Chemico-biological interactions
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Chem. Biol. Interact. · Apr 2014
Anti-inflammatory effects of genistein via suppression of the toll-like receptor 4-mediated signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglia.
Genistein, a principal soy isoflavone, has received considerable attention as a protein kinase inhibitor. Although some studies have demonstrated that genistein possesses anti-inflammatory effects, the molecular mechanisms of genistein-mediated anti-inflammatory potential are unclear in microglial cells. In this study, we determined whether genistein attenuates pro-inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia and attempted to establish the possible mechanisms. ⋯ Furthermore, genistein potently suppressed binding of LPS to the microglial cell surface, indicating the antagonistic effect of genistein against toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), and inhibited LPS-induced TLR4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 expression. In addition, blocking TLR4 signaling using the specific TLR4 signaling inhibitor CLI-095 increased the anti-inflammatory potential of genistein in BV2 microglia. Our data indicate that genistein may attenuate the initiation of intracellular signaling cascades by LPS through inhibiting NF-κB activation by inhibiting the binding of LPS to TLR-4 on microglial cells.
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Chem. Biol. Interact. · Dec 2013
Review Historical ArticleHistorical perspective on effects and treatment of sulfur mustard injuries.
Sulfur mustard (2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide; SM) is a potent vesicating chemical warfare agent that poses a continuing threat to both military and civilian populations. Significant SM injuries can take several months to heal, necessitate lengthy hospitalizations, and result in long-term complications affecting the skin, eyes, and lungs. This report summarizes initial and ongoing (chronic) clinical findings from SM casualties from the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), with an emphasis on cutaneous injury. ⋯ There are currently no standardized or optimized methods of casualty management; current treatment strategy consists of symptomatic management and is designed to relieve symptoms, prevent infections, and promote healing. New strategies are needed to provide for optimal and rapid healing, with the goals of (a) returning damaged tissue to optimal appearance and normal function in the shortest period of time, and (b) ameliorating chronic effects. Further experimental research and clinical trials will be needed to prevent or mitigate the acute clinical effects of SM exposure and to reduce or eliminate the long-term manifestations.
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Chem. Biol. Interact. · Dec 2013
Effects of succinylcholine in an organotypic spinal cord-skeletal muscle coculture of embryonic mice.
Intoxication with organophosphorus compounds is an important clinical problem worldwide. Although the core treatments - atropine, oximes and diazepam - are defined, high case fatalities were reported for intoxication with organophosphorus insecticides. In particular the role of oximes is not completely understood since they might benefit only patients poisoned by specific pesticides or patients with moderate poisoning and few randomised trials of such poisoning have been performed. ⋯ The latter observations strongly suggest that our preparation well predicts the qualitative and quantitative actions of novel drugs targeting the neuromuscular system in vivo. In summary, cocultures of spinal cord and muscle tissue seem to be a valid test-system for the development and investigation of new oximes. Moreover, practical aspects like transport over long distances to further laboratories, the opportunity to conduct long-term studies and the reduction of animal usage display further advantages of its use.
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Chem. Biol. Interact. · Dec 2013
ReviewThe large spectrum of pulmonary complications following illicit drug use: features and mechanisms.
Damage to lungs may occur from systemic as well as inhalational exposure to various illegal drugs of abuse. Aspiration pneumonia probably represents the most common pulmonary complication in relation to consciousness impairment. Some pulmonary consequences may be specifically related to one given drug. ⋯ Following inhalation, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum have been attributed to increased intrathoracic pressure in relation to vigorous coughing or repeated Valsalva maneuvers, in an attempt to absorb the maximal possible drug amount. In conclusion, pulmonary consequences of illicit drugs are various, resulting in both acute life-threatening conditions and long-term functional respiratory sequelae. A better understanding of their spectrum and the implicated mechanisms of injury should help to improve patient management.
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Chem. Biol. Interact. · Apr 2013
Antagonism of the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) attenuates hyperalgesia and urinary bladder overactivity in cyclophosphamide-induced haemorrhagic cystitis.
The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) in haemorrhagic cystitis, the main side effect of cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy. Hannover female rats received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cyclophosphamide (three doses of 100 mg/kg, every other day, in a total of five days). This treatment was followed by the treatment with TRPA1 antagonist HC 030031 (50 mg/kg, p.o.). ⋯ The treatment with HC 030031 either before (100 mg/kg, p.o.) or after (30 mg/kg, i.v.) cyclophosphamide inhibited the non-voiding contractions but failed to counteract the loss in voiding efficiency. Our data demonstrates that nociceptive symptoms and urinary bladder overactivity caused by cyclophosphamide, in part, are dependent upon the activation of TRPA1. In this context, the antagonism of the receptor may be an alternative to minimise the urotoxic symptoms caused by this chemotherapeutic agent.