Serum Albumin as a Prognostic Biomarker for Febrile Neutropenia Outcome and Complications: A Prospective Observational Trial.

Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) poses a significant challenge in cancer treatment, with a high incidence among patients undergoing standard therapies. Predicting FN complications and outcomes remains crucial for improving patient management strategies. Biomarkers, including procalcitonin and albumin, have garnered attention for their potential prognostic value in FN.

Monolacunary Wells-Dawson Polyoxometalate as a Novel Contrast Agent for Computed Tomography: A Comprehensive Study on In Vivo Toxicity and Biodistribution.

Polyoxotungstate nanoclusters have recently emerged as promising contrast agents for computed tomography (CT). In order to evaluate their clinical potential, in this study, we evaluated the in vitro CT imaging properties, potential toxic effects in vivo, and tissue distribution of monolacunary Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate, α-KPWO20HO (mono-WD POM). Mono-WD POM showed superior X-ray attenuation compared to other tungsten-containing nanoclusters (its parent WD-POM and Keggin POM) and the standard iodine-based contrast agent (iohexol).

In vivo toxicity evaluation of a polyoxotungstate nanocluster as a promising contrast agent for computed tomography.

In this study, we demonstrate for the first time, that a discrete metal-oxo cluster α-/β-KPWO (WD-POM) exhibits superior performance as a computed tomography (CT) contrast agent, in comparison to the standard contrast agent iohexol. A toxicity evaluation of WD-POM was performed according to standard toxicological protocols using Wistar albino rats. The maximum tolerable dose (MTD) of 2000 mg/kg was initially determined after oral WD-POM application.

The simultaneous action of acute paradoxical sleep deprivation and hypothyroidism modulates synaptosomal ATPases and acetylcholinesterase activities in rat brain.

Background: Thyroid dysfunctions as well as sleep abnormalities are usually followed by neurological, psychiatric and/or behavioral disorders. On the other hand, changes in the brain adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities show significant importance in pathogenetic pathways in the evolution of numerous neuropsychiatric diseases.

Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo simultaneous effects of hypothyroidism and paradoxical sleep deprivation for 72 h on synaptosomalATPases and AChE activities of whole rat brains.

The Effect of α-lipoic Acid on C-Reactive Protein Level: A Meta-analysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Studies.

The C-reactive protein is generally considered a marker of inflammation, and it is widely used in clinical practice as a minimally invasive index of any ongoing inflammatory response. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation can be beneficial for human health, especially in the sense of its anti-inflammatory action. The aim of this meta-analysis was to, based on the currently available highest level of evidence (prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled data), investigate the effect of ALA supplementation on CRP levels.

Selected polyoxopalladates as promising and selective antitumor drug candidates.

Polyoxo-noble-metalates (PONMs), a class of molecular noble metal-oxo nanoclusters that combine features of both polyoxometalates and noble metals, are a promising platform for the development of next-generation antitumor metallodrugs. This study aimed to evaluate the antitumor potential against human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y), as well as toxicity towards healthy human peripheral blood cells (HPBCs), of five polyoxopalladates(II): (Na[PdAsO(OH)]·42HO (Pd), Na[SrPdO(OH)(PhAsO)(OAc)]·2NaOAc·32HO (SrPd), Na[Pd(AsPh)O]·23HO (PdL), Na[SnOPd(PO)]·43HO (SnPd), and Na[PbOPd(PO)]·38HO (PbPd)), as the largest subset of PONMs. A pure inorganic, Pd, was found as the most potent and selective antineuroblastoma agent with IC values (µM) of 7.

Analytical techniques for multiplex analysis of protein biomarkers.

Introduction: The importance of biomarkers for pharmaceutical drug development and clinical diagnostics is more significant than ever in the current shift toward personalized medicine. Biomarkers have taken a central position either as companion markers to support drug development and patient selection, or as indicators aiming to detect the earliest perturbations indicative of disease, minimizing therapeutic intervention or even enabling disease reversal. Protein biomarkers are of particular interest given their central role in biochemical pathways.

toxicity evaluation of two polyoxotungstates with potential antidiabetic activity using rats as a model system.

In this study, the hypoglycemic effect of a donut-shaped polyanion salt (NH)[Na@PWO]·31HO {NaPW} and its Ag-containing derivative K[Ag@PWO]·22HO·6KCl {AgPW}, as well as their hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, was evaluated. In the screening hypoglycemic study, rats with streptozotocin induced diabetes were treated intraperitoneally with three single doses (5, 10, and 20 mg per kg per b.w.

Polyoxometalates in Biomedicine: Update and Overview.

Background: Polyoxometalates (POMs) are negatively charged metal-oxo clusters of early transition metal ions in high oxidation states (e.g., WVI, MoVI, VV).

Tetravalent Metal Ion Guests in Polyoxopalladate Chemistry: Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of [MOPd(PO)] (M = Sn, Pb).

The first two examples of polyoxopalladates(II) (POPs) containing tetravalent metal ion guests, [MOPd(PO)] (M = Sn, Pb), have been prepared and structurally characterized in the solid state, solution, and gas phase. The interactions of the metal ion guests and the palladium-oxo shell were studied by theoretical calculations. The POPs were shown to possess anticancer activity by causing oxidative stress inducing caspase activation and consecutive apoptosis of leukemic cells.

Experimental and theoretical insights of functionalized hexavanadates on Na/K-ATPase activity; molecular interaction field, ab initio calculations and in vitro assays.

The influence of three functionalized hexavanadates (V): Na [VO{(OCH)CCH}], [H] [VO{(OCH)CCHOCOCHCH}] and [(CH)N] [VO{(OCH)CCHOOC(CH)-COOH} on Na/K-ATPase activity, was investigated in vitro. Including compounds already tested by Xu et al. (Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry 161 (2016) 27-36), all functionalized hexavanadates inhibit the activity of Na/K-ATPase in a dose-dependent manner but with different inhibitory potencies.

Modulation of rat synaptosomal ATPases and acetylcholinesterase activities induced by chronic exposure to the static magnetic field.

Purpose: It is considered that exposure to static magnetic fields (SMF) may have both detrimental and therapeutic effect, but the mechanism of SMF influence on the living organisms is not well understood. Since the adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are involved in both physiological and pathological processes, the modulation of Na/K-ATPase, ecto-ATPases and AChE activities, as well as oxidative stress responses were followed in synaptosomes isolated from rats after chronic exposure toward differently oriented SMF.

Material And Methods: Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups (six animals per group): Up and Down group - exposed to upward and downward oriented SMF, respectively, and Control group.

Effects of homocysteine and its related compounds on oxygen consumption of the rat heart tissue homogenate: the role of different gasotransmitters.

The objective of this study was to investigate in vitro effects of 10 µM DL-homocysteine (DL-Hcy), DL-homocysteine thiolactone-hydrochloride (DL-Hcy TLHC), and L-homocysteine thiolactone-hydrochloride (L-Hcy TLHC) on the oxygen consumption of rat heart tissue homogenate, as well as the involvement of the gasotransmitters NO, HS and CO in the effects of the most toxic homocysteine compound, DL-Hcy TLHC. The possible contribution of the gasotransmitters in these effects was estimated by using the appropriate inhibitors of their synthesis (N -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), DL-propargylglycine (DL-PAG), and zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPR IX), respectively). The oxygen consumption of rat heart tissue homogenate was measured by Clark/type oxygen electrode in the absence and presence of the investigated compounds.

Toxicity evaluation of two polyoxotungstates with anti-acetylcholinesterase activity.

A toxicity evaluation of two Keggin-type heteropolytungstates, K[TiPWO]·6HO and KH[SiVWO]·3HO, with different inhibitory potencies toward acetylcholinesterase activity (IC values of 1.04×10 and 4.80×10mol/L, respectively) was performed.

Sulphur-containing Amino Acids: Protective Role Against Free Radicals and Heavy Metals.

Background: Sulphur is an abundant element in biological systems, which plays an important role in processes essential for life as a constituent of proteins, vitamins and other crucial biomolecules. The major source of sulphur for humans is plants being able to use inorganic sulphur in the purpose of sulphur-containing amino acids synthesis. Sulphur-containing amino acids include methionine, cysteine, homocysteine, and taurine.

The influence of oxo-bridged binuclear gold(III) complexes on Na/K-ATPase activity: a joint experimental and theoretical approach.

The in vitro effects of oxo-bridged binuclear gold(III) complexes, i.e., [(bipy2Me)Au(μ-O)][PF] (Auoxo6), Au[(bipydmb-H)(μ-O)][PF] (AubipyC) and [Au(phen)(μ-O)](PF) (Auphen) on Na/K-ATPase, purified from the porcine cerebral cortex, were investigated.

A combined crystallographic analysis and ab initio calculations to interpret the reactivity of functionalized hexavanadates and their inhibitor potency toward Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase.

In vitro influence of five synthesized functionalized hexavanadates (V6) on commercial porcine cerebral cortex Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity has been studied. Dose dependent Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition was obtained for all investigated compounds. Calculated half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 values, in mol/L, for Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase were 7.

Biochemical Markers of Renal Function.

Kidney damage can be induced by ischemia, autoimmune diseases, hypertension, allograft rejection, metabolic or genetic disorders, infections or toxins. The influence of these factors could result in acute kidney injury (AKI) defined as an unexpected decrease in urine output or renal function, or encourage the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Biomarkers of renal function, measured in urine and serum, are in increasing use in order to estimate the severity and nature of kidney injury, and consequently apply appropriate therapy and improve patient management.

In vitro evaluation of neurotoxicity potential and oxidative stress responses of diazinon and its degradation products in rat brain synaptosomes.

Although primary toxic action of organophosphorous insecticides is associated with acetylcholinesterase inhibition, later studies suggest that oxidative stress may be responsible for induced organophosphates toxicity. These studies mostly include thio forms, while the effects of their metabolites/degradation products have been less investigated. Therefore, this paper studies the toxic effects of diazinon degradation products, diazoxon and 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinol, and compares them with the toxic potential of the parent compound.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: pharmacology and toxicology.

Acetylcholinesterase is involved in the termination of impulse transmission by rapid hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in numerous cholinergic pathways in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The enzyme inactivation, induced by various inhibitors, leads to acetylcholine accumulation, hyperstimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, and disrupted neurotransmission. Hence, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, interacting with the enzyme as their primary target, are applied as relevant drugs and toxins.

In vitro effects of some gold complexes on Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity and cell proliferation.

The in vitro influence of gold(III) complexes, H[AuCl4], [Au(DMSO)2Cl2]Cl and [Au(bipy)Cl2]Cl (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine), upon commercially available Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity, purified from porcine brain cortex, was investigated. Additionally, the complexes were tested on human lymphocytes, and incidence of micronuclei and cell proliferation index was determined. Concentration-dependent inhibition of the enzyme for all three compounds was obtained, but with differing potencies.

Inhibition of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase potentiates homocysteine thiolactone-induced seizures in adult rats.

Nitric oxide (NO), one of the gaseous neurotransmitters, is produced in reaction catalyzed by family of NO synthases (NOS). The involvement of neuronal NOS (nNOS) in seizures induced by homocysteine thiolactone has not been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of 7-nitroindazole, a selective nNOS inhibitor, on behavioral manifestations of homocysteine - induced seizures in adult rats.

Different sensitivity of various brain structures to thioacetamide-induced lipid peroxidation.

Thioacetamide (TAA) exerts hepatotoxic, neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of TAA on lipid peroxidation and catalase activity in various rat brain regions. Male Wistar rats were divided into following groups: 1.