Protection Activity of 1,4-Naphthoquinones in Rotenone-Induced Models of Neurotoxicity.

The MTS cell viability test was used to screen a mini library of natural and synthetic 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives (1,4-NQs) from marine sources. This screening identified two highly effective compounds, and , which showed potential in protecting Neuro-2a neuroblastoma cells from the toxic effects of rotenone in an in vitro model of neurotoxicity. The selected 1,4-NQs demonstrated the capability to reduce oxidative stress by decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in Neuro-2a neuroblastoma cells and RAW 264.

Estimation of Renal Clearance in Hypertensive Rats According to fMRI Data.

Renal clearance in Wistar rats with multifactorial cardiovasorenal model of arterial hypertension was assessed by fMRI using (EPI_Diffusion_map) protocol after injection of extracellular contrast agent gadolinium Gd-DTPA. Linear regression analysis was used to assess local concentrations of the contrast agent in the abdominal aorta, kidney compartments, pelvis, and bladder areas. Detection of marker clearance in order to verify the glomerular filtration rate was performed by the RPP (Rutland-Patlak plot) method.

Holothurian triterpene glycoside cucumarioside A-2 induces macrophages activation and polarization in cancer immunotherapy.

Background: Despite intensive developments of adoptive T cell and NK cell therapies, the efficacy against solid tumors remains elusive. Our study demonstrates that macrophage-based cell therapy could be a potent therapeutic option against solid tumors.

Methods: To this end, we determine the effect of a natural triterpene glycoside, cucumarioside A-2 (CA-2), on the polarization of mouse macrophages into the M1 phenotype, and explore the antitumor activity of the polarized macrophage.

Tetracyclic 1,4-Naphthoquinone Thioglucoside Conjugate U-556 Blocks the Purinergic P2X7 Receptor in Macrophages and Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Activity In Vivo.

P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) are ligand-gated ion channels that play a significant role in inflammation and are considered a potential therapeutic target for some inflammatory diseases. We have previously shown that a number of synthetic 1,4-naphthoquinones are capable of blocking P2X7Rs in neuronal and macrophage cells. In the present investigation, we have demonstrated the ability of the tetracyclic quinone-thioglucoside conjugate , derived from 1,4-naphthoquinone thioglucoside, to inhibit ATP-induced Ca influx and YO-PRO-1 dye uptake, which indicates blocking P2X7R in RAW 264.

Structural and Functional Changes of the Thoracic Aorta in Experimental Arterial Hypertension.

The functional characteristics of the thoracic aorta in Wistar rat with experimental arterial hypertension were studied using MRI. The intravital images of the aorta were obtained using a synchronizer of cardiac and respiratory cycles. The pulse-gradient Turbo-spin-echo sequence and the BODY CARDIAC movie 10 mode were used.