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Background: 6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) released from rat vas deferens acts an endogenous modulator of vas deferens contractility., Objectives: To investigate whether rat isolated seminal vesicles (RISV) releases 6-ND, the mechanisms involved in the release, and the modulatory role of 6-ND on tissue contractility., Methods: Rat seminal vesicles were removed and placed in Krebs-Henseleit's solution at 37°C for 30 min, and an aliquot was used to analyze the concentrations of 6-ND, dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The effect of mechanical removal of the epithelium and the effects of pre-incubation of RISV strips with N ω -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; in combination or not with L-arginine), tetrodotoxin (TTX), GKT137831, and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) on 6-ND release were evaluated. For functional studies, RISV strips were mounted in an organ bath and tied to an isometric force transducer. The expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS, type III NOS) were investigated by immunohistochemistry and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)., Results: 6-ND was the major released catecholamine from RISV strips compared with noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine. Epithelium removal significantly reduced the release of 6-ND, noradrenaline and dopamine. In RISV strips obtained from animals chronically treated with L-NAME, the 6-ND release significantly reduced. Pre-incubation with L-NAME reduced 6-ND release, which was partly restored by co-incubation with L-arginine. Pre-incubation with TTX had no effect on the release of any catecholamine, whereas GKT137831 and H 2 O 2 significantly increased 6-ND release. All catecholamines produced concentration-dependent RISV contractions, but 6-ND was approximately 30× less potent than the others. 6-ND (0.1 nM) significantly potentiated noradrenaline-, adrenaline-, and dopamine-induced contractions, with such potentiations inhibited by TTX. Immunohistochemistry and FISH assays in RISV tissues identified tyrosine hydroxylase in epithelial cells and eNOS expression in both epithelial and endothelial cells., Discussion and Conclusion: This is the first demonstration that epithelial-derived 6-ND modulates rat seminal vesicle contractility., (© 2025 American Society of Andrology and European Academy of Andrology.)

Mammalian and reptilian vascular tissues present basal release of 6-nitrodopamine, which is reduced when the tissues are pre-incubated with the NO synthase inhibitor L-N G -Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), or when the endothelium is mechanically removed. 6-Nitrodopamine induces vasorelaxation in pre-contracted vascular rings by antagonizing the dopaminergic D 2-like receptor. Here it was investigated whether male swine vessels (including carotid, left descendent coronary, renal, and femoral arteries) release 6-nitrodopamine, dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline, as measured by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The in vitro vasorelaxant action of 6-nitrodopamine was evaluated in carotid, coronary, renal, and femoral arteries precontracted by U-46619 (3 nM), and compared to that induced by the dopamine D 2 -receptor antagonist L-741,626. Expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and the neuromaker calretinin was investigated by immunohistochemistry. All vascular tissues presented basal release of endothelium-derived catecholamines. The relaxation induced by 6-nitrodopamine was not affected by preincubation of the tissues with either L-NAME (100 μM, 30-min preincubation) or the heme-site inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase ODQ (100 μM, 30-min preincubation). Electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contractions were significantly potentiated by previous incubation with L-NAME, but unaffected by ODQ preincubation. The contractions induced by EFS were reduced by preincubation with either 6-nitrodopamine or L-741,626. Immunohistochemistry in all arteries revealed the presence of tyrosine hydroxylase in the endothelium, whereas immunoreactivity for calretinin was negative. Swine vessels present basal release of endothelium-derived catecholamines and expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the endothelium. The vasodilation induced by 6-nitrodopamine is due to blockade of dopaminergic D 2 -like receptors., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing or financial interests., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Multidrug resistance proteins type 4 (MRP4) and 5 (MRP5) play pivotal roles in the transport of cyclic nucleotides in various tissues. However, their specific functions within the lower urinary tract remain relatively unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pharmacological inhibition of MRPs on cyclic nucleotide signaling in isolated pig bladder. The relaxation responses of the bladder were assessed in the presence of the MRP inhibitor, MK571. The temporal changes in intra- and extracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP in stimulated tissues were determined by mass spectrometry. The gene ( ABCC4 ) and protein (MRP4) expression were also determined. MK571 administration resulted in a modest relaxation effect of approximately 26% in carbachol-precontracted bladders. The relaxation induced by phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as cilostazol, tadalafil, and sildenafil was significantly potentiated in the presence of MK571. In contrast, no significant potentiation was observed in the relaxation induced by substances elevating cAMP levels or stimulators of soluble guanylate cyclase. Following forskolin stimulation, both intracellular and extracellular cAMP concentrations increased by approximately 15.8-fold and 12-fold, respectively. Similarly, stimulation with tadalafil + BAY 41-2272 resulted in roughly 8.2-fold and 3.4-fold increases in intracellular and extracellular cGMP concentrations, respectively. The presence of MK571 reduced only the extracellular levels of cGMP. This study reveals the presence and function of MRP4 transporters within the porcine bladder and paves the way for future research exploring the role of this transporter in both underactive and overactive bladder disorders. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study investigates the impact of pharmacological inhibition of MRP4 and MRP5 transporters on cyclic nucleotide signaling in isolated pig bladders. MK571 administration led to modest relaxation, with enhanced effects observed in the presence of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. However, substances elevating cAMP levels remained unaffected. MK571 selectively reduced extracellular cGMP levels. These findings shed light on the role of MRP4 transporters in the porcine bladder, opening avenues for further research into bladder disorders.

6-Cyanodopamine is a novel catecholamine released from rabbit isolated heart. However, it is not known whether this catecholamine presents any biological activity. Here, it was evaluated whether 6-cyanodopamine (6-CYD) is released from rat vas deferens and its effect on this tissue contractility. Basal release of 6-CYD, 6-nitrodopamine (6-ND), 6-bromodopamine, 6-nitrodopa, and 6-nitroadrenaline from vas deferens were quantified by LC-MS/MS. Electric-field stimulation (EFS) and concentration-response curves to noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine of the rat isolated epididymal vas deferens (RIEVD) were performed in the absence and presence of 6-CYD and /or 6-ND. Expression of tyrosine hydroxylase was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The rat isolated vas deferens released significant amounts of both 6-CYD and 6-ND. The voltage-gated sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin had no effect on the release of 6-CYD, but it virtually abolished 6-ND release. 6-CYD alone exhibited a negligible RIEVD contractile activity; however, at 10 nM, 6-CYD significantly potentiated the noradrenaline- and EFS-induced RIEVD contractions, whereas at 10 and 100 nM, it also significantly potentiated the adrenaline- and dopamine-induced contractions. The potentiation of noradrenaline- and adrenaline-induced contractions by 6-CYD was unaffected by tetrodotoxin. Co-incubation of 6-CYD (100 pM) with 6-ND (10 pM) caused a significant leftward shift and increased the maximal contractile responses to noradrenaline, even in the presence of tetrodotoxin. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of tyrosine hydroxylase in both epithelial cell cytoplasm of the mucosae and nerve fibers of RIEVD. The identification of epithelium-derived 6-CYD and its remarkable synergism with catecholamines indicate that epithelial cells may regulate vas deferens smooth muscle contractility., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Aims: To evaluate the basal release of 6-nitrodopamine (6-ND) from human isolated seminal vesicles (HISV) and to characterize its action and origin., Main Methods: Left HISV obtained from patients undergoing prostatectomy surgery was suspended in a 3-mL organ bath containing warmed (37 °C) and gassed (95%O 2 :5%CO 2 ) Krebs-Henseleit's solution (KHS) with ascorbic acid. An aliquot of 2 mL of the supernatant was used to quantify catecholamines by LC-MS/MS. For functional studies, concentration-responses curves to catecholamines were obtained, and pEC 50 and E max values were calculated. Detection of tyrosine hydroxylase and S100 protein were also carried out by both immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in-situ hybridization assays (FISH)., Key Findings: Basal release of 6-ND was higher than the other catecholamines (14.76 ± 14.54, 4.99 ± 6.92, 3.72 ± 4.35 and 5.13 ± 5.76 nM for 6-ND, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine, respectively). In contrast to the other catecholamines, the basal release of 6-ND was not affected by the sodium current (Nav) channel inhibitor tetrodotoxin (1 μM; 10.4 ± 8.9 and 10.4 ± 7.9 nM, before and after tetrodotoxin, respectively). All the catecholamines produced concentration-dependent HISV contractions (pEC 50 4.1 ± 0.2, 4.9 ± 0.3, 5.0 ± 0.3, and 3.9 ± 0.8 for 6-ND, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine, respectively), but 6-ND was 10-times less potent than noradrenaline and adrenaline. However, preincubation with very low concentration of 6-ND (10 -8  M, 30 min) produced significant leftward shifts of the concentration-response curves to noradrenaline. Immunohistochemical and FISH assays identified tyrosine hydroxylase in tissue epithelium of HISV strips., Significance: Epithelium-derived 6-ND is the major catecholamine released from human isolated seminal vesicles and that modulates smooth muscle contractility by potentiating noradrenaline-induced contractions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The incorrect disposal of waste negatively influences the population's quality of life and harms the environment. In Brazil, waste disposal in the open air is still a reality, which generates concerns about the contamination of the areas surrounding these dumpsites. The present work evaluated the possible environmental risks of a deactivated dumpsite in southern Brazil. The soil was characterized by physical and chemical tests, emphasizing the analysis of heavy metals Al, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn. Using geostatistical tools, it was possible to determine the distribution of these heavy metals in the influence of the landfill, since the metals Mn, Fe, and Zn showed a significant difference about the reference soil, indicating that they came from leaching from the landfill. The dispersion of the metals along the slope showed a tendency towards mobility since the highest concentrations were at elevations below the landfill. The area was considered contaminated due to the high scores of the evaluated indexes pollution, as the Improved Nemerow Pollution Index, which considers pollutant concentration, toxicity, and environmental impact to provide a measure of contamination, and was equivalent to 6.44, indicating that the area is contaminated. However, it presented low ecological risks, with a potential ecological risk of 18.55. As well as low risks to human health, with hazard index below the limit considered critical to health (HI < 1). Thus, the results of this study showed that the metals are released around the deactivated deposit, which compromises the environmental safety of the site, mainly due to its proximity to bodies of water that supply the region. Thus, the permanent control and monitoring of the areas of deactivated dumpsites are essential to avoid further pollution and should be included in the management plans for deactivating these deposits throughout the country., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is a novel catecholamine that is released from human umbilical cord vessels, and it causes vascular relaxation by acting as a dopamine D 2 -receptor antagonist. Here it was investigated whether human peripheral vessels obtained from patients who have undergone surgery for leg amputation release 6-ND, and its action in these tissues. Popliteal artery and vein strips present basal release of 6-ND, as measured by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The release was significantly reduced when the tissues were pre-treated with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (100 μM), or when the endothelium was mechanically removed. In U-46619 (3 nM) pre-contracted rings, 6-ND induced concentration-dependent relaxations (pEC50 8.18 ± 0.05 and 8.40 ± 0.08, in artery and vein rings, respectively). The concentration-dependent relaxations induced by 6-ND were unaffected in tissues pre-treated with L-NAME, but significantly reduced in tissues where the endothelium has been mechanically removed. In U-46619 (3 nM) pre-contracted rings, the selective dopamine D 2 receptor antagonist L-741,626 also caused concentration-dependent relaxations (pEC 50 8.92 ± 0.22 and 8.79 ± 0.19, in artery and vein rings, respectively). The concentration-dependent relaxations induced by L-741,626 were unaffected in tissues pre-treated with L-NAME, but significantly reduced in tissues where the endothelium has been mechanically removed. This is the first demonstration that 6-nitrodopamine is released from human peripheral artery and vein rings. The results also indicate that endothelium-derived dopamine is a major contractile agent in the popliteal artery and vein, and that selective dopamine D 2 -receptor antagonists such as 6-ND, may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of human peripheral vascular diseases., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The investigation conformed to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and written consent was obtained from those who agreed to participate., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Along with other COVID-19 clinical manifestations, management of both olfactory and gustatory dysfunction have drawn a considerable attention. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged to be a possible effective therapy in restoring taste and smell functionality, but the evidence is scarce. Hence, the present pilot study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intranasal and intraoral PBM administrations in management of anosmia and ageusia respectively. Twenty Caucasian subjects who diagnosed with anosmia and ageusia were recruited. Visual analogue scale was utilised to evaluate patients' self-reported for both olfactory and gustatory functionality. The laser-PBM parameters and treatment protocols for anosmia and ageusia were as follows respectively: 660 nm, 100 mW, two points intranasally, 60 J/session, 12 sessions; dual wavelengths (660 nm and 808 nm), 100 mW, three points intraorally, 216 J/session, 12 sessions. Our results showed a significant functionality improvement of both olfactory and gustatory functionality. Extensive studies with large data and long-term follow-up period are warranted., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Background: tinnitus is a symptom with no specific cause known to date, and there are no associated pharmacogenomics of hearing disorders and no FDA-approved drugs for tinnitus treatment. The effectiveness of drug treatments is not reproducible on idiopathic patients and inexistent in refractory patients. Personalized treatments for these patients are a great clinical need. Our study investigated the outcome of potential alternative and complementary treatment modalities for idiopathic and refractory tinnitus patients., Methods: we were the first to evaluate the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) score changes over the course of treatment up to 15 days after complete cessation of treatment for novel transmeatal low-level laser therapy (LLLT) modalities using light alone, as well as LLLT combined with vacuum therapy (VT), ultrasound (US), Ginkgo biloba (GB) and flunarizine dihydrochloride (FD), while also comparing all treatment outcomes with laser puncture (LP), FD alone and GB alone., Results: a positive treatment outcome (superior to a placebo effect) was achieved by using either LP or transmeatal LLLT, whereas short-term antagonistic effects of VT, US, GB and FD when combined with LLLT. For transmeatal LLLT, an improvement in the treatment outcome was observed by increasing the irradiation time from 6 min to 15 min (with 100-mW of applied laser power at 660 nm). Finally, a lasting therapeutic effect higher than the placebo was observed at 15 days after treatment upon combining LLLT with VT, GB or by using FD alone, by using the transmeatal LLLT alone or by using LP., Conclusions: LP and Transmeatal LLLT can be promising alternative treatments for idiopathic and refractory tinnitus patients. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of LLLT in tinnitus patients, as well as the dosimetry and wavelength of transmeatal LLLT.

The trans -A 2 B-corrole series was prepared starting with 5-(pentafluorophenyl)dipyrromethene, which was then reacted with respective aryl-substituted aldehyde by Gryko synthesis. It was further characterized by HRMS and electrochemical methods. In addition, we investigated experimental photophysical properties (absorption, emission by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence) in several solvents and TDDFT calculations, aggregation, photostability and reactive oxygen species generation (ROS), which are relevant when selecting photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy and many other photo-applications. In addition, we also evaluated the biomolecule-binding properties with CT-DNA and HSA by spectroscopy, viscometry and molecular docking calculations assays.

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is a novel catecholamine that is released from human umbilical cord vessels and Chelonoidis carbonaria aortic rings. The synthesis/release of 6-ND is inhibited by either pre-incubation of the vessels with the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor L-NAME or by mechanical removal of the endothelium. 6-ND causes powerful vasorelaxation, acting as a potent and selective dopamine D 2 -like receptor antagonist. Basal release of 6-ND from Panterophis guttatus endothelium intact and denuded aortic rings was quantified by LC-MS/MS. In order to evaluate the interaction of 6-ND with other catecholamines, aortic rings were suspended vertically between two metal hooks in 10-mL organ baths containing Krebs-Henseleit's solution and attached to isometric transducers. Endothelium intact aortic rings presented basal release of 6-ND, which was significantly reduced by previous incubation with L-NAME (100 μM). In endothelin-1 (3 nM) pre-contracted endothelium intact aortic rings, 6-ND (10pM-1 μM) and the dopamine D 2 -receptor antagonist L-761,626 (10 pM-1 μM) induced concentration-dependent relaxations, which were not affected by incubation with L-NAME but greatly reduced in endothelium-removed aortic rings. 6-ND (0.1-1 μM) produced significant rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves to dopamine in L-NAME pre-treated endothelium-intact (pA 2 7.01) rings. Contractions induced by noradrenaline and adrenaline were not affected by pre-incubation with 6-ND (1 μM). The EFS-induced contractions of L-NAME pre-treated endothelium-intact aortic rings were significantly inhibited by incubation with 6-ND (1 μM). The results indicate that 6-ND released from Pantherophis guttatus aortic rings is coupled to NO release and represents a new mechanism by which NO can modulate vascular reactivity independently of cGMP production., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing or financial interests., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNps) have become powerful tools for multiple biomedical applications such as hyperthermia drivers, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) vectors, as well as drug-delivery systems. However, their toxic effects on human health have not yet been fully elucidated, especially in view of their great diversity of surface modifications and functionalizations. Citrate-coating of MNps often results in increased hydrophilicity, which may positively impact their performance as drug-delivery systems. Nonetheless, the consequences on the intrinsic toxicity of such MNps are unpredictable. Herein, novel magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles covered with citrate were synthesized and their potential intrinsic acute toxic effects were investigated using in vitro and in vivo models. The proposed synthetic pathway turned out to be simple, quick, inexpensive, and reproducible. Concerning toxicity risk assessment, these citrate-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONps) did not affect the in vitro viability of different cell lines (HaCaT and HepG2). Moreover, the in vivo acute dose assay (OECD test guideline #425) showed no alterations in clinical parameters, relevant biochemical variables, or morphological aspects of vital organs (such as brain, liver, lung and kidney). Iron concentrations were slightly increased in the liver, as shown by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Perls Prussian Blue Staining assays, but this finding was considered non-adverse, given the absence of accompanying functional/clinical repercussions. In conclusion, this study reports on the development of a simple, fast and reproducible method to obtain citrate-coated IONps with promising safety features, which may be used as a drug nanodelivery system in the short run. (263 words)., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2022 Rocha et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

The contractions of Chelonoidis carbonaria aortic rings induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) are not inhibited by blockade of the voltage-gated sodium channels by tetrodotoxin but almost abolished by the α1/α2-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine. The objective of this study was to identify the mediator(s) responsible for the EFS-induced contractions of Chelonoidis carbonaria aortic rings. Each ring was suspended between two wire hooks and mounted in isolated 10 ml organ chambers filled with oxygenated and heated Krebs-Henseleit's solution. Dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline concentrations were analysed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The contractions caused by dopamine and EFS were done in absence and presence of the nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor L-NAME, the NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ, the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH-23390, the D2-like receptor antagonists risperidone, quetiapine, haloperidol, and the tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitors salsolinol and 3-iodo-L-tyrosine. Basal concentrations of dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline were detected in Krebs-Henseleit solution containing the aortic rings. The catecholamine concentrations were significantly reduced in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. L-NAME and ODQ significantly potentiated the dopamine-induced contractions. The D2-like receptor antagonists inhibited the EFS-induced contractions of the aortic rings treated with L-NAME, whereas SCH 23390 had no effect. Similar results were observed in the contractions induced by dopamine in L-NAME treated aortic rings. These results indicate that catecholamines released by endothelium regulate the EFS-induced contractions. This may constitute a suitable mechanism by which reptilia modulate specific organ blood flow distribution.This paper has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the article., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing or financial interests., (© 2021. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.)

Electrical field stimulation (EFS) induces contractions of both snake aorta and human umbilical cord vessels (HUCV) which were dependent on the presence of the endothelium. This study aimed to establish the nature of the mediator(s) responsible for EFS-induced contractions in HUCV. Rings with or without endothelium from human umbilical artery (HUA) or vein (HUV) were mounted in organ bath chambers containing oxygenated, heated Krebs-Henseleit's solution. Basal release of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline, and adrenaline was measured by LC-MS-MS. Cumulative concentration-response curves were performed with dopamine in the absence and in the presence of L-NAME or of dopamine antagonists. EFS studies were performed in the presence and absence of L-NAME, the α-adrenergic blockers prazosin and idazoxan, and the dopamine antagonists SCH-23390 and haloperidol. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopa-decarboxylase (DDC) were studied by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridizations. Basal release of dopamine requires an intact endothelium in both HUA and HUV. TH and DDC are present only in the endothelium of both HUA and HUV as determined by immunohistochemistry. Dopamine induced contractions in HUA only in the presence of L-NAME. Dopamine-induced contractions in HUV were strongly potentiated by L-NAME. The EFS-induced contractions in both HUA and HUV were potentiated by L-NAME and inhibited by the D2-like receptor antagonist haloperidol. The α-adrenergic antagonists prazosin and idazoxan and the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH-23390 had no effect on the EFS-induced contractions of HUA and HUV. Endothelium-derived dopamine is a major modulator of HUCV reactivity in vitro., (© 2020 The Authors. Pharmacology Research & Perspectives published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd, British Pharmacological Society and American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.)

The role of endothelium in the electrical-field stimulation (EFS)-induced contractions of Chelonoidis carbonaria aorta was investigated. Contractions were evaluated in the presence and absence of L-NAME (100 μM), tetrodotoxin (1 μM), phentolamine (10 and 100 μM), phenoxybenzamine (1 and 10 μM), prazosin (100 μM), idazoxan (100 μM), atropine (10 μM), D-tubocurarine (10 μM) or indomethacin (10 μM). EFS-induced contraction was also carried out in endothelium-denuded rings. EFS-induced contraction was investigated by the sandwich assay. Concentration curves to endothelin-1 (0.1-100 nM) and U46619 (0.001-100 μM) were also constructed to calculate both Emax and EC 50 . EFS at 16 Hz contracted Chelonoidis aorta, which was almost abolished by the endothelium removal. The addition of L-NAME increased the EFS response (2.0 ± 0.4 and 8.3 ± 1.9 mN). In L-NAME treated aortic rings, tetrodotoxin did not change the EFS-response (5.1 ± 1.8 and 4.9 ± 1.7 mN). Indomethacin, atropine and d-tubucurarine also did not affect the EFS-response. Phentolamine at 10 μM did not change the EFS-induced contraction; however, at 100 μM, reduced it (3.9 ± 1 and 1.9 ± 0.3 mN). Prazosin and idazoxan did not change EFS-induced contractions. Phenoxybenzamine at 1 μM reduced by 76% (9.6 ± 3.4 and 2.3 ± 0.8 mN) and at 10 μM by 90% the EFS response. Immunohistochemistry identified tyrosine hydroxylase in the endothelium and brain, whereas S100 protein was found only in brain. In conclusion, endothelium modulates EFS-induced contractions in Chelonoidis aortic rings and this modulation may be due to endothelium-derived catecholamines, possibly dopamine., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We declare that the content of this manuscript has not been published or submitted for publication elsewhere. We also declare that this manuscript has no conflicts of interests., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aurora kinases are essential enzymes for the control of cell cycle. The specific role of aurora kinase A (AURKA) is the regulation of spindle assembly and stability by promoting centrosome maturation and separation. Because AURKA is an essential protein for the normal occurrence of the cycle, mutations and deregulations in the activities of this protein are associated with several cancers. The kinase activity of AURKA is controlled by autocatalytic phosphorylation, which is facilitated after binding to a regulator protein, the Target Protein for Xenopuskinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2)., Scope of Review: This review highlights the physiological and pathophysiological properties of AURKA, the structure of the AURKA/TPX2 complex and the main structural features that can be explored for the design of selective AURKA inhibitors., Major Conclusions: The design of selective AURKA inhibitors remains as a challenge as most of the currently available inhibitors target only the ATP binding cleft and are nonselective among kinases. However, by exploring the inactive form of the kinase, researchers get access to an adjacent hydrophobic pocket, allowing the design of more selective inhibitors. Additionally, the possibility of designing potent allosteric AURKA inhibitors look very promising from the clinical perspective, since it tends to yield the most selective class of compounds., General Significance: Herein we detailed the binding modes of the most selective AURKA inhibitors currently reported. We believe this will aid researchers in defining the structural patterns necessary for selective AURKA inhibition, guiding the design of more potent compounds to be therapeutically explored in cancer patients., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Endothelium is the main source of catecholamine release in the electrical-field stimulation (EFS)-induced aortic contractions of the non- venomous snake Panterophis guttatus. However, adrenergic vasomotor control in venomous snakes such as Crotalus durissus terrificus and Bothrops jararaca has not yet been investigated. Crotalus and Bothrops aortic rings were mounted in an organ bath system. EFS-induced aortae contractions were performed in the presence and absence of guanethidine (30 μM), phentolamine (10 μM) or tetrodotoxin (1 μM). Frequency-induced contractions were also performed in aortae with endothelium removed. Immunohistochemical localization of both tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and S-100 protein in snake aortic rings and brains, as well as in human tissue (paraganglioma tumour) were carried out. EFS (4 to 16 Hz) induced frequency-dependent aortic contractions in both Crotalus and Bothrops. The EFS-induced contractions were significantly reduced in the presence of either guanethidine or phentolamine in both snakes (p<0.05), whereas tetrodotoxin had no effect in either. Removal of the endothelium abolished the EFS-induced contractions in both snakes aortae (p<0.05). Immunohistochemistry revealed TH localization in endothelium of both snake aortae and human vessels. Nerve fibers were not observed in either snake aortae. In contrast, both TH and S100 protein were observed in snake brains and human tissue. Vascular endothelium is the main source of catecholamine release in EFS-induced contractions in Crotalus and Bothrops aortae. Human endothelial cells also expressed TH, indicating that endothelium- derived catecholamines possibly occur in mammalian vessels., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

White-rot basidiomycetes are the organisms that decompose lignin most efficiently, and Trametes villosa is a promising species for ligninolytic enzyme production. There are several publications on T. villosa applications for lignin degradation regarding the expression and secretion of laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP) but no reports on the identification and characterization of lignin peroxidase (LiP), a relevant enzyme for the efficient breakdown of lignin. The object of this study was to identify and partially characterize, for the first time, gDNA, mRNA, and the corresponding lignin peroxidase (TvLiP) protein from T. villosa strain CCMB561 from the Brazilian semiarid region. The presence of ligninolytic enzymes produced by this strain grown in inducer media was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by spectrophotometry, qPCR, and dye fading using Remazol Brilliant Blue R. The spectrophotometric analysis showed that LiP activity was higher than that of MnP. The greatest LiP expression as measured by qPCR occurred on the 7 th day, and the ABSA medium (agar, sugarcane bagasse, and ammonium sulfate) was the best that favored LiP expression. The amplification of the TvLiP gene median region covering approximately 50% of the T. versicolor LPGIV gene (87% identity); the presence of Trp199, Leu115, Asp193, Trp199, and Ala203 in the translated amplicon of the T. villosa mRNA; and the close phylogenetic relationship between TvLiP and T. versicolor LiP all indicate that the target enzyme is a lignin peroxidase. Therefore, T. villosa CCMB561 has great potential for use as a LiP, MnP, and Lac producer for industrial applications.

In this work, we examined some mechanisms involved in the hypotension caused by Lachesis muta (South American bushmaster) venom in anesthetized rats. Venom (1.5 mg/kg, i.v.) caused immediate hypotension that was maximal after 5 min and gradually returned to baseline over 60 min. Pretreatment of rats with the non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N ω -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) did not attenuate the early phase of venom-induced hypotension, but abolished the recovery phase and resulted in rapid death; a similar effect was observed with the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor ODQ. In contrast, the hemodynamic responses to venom were not attenuated by the non-selective NOS inhibitor N G -monomethyl-L-arginine, the inducible NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine, the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor sildenafil, the adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibitor SQ-22.536, the non-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine, the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist HOE-140 and the non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Preincubation of venom with the PLA 2 inhibitor pBPB had no effect on the immediate hypotension but tended to improve the recovery phase. Neither AEBSF (a serine proteinase inhibitor) nor EDTA (a metalloproteinase inhibitor) prevented the venom-induced hypotension, but AEBSF and not EDTA protected against the lethality of a high dose (3.0 mg/kg, i.v.). There were no marked changes in the ECG parameters with the various treatments, except with L-NAME and ODQ that increased the RR interval. Pulmonary thrombus formation was markedly enhanced by L-NAME and ODQ, and to a lesser extent by pBPB, especially in small vessels, whereas AEBSF and EDTA inhibited thrombus formation. Venom relaxed phenylephrine-precontracted thoracic aorta and pulmonary artery in vitro, with the latter being more sensitive. The relaxation was endothelium-dependent and was inhibited by ODQ but not by H-89, a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. Together, these findings indicate involvement of the NO/sGC/cGMP, but not the AC/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, in the hemodynamic responses to L. muta venom in rats. Muscarinic mechanisms, kinins and arachidonic acid metabolites are apparently not involved., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present review is focused on the current role of neoplastic stem and progenitor-like cells as primary targets in the pharmacotherapy of cancer as well as in the development of new anticancer drugs. We begin by summarizing the main characteristics of these tumor-initiating cells and key concepts that support their participation in therapeutic failure. In particular, we discuss the differences between the major carcinogenesis models (ie, clonal evolution vs cancer stem cell (CSC) model) with emphasis on breast cancer (given its importance to the study of CSCs) and their implications for the development of new treatment strategies. In addition, we describe the main ways to target these cells, including the main signaling pathways that are more activated or altered in CSCs. Finally, we provide a comprehensive compilation of the most recently tested drugs.

Simvastatin, a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase widely used in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia-related diseases, has recently been associated to in vitro anticancer stem cell (CSC) actions. However, these effects have not been confirmed in vivo. To assess in vivo anti-CSC effects of simvastatin, female Sprague-Dawley rats with 7,12-dimethyl-benz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary cancer and control animals were treated for 14 days with either simvastatin (20 or 40 mg/kg/day) or soybean oil (N = 60). Tumors and normal breast tissues were removed for pathologic examination and immunodetection of CSC markers. At 40 mg/kg/day, simvastatin significantly reduced tumor growth and the expression of most CSC markers. The reduction in tumor growth (80%) could not be explained solely by the decrease in CSCs, since the latter accounted for less than 10% of the neoplasia (differentiated cancer cells were also affected). Stem cells in normal, nonneoplastic breast tissues were not affected by simvastatin. Simvastatin was also associated with a significant decrease in proliferative activity but no increase in cell death. In conclusion, this is the first study to confirm simvastatin anti-CSC actions in vivo, further demonstrating that this effect is specific for neoplastic cells, but not restricted to CSCs, and most likely due to inhibition of cell proliferation., (© 2014 by The Author(s).)