Open microfluidics: droplet microarrays as next generation multiwell plates for high throughput screening.

Multiwell plates are prominent in the biological and chemical sciences; however, they face limitations in terms of throughput and deployment in emerging bioengineering fields. Droplet microarrays, as an open microfluidic technology, organise tiny droplets typically in the order of thousands, on an accessible plate. In this perspective, we summarise current approaches for generating droplets, fluid handling on them, and analysis within droplet microarrays.

Mechanisms of hepatocellular toxicity associated with the components of St. John's Wort extract hypericin and hyperforin in HepG2 and HepaRG cells.

St. John's Wort preparations are used for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. They are usually well tolerated but can cause adverse reactions including liver toxicity in rare cases.

Transplacental passage of hyperforin, hypericin, and valerenic acid.

Safe medications for mild mental diseases in pregnancy are needed. Phytomedicines from St. John's wort and valerian are valid candidates, but safety data in pregnancy are lacking.

Intestinal permeability and gut microbiota interactions of pharmacologically active compounds in valerian and St. John's wort.

Phytomedicines such as valerian and St. John's wort are widely used for the treatment of sleeping disorders, anxiety and mild depression. They are perceived as safe alternatives to synthetic drugs, but limited information is available on the intestinal absorption and interaction with human intestinal microbiota of pharmacologically relevant constituents valerenic acid in valerian, and hyperforin and hypericin in St.

Placental Passage of Protopine in an Ex Vivo Human Perfusion System.

The placental passage of protopine was investigated with a human placental perfusion model. The model was first validated with diazepam and citalopram, 2 compounds known to cross the placental barrier, and antipyrine as a positive control. All compounds were quantified by partially validated U(H)PLC-MS/MS bioanalytical methods.

Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Mental Diseases in Pregnancy: An In Vitro Safety Assessment.

Pregnancy is a critical period for medical care, during which the well-being of woman and fetus must be considered. This is particularly relevant in managing non-psychotic mental disorders since treatment with central nervous system-active drugs and untreated NMDs may have negative effects. Some well-known herbal preparations (phytopharmaceuticals), including St.

Placental Passage of Humulone and Protopine in an Ex Vivo Human Perfusion System.

The placental passage of humulone and protopine was investigated with a human placental perfusion model. The model was first validated with diazepam and citalopram, 2 compounds known to cross the placental barrier, and antipyrine as a positive control. All compounds were quantified by partially validated U(H)PLC-MS/MS bioanalytical methods.

Mitochondrial oxidative stress plays a critical role in the cardiotoxicity of sunitinib: Running title: Sunitinib and oxidative stress in hearts.

Sunitinib is cardiotoxic, but the mechanisms are not entirely clear. We aimed to enlarge our knowledge about the role of mitochondria in cardiac toxicity of sunitinib in vitro and in vivo. For this reason, we studied the toxicity of sunitinib on cardiac H9c2 cells exposed for 24 h, permeabilized rat cardiac fibers exposed for 15 min and in mice treated orally with sunitinib for 2 weeks (7.

Sunitinib induces hepatocyte mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in mice.

Reports concerning hepatic mitochondrial toxicity of sunitinib are conflicting. We therefore decided to conduct a toxicological study in mice. After having determined the highest dose that did not affect nutrient ingestion and body weight, we treated mice orally with sunitinib (7.

Mechanisms of mitochondrial toxicity of the kinase inhibitors ponatinib, regorafenib and sorafenib in human hepatic HepG2 cells.

Previous studies have shown that certain kinase inhibitors are mitochondrial toxicants. In the current investigation, we determined the mechanisms of mitochondrial impairment by the kinase inhibitors ponatinib, regorafenib, and sorafenib in more detail. In HepG2 cells cultured in galactose and exposed for 24 h, all three kinase inhibitors investigated depleted the cellular ATP pools at lower concentrations than cytotoxicity occurred, compatible with mitochondrial toxicity.