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Search Results (762)

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Keywords = bio-membrane

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15 pages, 2152 KiB  
Article
Utilization of Okara as a Culture Medium by Membrane Concentration Process for High Oil Production by Oleaginous Yeast, Lipomyces starkeyi
by Hiroya Taki, Kentaro Mine, Mana Miyamoto, Jiro Seto, Shinji Matsuo, Kazuo Kumagai and Hideto Matsuyama
Fermentation 2025, 11(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11010007 (registering DOI) - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 190
Abstract
Palm oil, widely used in various products, poses environmental and climate change risks. “Yeast oil” produced by Lipomyces starkeyi, an oil-producing yeast, is one of the sustainable alternatives for palm oil and was successfully produced as an edible substitute for palm oil. [...] Read more.
Palm oil, widely used in various products, poses environmental and climate change risks. “Yeast oil” produced by Lipomyces starkeyi, an oil-producing yeast, is one of the sustainable alternatives for palm oil and was successfully produced as an edible substitute for palm oil. However, the high cost of the culture medium for oil production remains a challenge for practical applications. Okara is a by-product of tofu and soymilk production. Because yeast extract contributes to the high cost of the culture medium, we considered using okara, a cheap and nitrogen-rich substitute, to reduce costs. In the initial study with okara, the production of yeast oil was confirmed, but its productivity was low due to the high viscosity caused by its insoluble solids. To overcome this, we extracted and concentrated nitrogen components in okara using the membrane concentration process. Using NF (nanofiltration) membrane concentration, oil production increased 1.69 and 1.44 times compared to the unconcentrated extract solution (added 90% (v/v) in the culture medium) and yeast extract (added 5% (w/v) in the culture medium), respectively. These findings indicate the potential for a significant cost reduction in the culture medium and high oil yield in yeast oil production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Wastes: Feedstock for Value-Added Products: 5th Edition)
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15 pages, 1199 KiB  
Article
Systematic Study of Steroid Drugs’ Ability to Cross Biomembranes—The Possible Environmental Impact and Health Risks Associated with Exposure During Pregnancy
by Anna W. Sobańska, Aleksandra Orlikowska, Karolina Famulska, Lovro Bošnjak, Domagoj Bosiljevac, Aleksandra Rasztawicka and Andrzej M. Sobański
Viewed by 364
Abstract
Thirty-seven steroid drugs of different types were investigated in silico for their environmental and pharmacokinetic properties (partition between soil and water, bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms, ability to be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and to cross biological barriers—skin, blood–brain barrier and placenta) using [...] Read more.
Thirty-seven steroid drugs of different types were investigated in silico for their environmental and pharmacokinetic properties (partition between soil and water, bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms, ability to be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and to cross biological barriers—skin, blood–brain barrier and placenta) using on-line tools and novel QSAR models. The same drugs were studied by Molecular Docking in the context of their ability to interact with two enzymes—glutathione S-transferase (GST) and human N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), which are involved in the placenta’s protective system against harmful xenobiotics. Steroid drugs are released to the environment from households, hospitals, manufacturing plants and farms (e.g., with natural fertilizers) and they can affect the aquatic life (reproduction and development of aquatic organisms), even at sub-ng/L concentrations. It was established that the majority of studied drugs are mobile in soil, so they may reach surface waters far from point of discharge, e.g., from farming; however, only a few of them are likely to bioaccumulate. All of them can be absorbed orally or through skin, and they are also expected to cross the placenta. Over 30% of studied compounds are likely to pass through the blood–brain barrier (although five compounds in this group are likely P-gp substrates, which may reduce their activity in the central nervous systems); they have also very high affinity for both studied enzymes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biological Membranes)
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31 pages, 15017 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesized Composite AB-Polybenzimidazole/TiO2 Membranes with Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Activity
by Hristo Penchev, Katerina Zaharieva, Silvia Dimova, Ivelina Tsacheva, Rumyana Eneva, Stephan Engibarov, Irina Lazarkevich, Tsvetelina Paunova-Krasteva, Maria Shipochka, Ralitsa Mladenova, Ognian Dimitrov, Daniela Stoyanova and Irina Stambolova
Crystals 2024, 14(12), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14121081 - 16 Dec 2024
Viewed by 676
Abstract
Novel AB-Polybenzimidazole (AB-PBI)/TiO2 nanocomposite membranes have been prepared using a synthetic green chemistry approach. Modified Eaton’s reagent (methansulfonic acid/P2O5) was used as both reaction media for microwave-assisted synthesis of AB-PBI and as an efficient dispersant of partially agglomerated [...] Read more.
Novel AB-Polybenzimidazole (AB-PBI)/TiO2 nanocomposite membranes have been prepared using a synthetic green chemistry approach. Modified Eaton’s reagent (methansulfonic acid/P2O5) was used as both reaction media for microwave-assisted synthesis of AB-PBI and as an efficient dispersant of partially agglomerated titanium dioxide powders. Composite membranes of 80 µm thickness have been prepared by a film casting approach involving subsequent anti-solvent inversion in order to obtain porous composite membranes possessing high sorption capacity. The maximal TiO2 filler content achieved was 20 wt.% TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). Titania particles were green synthesized (using a different content of Mentha Spicata (MS) aqueous extract) by hydrothermal activation (150 °C), followed by thermal treatment at 400 °C. The various methods such as powder X-ray diffraction and Thermogravimetric analyses, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Electronic paramagnetic resonance, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy have been used to study the phase and surface composition, structure, morphology, and thermal behavior of the synthesized nanocomposite membranes. The photocatalytic ability of the so-prepared AB-Polybenzimidazole/bio-TiO2 membranes was studied for decolorization of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) as a model azo dye pollutant under UV light illumination. The polymer membrane in basic form, containing TiO2 particles, was obtained with a 40 mL quantity of the MS extract, exhibiting the highest decolorization rate (96%) after 180 min of UV irradiation. The so-prepared AB-Polybenzimidazole/TiO2 samples have a powerful antibacterial effect on E. coli when irradiated by UV light. Full article
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27 pages, 4692 KiB  
Article
Predicting the Impact of Polysulfone Dialyzers and Binder Dialysate Flow Rate on Bilirubin Removal
by Alexander Novokhodko, Nanye Du, Shaohang Hao, Ziyuan Wang, Zhiquan Shu, Suhail Ahmad and Dayong Gao
Bioengineering 2024, 11(12), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11121262 - 12 Dec 2024
Viewed by 772
Abstract
Liver failure is the 12th leading cause of death worldwide. Protein-bound toxins such as bilirubin are responsible for many complications of the disease. Binder dialysis systems use albumin or another binding molecule in dialysate and detoxifying sorbent columns to remove these toxins. Systems [...] Read more.
Liver failure is the 12th leading cause of death worldwide. Protein-bound toxins such as bilirubin are responsible for many complications of the disease. Binder dialysis systems use albumin or another binding molecule in dialysate and detoxifying sorbent columns to remove these toxins. Systems like the molecular adsorbent recirculating system and BioLogic-DT have existed since the 1990s, but survival benefits in randomized controlled trials have not been consistent. New binder dialysis systems, including open albumin dialysis and the Advanced Multi-Organ Replacement system, are being developed. Optimal conditions for binder dialysis have not been established. We developed and validated a computational model of bound solute dialysis. It predicted the impact of changing between two test setups using different polysulfone dialyzers (F3 and F6HPS). We then predicted the impact of varying the dialysate flow rate on toxin removal. We found that bilirubin removal declines with dialysate flow rate. This can be explained through a linear decline in free bilirubin membrane permeability. Our model quantifies this decline through a single parameter (polysulfone dialyzers). Validation for additional dialyzers and flow rates will be needed. This model will benefit clinical trials by predicting optimal dialyzer and flow rate conditions. Accounting for toxin adsorption onto the dialyzer membrane may improve results further. Full article
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19 pages, 2812 KiB  
Article
Dipole Potential of Monolayers with Biologically Relevant Lipid Compositions
by Renato M. S. Cardoso, Fabiana Lairion, Edgardo Anibal Disalvo, Luís M. S. Loura and Maria João Moreno
Molecules 2024, 29(24), 5843; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29245843 - 11 Dec 2024
Viewed by 360
Abstract
The membrane dipole potential that arises from the interfacial water and constitutive dipolar groups of lipid molecules modulates the interaction of amphiphiles and proteins with membranes. Consequently, its determination for lipid mixtures resembling the existing diversity in biological membranes is very relevant. In [...] Read more.
The membrane dipole potential that arises from the interfacial water and constitutive dipolar groups of lipid molecules modulates the interaction of amphiphiles and proteins with membranes. Consequently, its determination for lipid mixtures resembling the existing diversity in biological membranes is very relevant. In this work, the dipole potentials of monolayers, formed at the air–water interface, from pure or mixed lipids (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidyserine (POPS), sphingomyelin (SpM) and cholesterol) were measured and correlated with the mean area per lipid. The results showed that, as previously observed, cholesterol increases the dipole potential in correspondence with the decrease in the average area per lipid. At the small mole fractions encountered in biomembranes, the presence of the negatively charged lipid POPS increases the dipole potentials of monolayers despite inducing an increase in the average area per lipid. Additionally, the inclusion of POPE in POPC:cholesterol monolayers disrupts the area condensation induced by cholesterol while increasing the membrane dipole moment, leading to a small reduction in the dipole potential. This trend is reinforced for the quaternary POPC:cholesterol:POPE:POPS 4:3:2:1 system, which mimics the inner leaflets of eukaryotic plasma membranes. In agreement with previous works, the replacement of phosphocholine lipids with sphingomyelin leads to a decrease in the dipole potential. Together, this results in a lower dipole potential for the SpM-enriched outer leaflet, generating a non-zero transbilayer dipole potential in the asymmetric plasma membranes of eukaryotic cells. Full article
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14 pages, 441 KiB  
Review
Pemphigus and Bullous Pemphigoid Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review
by Fabrizio Martora, Teresa Battista, Luca Potestio, Maddalena Napolitano, Cataldo Patruno, Matteo Megna and Michela D’Agostino
Viruses 2024, 16(12), 1896; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16121896 - 9 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1130
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged the rapid development and licensing of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Currently, numerous vaccines are available on a global scale and are based on different mechanisms of action, including mRNA technology, viral vectors, inactive viruses, and subunit particles. Mass vaccination [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged the rapid development and licensing of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Currently, numerous vaccines are available on a global scale and are based on different mechanisms of action, including mRNA technology, viral vectors, inactive viruses, and subunit particles. Mass vaccination conducted worldwide has highlighted the potential development of side effects, including ones with skin involvement. This review synthesizes data from 62 manuscripts, reporting a total of 142 cases of autoimmune blistering skin diseases (AIBDs) following COVID-19 vaccination, comprising 59 cases of pemphigus and 83 cases of bullous pemphigoid. Among the 83 bullous pemphigoid cases, 78 were BP, with additional cases including 2 oral mucous membrane pemphigoid, 1 pemphigoid gestationis, 1 anti-p200 BP, and 1 dyshidrosiform BP. The mean age of affected individuals was 72 ± 12.7 years, with an average symptom onset of 11 ± 10.8 days post-vaccination. Notably, 59% of cases followed vaccination with BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), 51.8% were new diagnoses, and 45.8% occurred after the second dose. The purpose of our review is to analyze the cases of pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid associated with COVID-19 vaccination and to investigate the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the new development or flare-up of these diseases in association with vaccination. Our results show that the association between COVID-19 vaccines and AIBDs is a possible event. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutaneous Reactions Following Virus Infections and Antiviral Vaccines)
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15 pages, 4730 KiB  
Article
The Interactions of Anti-HIV Pronucleotides with a Model Phospholipid Membrane
by Monika Rojewska, Joanna Romanowska, Adam Kraszewski, Michał Sobkowski and Krystyna Prochaska
Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5787; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235787 - 7 Dec 2024
Viewed by 528
Abstract
Pronucleotides, after entering the cell, undergo chemical or enzymatic conversion into nucleotides with a free phosphate residue, and the released nucleoside 5′-monophosphate is then phosphorylated to the biologically active form, namely nucleoside 5′-triphosphate. The active form can inhibit HIV virus replication. For the [...] Read more.
Pronucleotides, after entering the cell, undergo chemical or enzymatic conversion into nucleotides with a free phosphate residue, and the released nucleoside 5′-monophosphate is then phosphorylated to the biologically active form, namely nucleoside 5′-triphosphate. The active form can inhibit HIV virus replication. For the most effective therapy, it is necessary to improve the transport of prodrugs into organelles. The introduction of new functional groups into their structure increases lipophilicity and, as a result, facilitates the interaction of pronucleotide molecules with components of biological membranes. Studies of these interactions were performed using the Langmuir technique. The prototype of the biological membrane was a thin monolayer composed of phospholipid molecules, DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine). The pronucleotides were 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) analogs, formed by the phosphorylation of AZT to monophosphate (AZTMP) and containing various masking moieties that could increase their lipophilicity. Our results show the influence of the pronucleotide’s chemical structure on the fluidization of the model biomembrane. Changes in monolayer morphology in the presence of prodrugs were investigated by BAM microscopy. It was found that the incorporation of new groups into the structure of the drug as well as the concentration of AZT derivatives have a significant impact on the surface properties of the formed DPPC monolayer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bioactive Lipids)
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12 pages, 1501 KiB  
Article
Comparison of ELISA Versus FAMA Titers in Children After Chemotherapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Who Received the Live Attenuated MAV/06 Strain Varicella Vaccine
by Bin Ahn, Kyu Ri Kang, Ye Ji Kim, Yoon Kyung Cho, Suejung Jo, Jae won Yoo, Jae Wook Lee, Nack-Gyun Chung, Bin Cho, Dae Chul Jeong, Jin Han Kang and Hyun Mi Kang
Vaccines 2024, 12(12), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12121371 - 5 Dec 2024
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Background: Varicella can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised children, including those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or chemotherapy. Preventing primary varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection is crucial in these populations to mitigate morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the [...] Read more.
Background: Varicella can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised children, including those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or chemotherapy. Preventing primary varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection is crucial in these populations to mitigate morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the live attenuated MAV/06 varicella vaccine in pediatric patients post-HSCT and post-chemotherapy. Additionally, it sought to compare fluorescent-antibody-to-membrane-antigen (FAMA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titers to establish effective cut-off levels for protection against varicella. Methods: The FAMA assay was conducted at the Vaccine Bio Research Institute, and a VARICELLA-ZOSTER ELISA (Vircell, Granada, Spain) kit, which relies on lysate from whole cells infected with VZV, was used to determine VZV IgG. A prospective cohort study was conducted with 76 pediatric patients under 18 years old who tested negative for VZV IgG via ELISA. Patients post-HSCT and post-chemotherapy were included. Participants received the MAV/06 varicella vaccine, and serologic responses were evaluated using ELISA and FAMA. Results: The median age of participants was 9.8 years, with acute lymphoid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia being the most common underlying disease. Post-dose 1, the seropositive rate was 56.1% by ELISA and 97.2% by FAMA. Based on the FAMA seropositive cut-off ≥1:4, post-dose 1 geometric mean titers (GMTs) of seropositive patients in the post-HSCT group were 14.7 (95% CI, 11.3–19.1) versus 20.2 (95% CI, 13.0–31.3) in the post-chemotherapy group (p = 0.690). Based on a FAMA seropositive cut-off ≥1:16, the post-dose 1 GMT of patients considered seropositive in the post-HSCT group was 19.3 (95% CI, 15.6–24.0) versus 34.1 (95% CI, 21.0–55.4) in the post-chemotherapy group (p = 0.116), and post-dose 2 FAMA titers of 76.1 (95% CI, 14.6–398.1) in the post-HSCT group and 64.0 (95% CI, 11.4–358.1) in the post-HSCT group (p = 0.853) were observed. In patients with lower baseline FAMA titers (1:4 to 1:8), 66.7% in the post-HSCT group and 71.5% in the post-chemotherapy group achieved a greater than four-fold increase in FAMA titers post-dose 1, while those with higher baseline titers (≥1:16) did not. There were no serious adverse events or vaccine-related rashes occurring in any of the patients. Conclusion: The MAV/06 varicella vaccine is immunogenic in pediatric patients post-HSCT and post-chemotherapy, particularly when administered in a two-dose schedule using a cut-off FAMA titer of <1:16. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Varicella and Zoster Vaccination)
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22 pages, 884 KiB  
Review
Immune Responses Elicited by Outer Membrane Vesicles of Gram-Negative Bacteria: Important Players in Vaccine Development
by Branko Velimirov and Branko Alexander Velimirov
Viewed by 900
Abstract
The attractiveness of OMVs derived from Gram-negative bacteria lies in the fact that they have two biomembranes sandwiching a peptidoglycan layer. It is well known that the envelope of OMVs consists of the outer bacterial membrane [OM] and not of the inner one [...] Read more.
The attractiveness of OMVs derived from Gram-negative bacteria lies in the fact that they have two biomembranes sandwiching a peptidoglycan layer. It is well known that the envelope of OMVs consists of the outer bacterial membrane [OM] and not of the inner one [IM] of the source bacterium. This implies that all outer membranous molecules found in the OM act as antigens. However, under specific conditions, some of the inner membrane proteins can be exported into the outer membrane layer and perform as antigens. A key information was that the used purification procedures for OMVs, the induction methods to increase the production of OMVs as well as the specific mutant strains obtained via genetic engineering affect the composition of potential antigens on the surface and in the lumen of the OMVs. The available literature allowed us to list the major antigens that could be defined on OMVs. The functions of the antigens within the source bacterium are discussed for a better understanding of the various available hypotheses on the biogenesis of vesicle formation. Also, the impacts of OMV antigens on the immune system using animal models are assessed. Furthermore, information on the pathways of OMVs entering the host cell is presented. An example of a bacterial infection that causes epidemic diseases, namely via Neisseria meningitidis, is used to demonstrate that OMVs derived from this pathogen elicit protective immune responses when administered as a vaccine. Furthermore, information on OMV vaccines under development is presented. The assembled knowledge allowed us to formulate a number of reasons why OMVs are attractive as vaccine platforms, as their undesirable side effects remain small, and to provide an outlook on the potential use of OMVs as a vaccine platform. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
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16 pages, 2640 KiB  
Article
Strategies to Improve Hydrolysis Efficiency of Fish Skin Collagen: Study on ACE Inhibitory Activity and Fibroblast Proliferation Activity
by Cuihua Chang, Yuzhou Ma, Yanjun Yang, Yujie Su, Luping Gu and Junhua Li
Foods 2024, 13(23), 3869; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233869 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 504
Abstract
Collagen peptides play a crucial role in promoting skin elasticity and enhancing joint health, with potential functions to be explored. Enzyme hydrolysis is crucial for the molecular weight and sequence of peptides, influencing the bio-activity. In this study, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory [...] Read more.
Collagen peptides play a crucial role in promoting skin elasticity and enhancing joint health, with potential functions to be explored. Enzyme hydrolysis is crucial for the molecular weight and sequence of peptides, influencing the bio-activity. In this study, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity and fibroblast proliferation activity of differentially molecular weight peptides derived from dual- or triple-enzyme hydrolysis were compared. Ultrafiltration membrane filtration was used to separate the hydrolyzed prepared collagen peptides into two components based on the molecular size. The results showed that the low-molecular-weight peptide fraction containing peptides with P at the C-terminal, such as KP, RP, and POGP, exhibited high ACE inhibitory activity. The low-molecular-weight peptide fraction obtained through triple-enzyme hydrolysis incorporating ginger protease exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory activity, with an IC50 3.1 mg/mL. In addition, the triple-enzyme hydrolyzed collagen peptides passing across membranes displayed higher migration rates and enhanced collagen synthesis capabilities, containing peptide sequences, such as POGP, POGA, and LPO, potentially promoting fibroblast proliferation. The results would provide practical guidance for the production of collagen peptides with high ACE inhibitory activity and fibroblast proliferation activity, in terms of enzyme processing and highly active peptide separation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
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19 pages, 1540 KiB  
Review
Targeting Mitochondria in Glioma: New Hopes for a Cure
by Lidia Gatto, Vincenzo Di Nunno, Anna Ghelardini, Alicia Tosoni, Stefania Bartolini, Sofia Asioli, Stefano Ratti, Anna Luisa Di Stefano and Enrico Franceschi
Biomedicines 2024, 12(12), 2730; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12122730 - 28 Nov 2024
Viewed by 741
Abstract
Drugs targeting mitochondrial energy metabolism are emerging as promising antitumor therapeutics. Glioma treatment is extremely challenging due to the high complexity of the tumor and the high cellular heterogeneity. From a metabolic perspective, glioma cancer cells can be classified into the oxidative metabolic [...] Read more.
Drugs targeting mitochondrial energy metabolism are emerging as promising antitumor therapeutics. Glioma treatment is extremely challenging due to the high complexity of the tumor and the high cellular heterogeneity. From a metabolic perspective, glioma cancer cells can be classified into the oxidative metabolic phenotype (mainly depending on mitochondrial respiration for energy production) and glycolytic phenotype or “Warburg effect” (mainly depending on glycolysis). Herein, we reviewed the function of novel bio-active molecules targeting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial dynamics. These molecules exhibit intriguing preclinical and clinical results and have been proven to be promising candidates to be further developed for glioma therapy. However, despite these initial encouraging results, it is imperative to rigorously assess the side effects of these metabolic drugs, which have a non-negligible toxicity profile. Full article
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20 pages, 1927 KiB  
Review
Biological Importance of Complex Sphingolipids and Their Structural Diversity in Budding Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
by Motohiro Tani
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12422; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212422 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 668
Abstract
Complex sphingolipids are components of eukaryotic biomembranes and are involved in various physiological functions. In addition, their synthetic intermediates and metabolites, such as ceramide, sphingoid long-chain base, and sphingoid long-chain base 1-phosphate, play important roles as signaling molecules that regulate intracellular signal transduction [...] Read more.
Complex sphingolipids are components of eukaryotic biomembranes and are involved in various physiological functions. In addition, their synthetic intermediates and metabolites, such as ceramide, sphingoid long-chain base, and sphingoid long-chain base 1-phosphate, play important roles as signaling molecules that regulate intracellular signal transduction systems. Complex sphingolipids have a large number of structural variations, and this structural diversity is considered an important molecular basis for their various physiological functions. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has simpler structural variations in complex sphingolipids compared to mammals and is, therefore, a useful model organism for elucidating the physiological significance of this structural diversity. In this review, we focus on the structure and function of complex sphingolipids in S. cerevisiae and summarize the response mechanisms of S. cerevisiae to metabolic abnormalities in complex sphingolipids. Full article
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16 pages, 436 KiB  
Review
Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Effects and Therapeutic Implications in Cerebral Gliomas
by Gerardo Caruso, Roberta Laera, Rosamaria Ferrarotto, Cristofer Gonzalo Garcia Moreira, Rajiv Kumar, Tamara Ius, Giuseppe Lombardi and Maria Caffo
Medicina 2024, 60(11), 1888; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111888 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 868
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors, representing approximately 28% of all central nervous system tumors. These tumors are characterized by rapid progression and show a median survival of approximately 18 months. The therapeutic options consist of surgical resection followed by radiotherapy [...] Read more.
Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors, representing approximately 28% of all central nervous system tumors. These tumors are characterized by rapid progression and show a median survival of approximately 18 months. The therapeutic options consist of surgical resection followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite the multidisciplinary approach and the biomolecular role of targeted therapies, the median progression-free survival is approximately 6–8 months. The incomplete tumor compliance with treatment is due to several factors such as the presence of the blood–brain barrier, the numerous pathways involved in tumor transformation, and the presence of intra-tumoral mutations. Among these, the interaction between the mutations of genes involved in tumor bio-energetic metabolism and the functional response of the tumor has become the protagonist of numerous studies. In this scenario, the main role is played by mitochondria, cellular organelles delimited by a double membrane and containing their own DNA (mtDNA), which participates in numerous cellular processes such as the regulation of cellular metabolism, cellular proliferation, and apoptosis and is also the main source of cellular energy production. Therefore, it is understood that the mitochondrion, specifically its functional alteration, is a leading figure in tumor transformation, including brain tumors. The acquisition of mutations in the mitochondrial DNA of tumor cells and the subsequent identification of the so-called mitochondria-related genes (MRGs), both functional (mutation of Complex I) and structural (mutations of Complex III/IV), have been seen to play an important role in metabolic reprogramming with increased proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and the progression of tumorigenesis. This demonstrates that these mitochondrial alterations could have a role not only in the intrinsic tumor biology but also in the extrinsic one associated with the therapeutic response. We aim to summarize the main mitochondrial dysfunction interactions present in gliomas and how they might impact prognosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurology)
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29 pages, 7806 KiB  
Article
Formulation and Ex Vivo Evaluation of Ivermectin Within Different Nano-Drug Delivery Vehicles for Transdermal Drug Delivery
by Eunice Maureen Steenekamp, Wilna Liebenberg, Hendrik J. R. Lemmer and Minja Gerber
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(11), 1466; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16111466 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1271
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Ivermectin gained widespread attention as the “miracle drug” during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Its inclusion in the 21st World Health Organization (WHO) List of Essential Medicines is attributed to its targeted anti-helminthic response, high efficacy, cost-effectiveness and favorable safety profile. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Ivermectin gained widespread attention as the “miracle drug” during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Its inclusion in the 21st World Health Organization (WHO) List of Essential Medicines is attributed to its targeted anti-helminthic response, high efficacy, cost-effectiveness and favorable safety profile. Since the late 2000s, this bio-inspired active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) gained renewed interest for its diverse therapeutic capabilities. However, producing ivermectin formulations does remain challenging due to its poor water solubility, resulting in low bioavailability after oral administration. Therefore, the transdermal drug delivery of ivermectin was considered to overcome these challenges, which are observed after oral administration. Methods: Ivermectin was incorporated in a nano-emulsion, nano-emulgel and a colloidal suspension as ivermectin-loaded nanoparticles. The nano-drug delivery vehicles were optimized, characterized and evaluated through in vitro membrane release studies, ex vivo skin diffusion studies and tape-stripping to determine whether ivermectin was successfully released from its vehicle and delivered transdermally and/or topically throughout the skin. This study concluded with cytotoxicity tests using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and neutral red (NR) assays on both human immortalized epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human immortalized dermal fibroblasts (BJ-5ta). Results: Ivermectin was successfully released from each vehicle, delivered transdermally and topically throughout the skin and demonstrated little to no cytotoxicity at concentrations that diffused through the skin. Conclusions: The type of nano-drug delivery vehicle used to incorporate ivermectin influences its delivery both topically and transdermally, highlighting the dynamic equilibrium between the vehicle, the API and the skin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transdermal Delivery: Challenges and Opportunities)
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25 pages, 7782 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Hybrids Containing Artificial Cell Membranes and Phyto-Gold–Silver Chloride Bio-Nanoparticles
by Marcela-Elisabeta Barbinta-Patrascu, Cornelia Nichita, Monica Enculescu, Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu, Mihaela Bacalum, Camelia Ungureanu, Catalin Constantin Negrila and Irina Zgura
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 11929; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252211929 - 6 Nov 2024
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Abstract
This research targets the need for eco-friendly strategies in the synthesis of bioactive materials, addressing the importance of valorization of vegetal waste. This study focuses on developing biohybrids containing biomimetic lipid vesicles and phytosynthesized gold–silver chloride nanoparticles (AuAgCl NPs) derived from Achillea millefolium [...] Read more.
This research targets the need for eco-friendly strategies in the synthesis of bioactive materials, addressing the importance of valorization of vegetal waste. This study focuses on developing biohybrids containing biomimetic lipid vesicles and phytosynthesized gold–silver chloride nanoparticles (AuAgCl NPs) derived from Achillea millefolium L. extract. By leveraging the natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the plant, the research proposes a sustainable approach to creating materials with potential biomedical applications. The biomimetic membranes were loaded with chlorophyll a, a natural spectral marker. Three types of bioactive materials (biohybrids) were developed by varying the lipid vesicle/AuAgCl NP ratio. Optical (UV-Vis, fluorescence emission, FTIR), structural (XRD), elemental (EDX, XPS), and morphological (TEM) studies were performed to characterize the bio-developed materials. The hydrophobic/hydrophilic characteristics of the samples were investigated by measuring the water contact angle, and their size was estimated by DLS and TEM. Zeta potential measurements were used to evaluate the physical stability of phyto-developed particles. Antioxidant properties of phyto-particles were investigated through the chemiluminescence technique. The obtained biomaterials exhibited high antioxidant activity and antiproliferative activity against HT-29 and B-16 cancer cells. Therapeutic index values were calculated for each biohybrid. Additionally, the bio-prepared hybrids revealed biocidal action against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. The phyto-developed biomaterials are promising in biomedical applications, particularly as adjuvants in cancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine: 2nd Edition)
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