Copper-Containing Nanoparticles and Organic Complexes: Metal Reduction Triggers Rapid Cell Death via Oxidative Burst.

Copper-containing agents are promising antitumor pharmaceuticals due to the ability of the metal ion to react with biomolecules. In the current study, we demonstrate that inorganic Cu in the form of oxide nanoparticles (NPs) or salts, as well as Cu ions in the context of organic complexes (oxidation states +1, +1.5 and +2), acquire significant cytotoxic potency (2-3 orders of magnitude determined by IC values) in combinations with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), cysteine, or ascorbate.

Application of extracted β-glucan from oat for β-carotene encapsulation.

Abstract: The cell walls of cereals are rich sources of polysaccharide β-glucan. In this study, the β-glucan was extracted from oat bran using the hot-water extraction method and dried in a pure powder form. The concentration of the β-glucan in the extract was determined using the l-cysteine sulfuric acid method.

How Macrophages Become Transcriptionally Dysregulated: A Hidden Impact of Antitumor Therapy.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the essential components of the tumor microenvironment. TAMs originate from blood monocytes and undergo pro- or anti-inflammatory polarization during their life span within the tumor. The balance between macrophage functional populations and the efficacy of their antitumor activities rely on the transcription factors such as STAT1, NF-κB, IRF, and others.

Bioreactivity of decellularized animal, plant, and fungal scaffolds: perspectives for medical applications.

Numerous biomedical applications imply supportive materials to improve protective, antibacterial, and regenerative abilities upon surgical interventions, oncotherapy, regenerative medicine, and others. With the increasing variability of the possible sources, the materials of natural origin are among the safest and most accessible biomedical tools. Animal, plant, and fungal tissues can further undergo decellularization to improve their biocompatibility.

Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Therapeutic Regulation of Macrophage Functions.

Macrophages are components of the innate immune system that control a plethora of biological processes. Macrophages can be activated towards pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes depending on the cue; however, polarization may be altered in bacterial and viral infections, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. Metal (zinc, iron, titanium, copper, etc.