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1.
Persulphide-responsive transcriptional regulation and metabolism in bacteria.
Shimizu, T, Masuda, S
Journal of biochemistry. 2020;(2):125-132
Abstract
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) impacts on bacterial growth both positively and negatively; it is utilized as an electron donor for photosynthesis and respiration, and it inactivates terminal oxidases and iron-sulphur clusters. Therefore, bacteria have evolved H2S-responsive detoxification mechanisms for survival. Sulphur assimilation in bacteria has been well studied, and sulphide:quinone oxidoreductase, persulphide dioxygenase, rhodanese and sulphite oxidase were reported as major sulphide-oxidizing enzymes of sulphide assimilation and detoxification pathways. However, how bacteria sense sulphide availability to control H2S and sulphide metabolism remains largely unknown. Recent studies have identified several bacterial (per)sulphide-sensitive transcription factors that change DNA-binding affinity through persulphidation of specific cysteine residues in response to highly reactive sulphur-containing chemicals and reactive sulphur species (RSS). This review focuses on current understanding of the persulphide-responsive transcription factors and RSS metabolism regulated by RSS sensory proteins.
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2.
Preparation of As4S4/Fe3O4 nanosuspensions and in-vitro verification of their anticancer activity.
Bujňáková, Z, Kello, M, Kováč, J, Tóthová, E, Shpotyuk, O, Baláž, P, Mojžiš, J, Andrejko, S
Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications. 2020;:110683
Abstract
Multifunctional nanoparticulate systems, especially those used in medicine, are currently of great interest. In this work, the in-vitro anticancer activity of As4S4/Fe3O4 composites dispersed in a water solution of Poloxamer 407 on breast MCF-7 and tongue SCC-25 cancer cells was verified. An increase in apoptotic cells as a consequence of higher caspase activities, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and an accumulation of cells in the G2/M and subG0/G1 phases were detected after treatment with the As4S4/Fe3O4 nanosuspensions. The sterically stabilized nanosuspensions were characterized in relation to their particle size distribution, zeta potential and long-term stability properties. The interaction between the solid and liquid phases of the nanosuspensions was also studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
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3.
Anti-inflammatory medications for the treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.
Kuhle, S, Urschitz, MS
Paediatric respiratory reviews. 2020;:35-36
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4.
Efficacy of Chinese Medicine Acupoint Application Combined with Montelukast on Children with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Li, YJ, Zong, M, Ding, LF, Rui, XQ, Ma, BY, Qin, LP
Chinese journal of integrative medicine. 2020;(11):845-852
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of Chinese medicine acupoint application (CMAA) combined with Western medicine for perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) in children. METHODS In this prospective, parallel, randomized, placebo-controlled and single-blind trial from August to September, 2017, 180 children with PAR were randomly assigned to an integrative group (CMAA and Montelukast), CMAA group (CMAA and placebo tablet), or Montelukast group (placebo CMAA and Montelukast). Participants were applied with CMAA for 6 sessions over 2 weeks, and/or Montelukast Chewable Tablet orally once daily for 12 weeks. The changes in severity of symptoms were measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and rhinitis control assessment test (RCAT) at 0, 2, 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. Blood samples were collected for serum interleukin-4, interferon gamma γ and T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2 flow cytometric analysis at the time points of 0, 4 and 12 weeks. RESULTS Eight cases dropped out from the trial, 3 in the integrative group, 2 in the CMAA group and 3 in the Montelukast group. The VAS scores decreased significantly while the RCAT scores increased significantly in all three groups at 4 and 12 weeks compared with baseline (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The VAS scores were significantly lower while the RCAT scores were significantly higher in the integrative and CMAA groups than the Montelukast group at 2 and 4 weeks (P<0.01 or P<0.05). At 2, 4 and 12 weeks, the scores of nasal congestion, sneezing, sleep problem, and rhinitis symptom control in the integrative and CMAA groups increased significantly compared with baseline (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The least percentages of Th2 and the most alleviated Th2 shift (highest Th1/Th2) were observed in the integrative group at 12 weeks compared with the other two groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of CMAA with Montelukast might be more effective and appropriate than either option alone for children with PAR. (Registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register, registration No. ChiCTR-IOR-17012434).
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5.
Efficacy of Montelukast in Allergic Rhinitis Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Krishnamoorthy, M, Mohd Noor, N, Mat Lazim, N, Abdullah, B
Drugs. 2020;(17):1831-1851
Abstract
BACKGROUND In treating allergic rhinitis, montelukast has the potential to be used as an alternative or addition to an oral antihistamine or intranasal corticosteroid. OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of montelukast in treating allergic rhinitis. METHODS An electronic literature search was performed using the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and MEDLINE from 1966 to 21 January 2019. The eligibility criteria were randomized controlled trials comparing montelukast with placebo or other standard treatments. The primary outcomes assessed were daytime nasal symptom score (DNS) and night-time nasal symptom score (NNS). The secondary outcomes assessed were composite nasal symptom score (CSS), daytime eyes symptom score (DES), and rhinoconjunctivitis quality-of-life questionnaires (RQLQ). The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3 software based on the random-effects model. RESULTS Fifteen studies of 10387 participants met the inclusion criteria. Montelukast was more effective than placebo in improving DNS (mean difference [MD] - 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.15 to - 0.08; p < 0.001), NNS (MD - 0.09, 95% CI - 0.13 to - 0.05; p < 0.001), CSS (MD - 0.08, 95% CI - 0.11 to - 0.06; p < 0.001), DES (MD - 0.17, 95% CI - 0.33 to - 0.02; p < 0.030), and RQLQ (MD - 0.34, 95% CI - 0.49 to - 0.20; p < 0.001). Oral antihistamine was superior to montelukast in improving DNS (MD 0.08, 95% CI 0.03-0.13; p = 0.002), CSS (MD 0.03, 95% CI - 0.02 to 0.07; p = 0.27), DES (MD 0.06, 95% CI 0-0.12; p = 0.040), and RQLQ (MD 0.03, 95% CI - 0.05 to 0.12; p = 0.430). Montelukast was superior to oral antihistamine in improving NNS (MD -0.03, 95% CI - 0.08 to 0.03; p = 0.330). Intranasal fluticasone spray was superior to montelukast in improving DNS (MD 0.71, 95% CI 0.44-0.99; p < 0.001) and NNS (MD 0.63, 95% CI 0.29-0.97; p < 0.001). Combined montelukast and oral antihistamine was superior to oral antihistamine in improving DNS (MD - 0.15, 95% CI - 0.27 to - 0.03; p = 0.010), NNS (MD - 0.16, 95% CI - 0.28 to - 0.05; p = 0.006), CSS (MD - 0.12, 95% CI - 0.25 to - 0.01; p = 0.070), DES (MD - 0.12, 95% CI - 0.30 to 0.06; p = 0.180), and RQLQ (MD - 0.10, 95% CI - 0.28 to 0.08; p = 0.290). Combined montelukast and OAH was superior to montelukast in improving DNS (MD 0.15, 95% CI 0.08-0.21; p < 0.001), NNS (MD 0.05, 95% CI - 0.09 to 0.19; p = 0.510), CSS (MD 0.1, 95% CI 0.03-0.17; p = 0.007), DES (MD 0.18, 95% CI 0-0.36; p = 0.050), and RQLQ (MD 0.07 95% CI - 0.15 to 0.29; p = 0.530). CONCLUSIONS Montelukast is more effective than placebo in treating the overall symptoms of allergic rhinitis while the combined therapy of montelukast and an oral antihistamine is superior to either montelukast or an oral antihistamine alone.
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6.
Airway mechanics after withdrawal of a leukotriene receptor antagonist in children with mild persistent asthma: Double-blind, randomized, cross-over study.
Kim, JH, Lee, S, Shin, YH, Ha, EK, Lee, SW, Kim, MA, Yoon, JW, Baek, HS, Choi, SH, Han, MY
Pediatric pulmonology. 2020;(12):3279-3286
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the response of airway mechanics and the changes in asthma symptoms to stepping down of leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) therapy. METHODS Thirty children (mean age: 7.1 years) with mild, well-controlled, and persistent asthma who took LTRA as maintenance treatment were randomized into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Each group received an LTRA (montelukast) or placebo daily for 2 weeks, followed by a 1-week washout period, and then the alternate treatment for 2 weeks. Spirometry and impulse oscillation system (IOS) measurements before and after four puffs of salbutamol inhalation, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and the childhood asthma control test (C-ACT) were evaluated at baseline, the end of placebo treatment, and the end of LTRA treatment. RESULTS Changes of FEV1 /FVC (p = .113) and FEV1 (p = .109) from baseline to posttreatment did not differ significantly between the placebo and montelukast groups. In the placebo group, prebronchodilator (pre-) FEV1 /FVC was decreased (83% vs. 86%) and bronchodilator response (BDR) in FEV1 was diminished (10.7% vs. 6.4%) at posttreatment compared with baseline. However, the montelukast group had no significant changes in pre-FEV1 /FVC (p = .865) and BDR in FEV1 (p = .461). In addition, compared with the montelukast group, the placebo group showed no significant changes in Rrs5 (total airway resistance), Rrs5-20 (peripheral airway resistance), FeNO, and symptoms by the C-ACT. CONCLUSION In children with well-controlled mild persistent asthma, changes in spirometry, IOS, FeNO, and C-ACT results did not differ between the placebo and montelukast groups within 2 weeks.
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7.
Aptamer-based cocaine assay using a nanohybrid composed of ZnS/Ag2Se quantum dots, graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles as a fluorescent probe.
Adegoke, O, Pereira-Barros, MA, Zolotovskaya, S, Abdolvand, A, Daeid, NN
Mikrochimica acta. 2020;(2):104
Abstract
Authors report on a new fluoro-graphene-plasmonic nanohybrid aptamer-based fluorescent nanoprobe for cocaine. To construct the nanoprobe, newly synthesized glutathione-capped ZnS/Ag2Se quantum dots (QDs) were first conjugated to graphene oxide (GO) to form a QD-GO nanocomposite. The binding interaction resulted in a fluorescence turn-ON. Thereafter, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were directly adsorbed on the QD-GO nanocomposite to form a novel QD-GO-CTAB-AuNP nanohybrid assembly that resulted in a fluorescence turn-OFF. Streptavidin (strep) was then adsorbed on the QDs-GO-CTAB-AuNP nanohybrid assembly which allowed binding to a biotinylated MNS 4.1 anticocaine DNA aptamer (B) receptor. The addition of cocaine into the strep-B-QDs-GO-CTAB-AuNP aptamer nanoprobe system aided affinity to the aptamer receptor and in turn turned on the fluorescence of the nanoprobe in a concentration-dependent manner. Under optimum experimental conditions, we found the strep-B-QD-GO-CTAB-AuNP to be far superior in its sensitivity to cocaine than the tested strep-B-QDs (no GO and CTAB-AuNPs), strep-B-QD-CTAB-AuNP (no GO) and strep-B-QD-GO (no CTAB-AuNP). In addition, the investigation of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) amplified signal from tested plasmonic NPs shows that CTAB-AuNPs was far superior in amplifying the fluorescence signal of the nanoprobe. A detection limit of 4.6 nM (1.56 ng.mL-1), rapid response time (~2 min) and excellent selectivity against other drugs, substances and cocaine metabolites was achieved. The strep-B-QD-GO-CTAB-AuNP aptamer-based fluorescent nanoprobe was successfully applied for the determination of cocaine in seized adulterated cocaine samples. Graphical abstractSchematic representation of the streptavidin-biotin-quantum dot-graphene oxide-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-gold nanoparticle aptamer-based fluorescent nanoprobe for cocaine.
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8.
Imrecoxib Inhibits Paraquat-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis through the NF-κB/Snail Signaling Pathway.
Jin, H
Computational and mathematical methods in medicine. 2020;:6374014
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In recent years, pulmonary fibrosis caused by paraquat poisoning is still concerned. However, no effective drugs have been developed yet to treat paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of our research is to investigate whether imrecoxib can inhibit paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis and its possible mechanism. METHODS Extraction of primary pulmonary fibrosis cells (PPF cells) in vitro by the method of trypsin digestion. RT-qPCR and western blot were employed to measure the transcription level and protein expression of EMT related markers in paraquat-induced A549 cells. MTT, wound-healing, and Transwell experiments were used to verify the effect of imrecoxib on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PPF and HFL1 cells. RESULTS Firstly, our results confirmed that paraquat can induce EMT and activate the NF-κB/snail signal pathway in lung epithelial cell A549. Furthermore, experimental results showed that imrecoxib could repress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PPF and HFL1 cells. Finally, our study found that imrecoxib can inhibit EMT of paraquat-induced A549 cells by the NF-κB/snail signal pathway. CONCLUSION Imrecoxib can inhibit EMT of paraquat-induced A549 cells and alleviate paraquat-caused pulmonary fibrosis through the NF-κB/snail signal pathway. Therefore, imrecoxib is a drug worthy of study in the treatment of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
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9.
A novel sandwich-type photoelectrochemical immunosensor based on Ru(bpy)32+ and Ce-CdS co-sensitized hierarchical ZnO matrix and dual-inhibited polystyrene@CuS-Ab2 composites.
Fan, D, Liu, X, Bao, C, Feng, J, Wang, H, Ma, H, Wu, D, Wei, Q
Biosensors & bioelectronics. 2019;:124-131
Abstract
A novel and sensitive sandwich-type photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor was developed for the quantitative detection of β-amyloid protein (Aβ). A ITO electrode was sequentially coated with hierarchical porous zinc oxide (ZnO) microspheres with a large specific area, sensitized with tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ion (Ru(bpy)32+) to achieve high visible light absorption, and modified with cerium-doped cadmium sulfide (Ce-CdS) nanoparticles to enhance the PEC response. Under the stimulation of visible light and ascorbic acid as an efficient electron donor, the photoelectric signal of ZnO/Ru(bpy)32+/Ce-CdS was 70 times that of pure ZnO. The amino-functionalized polystyrene (PS) microspheres coated with copper sulfide (CuS) was linked with a secondary antibody (Ab2) for the first time for the Aβ detection by the immunosensor. The good insulation and steric resistance of the as-prepared polystyrene@CuS-Ab2 (PS@CuS-Ab2) composite significantly weakened the photocurrent response of the immunosensor in the specific immune recognition. Under the optimal conditions, the quantitative detection of Aβ was achieved within the range of 0.001-100 ng/mL with the detection limit of 0.37 pg/mL. In addition, the PEC immunosensor is easy to make, stable and selective, which has provided a good experimental platform for the detection of disease biomarkers.
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10.
[Research progress in mineral Chinese medicine realgar].
Song, LL, Han, DY, Lin, RC, Huang, JM, Guan, J
Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica. 2019;(3):433-440
Abstract
Realgar is a mineral traditional medicine with definite efficacy. The function of realgar is detoxicating, insecticiding, eliminating dampness and phlegm, etc. It is widely applied in clinical practice by compatibility medicines. However, the safety and scientificalness of clinical application are questioned because of the toxic effect caused by arsenic compounds. At present, there are still many problems in the research of realgar, which are mainly manifested in three areas: the expression of main components and effective substances are inconsistent; the anti-tumor mechanism is difficult to explain at the molecular level; the mechanism of compatibility is not clear. As a result, realgar and realgar-containing Chinese patent medicines are frequently prohibited from entering the international market, and the reputation of traditional Chinese medicine is also damaged. This paper would analyze the research status of realgar at home and abroad as well as its problems from its main components, effective substances, anti-tumor mechanism and compatibility mechanism. In view of these difficulties, quantum chemical calculation method is proposed to solve them, so as to make up for the shortcomings and limitations of experimental technology and experimental conditions, reduce the cost of realgar research and improve research efficiency. Moreover, it provides inspiration for research of other mineral medicine.