In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of highly soluble dextran-coated CeO nanoparticles on human fetal lung fibroblasts MRC-5. We examined individual nanoparticle-treated cells by Raman spectroscopy and analyzed Raman spectra using non-negative principal component analysis and k-means clustering. In this way, we determined dose-dependent differences between treated cells, which were reflected through the intensity change of lipid, phospholipid and RNA-related Raman modes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGalectins are a class of lectins that are extensively expressed in all organisms. Galectins are involved in a range of functions, including early development, tissue regeneration, cancer and inflammation. It has been shown that galectin-8 is expressed in the villous and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells of the human placenta; however, its physiological role in pregnancy establishment has not been elucidated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOxidative stress has been implicated in numerous pregnancy-related disorders. Biologically active plant secondary metabolites, which are present in everyday diet, could prove effective therapeutic agents in preventing these disorders. This study evaluated effects of taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) on ROS production, markers of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, activity of antioxidant enzymes and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in HO-induced oxidative stress in trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSuccessful pregnancy establishment requires highly synchronized cross talk between the invasive trophoblast cells and the receptive maternal endometrium. Any disturbances in this tightly regulated process may lead to pregnancy complications. Local factors such as nutrients, hormones, cytokines and reactive oxygen species modulate the invasion of extravillous trophoblasts through critical signaling cascades.
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