A. Kovalčíková, N. Ivašková, J. Hodosy, Ľ. Podracká, P. Celec, Ľ. Tóthová
{"title":"Measurement of Urea in the Saliva of Healthy Mice - a Pilot Study.","authors":"A. Kovalčíková, N. Ivašková, J. Hodosy, Ľ. Podracká, P. Celec, Ľ. Tóthová","doi":"10.14712/fb2021067040158","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14712/fb2021067040158","url":null,"abstract":"Salivary urea is studied as a non-invasive alternative for screening and monitoring of renal diseases. Its high variability prevents a wider clinical use. Animal experiments are needed to identify factors affecting this marker. The aim of this study was to describe the inter-individual variability of salivary urea in healthy mice, establish reference intervals, and analyse the effects of sex, age and body weight. Plasma and saliva samples were obtained from 37 male and 41 female healthy adult CD1 mice aged 13-69 weeks (body weight 22-51 g). The reference interval for salivary urea in heathy mice based on our results is 2.7-8.4 mmol/l (CV = 23 %). Multivariate analysis did not show any significant effect of age, sex, or body weight. In addition, salivary urea did not correlate with its plasma concentrations. The high variability of the promising salivary marker of kidney function in healthy mice requires further research before its use to diagnose or monitor renal failure in animal models of kidney diseases. Other potential confounders should be analysed, including intra-individual and pre-analytical variability. In addition, a normalization factor such as total salivary proteins or salivation rate is likely needed.","PeriodicalId":50438,"journal":{"name":"Folia Biologica-Krakow","volume":"67 4 1","pages":"158-162"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67052498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
P. Šimara, L. Tesarová, I. Tapuchova, J. Celerova, I. Koutná
{"title":"T-Cell Activation: Post-Infection Diagnostic Tool for COVID-19.","authors":"P. Šimara, L. Tesarová, I. Tapuchova, J. Celerova, I. Koutná","doi":"10.14712/fb2021067010016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14712/fb2021067010016","url":null,"abstract":"COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and has spread globally in 2020. Cellular immunity may serve as an important functional marker of the disease, especially in the asymptomatic cases. Blood samples were collected from 46 convalescent donors with a history of COVID-19 and 38 control donors. Quantification of the T-cell response upon contact with SARS-CoV-2 proteins in vitro was based on IFN-γ. Significantly higher numbers of activated cells were measured in patients who underwent COVID-19. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 T cells were detected weeks after the active virus disappeared from the organism. Repeated sample collection after five months proved that the T-cell activation was weaker in time in 79 % of the patients. In the majority of cases, the CD4+ helper T-cell subpopulation was responsible for the immune reaction. Moreover, different viral proteins triggered activation in CD4+ helper and in CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Together, these findings suggest that the T-cell activation level identifies the individuals who underwent COVID-19 and may become a diagnostic tool for the disease.","PeriodicalId":50438,"journal":{"name":"Folia Biologica-Krakow","volume":"67 1 1","pages":"16-27"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67051678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
I. Leontovyc, T. Koblas, Z. Berková, K. Bittenglová, A. Leontovyč, M. Benešík, F. Saudek
{"title":"A Preliminary Characterization of a Novel Recombinant Clostridial Collagenase Blend.","authors":"I. Leontovyc, T. Koblas, Z. Berková, K. Bittenglová, A. Leontovyč, M. Benešík, F. Saudek","doi":"10.14712/fb2021067020082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14712/fb2021067020082","url":null,"abstract":"Clostridial collagenases are essential biotechnological tissue dissociation agents owing to their ability to cleave different types of collagen. Standardization of collagenase-based protocols has been hampered by impurities in products manufactured from Clostridium histolyticum. To enhance the purification process, we produced recombinant collagenase classes G and H, taking advantage of the Escherichia coli expression system. The respective gene sequences were derived from C. histolyticum and modified by addition of a C-terminal polyhistidine tag. Harvested bacteria were lysed and the collagenase protein was affinity purified using a His-tag column. The purity, identity, integrity of the eluted collagenases G and H were determined by SDS electrophoresis and Western blot. The proteolytic activity of the collagenase G and H blend (rColGH) was determined by the standard FALGPA assay. The tissue dissociation activity was verified using a standardized method for isolation of rat pancreatic islets. Biocompatibility of the blend was validated by a standardized viability assay on the isolated islets. Two batches of rColGH were produced and compared to a commercially available collagenase. Based on our results, we conclude that rColGH is a functional and non-toxic novel recombinant collagenase worth further characterization and blend optimization in order to make it a competitive commercial product.","PeriodicalId":50438,"journal":{"name":"Folia Biologica-Krakow","volume":"67 2 1","pages":"82-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67051716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Balázs Széky, B. Mayer, M. Gyongy, A. Hajdara, S. Barsi, S. Kárpáti, K. Nemeth
{"title":"Tri-Lineage Differentiation of NTERA2 Clone D1 Cells towards Neural, Hepatic and Osteogenic Lineages in Vitro.","authors":"Balázs Széky, B. Mayer, M. Gyongy, A. Hajdara, S. Barsi, S. Kárpáti, K. Nemeth","doi":"10.14712/fb2021067050174","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14712/fb2021067050174","url":null,"abstract":"Over the past decades, the in vitro use of pluripotent cell lines gained a crucial role in toxicology, preclinical drug testing and developmental biology. NTERA2 clone D1 cells were identified as pluripotent cells with high potential for neural differentiation. Although they are commonly used cellular sources in neuropharmacology and neurodevelopmental studies, their endodermal and mesodermal differentiation potential awaits further characterization. Here, we devised improved protocols for hepatogenic and osteogenic differentiation of NTERA2 clone D1 cells. Our in vitro differentiation assays showed significant up-regulation of multiple hepatogenic markers. We also observed robust mineralization and osteogenic marker expression of NTERA2 clone D1 cells upon in vitro osteogenic induction. These results suggest that NTERA2 clone D1 cells may be utilized as an in vitro model system to study various aspects of liver biology and osteogenesis. In addition, tri-lineage differentiation of NTERA2 clone D1 cells may serve as a simple experimental control system when validating pluripotency of other cell types.","PeriodicalId":50438,"journal":{"name":"Folia Biologica-Krakow","volume":"67 5-6 1","pages":"174-182"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67052057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Investigation of the Inhibitory Effect of Platycodin D in Human Transitional Cell Carcinoma Cell Line 5637.","authors":"X. G. Li, S. Gao, W. Yang, Shu Sun","doi":"10.14712/fb2021067010037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14712/fb2021067010037","url":null,"abstract":"Platycodin D is an active component isolated from Chinese herb Platycodonis radix with various pharmacological activities, such as antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. Interestingly, platycodin D also exerts anticancer effects against several types of cancer. However, few studies on the anti-tumour effects of platycodin against urinary bladder cancer have been reported. In this study, we explored the anti-tumour effect of platycodin D against human bladder cancer and its mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. We found that platycodin D had significant anti-proliferative effects on four types of cancer cells, especially the 5637 bladder cancer cell line, and exerted these effects by preventing cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to S phase, down-regulating Ki-67 and cyclin D1 protein expression and up-regulating P21 protein expression. Furthermore, platycodin D inhibited 5637 cell migration by decreasing twist-related protein 1 (Twist1) and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) expression and exerted significant tumour-suppressive effects in tumour-bearing nude mice. Platycodin D also increased caspase-9, caspase-8, caspase-3, and p53 expression and decreased Bcl-2 expression in tumour tissues. Taken together, our results provide a theoretical basis for application of platycodin D in treating urinary bladder cancer.","PeriodicalId":50438,"journal":{"name":"Folia Biologica-Krakow","volume":"14 1","pages":"37-47"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67051749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Y. X. Zhu, L. Zhu, Y. F. Chen, J. M. Xu, Z. Shen, R. J. Liu, J. Zou, M. Yuan, Fan Ye, Qingqi Zeng
{"title":"Luteoloside Ameliorates Palmitic Acid-Induced in Vitro Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Activating STAT3-Triggered Hepatocyte Regeneration.","authors":"Y. X. Zhu, L. Zhu, Y. F. Chen, J. M. Xu, Z. Shen, R. J. Liu, J. Zou, M. Yuan, Fan Ye, Qingqi Zeng","doi":"10.14712/fb2021067030126","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14712/fb2021067030126","url":null,"abstract":"Luteoloside (Lute), a bioactive natural ingredient, widely exists in nature and possesses hepatoprotective and hepatocyte proliferation-promoting properties. This study aimed to investigate whether Lute could counteract non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-caused hepatocyte damage via its stimulation of hepatocyte regeneration efficacy and to explore the involved mechanism. LO2 cells and primary hepatocytes were used to examine the hepatocyte proliferation effects of Lute under physiological conditions and in the palmitic acid (PA)- induced in vitro model of NAFLD. STAT3 and cell cycle-related proteins (cyclin D1, c-myc and p21) were evaluated by Western blot. Under physiological conditions, LO2 cells and primary hepatocytes treated with various concentration of Lute for 12 and 24 h showed increased hepatocyte proliferation, especially with 20 μM treatment for 24 h. More notably, under the model conditions, co-incubation with 20 μM of Lute also markedly reversed PA-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and viability in primary hepatocytes. Mechanistically, Lute could activate STAT3 and subsequently increase cyclin D1 and cmyc expression, which positively regulates cell cycle progression, and decrease expression of p21, an inhibitor of cell cycle progression. Furthermore, Luteinduced hepatocyte proliferation-promoting efficacy was abolished by STAT3 inhibitor stattic. Collectively, Lute can alleviate PA-induced hepatocyte damage via activating STAT3-mediated hepatocyte regeneration.","PeriodicalId":50438,"journal":{"name":"Folia Biologica-Krakow","volume":"67 3 1","pages":"126-133"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67052044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. D. Morsy, M. Alsaleem, M. Aboonq, S. Bashir, H. Al-Daher
{"title":"Acylated Ghrelin Administration Inhibits Sleeve Gastrectomy-Induced Hippocampal Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis and Tau-Hyperphosphorylation by Activating the PI3K/Akt Pathway.","authors":"M. D. Morsy, M. Alsaleem, M. Aboonq, S. Bashir, H. Al-Daher","doi":"10.14712/fb2021067020049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14712/fb2021067020049","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated the impact of exogenous replacement therapy with acylated ghrelin (AG) post sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on the memory function in rats. In addition, we investigated the possible underlying mechanisms, including the effects on markers of oxidative stress, tau phosphorylation, and apoptosis. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (N = 18/group) as follows: sham (control), SG, SG+AG (100 μM), and SG+AG+LY294002 (0.25 μg/100 g). We continued all treatments daily for four weeks post-surgery. SG impaired the spatial, retention, and recognition memories as tested by the Morris water maze test, passive avoidance test, and novel object recognition test, respectively. Also, it enhanced the levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides, reduced glutathione and protein levels of Bcl-2, and increased the levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in the hippocampus. In addition, SG reduced the hippocampal levels of acetylcholine and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Concomitantly, it inhibited the hippocampal activity of Akt and increased the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3β and tau protein phosphorylation. Exogenous administration of acylated ghrelin to rats that had undergone SG prevented memory deficits. Also, it prevented the alteration in the above-mentioned biochemical parameters, an effect that was abolished by co-administration of LY294002 (phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor). In conclusion, AG replacement therapy after SG in rats protects them against memory deficits and hippocampal damage by suppressing tau protein phosphorylation, mediated by activating PI3K/Aktinduced inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β.","PeriodicalId":50438,"journal":{"name":"Folia Biologica-Krakow","volume":"38 1","pages":"49-61"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67051842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Inhibition of SRSF3 Alleviates Proliferation and Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells by Regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signalling Pathway.","authors":"J. Xie, Y. Sun, Qiaolin Xu","doi":"10.14712/fb2021067030102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14712/fb2021067030102","url":null,"abstract":"This study was aimed to investigate the impact of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 3 (SRSF3) on the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer (GC) cells. SRSF3 levels in GC tissues and cell lines were measured by Western blotting. Functional assays were used for evaluation of GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was then examined by Western blotting. SRSF3 exhibits abnormal expression for the significantly increased levels in GC. SRSF3 knockdown significantly suppressed GC progression. SRSF3 knockdown significantly inhibited activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling. Inhibition of SRSF3 alleviates proliferation and migration of GC cells, and this process is mediated by inactivation of PI3K/ AKT/mTOR signalling. Targeting SRSF3 may be a promising strategy to combat GC.","PeriodicalId":50438,"journal":{"name":"Folia Biologica-Krakow","volume":"67 3 1","pages":"102-107"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67052020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Metabolic Effects of a Hydrophobic Alginate Derivative and Tetrahydrolipstatin in Rats Fed a Diet Supplemented with Palm Fat and Cholesterol.","authors":"M. Marounek, Z. Volek, T. Taubner, M. Czauderna","doi":"10.14712/fb2021067040143","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14712/fb2021067040143","url":null,"abstract":"The effects of octadecylamide of alginic acid (amidated alginate) and tetrahydrolipstatin on serum and hepatic cholesterol, and the faecal output of fat and sterols, were investigated in rats. Amidated alginate is a sorbent of lipids, tetrahydrolipstatin is an inhibitor of pancreatic lipase. Rats were fed diets containing cholesterol and palm fat at 10 and 70 g/kg, respectively. Palm fat was provided by coconut meal. Amidated alginate at 40 g/kg diet significantly decreased serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and hepatic cholesterol, and hepatic lipids and increased the faecal output of fat and coprostanol. Tetrahydrolipstatin at 300 mg/kg diet significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hepatic lipids and increased the faecal output of fat. The intake of feed was not significantly influenced; however, the weight gains in rats fed amidated alginate were lower than in rats of the control group. Both amidated alginate and tetrahydrolipstatin modified the fatty acid profile in excreta lipids. Concentrations of saturated fatty acids were decreased and those of unsaturated fatty acids increased. Despite different modes of action, amidated alginate and tetrahydrolipstatin were equally efficient in removing the dietary fat from the body.","PeriodicalId":50438,"journal":{"name":"Folia Biologica-Krakow","volume":"67 4 1","pages":"143-149"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67052287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Tian, L. Liu, M. Zheng, Z. Ye, R. Chen, Xiang Lan
{"title":"MiR-503 Contributes to Glucocorticoid Sensitivity in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia via Targeting WNT3A.","authors":"C. Tian, L. Liu, M. Zheng, Z. Ye, R. Chen, Xiang Lan","doi":"10.14712/fb2021067050199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14712/fb2021067050199","url":null,"abstract":"Abnormal accumulation of lymphoblasts in the blood and bone marrow is the main characteristic of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Glucocorticoids are effective drugs for ALL, while glucocorticoid resistance is an obstacle to ALL therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the drug resistance and modulate the response of ALL to glucocorticoids. The role of miR-503 in glucocorticoid sensitivity of ALL was investigated in this study. Firstly, T-leukaemic cells were isolated from patients with ALL. The human ALL cell line (CCRF/CEM) was incubated with dexamethasone to establish a glucocorticoid- resistant ALL cell line (CCRF/CEM-R). Data from MTT showed that IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) of dexamethasone in T-leukaemic cells isolated from glucocorticoid-resistant ALL patients or CCRF/CEM-R was increased compared with IC50 in T-leukaemic cells isolated from glucocorticoid- sensitive ALL patients or CCRF/CEM. MiR- 503 was down-regulated in glucocorticoid-resistant leukaemic cells and CCRF/CEM-R. Secondly, overexpression of miR-503 sensitized CCRF/CEM-R to dexamethasone. Moreover, over-expression of miR- 503 also promoted the sensitivity of ALL cells to dexamethasone. Thirdly, miR-503 bound to WNT3A mRNA and negatively regulated the expression of WNT3A. Over-expression of miR-503 reduced protein expression of nuclear β-catenin, and over-expression of WNT3A attenuated the miR-503 overexpression- induced decrease in nuclear β-catenin. Lastly, the over-expression of miR-503-induced increased sensitivity of ALL-resistant cells and CCRF/ CEM-R to dexamethasone was attenuated by overexpression of WNT3A. In conclusion, miR-503 targeted WNT3A mRNA to sensitize ALL cells to glucocorticoids through inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.","PeriodicalId":50438,"journal":{"name":"Folia Biologica-Krakow","volume":"67 5-6 1","pages":"199-207"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67052942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}