Researchers on the behavior of sugar beet hybrids in the pedoclimatic conditions of the Central Plateau of Moldova

The main purpose of the research was to test the productive and qualitative potential of 36 sugar beet hybrids from four international suppliers. The research was carried out in 2021, in two farms with high-performance plant cultivation technologies: Agricola 96 from Tiganasi, Iasi county (irrigated regime) and Agri Farm Ltd. from Balanesti, Neamt county (non-irrigated regime). The maximum biological sugar production in the irrigated system was 11.15 to/ha (hybrid Fiammeta), and in the non-irrigated system 12.20 to/ha hybrid Borjana). Knowing the productive and qualitative potential of sugar beet hybrids depending on the local pedoclimatic conditions, is a basic requirement in choosing the palette of hybrids that will be cultivated in the following years

Interaction of Some Asymmetrical Porphyrins with U937 Cell Membranes–In Vitro and In Silico Studies

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects exerted in vitro by three asymmetrical porphyrins (5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris-(4-acetoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)porphyrin, 5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris-(4-acetoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)porphyrinatozinc(II), and 5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20–tris-(4-acetoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)porphyrinatocopper(II)) on the transmembrane potential and the membrane anisotropy of U937 cell lines, using bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid)trimethine oxonol (DiBAC4(3)) and 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene p-toluenesulfonate (TMA-DPH), respectively, as fluorescent probes for fluorescence spectrophotometry. The results indicate the hyperpolarizing effect of porphyrins in the concentration range of 0.5, 5, and 50 μM on the membrane of human U937 monocytic cells. Moreover, the tested porphyrins were shown to increase membrane anisotropy. Altogether, the results evidence the interaction of asymmetrical porphyrins with the membrane of U937 cells, with potential consequences on cellular homeostasis. Molecular docking simulations, and Molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) free energy of binding calculations, supported the hypothesis that the investigated porphyrinic compounds could potentially bind to membrane proteins, with a critical role in regulating the transmembrane potential. Thus, both the free base porphyrins and the metalloporphyrins could bind to the SERCA2b (sarco/endoplasmic reticulum ATPase isoform 2b) calcium pump, while the metal complexes may specifically interact and modulate calcium-dependent (large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel, Slo1/KCa1.1), and ATP-sensitive (KATP), potassium channels. Further studies are required to investigate these interactions and their impact on cellular homeostasis and functionality

Interaction of Some Asymmetrical Porphyrins with U937 Cell Membranes–In Vitro and In Silico Studies

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects exerted in vitro by three asymmetrical porphyrins (5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris-(4-acetoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)porphyrin, 5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris-(4-acetoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)porphyrinatozinc(II), and 5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20–tris-(4-acetoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)porphyrinatocopper(II)) on the transmembrane potential and the membrane anisotropy of U937 cell lines, using bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid)trimethine oxonol (DiBAC4(3)) and 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene p-toluenesulfonate (TMA-DPH), respectively, as fluorescent probes for fluorescence spectrophotometry. The results indicate the hyperpolarizing effect of porphyrins in the concentration range of 0.5, 5, and 50 μM on the membrane of human U937 monocytic cells. Moreover, the tested porphyrins were shown to increase membrane anisotropy. Altogether, the results evidence the interaction of asymmetrical porphyrins with the membrane of U937 cells, with potential consequences on cellular homeostasis. Molecular docking simulations, and Molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) free energy of binding calculations, supported the hypothesis that the investigated porphyrinic compounds could potentially bind to membrane proteins, with a critical role in regulating the transmembrane potential. Thus, both the free base porphyrins and the metalloporphyrins could bind to the SERCA2b (sarco/endoplasmic reticulum ATPase isoform 2b) calcium pump, while the metal complexes may specifically interact and modulate calcium-dependent (large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel, Slo1/KCa1.1), and ATP-sensitive (KATP), potassium channels. Further studies are required to investigate these interactions and their impact on cellular homeostasis and functionality

Porphyrin Macrocycles: General Properties and Theranostic Potential

Despite specialists’ efforts to find the best solutions for cancer diagnosis and therapy, this pathology remains the biggest health threat in the world. Global statistics concerning deaths associated with cancer are alarming; therefore, it is necessary to intensify interdisciplinary research in order to identify efficient strategies for cancer diagnosis and therapy, by using new molecules with optimal therapeutic potential and minimal adverse effects. This review focuses on studies of porphyrin macrocycles with regard to their structural and spectral profiles relevant to their applicability in efficient cancer diagnosis and therapy. Furthermore, we present a critical overview of the main commercial formulations, followed by short descriptions of some strategies approached in the development of third-generation photosensitizers