultures, while trypan blue exclusion assay was used for evaluation of cytotoxicity in human GR-M melanoma cells. Results demonstrate no genotoxic effects up to concentration of 0.2 mg/ml in human lymphocyte in vitro but significant reduction of cell viability in human GR-M melanoma cell line cultures treated with 0.3 mg/ml of Micromeria extract

Analysis of Delphinidin and Luteolin Genotoxicity in Human Lymphocyte Culture

Introduction: Bioflavonoids delphinidin (2-(3,4,5-Trihydroxyphenyl)chromenylium-3,5,7-triol) and luteolin (2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4-chromenone) have been recognized as promising antioxidants and anticancer substances. Due to their extensive use, the goal of the research was to determine whether they have any genotoxic potential in vitro.Methods: Analysis of genotoxic potential was performed applying chromosome aberrations test in human lymphocyte culture, as this kind of research was not conducted abundantly for these two bioflavonoids. Delphinidin and luteolin were dissolved in DMSO and added to cultures in final concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 μM.Results: In human lymphocytes cultures Delphinidin induced PCDs in all treatments, potentially affecting the cell cycle and topoisomerase II activity. In concentration of 50 μM luteolin showed strong genotoxic effects and caused significant reduction of cell proliferation.Conclusion: Luteolin exhibited certain genotoxic and cytostatic potential. Delphinidin was not considered genotoxic, however its impact on mitosis, especially topoisomerase II activity, was revealed

Analysis of Delphinidin and Luteolin Genotoxicity in Human Lymphocyte Culture

Introduction: Bioflavonoids delphinidin (2-(3,4,5-Trihydroxyphenyl)chromenylium-3,5,7-triol) and luteolin (2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4-chromenone) have been recognized as promising antioxidants and anticancer substances. Due to their extensive use, the goal of the research was to determine whether they have any genotoxic potential in vitro.Methods: Analysis of genotoxic potential was performed applying chromosome aberrations test in human lymphocyte culture, as this kind of research was not conducted abundantly for these two bioflavonoids. Delphinidin and luteolin were dissolved in DMSO and added to cultures in final concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 μM.Results: In human lymphocytes cultures Delphinidin induced PCDs in all treatments, potentially affecting the cell cycle and topoisomerase II activity. In concentration of 50 μM luteolin showed strong genotoxic effects and caused significant reduction of cell proliferation.Conclusion: Luteolin exhibited certain genotoxic and cytostatic potential. Delphinidin was not considered genotoxic, however its impact on mitosis, especially topoisomerase II activity, was revealed

Relative Gene Expression Analysis from Urine Samples of Patients with Prostate Disease

Conventional screening and diagnostic procedures in prostate complaints rely on PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) concentration which is not specific for prostate cancer and frequently leads to unnecessary invasive procedures in order to exclude malignant disease. It is estimated that approximately 50% of persons who underwent tissue biopsy did so based on false positive PSA value. Therefore a proper and timely differential diagnosis of malignant disease using non-invasive techniques remains one of the biggest challenges in medicine. Urine is the invaluable source of biological information contained in small molecules i.e. RNA that is easily accessible and detectable using molecular genetics techniques. We describe economical and fast method for relative expression analysis applicable to any target gene using urine as a sample. Efficient non-invasive method for identification of malignant or high risk cases prove useful in reduction of patient distress during the diagnostic procedure and significantly reduce healthcare costs

Outpatient Management of Oral Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Due to heightened risk for thromboembolic complications, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) presents an absolute indication for long-term oral anticoagulation therapy. This was an observational, analytical, randomised, one-year clinical study, conducted in the Blood Transfusion Institute Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina. The aim of this study was to present the oral anticoagulation treatment in terms of International normalised ratio (INR) monitoring and warfarin/acenocoumarol dose titration in 117 patients with NVAF. INR values, the doses of warfarin and acenocoumarol, as well as the tendency and adequacy of their changes were monitored. Percentages of the therapeutic INR values were 51,77% and 53,62%, subtherapeutic 42,84% and 35,86%, and supratherapeutic 5,39% and 10,53% for the warfarin and acenocoumarol treatment, respectively. The average total weekly doses (TWD) which most frequently achieved the therapeutic INR values were 27,89±12,34 mg and 20,44±9,94 mg, for warfarin and aceno- coumarol, respectively. The dose changes with the INR values 1,7 or lower/3,3 or higher were omitted in 13,46% and 15,63%, and with the INR values 1,8-3,2 were noted in 8,62% and 13,48% of all the check-up visits in the warfarin and acenocoumarol group, respectively. The annual dose changes were noted in 24,65% and 31,41%, and the daily dose changes in 74,43% and 73,36% of all the check-up visits of warfarin and acenocoumarol group, respectively. We can conclude that the management of the oral anticoagulation treatment in our country is in accordance with the relevant recommendations, but with the present tendency toward underdosing and unnecessary frequent dose changing

PERINATAL OUTCOME OF PRETERM INFANTS IN FEDERATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Introduction: Despite growing progress of perinatal medicine and perinatal care, between 9-19% of preterm infants are born each year. Improvement in survival of infants and the reduction in infant mortality rates is a key role of perinatal quality healthcare. The Aim: To evaluate the perinatal outcome of preterm infants in maternity wards of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for a period of one year. Material and methods: Of 22 897 live newborns, the research criteria matched 669 (2.9%) preterm infants with complete medical records in ten cantons of the Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina. We analyzed data from maternity wards documentation and discharge letters from tertiary health care centers. Results: Most deliveries were in the Tuzla and Sarajevo Canton with 42.5% of preterm infants. The mean gestational age of preterm infants was 31.4 weeks, with SD ± 5.34, and the mean birth weight 1295 grams, SD ± 234.2. The mean Apgar score was 4.6 ± 2.1, and in the fifth minute 6.6 ± 1.9.Of 669 examinees, there were 345 (51.56%) males and 324 (48.44%) females (51.56 vs 48.44; χ 2 = 1.19; P = 0.27). By analyzing the frequency of preterm infant birth rate according to weight categories, we found a significant difference in some levels of perinatal health institution, between the 1st and 2nd institutions levels (1.76% vs 3.01%; P< 0.0001), also between 2nd and 3rd institutions levels (3.01% vs 3.03%; P < 0.0002), and between 1st and 3rd institutions levels (1.76% vs 3.03%; P < 0.0001). A significant statistical difference in survival of tested newborns was found in institutions of 3rd level χ 2 = 49.25; P < 0.0001 with a low risk for unfavorable outcome [OR = 0.436; 95%CI (0.346-0.550)]. Conclusion: Perinatal outcome of preterm infants in the Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina significantly depends on the level of perinatal health care. Survival rate of infants born in the institutions of the 3rd level was statistically much higher than the survival rate of infants who were born in the 1st and the 2nd level institutions