Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Weiping Wu, Wugao Liu, Huafu Wang, Wei Wang, Weihua Chu, Jing Jin
Summary: This study found that beta-sitosterol has a regulatory effect on the gut microbial structure, inhibiting a key step in the development of atherosclerosis. Simultaneously, it improves plaque formation in AS mice by reducing TMA, FMO3, and TMAO levels. Additionally, beta-sitosterol improves cholesterol metabolism, reduces inflammation, and enhances antioxidant defense capacity.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Prathapan Abeesh, Chandrasekharan Guruvayoorappan
Summary: In this study, nanoliposomes encapsulated beta sitosterol (LBS) were prepared to improve the bioavailability and stability. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that LBS treatment could induce apoptosis in lymphoma cell lines, reduce tumor loads, improve survival rate, and stabilize body weights in tumor-bearing mice. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters also improved significantly after LBS administration compared to free drug.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiake Yu, Shuying Wang, Jie Yang, Wuxinrui Huang, Beikang Tang, Weijun Peng, Jing Tian
Summary: This study investigates the mechanisms of Zengye decoction (ZYD) against Sjogren's syndrome (SS). It is found that ZYD has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of SS with ZYD.
PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoyan Lin, Siyu Ouyang, Chenxi Zhi, Pin Li, Xiaoqian Tan, Wentao Ma, Jiang Yu, Tianhong Peng, Xi Chen, Liang Li, Wei Xie
Summary: Vascular endothelial cells (VECs) are in direct contact with metabolite-related endogenous danger signals in the circulatory system. VECs death impairs vasodilation and increases endothelium-dependent permeability, which is strongly correlated with the development of atherosclerosis. Regulatory death of endothelial cells frequently occurs in atherosclerosis, including ferroptosis, pyroptosis, apoptosis and autophagy. This review summarizes regulatory factors and signaling mechanisms of regulatory death in endothelial cells, discussing their effects in the context of the atherosclerotic procession.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luya Pu, Qingyu Meng, Shuai Li, Yaru Wang, Bin Liu
Summary: Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular disease, and oscillatory shear stress (Oss) is an important factor in its induction. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Oss-induced atherosclerosis and identify potential targets for prevention and treatment. It was found that TXNRD1, a gene related to atherosclerosis and cell proliferation, is upregulated in Oss-treated endothelial cells, and its knockdown inhibits cell proliferation by activating the eNOS/apoptosis pathway.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yun Li, Yunhong Song, Yulian Liang
Summary: Abnormal apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells, a key feature of arteriosclerosis, is regulated by the antiapoptotic E3 ubiquitin ligase (AREL1) and miR-320b. TGF-beta treatment downregulates AREL1 expression in HUVECs, leading to increased apoptosis. Overexpression of AREL1 inhibits Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 activation and attenuates apoptosis induced by TGF-beta or miR-320b. Additionally, AREL1 interacts with the proapoptotic protein SMAC in TGF-beta-treated HUVECs. These findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of vascular diseases and suggest new therapeutic targets.
JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Xiangshu Long, Ganhua You, Qiang Wu, Yu Zhou, Yan Xiao, Fuxun Yu, Shiyan Deng, Rui Mo, Fang Song, Jing Huang, Maobo Tian
Summary: The study demonstrated that increased HOXC6 expression promotes apoptosis of HVECs, potentially contributing to the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis, partially through the activation of the PLC beta/PKC zeta/NF-kappa Bp65/IL-18 signaling pathway.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Kasprzak, Magdalena Rudzinska, Wojciech Juzwa, Anna Olejnik
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the anti-proliferative potential and genotoxicity of thermo-oxidatively treated stigmasterol (ST), stigmasteryl linoleate (ST-LA), and oleate (ST-OA) in normal human intestinal cells. The results showed that stigmasteryl esters had a significantly lower potential to affect intestinal cell viability and proliferation than non-esterified ST, regardless of heating. Thermo-oxidative derivatives of ST and ST-LA may evoke harmful gastrointestinal effects due to their high oxidative reactivity towards intestinal cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Lindsay Canham, Sam Sendac, Mannekomba R. Diagbouga, Elena Wolodimeroff, Daniela Pirri, Blanca Tardajos Ayllon, Shuang Feng, Celine Souilhol, Timothy J. A. Chico, Paul C. Evans, Jovana Serbanovic-Canic
Summary: Hemodynamic wall shear stress (WSS) exerted on the endothelium by flowing blood determines the spatial distribution of atherosclerotic lesions. Disturbed flow (DF) with low WSS promotes atherosclerosis, while unidirectional flow with high WSS is protective. This study investigates the role of EVA1A in WSS-regulated endothelial cell dysfunction.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kai Qian, Xue-Xia Zheng, Chen Wang, Wen-Guang Huang, Xiao-Bao Liu, Shu-Di Xu, Dan-Kai Liu, Min-Ying Liu, Chang-Song Lin
Summary: The study found that beta-sitosterol (BSS) has potential as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by suppressing the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, thereby alleviating joint swelling and bone destruction. BSS also prevents synovial angiogenesis by inhibiting VEGFR2 and p-VEGFR2 expression.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Huxinyue Duan, Qing Zhang, Jia Liu, Ruolan Li, Dan Wang, Wei Peng, Chunjie Wu
Summary: Endothelial cell apoptosis is the initial step in the development of atherosclerosis, with risk factors inducing excessive apoptosis. Natural medicines have great potential in treating atherosclerosis by inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Huxinyue Duan, Qing Zhang, Jia Liu, Ruolan Li, Dan Wang, Wei Peng, Chunjie Wu
Summary: Atherosclerosis, a chronic multifactorial disease, is closely related to cardiovascular diseases and is a major cause of death globally. Endothelial cell apoptosis is believed to be the initial step in atherosclerosis development, and natural medicines have great potential in treating atherosclerosis by inhibiting this process.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyocheol Bae, Sunwoo Park, Jiyeon Ham, Jisoo Song, Taeyeon Hong, Jin-Hee Choi, Gwonhwa Song, Whasun Lim
Summary: Beta-sitosterol, a plant-derived phytosterol, has been found to exhibit anticancer effects against ovarian cancer by inducing apoptosis, suppressing proliferation, inhibiting migration, and showing synergistic effects with standard anticancer drugs.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Fanfeng Chen, Xiaoning Ye, Haote Jiang, Guanxia Zhu, Shouliang Miao
Summary: This study investigated the mechanism of miR-151 and IL-17A in apoptosis of atherosclerotic endothelial cells. The results showed that miR-151 and si-IL-17A inhibited the apoptosis rate of aortic endothelial cells treated by Ox-LDL by reducing the expression levels of apoptotic proteins and increasing the expression levels of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. MiR-151 was found to inhibit endothelial cell apoptosis in AS, and IL-17A was identified as a new target for miR-151.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min Wu, Yijin Wu, Shulin Tang, Jinsong Huang, Yueheng Wu
Summary: Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed the key molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis, highlighting the impact of endothelial cells and the pathways of fluid shear stress and AS and TGF-beta. ICAM1, KLF2, and VCAM1 were identified as important genes in endothelial cells, with significantly downregulated expression in atherosclerotic arteries.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Lisiak, Patrycja Dzikowska, Urszula Wisniewska, Mariusz Kaczmarek, Barbara Bednarczyk-Cwynar, Lucjusz Zaprutko, Blazej Rubis
Summary: Breast cancer is a diverse malignancy that requires accurate diagnosis for personalized and efficient therapy. The status of estrogen receptor (ER) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is crucial in cancer diagnosis. Phytochemicals, such as oleanolic acid, have shown promise in modulating ER- and EGFR-controlled pathways in various cancers. Derivative compounds HIMOXOL and Br-HIMOLID have demonstrated apoptotic, autophagic, and anti-migratory effects in breast cancer cells. Our study reveals the involvement of ER and EGFR receptors in the effects of HIMOXOL and Br-HIMOLID, making them potential candidates for anticancer strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Grygier, Suryakant Chakradhari, Katarzyna Ratusz, Magdalena Rudzinska, Khageshwar Singh Patel, Danija Lazdina, Dalija Seglina, Pawel Gornas
Summary: Bioactive lipophilic compounds were investigated in 14 leguminous tree species to explore their potential in food additive and supplement production. The results showed that some tree species, such as A. auriculiformis and H. binata, have high potential as a source for carotenoid-rich oil and tocopherols.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Kasprzak, Magdalena Rudzinska, Wojciech Juzwa, Anna Olejnik
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the anti-proliferative potential and genotoxicity of thermo-oxidatively treated stigmasterol (ST), stigmasteryl linoleate (ST-LA), and oleate (ST-OA) in normal human intestinal cells. The results showed that stigmasteryl esters had a significantly lower potential to affect intestinal cell viability and proliferation than non-esterified ST, regardless of heating. Thermo-oxidative derivatives of ST and ST-LA may evoke harmful gastrointestinal effects due to their high oxidative reactivity towards intestinal cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Rut Bryl, Mariusz J. Nawrocki, Karol Jopek, Mariusz Kaczmarek, Dorota Bukowska, Pawel Antosik, Paul Mozdziak, Maciej Zabel, Piotr Dziegiel, Bartosz Kempisty
Summary: Heart failure is a leading cause of death globally, and current treatment options are often not sufficient. Autologous stem cell transplant shows promise as an alternative approach in clinical management. Studies have revealed differentially expressed genes in cell cultures from the heart, suggesting the involvement of stem cell maintenance and proliferation in myocardial regeneration.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marcin Lenkowski, Kacper Nijakowski, Patryk Wos, Mariusz Kaczmarek, Anna Surdacka
Summary: This study aimed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of three different methods (LAMP, PCR, and qPCR) for detecting periopathogens and determine the optimal diagnostic method. By performing laboratory molecular analysis on gingival crevicular fluid samples from 62 patients with diagnosed periodontitis, it was found that LAMP using the TE buffer achieved the best diagnostic quality parameters for P. gingivalis determination. Therefore, LAMP can be used to quickly assess periopathogen presence in an outpatient setting.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mahbuba Islam, Anna Kaczmarek, Magdalena Rudzinska, Jolanta Tomaszewska-Gras
Summary: This study examined the possibility of using DSC melting profiles to authenticate cold-pressed hemp seed oil. The results showed that the heating rate had a significant influence on the thermal behavior of the oil, allowing for differentiation of different types of hemp seed oil. Multivariate data analysis demonstrated that DSC parameters could distinguish oils pressed from different qualities of seeds. The aim of the research was to assess the authenticity of cold-pressed hemp seed oil through its thermal characteristics at various scanning rates.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dorota Belt, Anna Grygier, Aleksander Siger, Dominik Kmiecik, Stanislaw Spasibionek, Magdalena Rudzinska
Summary: Vegetable oils are chosen by consumers for their bioactive substances and quality. This study compared the quality of oils obtained from germinated rape seeds and white mustard seeds by analyzing their acid and peroxide values. The peroxide value decreased significantly during germination due to the utilization of oxygen, leading to lipid peroxidation. The activity of peroxidase increased during germination, and there was an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids in mustard oil.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Katarzyna Tomela, Bernadeta Pietrzak, Lukasz Galus, Jacek Mackiewicz, Marcin Schmidt, Andrzej Adam Mackiewicz, Mariusz Kaczmarek
Summary: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are immature myeloid cells with suppressive activity in cancer. In a study on advanced melanoma patients undergoing anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, higher levels of monocytic MDSC (MoMDSC) were found in responders compared to non-responders before treatment. There were no significant changes in MDSC levels during therapy. This study suggests that MoMDSCs may be a useful tool for monitoring the immune status of melanoma patients.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Adel G. Abdel-Razek, Ghada A. Abo-Elwafa, Eman F. Al-Amrousi, Ahmed N. Badr, Minar Mahmoud M. Hassanein, Ying Qian, Aleksander Siger, Anna Grygier, Elzbieta Radziejewska-Kubzdela, Magdalena Rudzinska
Summary: This study investigates the impact of refining on the quality and stability of fractionated and mixed shea butters. The results show that refining reduces peroxide value and free fatty acid content, but decreases antibacterial and antifungal activities. The main fatty acids in shea butter are stearic and oleic acid.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarzyna Sowa-Kasprzak, Ewa Toton, Jacek Kujawski, Dorota Olender, Natalia Lisiak, Lucjusz Zaprutko, Blazej Rubis, Mariusz Kaczmarek, Anna Pawelczyk
Summary: In this study, the development of bioactive hybrid compounds targeting cancer cells using curcumin and oleanolic acid was discussed. Several hybrid compounds were synthesized and compared with curcumin. The results showed that these compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines and could function as effective anticancer agents even without the diketone structure of curcumin. In addition, molecular simulations confirmed the binding activity and hydrogen bond formation of these compounds. The curcumin-triterpene hybrids provide valuable insights for further research into anticancer combinations of curcumin and oleanolic acid derivatives.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Urszula Oleksiewicz, Marta Machnik, Joanna Sobocinska, Sara Molenda, Anna Olechnowicz, Anna Florczak, Mikolaj Smolibowski, Mariusz Kaczmarek
Summary: The study reveals that ZNF714 is frequently overexpressed in multiple tumors, possibly due to regional amplification, promoter hypomethylation, and NFYB signaling. ZNF714 expression is correlated with tumor immunosuppressive features and positively associated with proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. It is suggested that ZNF714 may play a potential oncogenic role in cancer development by indirectly regulating the expression of several known TSGs through promoter methylation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandra Derwich, Monika Sykutera, Barbara Brominska, Blazej Rubis, Marek Ruchala, Nadia Sawicka-Gutaj
Summary: Pituitary tumors, while mostly benign, can be aggressive and invasive, resistant to treatment, and prone to recurrence. The underlying mechanisms behind their behavior and metastasis are not fully understood. The RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways are crucial in cell growth and tumorigenesis. This review aims to explore the activation of these pathways in pituitary tumors and their potential as new therapeutic approaches. Thorough research is needed to ascertain their exact functions and mechanisms in the pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maciej Busko, Anna Gracka, Henryk Jelen, Kinga Stuper Szablewska, Anna Przybylska-Balcerek, Lidia Szwajkowska-Michalek, Tomasz Goral
Summary: The resistance of 30 winter wheat cultivars to Fusarium head blight (FHB) was tested, and their volatile compound profiles in grain samples were analyzed. The organic cultivation variant had the lowest abundance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Discriminant analysis successfully separated the grain samples from different experimental variants based on the number of VOCs. The grain from organic farming showed a significantly different VOCs profile compared to the other experimental variants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarzyna Stefanska, Lucie Nemcova, Malgorzata Blatkiewicz, Agnieszka Zok, Mariusz Kaczmarek, Wojciech Pienkowski, Paul Mozdziak, Hanna Piotrowska-Kempisty, Bartosz Kempisty
Summary: Wharton's jelly (WJ) from umbilical cords contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with immunomodulatory properties and differentiation capacity, which makes them a promising tool for cellular therapies. In this study, WJ-MSCs were cultured for differentiation into osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic, and neurogenic lineages, and differentially expressed genes were identified using RNA analysis. The study provides insights into the transcriptomic changes and identification of novel markers in the differentiation process of WJ-MSCs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)