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Cissus rotundifolia has been reported to possess various biological activities such as anti-diabetic, anti-fertility, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-malarial, anti-osteoporotic, and anti-parasitic activities. Therefore in the present study, eleven selected constituents of Cissus rotundifolia which includes aconitic acid, astragalin, acteoside, aliospiroside A, beta amyrin, bergenin, formononetin, gallic acid, isovitexin, isoorientin, and isoquercitrin were studied on the docking behavior of human neutrophil elastase (HNE), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP 2 and MMP 9), and tyrosinase by using PatchDock method. Furthermore, molecular physicochemical, bioactivity score/drug-likeness, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), and toxicity analyses were also carried out using Molinspiration, Swiss ADME, and ProTox-II methods, respectively. The molecular physicochemical investigation showed that three ligands such as acteoside, aliospiroside A, and isoorientin have three violations for Lipinski’s rule of five. Similarly, ADME analysis one ligand (formononetin) predicated to have high blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability effect. The docking studies showed that isovitexin exhibited the highest atomic contact energy (−341.61 kcal/mol) for human neutrophil elastase (HNE), more over alliospiroside A has shown maximum atomic contact energy for both matrix metalloproteinases (MMP 2 [−618.00 kcal/mol] and MMP 9 [−634.73 kcal/mol]). Furthermore, isoquercitrin has exhibited the highest atomic contact energy (−145.70 kcal/mol) for tyrosinase. Thus, the present investigation outcome provides new knowledge in understanding eleven Cissus rotundifolia constituents as possible novel inhibitors against HNE, MMP 2, MMP 9, and tyrosinase.

This study aimed to investigate antioxidant, anti-aging, and irritation properties of Thai edible insect extracts, including Bombyx mori, Omphisa fuscidentalis, Euconocephalus sp., Patanga succincta, Acheta domesticus, and Lethocerus indicus. Insects were extracted by 2 different methods, including maceration using ethanol or hexane and digestion using DI water. Then the extracts were determined for protein content using bicinchoninic acid assay and antioxidant activities using 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and ferric thiocyanate assays. Anti-aging activities were investigated by determination of collagenase and elastase inhibitory activities using spectrophotometric assay. Maceration by hexane yielded the highest extract content, whereas aqueous extract from digestion possessed the significantly highest protein content and biological activities (p A. domesticus possessed the significantly highest biological activities (p · inhibition of 19.5 ± 3.8%, equivalent concentration of 12.1 ± 0.7 µM FeSO4/mg, lipid peroxidation inhibition of 31.3 ± 2.4%, collagenase inhibition of 60.8 ± 2.1%, elastase inhibition of 17.0 ± 0.1%, and no irritation effect on chorioallantoic membrane and volunteers. Therefore, aqueous extract of A. domesticus would be suggested for further topical product development.

We studied the effect of early accumulation of N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone on the suppression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa reproduction, biofilm formation, and elastase activity. N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone in various concentrations was added to the P. aeruginosa culture, and changes in the concentration of bacteria and the formation of biofilms were studied in dynamics. N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone in a concentration of 25 μM, decelerated proliferation of bacterial cells during the first 6 h of culturing (p

Plants have been a very rich resource for the development of potentially new drug candidates and also the development of cosmetic products for skincare. The skin produces free radicals or reactive oxygen species through repeated exposure to the sun and these molecules cause oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin. Matrix metalloproteinases are triggered by aging and in inflamed skin, such as photo-aged skin, skin damage, and wrinkles occurred by collapsing dermal proteins such as collagen and elastin. In the development of plant-based skin whitening products, the first target is to investigate the inhibitors of the tyrosinase enzyme, which provides melanin production. The ethanol extracts of 92 herbal extracts and propolis were tested for their elastase, collagenase, and tyrosinase inhibitory effects using ELISA microtiter assays. Their antioxidant effect was determined using DPPH, DMPD, and NO radical scavenging activity, metal-chelation capacity, FRAP, PRAP, and CUPRAC assays. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were also determined spectrophotometrically. Our results from the screening studies showed that the ethanol extracts prepared from the aerial parts of Lamium purpureum subsp. purpureum, the pericarpium of Garcinia mangostana and Pistacia vera, the flowers of Punica granatum, and the seeds of Vitis vinifera were effective against at least two of these enzymes and therefore, the plant species were selected for further studies.

Juncus effusus L. (J. effusus) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has long been used for dealing with gynaecological disorders, such as relieving insomnia, preventing tinnitus, reducing edema with diuretic effect. In our course of evidence-based medical research focused on this herb, one new phenanthrene, Junfusol B (2), together with seventeen known compounds were isolated and identified. All the structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The absolute stereochemistry of compounds 1 and 2 was further determined by comparing their calculated and experimental Electronic Circular Dichroism (ECD) spectra and optical rotation (OR) values. The isolates were evaluated for their estrogenic and anti-inflammatory activities which were considered as relevant etiological factors of insomnia, tinnitus and edema in the ancient TCM theory. The results revealed that most of the obtained phenanthrenes in this work were found exerting agonistic effects on estrogen receptor. This is the first report to declare the exact estrogen-regulating potential among this type of compounds from J. effusus. Moreover, phenanthrenes 3 - 7 exhibited significant inhibitions on superoxide anion generation and elastase release in fMLP/CB-induced human neutrophilic inflammation model. J. effusus may be developed as a complementary agent utilized in menopausal multiple syndromes.

Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) is an elastase released by activated macrophages. Increased activity of elatase can lead to extracellular matrix degradation.The study was aimed to estimate and correlate serum MMP-9 levels and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with pulmonary function test parameters. Materials and Methods: In the current study, we have recruited healthy South Indian adults. After obtaining informed written consent, 5ml of venous blood was collected. Pulmonary function testing was done by spirometry. DNA extraction and Real time Polymerse Chain Reaction (RT PCR) was done. Serum MMP-9 and MDA levels were estimated. Results: The genotype frequency of AA, AG, and GG was 26 (21%), 53 (42%), and 46 (37%), respectively. The frequency of the “A” allele was 0.42 and the “G” allele was 0.58. On comparison, serum MMP-9 levels were found to be elevated significantly in the AA genotype. Serum MDA levels were also elevated in the AA genotype but the difference was not statistically significant. On correlation, there was a significant negative correlation between serum MMP-9 levels and pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters in individuals with the AA genotype. A negative correlation was also found between MDA levels and PFT parameters in AA genotype but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Hence, we conclude that the AA genotype individuals may be more prone to extracellular matrix degradation when they are exposed to oxidative stress and environmental stressors such as smoking and air pollution.

International audience; A near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) substrate-based probe (SBP) was conceived to monitor secreted human proteinase 3 (hPR3) activity. This probe, called pro3-SBP, is shaped by a fused peptide hairpin loop structure, which associates a hPR3 recognition domain (Val-Ala-Asp-Nva-Ala-Asp-Tyr-Gln, where Nva is norvaline) and an electrostatic zipper (consisting of complementary polyanionic (d-Glu)5 and polycationic (d-Arg)5 sequences) in close vicinity of the N- and C-terminal FRET couple (fluorescent donor, sulfoCy5.5; dark quencher, QSY21). Besides its subsequent stability, no intermolecular fluorescence quenching was detected following its complete hydrolysis by hPR3, advocating that pro3-SBP could further afford unbiased imaging. Pro3-SBP was specifically hydrolyzed by hPR3 (kcat/Km= 440 000 ± 5500 M-1·s-1) and displayed a sensitive detection threshold for hPR3 (subnanomolar concentration range), while neutrophil elastase showed a weaker potency. Conversely, pro3-SBP was not cleaved by cathepsin G. Pro3-SBP was successfully hydrolyzed by conditioned media of activated human neutrophils but not by quiescent neutrophils. Moreover, unlike unstimulated neutrophils, a strong NIRF signal was specifically detected by confocal microscopy following neutrophil ionomycin-induced degranulation. Fluorescence release was abolished in the presence of a selective hPR3 inhibitor, indicating that pro3-SBP is selectively cleaved by extracellular hPR3. Taken together, the present data support that pro3-SBP could be a convenient tool, allowing straightforward monitoring of human neutrophil activation.

Relevance. Pathology of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, diseases of the digestive system, blood system, etc, as well as application of medications used for their treatment can result in the condition which is characterised by reduction of bone density – secondary osteoporosis. The aim of the research was to determine absorption of calcium in the small intestine of rats under impact of various xenobiotics. Materials and methods. The research was performed on white rats of herd breeding which, depending on the group obtained during 60 days: 1) cefoperazone (p/o, 180 mg/kg per day) and amoxiclav (p/o, 135 mg/kg per day); 2) mercazolil (p/o, 25 – 40 mg/kg per day); 3) L-thyroxine (p/o, 10 mg/kg per day); 4) hydrazine sulphate (50 mg/kg 2 times per week for 90 days). Calcium absorption was studied in an isolated loop of the small intestine of the animals. The condition of the small intestine mucous membrane was estimated in accordance with inflammation markers (elastate and acid phosphatase activity, index of the degree of opportunistic microbiota (urease activity), index of non-specific antimicrobial protection of mucous membranes (lysozyme activity). Long-term application of antibiotics contributed to reduction of calcium absorption in the small intestine of rats by 25.0 %, of mercazolil – by 29.7 %, of thyroxine – by 11.4 %, of hydrazine sulphate – by 34.5 %. The increase of elastase and acid phosphatase activity in the mucous membrane of the small intestine under the action of xenobiotics, as well as increase of urease activity and reduction of lysozyme activity testify to the change in the small intestine condition. Сonclusions. So, the significant reduction of calcium absorption after long-term application of xenobiotics can be first of all connected with inhibition of antimicrobial protection of the small intestine mucous membrane under the action of antibiotics, mercazolil, thyroxine and hydrazine sulphate. More active multiplication of opportunistic bacteria, presence of dysbiosis, and, after application of antibiotics and hydrazine sulphate, development of inflammation can be the consequence of lysozyme activity reduction.

Bioactive peptides have great potentials as nutraceutical and pharmaceutical agents that can improve human health. The objectives of this research were to produce functional peptides from ovotransferrin, a major egg white protein, using single enzyme treatments, and to analyze the properties of the hydrolysates produced. Lyophilized ovotransferrin was dissolved in distilled water at 20 mg/mL, treated with protease, elastase, papain, trypsin, or α-chymotrypsin at 1% (w/v) level of substrate, and incubated for 0–24 h at the optimal temperature of each enzyme (protease 55°C, papain 37°C, elastase 25°C, trypsin 37°C, α-chymotrypsin 37°C). The hydrolysates were tested for antioxidant, metal-chelating, and antimicrobial activities. Protease, papain, trypsin, and α-chymotrypsin hydrolyzed ovotransferrin relatively well after 3 h of incubation, but it took 24 h with elastase to reach a similar degree of hydrolysis. The hydrolysates obtained after 3 h of incubation with protease, papain, trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, and after 24 h with elastase were selected as the best products to analyze their functional properties. None of the hydrolysates exhibited antioxidant properties in the oil emulsion nor antimicrobial property at 20 mg/mL concentration. However, ovotransferrin with α-chymotrypsin and with elastase had higher Fe3+-chelating activities (1.06±0.88%, 1.25±0.24%) than the native ovotransferrin (0.46±0.60%). Overall, the results indicated that the single-enzyme treatments of ovotransferrin were not effective to produce peptides with antioxidant, antimicrobial, or Fe3+-chelating activity. Further research on the effects of enzyme combinations may be needed.

Purpose: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of celastrol via attenuation of formyl-methionylleucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced superoxide generation, myeloperoxidase production, and elastase release by peripheral blood neutrophils. Methods: Cytotoxicity of celastrol on human peripheral blood neutrophils was investigated using a 2Htetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) assay. Human neutrophils were stimulated with 100-nM fMLP; the effect of celastrol on superoxide generation was determined via ferricytochrome C reduction, the effect on myeloperoxidase production by tetramethylbenzidine oxidation, and the effect on elastase activity by Boc-Ala-ONp hydrolysis. Results: Treatment of human neutrophils with celastrol showed dose-dependent inhibition of fMLPinduced superoxide generation, myeloperoxidase production, and elastase release with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 5.9 ± 0.1, 1.9 ± 0.2, and 1.5 ± 0.1 µM, respectively. Conclusion: These results indicate that celastrol possesses anti-inflammatory properties via attenuation of fMLP-induced superoxide generation, myeloperoxidase production, and elastase release by peripheral blood neutrophils.

Emphysema is associated with an abnormal airspace enlargement distal to the terminal bronchioles accompanied by destructive changes in the alveolar walls and chronic inflammation. Air pollution can cause respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema in urban areas. As a natural antioxidant compound, gallic acid may be effective in controlling inflammation and preventing disease progression. In this research, we investigated the protective role of gallic acid in the inflammatory process and the possible signaling pathway in the elastase-induced emphysema. Forty-eight rats were divided into six different groups including the following: control, gallic acid (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg), porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE), and PPE+gallic acid 30 mg/kg. Oxidative stress indexes such as malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzyme activity were measured in all groups. The gene expression levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were determined as key regulators of antioxidant and inflammation system. The PPE group showed pulmonary edema and a significant change in arterial blood gas values, which was associated with decreased antioxidant activity of enzymes and changes in NF-κB, HO-1, and Nrf2 gene expression in comparison to the control group. Co-treatment with gallic acid preserved all these changes approximately to the normal levels. The results confirmed that elastase-induced emphysema leads to lung injuries, which are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Also, the results suggested that gallic acid as a natural antioxidant agent can modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway to protect the lung against elastase-induced emphysema. Therefore, we documented the evidence for the importance of NF-κB inhibitors and Nrf2 activators as a target for new treatments in respiratory dysfunction caused by oxidative agents.

Susanne Schiffmann,1,2 Sandra Gunne,1,2 Marina Henke,1 Thomas Ulshöfer,1 Dieter Steinhilber,1 Annette Sethmann,3 Michael J Parnham1 1Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, 60596, Germany; 2Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, 60590, Germany; 3ICHTHYOL-GESELLSCHAFT Cordes, Hermanni & Co. (GmbH & Co.) KG, Hamburg, 22335, GermanyCorrespondence: Susanne SchiffmannFraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main, 60596, GermanyTel +49/69-870025060Fax +49/69-870010000Email susanne.schiffmann@itmp.fraunhofer.deBackground: Sodium bituminosulfonate is derived from naturally occurring sulphur-rich oil shale and is used for the treatment of the inflammatory skin disease rosacea. Major molecular players in the development of rosacea include the release of enzymes that process antimicrobial peptides which, together with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), promote pro-inflammatory processes and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to address the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the therapeutic benefit of the formulation sodium bituminosulfonate dry substance (SBDS), which is indicated for the treatment of skin inflammation, including rosacea.Methods: We investigated whether SBDS regulates the expression of cytokines, the release of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, calcium mobilization, proteases (matrix metalloproteinase, elastase, kallikrein (KLK)5), VEGF or ROS in primary human neutrophils. In addition, activity assays with 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and recombinant human MMP9 and KLK5 were performed.Results: We observed that SBDS reduces the release of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, calcium, elastase, ROS and VEGF from neutrophils. Moreover, KLK5, the enzyme that converts cathelicidin to LL-37, and 5-LO that produces leukotriene (LT)A4, the precursor of LTB4, were both inhibited by SBDS with an IC50 of 7.6 μg/mL and 33 μg/mL, respectively.Conclusion: Since LTB4 induces LL-37 which, in turn, promotes increased intracellular calcium levels and thereby, ROS/VEGF/elastase release, SBDS possibly regulates the LTB4/LL-37/calcium – ROS/VEGF/elastase axis by inhibiting 5-LO and KLK5. Additional direct effects on other pro-inflammatory pathways such as ROS generation cannot be ruled out. In summary, SBDS reduces the generation of inflammatory mediators from human neutrophils possibly accounting for its anti-inflammatory effects in rosacea.Keywords: sodium bituminosulfonate, rosacea, neutrophils, 5 lipoxygenase, KLK5, MMP9

Background: Lotus maritimus L. (Fabaceae) is a perennial herb species with yellow flowers, growing in Europe, Asia, Middle East and Maghreb. Some flavones and flavonols have been identified in their leaves and flowers. Their leaf extract was used as a cellulolytic and antiaging cosmetic ingredient. Objective: The aim of this work was to perform antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anti-elastase properties of L. maritimus aerial parts and their chemical profile. Methods: A 13C NMR-based dereplication method combined with a bio-guided purification was used for metabolite identification. Chemical structures were determined by NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopic methods. The antioxidant properties of the fractions and purified compounds were measured using CUPRAC, DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. Their inhibitory activities against the fungal tyrosinase and human neutrophil elastase enzymes were also evaluated. Results: EtOAc and n-BF fractions were characterized as the most active parts. Twenty-two compounds were identified from these fractions by using a 13C NMR-based dereplication method. This process was completed by the purification of minor compounds in the n-BuOH fraction. Eight known compounds were isolated, including many mono-glycosylated flavonoids with variable substitutions on the B-ring, allowing structure-activity relationships. Conclusion: Twenty-two compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids and glycoside derivatives, were firstly described in L. maritimus. Three quercetin and myricetin-type flavonoids exhibited good antioxidant activities and all flavonoids tested have moderate effects on elastase inhibition.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Sibseonsan (SSS) is an effective anti-inflammatory, anti-wrinkling, and whitening agent. Methods: To determine whether SSS had an anti-inflammatory effect, a murine macrophage cell line was used (RAW 264.7) and production of DPPH, NO, TNF-α, and PGE2 were measured. To ascertain potential anti-wrinkle effects of SSS in these cells, collagenase and elastase production were measured. To verify whether SSS had a whitening effect, tyrosinase activity and DOPA staining were performed using a melanoma cell line (B16/F10). Results: There was no significant reduction in survival of SSS-treated RAW 264.7 cells, up to 400 μg/mL. Free radical scavenging (23.96 ± 1.85%) was observed in RAW 264.7 cells treated with SSS at a concentration of 400 μg/mL. The SSS treatment group (400 μg/mL) significantly inhibited NO production compared with the LPS stimulated treatment group. The SSS treatment of macrophage cells appeared to reduce production of TNF-α in a concentration dependent manner. There was a significant reduction in the concentration of PGE2 by about 25% in the SSS treatment (400 μg/mL) group (p = 0.05). Compared with the control, the production of collagenase and elastase in B16/F10 cells treated with SSS (400 μg/mL) was greater by 26.37% and 45.71%, respectively. The SSS treatment (400 μg/mL) group showed a significant reduction by about 17% in tyrosinase production in B16/F10 cells. The SSS treatment group showed little change in DOPA staining. Conclusion: SSS extract may be useful for the treatment and prevention of inflammatory diseases and may have anti-wrinkle and whitening effects. These results may support the use of SSS in clinical practice.

Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) is a serine protease that plays vital roles in inflammation, innate immune response, and tissue remodeling processes. HNE has been actively pursued as a drug target, particularly for the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. Although thousands of molecules have been reported to inhibit HNE, yet very few are being evaluated in early clinical trials, with sivelestat as the only approved HNE inhibitor. We report here a novel chemotype of sulfonated nonsaccharide heparin mimetics as potent and noncompetitive inhibitors of HNE. Using a chromogenic substrate hydrolysis assay, 14 sulfonated nonsaccharide heparin mimetics were tested for their inhibitory activity against HNE. Only 12 molecules inhibited HNE with IC50 values of 0.22–88.3 μM. The inhibition of HNE by these molecules was salt-dependent. Interestingly, a specific hexa-sulfonated molecule inhibited HNE with an IC50 value of 0.22 μM via noncompetitive mechanism, as demonstrated by Michaelis–Menten kinetics. The hexa-sulfonated derivative demonstrated at least 455-, 221-, 1590-, 21-, and 381-fold selectivity indices over other heparin-binding coagulation proteins including factors IIa, Xa, IXa, XIa, and FXIIIa, respectively. At the highest concentrations tested, the molecule also did not significantly inhibit other serine proteases of plasmin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Further supporting its selectivity, the molecule did not show heparin-like effects on clotting times of human plasma. The molecule also did not affect the proliferation of three cell lines at a concentration as high as 10 μM. Interestingly, the hexa-sulfonated molecule also inhibited cathepsin G with an IC50 value of 0.57 μM alluding to a dual anti-inflammatory action. A computational approach was exploited to identify putative binding site(s) for this novel class of HNE inhibitors. Overall, the reported hexa-sulfonated nonsaccharide heparin mimetic serves as a new platform to develop potent, selective, and noncompetitive inhibitors of HNE for therapeutic purposes.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of Helichrysum petiolare ethanol leaf extract against skin aging.Methods: The cytotoxic potential of the plant extract towards human dermal fibroblast (MRHF) cells was determined by Hoechst 33342/Propidium iodide (PI) staining. Effect of H. petiolare extract on reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in MRHF cells and NO (nitric oxide) production in RAW 246.7 cells activated by LPS (lipopolysaccharides) was investigated. The inhibitory effect of the extract againstcollagenase, elastase, tyrosinase and protein glycation was also evaluated.Results: The extract did not display cytotoxicity towards MRHF cells at the tested concentrations when compared to the trend seen with the untreated control (p < 0.05). The extract caused a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in ROS levels in MRHF cells in a concentration-dependent manner and also demonstrated a reduction in NO production in RAW cells with no toxicity. Furthermore, the extract produced a weak inhibition of collagenase, elastase and tyrosinase activities when compared to the corresponding positive controls, but effectively inhibited protein glycation at the tested concentrations.Conclusion: The findings suggest that the ethanol leaf extract from H. petiolare has the potential to mitigate skin aging and therefore needs to be further investigated for possible clinical applications. Keywords: Cytotoxicity, Efficacy, Helichrysum petiolare, MRHF cells, Oxidative stress, Protein glycation; skin aging

Three known compounds were isolated from Virgaria nigra CF-231658; 2,7-dihydroxy naphthalene (1), virgaricin B (2) and virgaricin (3). The isolated compounds was obtained from liquid-state and agar-supported fermentation using Amberlite XAD-16 solid-phase extraction during the cultivation step. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR as well as HRMS spectroscopic analyses. The isolated compounds were examined for their ability to inhibit elastase using normal human diploid fibroblasts. Compound 2 displayed the most potent activity with 76.7 ± 2.12% inhibition of the enzyme activity at 5 μM concentration.

Herein we report our investigation concerning the development of Human neutrophil elastase (hNE) inhibitors for the treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Various benzenesulfonic acid derived compounds were synthesized and evaluated as competitive inhibitors of hNE. Biological screening revealed that compound 4f shows moderate inhibitory activity (IC50 = 35.2 μM) against hNE. Compound 4f was also superimposed onto the active center of hNE to understand the binding mode.

Larkina S. A., Makarenko O. А., Seletskaya А. V. Comparison of markers of skin inflammation after injections of polylactic acid and threads based on polylactic acid. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2020;10(11):245-253. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2020.10.11.024 https://apcz.umk.pl/czasopisma/index.php/JEHS/article/view/JEHS.2020.10.11.024 https://zenodo.org/record/4416063 The journal has had 5 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. § 8. 2) and § 12. 1. 2) 22.02.2019. © The Authors 2020; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author (s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial license Share alike. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 16.10.2020. Revised: 30.10.2020. Accepted: 30.11.2020. Comparison of markers of skin inflammation after injections of polylactic acid and threads based on polylactic acid 1S. A. Larkina, 2O. А. Makarenko, 3А. V. Seletskaya 1Odessa National Medical University 2Odessa I. I. Mechnikov National University 3Kings College, London Abstract Aging processes lead to the tremendous changes in every tissues of human and skin is not an exception. Externally observable aging changes of the skin are caused by involutionary processes, which are happening on all levels, from skin to bones. The development of methods of prevention and treatment, which are aimed at fighting age-related changes in the skin and activating regenerative processes, is a live issue and has great scientific and practical significance. One of the important factors of skin aging is involutional changes occurring in the dermis. Currently, injections, based on polylactic acid are actively used as collagen stimulants in aesthetic medicine. Polylactic acid is a hydrophobic, biodegradable polymer derived from lactic acid. However, the mechanism of effect of polylactic acid on the components of the dermis, as well as the morphohistochemical status of the implant itself and the effect on markers of skin inflammation remains insufficiently understood and are actively discussed in the literature. We carried out biochemical studies of rat skin in order to study the effect of polylactic acid on markers of skin inflammation. To assess the condition of the skin of rats, after the administration of the studied drugs, the following was determined: • marker of inflammation - the activity of neutrophilic elastase; • factor of the state of cell membranes - the activity of lysosomal acid phosphatase; • the state of nonspecific antimicrobial protection - the activity of lysozyme. The conducted study allows us to conclude about the relative safety of preparations based on polylactic acid, the subdermal administration of which after 60 days shows minor signs of inflammation and practically does not affect the nonspecific antimicrobial protection of the skin of laboratory rats. Key words: polylactic acid; skin; markers of skin inflammation; skin cell membrane factors; connective tissue; collagen; involutive skin changes; skin aging; anty-age.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) consist of DNA released by terminally stimulated neutrophils. They fine-tune inflammation, kill pathogens, activate macrophages, contribute to airway mucus obstruction in cystic fibrosis, and facilitate tumor metastasis after dormancy. Neutrophil proteases such as elastase (NE) and cathepsin G (CG) attach to NETs and contribute to the diverse immune outcome. However, because of the lack of suitable tools, little spatiotemporal information on protease activities on NETs is available in a pathophysiological context to date. Here, we present H-NE and H-CG, two FRET-based reporters armed with a DNA minor groove binder, which monitor DNA-bound NE and CG activity, respectively. The probes revealed that only NE maintains its catalytic ability when localized to DNA. Further, we demonstrated elevated protease activity within the extracellular DNA of sputum from cystic fibrosis patients. Finally, H-NE showed NE activity at single-cell and free DNA resolution within mouse lung slices, a difficult to achieve task with available substrate-based reporters.

Emphysema is a progressive and fatal lung disease with no cure that is characterized by thinning, enlargement, and destruction of alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange. Disease progression is due in part to dysregulation of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) signaling in the lungs and increased lung-cell apoptosis. Here we asked whether PR1P (Prominin-1–derived peptide), a novel short peptide we designed that increases VEGF binding to endothelial cells, could be used to improve outcome in in vitro and in vivo models of emphysema. We used computer simulation and in vitro and in vivo studies to show that PR1P upregulated endogenous VEGF receptor-2 signaling by binding VEGF and preventing its proteolytic degradation. In so doing, PR1P mitigated toxin-induced lung-cell apoptosis, including from cigarette-smoke extract in vitro and from LPS in vivo in mice. Remarkably, inhaled PR1P led to significantly increased VEGF concentrations in murine lungs within 30 minutes that remained greater than twofold above that of control animals 24 hours later. Finally, inhaled PR1P reduced acute lung injury in 4- and 21-day elastase-induced murine emphysema models. Taken together, these results highlight the potential of PR1P as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of emphysema or other lung diseases characterized by VEGF signaling dysregulation.

Purpose: This study is to evaluate biological activity of leaf and seed extracts of Brassica juncea L and examine their utility value as cosmetic ingredients. Methods: Total polyphenol, total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, and inhibition activities of tyrosinase and elastase were measured to evaluate biological activity of leaf and seed extracts of Brassica juncea L. Czern.(EtOH). In addition, to investigate the antioxidant effect and enzyme inhibition activities in relation to concentrations, correlation of different concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL of each extract were comparatively analyzed. Results: The highest total polyphenol contents of leaf and seed extracts of Brassica juncea L (50, 100, and 200 mg/mL) were 15.03 and 27.72 mg TAE/g, respectively, while the total flavonoid contents were 58.84 and 126.75 mg QE/g, respectively. The DPPH scavenging effect was confirmed as 65.26% in leaf extracts and 83.17% in seed extracts, while the ABTS radical scavenging effect was confirmed as 47.06% in leaf extracts and 60.57% in seed extracts. As a result of evaluation of biological activity analysis on antioxidant effect, the activity in seed was higher than the activity in leaf, and a positive correlation was indicated as highest activities were shown in the concentration of 200 mg/mL for both leaf and seed. The highest inhibition activities of tyrosinase were 22.33% and 36.58%, respectively, while the inhibition activities of elastase were 33.45% and 40.21%, respectively. In leaf extracts, the inhibition activities of tyrosinase and elastase increased as the concentration increased, while in seed extract, the inhibition activities of elastase increased as the concentration increased, but the inhibition activities decreased when the concentration of the extract reached above a certain level. Conclusion: The results of the study confirmed leaf and seed extracts of Brassica juncea L. Czern. have excellent antioxidant effect and inhibition effect on activities of tyrosinase and elastase, and their utility value as cosmetic ingredients would be high.

The loss of structural elastin due to intrinsic and extrinsic ageing results in the skin's inability to stretch and recoil (decrease in elasticity) and manifests as loss of skin firmness and sagging. While other extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid are continually synthesized and assembled through life, elastic fibres are not. Elastic fibre assembly and functionality require fibre cross-linking, induced by the lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL) enzymes, which sharply decrease during ageing.To evaluate the enhanced elastogenic effect of a blackberry-dill extract combination, which was hypothesized to induce elastin fibre component synthesis, fibre cross-linking and reduce elastin fibre degradation.The blackberry and the dill extracts were tested separately and in combination to confirm single ingredient bioactivity and synergistic benefits. Human skin explants, dermal fibroblasts, elastase assays, ELISAs, quantitative real-time PCRs and spectrofluorometer measurements were used. Moreover, a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study was carried out to assess skin elasticity using Cutometer and histologically from biopsies.The blackberry extract induced elastin gene expression, elastin promoter activity and inhibited elastic fibre degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 9 and 12. The dill extract induced elastin, collagen and LOXL1 gene expression, resulting in enhanced fibre cross-linking in human skin explants. Clinically, the blackberry and dill combination treatment displayed synergistic pro-elasticity activity as compared to each ingredient alone and placebo.Taken together, these results demonstrated the two multimodal plant-based extracts complemented each other in terms of bioactivity and resulted in a synergistic elastogenesis induction.CONTEXTE: la perte de l’élastine structurelle causée par un vieillissement intrinsèque et extrinsèque provoque l’incapacité de la peau à s’étirer et à rebondir (diminution de l’élasticité) et se manifeste comme une perte de fermeté et un relâchement de la peau. Alors que d’autres composants de la matrice extracellulaire (MEC), tels que le collagène et l’acide hyaluronique sont continuellement synthétisés et assemblés tout au long de la vie, les fibres élastiques ne le sont pas. L’assemblage et la fonctionnalité des fibres élastiques nécessitent une réticulation des fibres, causée par les enzymes de type lysyle oxydase (LOXL), qui diminuent fortement au cours du vieillissement. OBJECTIF: évaluer l’effet élastogène amélioré d’une combinaison d’extrait de mûre et d’aneth, qui était supposée induire la synthèse des composants des fibres d’élastine, la réticulation des fibres et réduire la dégradation des fibres d’élastine. MÉTHODES: les extraits de mûre et d’aneth ont été testés séparément et ensemble pour confirmer la bioactivité d’un seul ingrédient et les avantages synergiques. Des explants de peau humaine, des fibroblastes cutanés, des dosages d’élastase, des ELISA, des analyses PCR quantitatives en temps réel et des mesures de spectrofluorimètre ont été utilisés. De plus, une étude clinique en double aveugle, contrôlée par placebo, a été réalisée pour évaluer l’élasticité de la peau à l’aide du cutomètre et histologiquement à partir de biopsies. RÉSULTATS: l’extrait de mûre a induit l’expression génique de l’élastine, l’activité de promoteur de l’élastine et a inhibé la dégradation des fibres élastiques par des métalloprotéinases matricielles (MPM) 9 et 12.L’extrait d’aneth a causé l’expression génique de l’élastine, du collagène et du gène LOXL1, entraînant une amélioration de la réticulation des fibres dans les explants de peau humaine. Cliniquement, le traitement par une combinaison de mûre et d’aneth a montré une activité de pro-élasticité synergique par rapport à chaque ingrédient seul et au placebo. CONCLUSION: ensemble, ces résultats ont démontré que les deux extraits de plantes multimodales se complètent en termes de bioactivité et ont entraîné une induction synergique de l’élastogenèse.

Five new polyketides, asperochrapyran (1) and asperochralactones A-D (2-5), along with 12 known polyketides (6-17), were obtained from the fungal strain Aspergillus ochraceopetaliformis. Structures of all isolates were elucidated by their spectroscopic parameters. The relative configurations of the new compounds were deduced by the data of coupling constants and NOESY spectra. The absolute configurations were determined by the comparison of experimental and calculated ECD spectra. Moreover, the plausible biosynthesis pathway of major isolates was proposed as well. Anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 5 and 7-17 were evaluated with human neutrophils in response to the stimulation of formyl-methionyl-leucyl phenylalanine (fMLP). Asperlactone (9), aspyrone (13), and (-)-(3R)-mellein (14) exerted superoxide anion inhibition at 30 ± 9%, 29 ± 9%, and 26 ± 12%, respectively, at 10 μM. The capacities of asperlactone (9), aspilactonol B (10), penicillic acid (12), and (-)-(3R)-mellein (14) in elastase release inhibition were revealed as 25 ± 4%, 38 ± 8%, 25 ± 5%, and 34 ± 9%, respectively, at 10 μM.

Purpose: In this study, we aim to study the functionality of multiple effects of peptide collagen and naturally derived compounds through in vitro experiments and human application tests. Method: Cytotoxicity of inner beauty film (IBF), pro-collagen generation ability, elastase and collagenase inhibition, DPPH radical scavenging and tyrosinase inhibition ability were measured, and skin improvement, through in vitro and human application test. Results: Cytotoxicity was not confirmed up to 1000 μg/mL. Elastase inhibition was 7.2% at a concentration of 125 μg/mL, and collagenase showed an inhibition rate of 16.3% at 31.3 μg/mL. The pro-collagen synthesis showed expression of 34%, compared with the negative control when the concentration was 62.5 μg/mL. The antioxidant activity of 250 μg/mL and whitening effect of 62.5 μg/mL are showed in the Results section, and there was no observed deformation or color change even after confirming the stability for 6 months. Even in the human clinical study, the wrinkle improvement before and after using the IBF was 32.2% at maximum, skin melanin and brown spot improvement was 32.5%, pore improvement was 31.5%, and skin density improvement was 12.8%, as shown in the Results section. Conclusion: Therefore, the IBF containing the complex of peptide collagen and naturally derived compounds has a positive effect on wrinkle improvement, skin melanin and brown spot improvement, skin pore improvement, and skin density improvement, as well as exhibiting antioxidant and whitening effects. As a result, IBF can be developed as a key material for cosmetics and foods.

Background Neutrophil function is essential for effective defence against bacterial infections but is defective in patients with sepsis. Ascorbate or vitamin C, which is low in the plasma of patients with sepsis, is stored inside human neutrophils and is essential for their normal function. Objective This study aimed to determine if ascorbate treatment ex vivo improved neutrophil function in patients with sepsis. Patients and methods Human blood neutrophils were isolated from 20 patients with sepsis and 20 healthy age-matched controls. Neutrophils were incubated with or without ascorbate (1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mM) for periods up to 2h. Chemotaxis was evaluated using a chemotactic chamber in response to the chemoattractant, fMLP. Phagocytosis (uptake of pHrodo red stained S. aureus) and apoptosis (annexin-V/propidium iodide staining) were measured by flow cytometry. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation was detected and quantified using DAPI, anti-myeloperoxidase and anti-neutrophil elastase immuno-fluorescence staining. Quantifluor detected the amount of dsDNA in NET supernatants, while quantitative PCR identified changes in expression of PADI4 gene. Results Chemotactic and phagocytic activities were decreased in patients with sepsis but increased after treatment with the high concentrations of ascorbate. Apoptosis was increased in the sepsis patients but not altered by ascorbate treatment. Spontaneous NET formation was observed in patients with sepsis. A quantity of 1mM ascorbate decreased spontaneous NETosis to that of normal, healthy neutrophils, while high concentrations of ascorbate (>10mM) further promoted NET formation. Conclusion Dysregulated neutrophil function was observed in patients with sepsis which could contribute to disease pathology and outcomes. Exposure to ascorbate could reverse some of these changes in function. These novel discoveries raise the possibility that ascorbate treatment could be used as an adjunctive therapy that could result in improved neutrophil function during sepsis.

This work investigated chloroform extracts from culture supernatants of two human probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 and Lactobacillus acidophilus CRL 730 for the production of virulence factors and quorum sensing (QS) interference against three Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Both extracts inhibited biofilm biomass (up to 50%), biofilm metabolic activity (up to 39%), the production of the enzyme elastase (up to 63%) and pyocyanin (up to 77%), and decreased QS, without presenting any antibacterial acgivity. In addition, the chloroform extracts of both strains disrupted preformed biofilms of the three strains of P. aeruginosa analyzed (up to 40%). GC-MS analysis revealed that the major compounds detected in the bioactive extracts were four diketopiperazines. This study suggests that the metabolites of L. casei and L. acidophilus could be a promising alternative to combat the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa.

Levitsky A. P., Selivanskaya I. A., Markov A. V., Pupin T. I. Biochemical indicators of the organism condition of rats which received high-fat diets with different fatty acid composition. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2020;10(5):158-168. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2020.10.05.016 https://apcz.umk.pl/czasopisma/index.php/JEHS/article/view/JEHS.2020.10.05.016 https://zenodo.org/record/3843566 The journal has had 5 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. § 8. 2) and § 12. 1. 2) 22.02.2019. © The Authors 2020; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author (s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial license Share alike. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 04.05.2020. Revised: 16.05.2020. Accepted: 25.05.2020. UDK 616.314:664.315 BIOCHEMICAL INDICATORS OF THE ORGANISM CONDITION OF RATS WHICH RECEIVED HIGH-FAT DIETS WITH DIFFERENT FATTY ACID COMPOSITION A. P. Levitsky1, I. A. Selivanskaya2, A. V. Markov3, T. I. Pupin3 1Odessa National Academy of Food Technologies 2Odessa National Medical University 3Lviv National Medical University named after Danylo Galytskij irina.selivanskaya@gmail.com Abstract Aim. To determine the effects on the body of high-fat diets (HFD) with different fatty acid composition. Methods. Used ordinary sunflower, olive, palm and butter, which were introduced into the feed in an amount of 15 %. Rats were fed for 41 days. Gum, liver, small intestinal mucosa were isolated and blood serum was obtained, which determined the activity of elastase, ALT and alkaline phosphatase, as well as the content of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. The activity of elastase, catalase, urease, lysozyme, and MDA content were determined in tissue homogenates. The API index and the degree of dysbiosis were calculated. Results. In rats treated with HFD, elastase, urease, MDA content increased, but lysozyme and catalase activity decreased in all tissues, the API index also decreased, and the degree of dysbiosis increased significantly. Serum triglycerides and cholesterol increased. Stronger pathological changes occurred in rats treated with palm or butter, and the lowest in rats treated with olive oil. Conclusion. HFD causes the development of dysbiosis, decreased levels of antioxidant protection and the development of inflammation, more pronounced with the consumption of fats high in palmitic acid. Key words: high-fat diet; fatty acids; dysbiosis; inflammation; antioxidants.

Background: Phytochemicals are present as important substances in natural resources and therefore, have aided in invention of the anti-oxidant, and anti-elastase properties of polyphenol compounds present in Indonesian herbs such as Macassar Kernels ( Rhus javanica L). Objective: This research aimed to investigate anti-elastase, and antioxidant properties. Methods: Ethanolic extract of Rhus Leaves (RL), Rhus Stem (RS), Rhus Greenish Fruit (RGF), and Rhus Blackish-grey Fruit (RBF) were prepared individually by solvent extraction method. Anti-elastase activity was carried out with elastase from porcine pancreas. For quantitative phytochemical screening, DPPH radical scavenging assay, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP), Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) of Rhus javanica were estimated. Result: RS showed highest anti-elastase activity (45.30%±0.087), compared with RL (12.30%±0.004), and there were no activities in RGF and RBF. In DPPH assay, RS had lowest activity (IC50 561.05 μg/ml), compared with RBF (IC50 239.28 μg /ml), RGF (IC50 189.3I μg/ml), and RL (IC50 157.81 μg/ml). RS also has lowest FRAP activity (% inhibition = 26.60%±0.002), and TPC value (28.50±0.03 mgGAE/g dry weight). Conclusion: Test extracts showed anti-aging properties in different mechanisms. RS possessed the highest anti-elastase activity but had the weakest antioxidant activity.

Gallic acid (GA) a naturally occurring phenolic compound, known to possess antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of the present work was to investigate the beneficial effects of GA against COPD-linked lung inflammation/emphysema by utilizing elastase (ET) and cigarette smoke (CS)-induced mice model. Male BALB/c mice were treated with ET (1U/mouse) or exposed to CS (9 cigarettes/day for 4 days). GA administration was started 7 days (daily) prior to ET/CS exposure. Broncho-alveolar lavage was analyzed for inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Lung homogenate was assessed for MPO activity/GSH/MDA/protein carbonyls. Further, Lung tissue was subjected to semi-quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and histological analysis. GA suppressed the ET-induced neutrophil infiltration, elevated MPO activity and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6/TNF-α/IL-1β) at 24 h. Reduced inflammation was accompanied with normalization of redox balance as reflected by ROS/GSH/MDA/protein carbonyl levels. Further, GA suppressed phosphorylation of p65NF-κB and IκBα along with down-regulation of IL-1β/TNF-α/KC/MIP-2/GCSF genes. Furthermore, GA offered protection against ET-induced airspace enlargement and ameliorated MMP-2/MMP-9. Finally, GA suppressed the CS-induced influx of neutrophils and macrophages and blunted gene expression of TNF-α/MIP-2/KC. Overall, our data show that GA effectively modulates pulmonary inflammation and emphysema associated with COPD pathogenesis in mice.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most important factors in the progress of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is associated with limited airflow and alveolar demolition. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible protective effect of ellagic acid (EA), as a natural anti-oxidant, against pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and development of lung and heart injuries induced by elastase. Sixty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats (150-180 g) were divided into six groups: control (saline 0.9%, 1 ml/kg, by gavage), porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) (25 UI/kg, intratracheal), EA (10, 15, and 30 mg/kg, gavage), PPE + EA (30 mg/kg, by gavage). Lead II electrocardiogram was used to evaluate the inotropic and chronotropic parameters of rat heart using Bio-Amp device and the LabChart software. The anti-oxidant levels (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione) and malondialdehyde were measured by appropriate kits, and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was recorded by the PowerLab system and measured by the LabChart software (ADInstruments). Elastase administration caused an increase in RVSP which was in line with elevated inflammatory cells and cytokines, as well as lipid peroxidation, and decreased anti-oxidant levels. Also, electrocardiogram parameters significantly changed in elastase group compared with control rats. Co-treatment with EA not only restored elastase-depleted anti-oxidant levels and prevented pulmonary arterial hypertension but also improved cardiac chronotropic and inotropic properties. Our results documented that elastase administration leads to pulmonary arterial hypertension and EA, as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant factor, can protect development of lung and heart injuries induced by elastase.

Thrombin-derived C-terminal peptides (TCPs), including a major 11-kDa fragment (TCP96), are produced through cleavage by human neutrophil elastase and aggregate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. However, the physiological roles of TCP96 in controlling bacterial infections and reducing LPS-induced inflammation are unclear. Here, using various biophysical methods, in silico molecular modeling, microbiological and cellular assays, and animal models, we examined the structural features and functional roles of recombinant TCP96 (rTCP96) in the aggregation of multiple bacteria and the Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists they produce. We found that rTCP96 aggregates both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and their cell-wall components LPS, lipid A, and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). The Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and P. aeruginosa were particularly sensitive to aggregation-induced bacterial permeabilization and killing. As a proof of concept, we show that rTCP96 reduces LPS-induced NF-κB activation in human monocytes, as well as in mouse models of LPS-induced subcutaneous inflammation. Moreover, in a mouse model of subcutaneous inoculation with P. aeruginosa, rTCP96 reduced bacterial levels. Together, these results link TCP-mediated aggregation of endotoxins and bacteria in vitro to attenuation of inflammation and bacterial levels in vivo.

Marine cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) have been shown to possess an enormous capacity to produce structurally diverse natural products that exhibit a broad spectrum of potent biological activities, including cytotoxic, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral, and antibacterial activities. Using mass-spectrometry-guided fractionation together with molecular networking, cyanobacterial field collections from American Samoa and Palmyra Atoll yielded three new cyclic peptides, tutuilamides A-C. Their structures were established by spectroscopic techniques including 1D and 2D NMR, HR-MS, and chemical derivatization. Structure elucidation was facilitated by employing advanced NMR techniques including nonuniform sampling in combination with the 1,1-ADEQUATE experiment. These cyclic peptides are characterized by the presence of several unusual residues including 3-amino-6-hydroxy-2-piperidone and 2-amino-2-butenoic acid, together with a novel vinyl chloride-containing residue. Tutuilamides A-C show potent elastase inhibitory activity together with moderate potency in H-460 lung cancer cell cytotoxicity assays. The binding mode to elastase was analyzed by X-ray crystallography revealing a reversible binding mode similar to the natural product lyngbyastatin 7. The presence of an additional hydrogen bond with the amino acid backbone of the flexible side chain of tutuilamide A, compared to lyngbyastatin 7, facilitates its stabilization in the elastase binding pocket and possibly explains its enhanced inhibitory potency.

β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregates involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are resistant to proteases but could be destabilized by small peptides designed to target specific hydrophobic regions of Aβ that take part in aggregate assembly. Since thrombin and AD are intricately connected, and elastase modulates thrombin activity, elastase-digested thrombin peptides were verified for intervention in the Aβ-aggregation pathway. Intact or elastase-digested thrombin destabilized Aβ fibril, as demonstrated by thioflavin T assay. Peptides were synthesized employing thrombin as a template, of which, a hexapeptide (T3) showed maximum destabilization at 1 µm. ExPASy peptide cutter software coupled with mass spectrometric analysis confirmed the generation of T3 peptide from elastase-digested thrombin. TEM micrographs revealed that 30-day incubation of preformed Aβ fibrils or monomers with T3 resulted in destabilization or inhibition, respectively, leading mostly to particles of 1.74 ± 0.17 nm, which roughly corresponded to Aβ monomer. Surface plasmon resonance employing CM5 chip coupled with Aβ40 mouse monoclonal antibody showed a drop in response when T3 was incubated with Aβ fibrils between 2 and 8 h. 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and confocal microscopy demonstrated the ability of T3 to rescue neuroblastoma cells from Aβ oligomer-induced cytotoxic damage. Although no [Aβ-T3] adduct could be detected by mass spectrometry, an initial interaction appeared to facilitate the process of destabilization/inhibition of aggregation. T3 was comparable to standard β-sheet breaker peptides, LPFFD and KLVFF in terms of Aβ aggregate destabilization. High hydrophobicity values coupled with recognition and breaking elements make T3 a potential candidate for future therapeutic applications.

We report an elastase-responsive, H2S-releasing hydrogel prepared by covalently crosslinking a mixture of carboxymethylcellulose and poly(ethylene glycol) with an elastase-degradable peptide functionalized with an H2S-releasing S-aroylthiooxime (SATO) unit. Addition of elastase triggered a gel-to-sol transition, which exposed SATOs, leading to more and longer H2S release compared to untriggered gels.

Markov A. V. Influence of a high-fat diet on inflammation and dysbiotic processes in the gums and blood serum of rats with lincomycin dysbiosis. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2020;10(1):128-135. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2020.10.01.014 https://apcz.umk.pl/czasopisma/index.php/JEHS/article/view/JEHS.2020.10.01.014 http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3630655 The journal has had 5 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. § 8. 2) and § 12. 1. 2) 22.02.2019. © The Authors 2020; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author (s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial license Share alike. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 20.12.2019. Revised: 25.12.2019. Accepted: 29.01.2020. UDK 612.397:577.16:613.2 INFLUENCE OF A HIGH-FAT DIET ON INFLAMMATION AND DYSBIOTIC PROCESSES IN THE GUMS AND BLOOD SERUM OF RATS WITH LINCOMYCIN DYSBIOSIS A. V. Markov Lviv National Medical University named after Danylo Galytskij Abstract Background. To determine the effect on the periodontium and the whole organism of excessive consumption of palm oil, against the background of lincomycin dysbiosis. Methods. The experiments were carried out on rats, divided into 3 groups: 1st ‒ control, 2nd and 3rd with dysbiosis, which was reproduced using lincomycin administered with drinking water at a dose of 60 mg / kg for 5 days. Rats of the 3rd group additionally received palm oil at a dose of 16 g / kg with food. Rats were fed for 21 days. The activity of elastase, urease, lysozyme, catalase, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hyaluronic acid were determined in the blood serum and in the gums of rats. Results. In rats, the administration of lincomycin caused an increase in the serum and gum activity of elastase and MDA content, an increase in urease activity and the degree of dysbiosis, but a significant decrease in lysozyme activity. Conclusion. The introduction of lincomycin causes the development of systemic inflammation and generalized dysbiosis, the development of gingivitis and dysbiosis in the gums, especially when combining the administration of lincomycin with the consumption of palm oil. Key words: periodontal; blood serum; dysbiosis; inflammation; antioxidants; fat nutrition; antibiotic.

Objective: Elastases are protease enzymes, which mainly hydrolyze proteins of the connective tissue, so they have a significant impact on human disease. Rubus rosifolius is one of the Rubus species found in Indonesian mountains, and it has potential as an elastase inhibitor. The objective of this research was to examine the in vitro elastase inhibitor activity of R. rosifolius leaves and to dock different ligands of its constituents against target protein of Porcine Pancreatic Elastase (PPE) receptor. Method: Dried leaves powder of R. rosifolius was extracted using Soxhlet apparatus with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The extract was evaporated, and in vitro elastase inhibitor activity was determined using PPE with the quercetin used as control positive. Selected nine constituents of R. rosifolius were evaluated on the docking behavior of elastase receptor using Protein–Ligand ANT System (PLANTS) computational software with PPE enzyme with Protein Data Bank (PDB) file 1BRU. Result: The methanol extract showed significantly inhibited elastase with IC50 186.13 μg/mL, but ethyl acetate extract showed weak activity, and n-hexane extract did not show any activity. Docking studies and binding free energy calculations and hydrogen bonding with some amino acids revealed that ellagic acid showed the least binding energy for the target enzyme. Conclusion: This research has opened new insights into understanding that constituents of R. rosifolius methanol extract are potential inhibitors against elastase, and suggested the active compound is ellagic acid.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the optimal blending ratio of extracts of Hippophae rhamnoides (H. rhamnoides ) fruit, Rubus fruticosus (R. fruticosus ) leaf, and Perillae folium (P. folium) leaf as a potential functional material for antiwrinkle, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and whitening properties. Methods: We used the design of experiment (DOE) efficacy method to identify the optimal blend ratio for a natural extract complex. In addition, we tested the efficacy of the extract complex and the individual extracts by experiments, including elastase inhibition assay, NO inhibition assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay, tyrosinase inhibition assay, and ROS inhibition assay. Results: DOE methods using natural extracts showed that the most efficacious ratio of H. rhamnoides fruit: R. fruticosus leaf: P. folium leaf was 0.25:0.7:0.05. At this ratio, the elastase inhibitory effect, an indicator of wrinkle improvement, was 28% compared to the control. The antioxidant activity was 71.8% higher than the control. Additionally, NO formation was significantly suppressed by the extract complex. Tyrosinase inhibitory activity, a whitening index, showed 24.4% improvement over the control. Finally, hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity was significantly inhibited following treatment with the extract complex. Conclusion: The natural extract complex of H. rhamnoides , R. Fruticosus , and P. folium was found to have beneficial wrinkle improvement, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and whitening effects, and has potential as a functional cosmetic material.

Oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular endothelial proliferation and obesity are risk factors associated with preeclampsia (PE). Thepresent study aimed to investigate the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a putative circulatory marker of oxidative stress, neutrophil Elastase (NE) as inflammatory marker andvascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as marker for vascular permeability-enhancing activities inobese women withpreeclampsia PE and compare withnormal pregnancy women. The study was carried out on 50 pregnant obese women with PE and 50 normal pregnant women. The preeclampsia women were characterized with high blood pressure 160/110 mmHg and proteinuria. The gestational age ranged from ≥32 weeks to

The aim of the work is comparative study of hepatoprotective properties of Quertulin (quercetin, inulin and calcium citrate) and Lecasil (squeezed from leaves of thistle, lecithin and calcium citrate) in rats on the background of toxic hepatitis modeling.Materials and Methods: The studies were conducted on 28 white rats, with caused toxic hepatitis. Prophylaxis of the disease was performed using Quertulin or Leсasil (300 mg / kg) from the first day of the experiment. Toxic hepatitis was reproduced by intra-abdominal administration of hydrazine sulfate (50 mg / kg) at 8, 9 and 10 days. The duration of the experiment was 14 days. In liver homogenates, inflammation markers and cholestasis were determined – the activity of elastase and alkaline phosphatase. In the mucous membrane of the colon the determination of a marker of microbial contamination – activity of urease and non-specific antimicrobial factor – activity of lysozyme was carried out. In the serum, the determination of "liver" markers was performed, the activity of the alanine aminotransferase of alkaline phosphatase and the content of bilirubin.Results: Preventive use of drugs Lecasil and Quertulin effectively prevents metabolic disorders of the hepatobiliary system: reduced bilirubin levels by 20 and 28%, ALT activity – by 57 and 43% and alkaline phosphatase activity – by 49 and 17%, respectively. The studied drugs also reduced the development of dysbiosis, formed in the colon of rats under conditions of toxic hepatitis: Quertulin reduced the degree of dysbiosis by 32.2%, and Leсasil by 15.6%.Conclusion: The effectiveness of new domestic drugs in the model of toxic hepatitis in rats is shown. According to the results obtained, the more pronounced hepatoprotective effect is propuced by the dietary supplement of Lecasil, and more significant reduction of the dysbiosis degree in the mucous membrane of the colon of rats with hepatitis – by Quertulin. The application of the studied dietary supplements provides effective hepatoprotective and anti-dysbiosis action in the colon of rats with toxic hepatitis.

Muscle-based by-products are often undervalued although commonly reported having a high amount of natural bioactive peptides. In this study, elastin was isolated from the protein of broiler hen skin while its hydrolysate was prepared using Elastase. Assessment of antioxidative properties of elastin-based hydrolysate (EBH) was based on three different assays; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical, 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical and metal chelating ability. The EBH was purified further using ultrafiltration, gel filtration and Reverse- Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). The IC50 of ABTS radical activities for EBH were decreased as EBH further purified using ultrafiltration (EBH III; 0.66 mg/mL)>gel filtration (EB-II; 0.42 mg/mL)>RP-HPLC (EB-II4; 0.12 mg/mL). The sequential identification of the peptide was done by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/ TOF-MS) of the potent fractions obtained from RP-HPLC (EB-II4). The presence of hydrophobic amino acids (Val and Pro) in the peptide sequences could potentially contribute to the high antioxidant activity of EBH. The sequences GAHTGPRKPFKPR, GMPGFDVR and ADASVLPK were identified as antioxidant peptides. In conclusion, the antioxidative potential from poultry skin specifically from elastin is evident and can be explored to be used in many applications such as health and pharmaceutical purposes.

Background Polymorphonuclear (PMN) elastase plays an important role in a variety of inflammatory disorders. Our aim was to analyse PMN elastase in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and its association with disease activity. Methods PMN elastase levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples obtained from 74 patients with myositis (58 with dermatomyositis [DM] and 16 with polymyositis [PM]) and 22 healthy controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the discriminant capacity of PMN elastase level and PMN elastase-to-neutrophil ratio (ENR) in patients with active and remission myositis. The association of serum PMN elastase level and ENR with disease variables was evaluated in patients with IIMs. The disease specificity of PMN elastase level and ENR was further examined in 60 patients with other systemic autoimmune diseases. Results PMN elastase level and ENR were significantly higher in patients with active IIMs, DM, and PM than in patients with remission. ROC curve analysis revealed that PMN elastase level and ENR both outperformed creatine kinase (CK), the currently used laboratory marker, and strongly discriminated patients with active disease and those with remission of IIMs, DM, and PM (area under the ROC curve [AUC] 0.9, 0.9, and 0.88 for PMN elastase; AUC 0.96, 0.96, and 1.0 for ENR; AUC 0.72, 0.70, and 0.80 for CK, respectively). PMN elastase level and ENR were positively correlated with myositis disease activity assessment, CK, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. PMN elastase level and ENR were higher in the anti-PM-Scl positive myositis group than those in the anti-PM-Scl negative myositis group. Nevertheless, PMN elastase was not a specific disease marker for IIMs when compared with other autoimmune diseases. Conclusions PMN elastase, particularly ENR, were significantly correlated with disease activity and could serve as useful biochemical markers for evaluating the disease activity of patients with IIMs. Thus, they are potentially helpful in monitoring disease progression and guiding treatment.

High temperature requirement A (HtrA) serine proteases have emerged as a novel class of antibacterial target, which are crucial in protein quality control and are involved in the pathogenesis of a wide array of bacterial infections. Previously, we demonstrated that HtrA in Chlamydia is essential for bacterial survival, replication and virulence. Here, we report a new series of proline (P2)-modified inhibitors of Chlamydia trachomatis HtrA (CtHtrA) developed by proline ring expansion and Cγ-substitutions. The structure-based drug optimization process was guided by molecular modelling and in vitro pharmacological evaluation of inhibitory potency, selectivity and cytotoxicity. Compound 25 from the first-generation 4-substituted proline analogues increased antiCtHtrA potency and selectivity over human neutrophil elastase (HNE) by approximately 6- and 12-fold, respectively, relative to the peptidic lead compound 1. Based on this compound, second-generation substituted proline residues containing 1,2,3-triazole moieties were synthesized by regioselective azide-alkyne click chemistry. Compound 49 demonstrated significantly improved antichlamydial activity in whole cell assays, diminishing the bacterial infectious progeny below the detection limit at the lowest dose tested. Compound 49 resulted in approximately 9- and 22-fold improvement in the inhibitory potency and selectivity relative to 1, respectively. To date, compound 49 is the most potent HtrA inhibitor developed against Chlamydia spp.

Oleuropein (OLE) and hydroxytyrosol (HT) are dietary polyphenols with skin beneficial effects but their effects on skin-ageing-related enzymes are not clear. Herein, we evaluated their inhibitory effects on elastase and collagenase. OLE and HT (62.5-1 000 μM) showed moderate anti-elastase and anti-collagenase effects (5.1-26.3%, 5.8-12.2% and 12.6-31.0%, 11.6-31.9% inhibition, respectively). Combinations of OLE and HT (1:1 ratio) exerted synergistic inhibitory effects on elastase, which were supported by their combination index (CI), kinetic assay and computational docking. Moreover, HT (100 μM) reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human dermal fibroblast cells by 21.8 and 15.2%, respectively. In addition, combinations of OLE and HT (6.25/6.25-100/100 μM) exerted synergistic cytoprotective effects by reducing ROS levels by 7.6-37.3% with CIs of 0.17-0.44, respectively. The findings from this study support the cosmeceutical activities of OLE and HT but further research is warranted to evaluate their anti-skin-ageing effects using in vivo models.

Phenolic compounds present in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) have been reported to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) protective properties. UVR from sunlight, which consists of UV-B and UV-A radiations, induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radical formation, consequently activating proteinases and enzymes such as elastase and tyrosinase, leading to premature skin aging. The objective of this work was to extract, characterize and evaluate the antioxidant and antiaging potential of polyphenols from a black bean endemic variety. The polyphenolic extract was obtained from black beans by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO2 with a mixture of water–ethanol as a cosolvent and conventional leaching with a mixture of water–ethanol as solvent. The polyphenolic extracts were purified and characterized, and antioxidant potential, tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory potentials were measured. The extract obtained using the SFE method using CO2 and H2O–Ethanol (50:50 v/v) as a cosolvent showed the highest total phenolic compounds yield, with 66.60 ± 7.41 mg GAE/g coat (p &gt, 0.05) and 7.30 ± 0.64 mg C3GE/g coat (p &lt, 0.05) of anthocyanins compared to conventional leaching. Nineteen tentative phenolic compounds were identified in leaching crude extract using ESI-QTOF. Quercetin-3-D-galactoside was identified in crude and purified extracts. The purified SFC extract showed IC50 0.05 ± 0.002 and IC50 0.21 ± 0.008 mg/mL for DPPH and ABTS, respectively. The lowest IC50 value of tyrosinase inhibition was 0.143 ± 0.02 mg/mL and 0.005 ± 0.003 mg/mL of elastase inhibition for leaching purified extract. Phenolic compounds presented theoretical free energy values ranging from −5.3 to −7.8 kcal/mol for tyrosinase and −2.5 to −6.8 kcal/mol for elastase in molecular docking (in silico) studies. The results suggest that the purified extracts obtained by SFE or conventional leaching extraction could act as antioxidant and antiaging ingredients for cosmeceutical applications.

The development of microbial resistance requires a novel approach to control microbial infection. This study implies the microbial synthesis of nanometals and assessment of their antivirulent activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Streptomyces isolate S91 was isolated from soil with substantial ability for growth at high salts concentrations. The cell-free supernatant of S91was utilized for the synthesis of Au-NPs and Se-NPs. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis of Streptomyces S91 revealed that S91 had a high similarity (98.82%) to Streptomyces olivaceous. The biosynthesized Au-NPs and Se-NPs were characterized using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The quorum sensing inhibitory (QSI) potential of Au-NPs and Se-NPs and the antivirulence activity was examined against P. aeruginosa. The QSI potential was confirmed using RT-PCR. The synthesized Au-NPs and Se-NPs were monodispersed spherical shapes with particle size of 12.2 and 67.98 nm, respectively. Au-NPs and Se-NPs eliminated QS in P. aeruginosa at a concentration range of 2.3–18.5 µg/mL for Au-NPs and 2.3–592 µg/mL for Se-NPs. In addition, Au-NPs and Se-NPs significantly inhibited QS-related virulence factors, such as pyocyanin, protease and, elastase in P. aeruginosa. At the molecular level, Au-NPs and Se-NPs significantly suppressed the relative expression of QS genes and toxins. Hence, the biosynthesized Au-NPS and Se-NPS could be substantial inhibitors of QS and virulence traits of P. aeruginosa.

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) is one of the most widely used chemical sunscreens. The results of many in vitro and in vivo tests confirm its high percutaneous penetration and systemic absorption, which question the safety of its wide use. The aim of our research was to assess the effect of this compound on components of the skin extracellular matrix, and to investigate whether rosmarinic acid (RA) could reduce BP-3-induced changes in human skin fibroblasts. BP-3 used at concentrations of 0.1–100 µM caused a number of unfavorable changes in the level of type I collagen, decorin, sulfated glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid, elastin, and expression or activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-2), elastase and hyaluronidase. Moreover, the intracellular retention of collagen was accompanied by changes in the expression of proteins modifying and controlling the synthesis and secretion of this protein. Most importantly, RA at a concentration of 100 µM significantly reduced or completely abolished the adverse effects of BP-3. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that this polyphenol may provide effective protection against BP-3-induced disturbances in skin cells, which may have important clinical implications.