Polyelectrolyte Capsules as Carriers for Growth Factor Inhibitor Delivery to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The efficient internalization of TGF‐beta inhibitor‐loaded polyelectrolyte capsules and particles is studied in two HCC cell lines. Two polyelectrolyte pairs (biocompatible but not degradable and biodegradable crosslinked with gluteraldehyde) are employed for coating. The capsules are characterized by SEM. LY is successfully loaded inside the core and embedded between polymer layers. MS is used to quantify the loading efficiency by comparing post‐loading and core‐loading methods, since both coated templates and hollow shells are used as carriers. CLSM confirms dissolution of the pre‐formed multilayer upon enzymatic degradation as the method of release, and migration assays demonstrate a higher inhibition efficiency of TGF‐beta in tailored biodegradable capsules compared to free LY administration.

     

Whistle variability in South Atlantic spinner dolphins from the Fernando de Noronha archipelago off Brazil

A series of quali- and quantitative analyses were conducted to evaluate the variability of spinner dolphin whistles from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago off Brazil. Nine variables were extracted from each whistle contour, and the whistle contours shapes were classified into the seven categories described in Driscoll (1995). The analysis showed mean beginning and ending frequencies values of 10.78 and 12.74 kHz, respectively. On average, whistle duration was relatively short, with mean values around 0.495 s (N=702). Comparative analyses were also conducted to investigate the relationship between the obtained results and those presented in previous studies. When comparing averages, the results of the study of Oswald et al.(2003) in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP) presented less significant differences in relation to this study; only whistle duration differed significantly between both works. The results of multivariate classification tests also pointed TEP population as the closest related to the population studied here. The similarities between such disjunct populations might be attributed to a more recent isolation event (the closing of the Panama Isthmus) than the divergence that has driven North and South Atlantic populations apart.     

Thermostable phytase production by Thermoascus aurantiacus in submerged fermentation

Phytases act on phytic acid, an antinutrient factor present in animal feeds, and release inorganic phosphate. We optimized the production parameters for phytase production using Thermoascus aurantiacus (TUB F 43), a thermophilic fungal culture, by submerged fermentation. A semisynthetic medium containing glucose, starch, peptone, and minerals supplemented with 3.75% (w/v) wheat bran particles was found to be the best production medium among the various combinations tried. Further supplementation of this medium with surfactants such as Tween-20 and Tween-80 considerably enhanced the enzyme yield. A maximum phytase activity (468.22 U/mL) was obtained using this production medium containing 2% (v/v) Tween-20 after 72 h of fermentation at 45°C in shake-flask cultures with a rotation of 150 rpm. Herein we present details of a few of the process parameter optimizations. The phytase enzyme was found to be thermostable, and the optimal temperature for phytase activity was found to be 55°C. However, 80% of the activity still remained when the temperature was shifted to 70°C.     

Phenolic Characterization and Neuroprotective Properties of Grape Pomace Extracts

Vitis vinifera (grape) contains various compounds with acknowledged phytochemical and pharmacological properties. Among the different parts of the plant, pomace is of particular interest as a winemaking industry by-product. A characterization of the water extract from grape pomace from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo variety (Villamagna doc) was conducted, and the bioactive phenolic compounds were quantified through HPLC-DAD-MS analysis. HypoE22, a hypothalamic cell line, was challenged with an oxidative stimulus and exposed to different concentrations (1 µg/mL⁻¹ mg/mL) of the pomace extract for 24, 48, and 72 h. In the same conditions, cells were exposed to the sole catechin, in a concentration range (5–500 ng/mL) consistent with the catechin level in the extract. Cell proliferation was investigated by MTT assay, dopamine release through HPLC-EC method, PGE₂ amount by an ELISA kit, and expressions of neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by RT-PCR. The extract reverted the cytotoxicity exerted by the oxidative stimulus at all the experimental times in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the catechin was able to revert the oxidative stress-induced depletion of dopamine 48 h and 72 h after the stimulus. The extract and the catechin were also effective in preventing the downregulation of BDNF and the concomitant upregulation of COX-2 gene expression. In accordance, PGE₂ release was augmented by the oxidative stress conditions and reverted by the administration of the water extract from grace pomace and catechin, which were equally effective. These results suggest that the neuroprotection induced by the extract could be ascribed, albeit partially, to its catechin content.