Sodium Butyrate: A Multifaceted Modulator in Colorectal Cancer Therapy.

: Sodium butyrate (NaB) is a potent modulator of cancer-related gene networks. However, its precise mechanisms of action and effects at elevated doses remain insufficiently explored. This study investigated the impact of NaB at physiologically relevant doses on key cellular metrics (viability, confluence, cell number, morphology, nuclear integrity) and a comprehensive set of apoptosis and proliferation regulators (including underexplored genes) in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.

Quercetin Enhances 5-Fluorouracil-Driven Cytotoxicity Dose-Dependently in A375 Human Melanoma Cells.

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) represents a severe skin cancer with a rising incidence at present and limited treatment options. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used, including for CM; however, the innate resistance of this cancer to conventional therapy remains problematic. Quercetin (QUE) is a flavonoid that can sensitize cancer cells to antitumor agents such as 5-FU.

Hydroxyapatite from Mollusk Shells: Characteristics, Production, and Potential Applications in Dentistry.

Modern dentistry is turning towards natural sources to overcome the immunological, toxicological, aesthetic, and durability drawbacks of synthetic materials. Among the first biomaterials used as endosseous dental implants, mollusk shells also display unique features, such as high mechanical strength, superior toughness, hierarchical architecture, and layered, microporous structure. This review focusses on hydroxyapatite-a bioactive, osteoconductive, calcium-based material crucial for bone healing and regeneration.

Smoking and Health Profiles of Hypertensive Patients with COVID-19: An Exploratory Study of Key Physiological Markers.

: Smoking and hypertension are major contributors to cardiovascular diseases, with smoker hypertensives typically presenting with exacerbated health risks. These factors are associated with COVID-19 aggravation, but their cumulative impact in the context of this disease remains understudied. Our hypothesis was that hypertensive smokers display a more vulnerable health profile (versus non-smokers) upon hospital admission for COVID-19.

DNA Methylation Machinery in Gastropod Mollusks.

The role of DNA methylation in mollusks is just beginning to be understood. This review synthesizes current knowledge on this potent molecular hallmark of epigenetic control in gastropods-the largest class of mollusks and ubiquitous inhabitants of diverse habitats. Their DNA methylation machinery shows a high degree of conservation in CG maintenance methylation mechanisms, driven mainly by DNMT1 homologues, and the presence of MBD2 and MBD2/3 proteins as DNA methylation readers.

Biosynthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Physico-Chemical Characterization and Their In Vitro Cytotoxicity on Healthy and Tumorigenic Cell Lines.

Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized starting from two aqueous extracts based on L. leaf and stems, employing a simplest, eco-friendliness and low toxicity method-green synthesis. The nanoparticles were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), thermal analysis (TG/DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Effects of Cadmium Sulfate on the Brown Garden Snail : Implications for DNA Methylation.

An extensive literature exists regarding the cellular, physiological, and genetic effects of cadmium (Cd)-A highly toxic, but commonly used trace metal in modern industry. However, limited data are available on its epigenetic effects, especially for terrestrial sentinel invertebrates. We determined Cd retention, total DNA methylation, and the methylation status of 5' end of the gene in the hepatopancreas of the brown garden snail, fed Cd sulfate for four weeks.

Space Maintainers Used in Pediatric Dentistry: An Insight of Their Biosecurity Profile by Applying In Vitro Methods.

Space maintainers have presented an increased interest due to their chemical composition which influences the electrochemical and electrolytic processes of the oral cavity, leading to important biological activity. The present study was purported to evaluate the biological in vitro activity of three types of space maintainers (S1, S2, and S3, differing from each other in terms of metal composition) used in pediatric dentistry, in terms of their antimicrobial effect and biosecurity profile using two types of keratinocytes (PGK: primary gingival keratinocytes, and HaCaT: human immortalized keratinocytes) by assessing the morphology, viability, cytotoxicity, and gene expression of the cells. Statistical differences were calculated by the one-way ANOVA test, followed by Tukey's post-test.

Oleogel Formulations for the Topical Delivery of Betulin and Lupeol in Skin Injuries-Preparation, Physicochemical Characterization, and Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation.

The skin integrity is essential due to its pivotal role as a biological barrier against external noxious factors. Pentacyclic triterpenes stand as valuable plant-derived natural compounds in the treatment of skin injuries due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and healing properties. Consequently, the primary aim of the current investigation was the development as well as the physicochemical and pharmaco-toxicological characterization of betulin- and lupeol-based oleogels (Bet OG and Lup OG) for topical application in skin injuries.

Insights into the Behavior of Triple-Negative MDA-MB-231 Breast Carcinoma Cells Following the Treatment with 17β-Ethinylestradiol and Levonorgestrel.

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used due to their efficiency in preventing unplanned pregnancies and treating several human illnesses. Despite their medical value, the toxicity of OCs remains a public concern. Previous studies indicate the carcinogenic potential of synthetic sex hormones and their link to the development and progression of hormone-dependent malignancies such as breast cancer.

Assessment of Betulinic Acid Cytotoxicity and Mitochondrial Metabolism Impairment in a Human Melanoma Cell Line.

Melanoma represents one of the most aggressive and drug resistant skin cancers with poor prognosis in its advanced stages. Despite the increasing number of targeted therapies, novel approaches are needed to counteract both therapeutic resistance and the side effects of classic therapy. Betulinic acid (BA) is a bioactive phytocompound that has been reported to induce apoptosis in several types of cancers including melanomas; however, its effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics are less investigated.

The "Sandwich" System: A Potential Solution for Protecting Overwintering Snails Reared in Semi-Intensive Heliciculture Farms in Colder Climates.

(1) Background: Hibernation in pens covered with LFC was associated with high mortality of snails in Romanian snail farms. This three-year study aimed to develop a simple, but effective system for protecting breeders in colder climates. (2) Methods: The first phase investigated the (pre)hibernal burrowing behavior and the overwintering habitat choice.

Exposure to cadmium and copper triggers cytotoxic effects and epigenetic changes in human colorectal carcinoma HT-29 cells.

Recent scientific evidence suggests a link between epigenetic changes (DNA methylation) and tumorigenesis. Moreover, a potential carcinogenic mechanism of cadmium was associated with changes in DNA methylation. In this study we investigated the impact of CdCl and CuSO aqueous solutions on DNA methylation in HT-29 cells by quantifying DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B) mRNA expression.

Soil copper uptake by land snails: A semi-field experiment with juvenile Cantareus aspersus snails.

There is currently limited scientific evidence linking soil copper and land snails, although these invertebrates are important players in terrestrial ecosystems. In the present study, Cantareus aspersus juveniles, were exposed in two successive phases of 30 days each, to soil spiked with increasing concentrations of copper sulfate. Copper concentrated preferentially and in a dose-dependent manner in the hepatopancreas.

Oleic Acid Double Coated Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles as Anti-Melanoma Compounds with a Complex Mechanism of Activity- and Assessment.

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) were placed in the spotlight lately due to their excellent biocompatibility and the possibility to tailor their magnetic properties making them useful in a plethora of bioapplications, including magnetic resonance imaging and targeted nanoplatforms for anticancer drugs delivery. The aim of the present study consisted in achieving a toxicological profile of the biocompatible colloidal suspension of iron oxide nanoparticles coated with a double layer of oleic acid (Fe₃O₄ @OA) obtained by combustion method by performing (on human keratinocytes-HaCaT and human and murine melanoma cells) and studies on chick chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM assay). The colloidal suspension obtained proved to be stable in phosphate buffer saline and the size of the nanoparticles were in the range of 30 nm, an optimum size for biomedical applications.

Impact of soil cadmium on land snails: a two-stage exposure approach under semi-field conditions using bioaccumulative and conchological end-points of exposure.

Land snails are highly tolerant to cadmium exposure and are able to accumulate soil cadmium independently of food ingestion. However, little information exists on the kinetics of cadmium retention in terrestrial gastropods exposed to an increase in the soil cadmium content, over time. There is also little knowledge about how exposure to cadmium-polluted soils influences shell growth and architecture.