We previously demonstrated that arsenic trioxide (ATO) and proteasome inhibitor MG132 synergistically induced cell death in promonocytic leukaemia cell line U937 but were antagonistic in Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Raji. Here we explore the role of autophagy, expression of BNIP3, and mitochondrial mass, in determining whether ATO and MG132 interaction can be shifted from antagonism to synergism in Raji cells. Treatment with ATO+MG132 increased the percentage of cells with collapsed mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in U937 cells, but had no effect in Raji cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe ability to modulate balance between cell survival and death is recognized for its great therapeutic potential. Therefore, research continues to focus on elucidation of cell machinery and signaling pathways that control cell proliferation and apoptosis. Conventional chemotherapeutic agents often have a cytostatic effect over tumor cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIncreased oxygen species production has often been cited as a mechanism determining synergism on cell death and growth inhibition effects of arsenic-combined drugs. However the net effect of drug combination may not be easily anticipated solely from available knowledge of drug-induced death mechanisms. We evaluated the combined effect of sodium arsenite with the proteasome inhibitor MG132, and the anti-leukaemic agent CAPE, on growth-inhibition and cell death effect in acute myeloid leukaemic cells U937 and Burkitt's lymphoma-derived Raji cells, by the Chou-Talalay method.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn Argentina, Trichinella infection has been documented in humans and animals of several provinces since 1930. This zoonotic parasite infection has been recently detected in humans and pigs of a region historically considered as Trichinella-free, suggesting the spread of these pathogens. The aim of the present work was to investigate the presence of Trichinella infection in wild boars (Sus scrofa) and in the human population living in a protected area.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe aim of the present study was to determine the presence of human trichinellosis in an area of Argentina historically regarded as free of this parasitic disease. This parasitosis was assessed on 150 blood donors by means of immunoserological tests, and their relation with risk alimentary habits by a questionnaire. The questionnaires showed that 98.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe aim of the present work was to determine the presence of human and porcine trichinellosis in an area of Argentina historically regarded as Trichinella-free. Human blood donors (n=216) and swine destined for consumption (n=57) were evaluated by serological techniques (ELISA, immunofluorescence, and/or Western Blot). Muscle tissues from 26 of the pigs were evaluated for the presence of Trichinella larvae by the artificial digestion method.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThree immunoserological tests (IST) used for the detection of porcine trichinellosis, immunofluorescence (IF), enzyme-inmunoanalysis (EIA), and Western blot (WB), were compared. Three groups of animals were analyzed: Group 1, animals naturally infected with parasite burdens (PB) of <1 muscle larvae (ML)/g (n=18); Group 2, animals naturally infected with PB of > or =2ML/g (n=23); Group 3, animals raised and home-slaughtered on farms in Argentina (n=59). Animals from Groups 1 and 2 were identified in outbreaks and were analyzed by individual artificial digestion (AD) of > or =30g of muscle.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe clinical background, vertical transmission of Trichinella spiralis and helminthotoxic activity of sera were evaluated in four pregnant women infected at different gestation times. Parasitological and immunological parameters were analyzed. Patients presented clinical symptoms and a seroconversion pattern typical of Trichinella infection, independently of the gestation trimester.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFClinical and serological features of individuals undergoing the acute (n: 54) and chronic (n: 32) phases of trichinellosis belonging to an outbreak originated by the consumption of pork products of a commercial source, arisen in Argentina, are described. Epidemiological data, signs, symptoms, and laboratory studies were assessed. Parasitological studies were performed in patients and pork products.
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