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Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Somatostatin (SST) and Cannabinoids have an anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect, but the mechanisms of their actions remain elusive. In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of SST, Cannabidiol (CBD) alone or in combination on receptor expression, cell proliferation and apoptosis and related downstream signalling pathways in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The results presented here demonstrate the cell type and agonist-dependent changes in receptor expression at the cell membrane, inhibition of cell proliferation and increased apoptosis following treatment with SST and CBD alone and in combination. In comparison to MDA-MB-231 cells, MCF-7 cells treated with SST alone and in combination with CBD exhibited inhibition of phosphorylated Protein Kinase B (pAKT) and phosphorylated-Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (pPI3K) expression. Importantly, inhibition of PI3K/AKT activation was accompanied by enhanced PTEN expression in MCF-7 cells. These results highlight the possible interaction between SSTR and CBR subtypes with the implication in the modulation of receptor expression, cell viability and signal transduction pathways in a breast cancer cell type-dependent manner.

Nowadays, the research fraternity across the globe is putting incredible efforts toward the development of sustainable materials. During this endeavor, the potential of sustainable biocomposites in...

The current research work focus on the Banana Fiber-reinforced virgin and recycled High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) composites fabricated using the extrusion injection molding process. The composites incorporating 20 wt% of banana fiber were fabricated. The mechanical characteristics of the developed composites were evaluated in terms of tensile and flexural properties. The investigation shows a reduction in the tensile strength and an improvement in the tensile modulus of the developed composites as compared to the virgin and recycled polymers. Moreover, the flexural strength and flexural modulus reported an increment as compared to both the neat polymers. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that banana-based composites have less thermal stability as compared to both neat polymers.

Increased ecological awareness, as well as stringent laws and legislation by government agencies, have restricted the use of synthetic fibers as reinforcement. This cognizance shifted the interest ...

Propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism is a well-established model for assessing hormonal and morphological changes in thyroid as well as other central and peripheral tissues. Somatostatin (SST) is known to regulate hormonal secretion and synthesis in endocrine tissues; however, nothing is currently known about the distribution of SST and its receptor in hypothyroidism. In the present study, the comparative immunohistochemical distribution of SST and somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) were analyzed in PTU-induced hypothyroid rats. Rats were treated with PTU for 15 days followed by a co-administration of levothyroxine (LVT) for 15 days. After PTU and LVT treatments (day 30), rats were further administered LVT alone for 15 more days (day 45). The subcellular distribution of SST and SSTR subtypes was determined by peroxidase immunohistochemistry in the thyroid gland collected from control and treated rats. SST and SSTR subtypes were found to be moderately expressed in control thyroid tissues. SST and SSTR subtypes like immunoreactivity increased significantly in follicular and parafollicular epithelial cells in the thyroid of PTU-treated rats. The PTU-induced changes in the expression of SST and SSTR subtypes were suppressed by the administration of the LVT. In addition to thyroid tissues, SST and SSTRs expression was also changed in non-follicular tissues including blood vessels, smooth muscle cells, and connective tissue following treatments. The present study revealed a distinct subcellular distribution of SST and SSTR subtypes in the thyroid and provides a new insight for the role of SST and SSTR subtypes in hypothyroidism in addition to its well-established role in negative regulation of hormonal secretion.

During brain development, neurite formation plays a critical role in neuronal communication and cognitive function. In the present study, we compared developmental changes in the expression of crucial markers that govern the functional activity of neurons, including somatostatin (SST), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), brain nitric oxide synthase (bNOS), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD-65) and synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin (SYP) in non-differentiated and retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. We further determined the role of SST in regulating subcellular distribution and expression of neurotransmitters. Our results indicate that SST potentiates RA-induced differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells and involves regulating the subcellular distribution and expression of neurotransmitter markers and synaptophysin translocation to neurites in a time-dependent manner, anticipating the therapeutic implication of SST in neurodegeneration.

The biomass-based composites possess a tremendous potential to be used in various structural and non-structural applications. The application spectrum of these composites is increasing exponentially. Therefore, the researchers are continuously working and suggesting efficient and accurate methods for the characterization of these composites. The current chapter highlights the crucial characterization techniques employed by researchers worldwide to investigate the behavior of biomass-based composites. Characterizations help the researchers/engineers to resolve the various issues and challenges during the design, development, in-service, recycling, and degradation of these composites. It also helps the scientists/engineers predict the composite performance in various environmental conditions, thus preventing component failure during operation. The characterization techniques used for conventional materials may not be suitable for biomass-based composites. Therefore, there is still enormous scope for the advancement of characterization techniques to get an insight into the biomass-based composites.

Somatostatin (SST) is a growth hormone inhibitory peptide involved in regulation of several physiological responses of cells including neurotransmission, cell migration, maturation, and neurite formation. In the present study, we examined the role of SST in all-trans retinoic acid (RA)-induced progression of neurite outgrowth in SH-SY5Y cells. We also determined the morphological and developmental changes in prominent intracellular markers of neurite growth including microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), neuron-specific III β-tubulin (TUJ1), and Tau. Here, we present evidence that SST is a molecular determinant in regulating the transition of SH-SY5Y cells from non-neuronal entity to neuronal phenotype in response to RA. The results from present study reveal that SST changes the distributional pattern of MAP2/Tau and TUJ1, and activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling pathway through SST receptors (SSTRs). The expression of MAP2 and Tau remains elevated upon treatment with RA and SST alone or in combination. Importantly, we identified that the cells displaying strong co-expression of SST and TUJ1 are more likely to bear elongated neurite formation than cells devoid of such expression. These findings show that the site-specific expression of MAP2 and TUJ1 is an essential determinant of neurite outgrowth in SH-SY5Y cells in RA-mediated differentiation. Taken together, results presented here further substantiates the role of SST in the promotion of neurite formation and elongation in SH-SY5Y cells in combination with RA. Investigating how SST can improve neurite formation in neurodegenerative disease may help to develop new therapeutic approach in improving cognitive function and memory loss.

Ageing behavior is one of the crucial factor for selection of material by designers and engineers, mainly for structural applications. Investigation of the ageing effect on biocomposites would supplement current knowledge and may help in encouraging their uses in real life applications. The current experimental investigation aims to determine the variation in various properties of Bagasse fibers reinforced Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) biocomposites during accelerated thermal ageing. Specimens of biocomposite were fabricated and exposed to temperature cycles of −20 °C and 65 °C (12 h each) for 12 weeks and characterized after every 4 weeks of exposure. Tensile and flexural properties exhibited steady improvement on exposure up to 8 weeks, followed by a reduction after ageing for 12 weeks. It can be concluded from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) that significant change in crystalline and glass transition behavior happens during the exposure period.

The current research endeavor, explores the thermal, mechanical, and degradation behavior of alkaline treated banana fibers reinforced polypropylene composites. Composites incorporating BF (20% w: ...

Somatostatin is involved in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways and affords neuroprotection in response to neurotoxins. In the present study, we investigated the role of Somatostatin-14 (SST) in cell viability and the regulation of phosphorylation of Collapsin Response Mediator Protein 2 (CRMP2) (Ser522) via the blockade of Ca2+ accumulation, along with the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) and Calpain activation in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Cell Viability and Caspase 3/7 assays suggest that the presence of SST ameliorates mitochondrial stability and cell survival pathways while augmenting pro-apoptotic pathways activated by A&beta, SST inhibits the phosphorylation of CRMP2 at Ser522 site, which is primarily activated by CDK5. Furthermore, SST effectively regulates Ca2+ influx in the presence of A&beta, directly affecting the activity of calpain in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. We also demonstrated that SSTR2 mediates the protective effects of SST. In conclusion, our results highlight the regulatory role of SST in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. The neuroprotective role of SST via axonal regeneration and synaptic integrity is corroborated by regulating changes in CRMP2, however, SST-mediated changes in the blockade of Ca2+ influx, calpain expression, and toxicity did not correlate with CDK5 expression and p35/25 accumulation. To summarize, our findings suggest two independent mechanisms by which SST mediates neuroprotection and confirms the therapeutic implications of SST in AD as well as in other neurodegenerative diseases where the effective regulation of calcium homeostasis is required for a better prognosis.

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the impaired clearance of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) due to disrupted tight junction and transporter proteins is the prominent cause of disease progression. Somatostatin (SST) blocks the aggregation of Aβ and inflammation whereas reduction of SST levels in the CSF and brain tissue is associated with impaired cognitive function and memory loss. However, the role of SST in preservation of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and functionality in Aβ-induced toxicity is not known. In the present study using human CMEC/D3 cells, we demonstrate that SST prevents Aβ-induced BBB permeability by regulating LRP1 and RAGE expression and improving the disrupted tight junction proteins. Furthermore, SST abrogates Aβ-induced JNK phosphorylation and expression of MMP2. Taken together, results presented here suggest that SST might serve as a therapeutic intervention in AD via targeting multiple pathways responsible for neurotoxicity, impaired BBB function, and disease progression.

Most medications targeting optic neuropathies are administered as eye drops. However, their corneal penetration efficiencies are typically

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), primary liver cancer is primarily responsible for inflammation-related cancer as more than 90% of HCCs emerge with regard to hepatic damage and inflammation. Tenacious inflammation is known to advance and intensify liver tumours. Nanomaterials, for example, silver nanoparticles synthesized from plant-derived materials have shown great outcomes in reducing the pre-cancerous nodules and have anticancer properties. The aim of the present investigation was to biosynthesize, characterize and evaluate the anticancer activity of nanoparticles-embedded Madhuca longifolia extract (MLAgNPs) on an experimental model of hepatic cancer in rats. M. longifolia contains a high amount of flavonoids and other phenolic derivative. The silver nanoparticles synthesized by M. longifolia were characterized by various instruments, including UV-Vis spectrophotometry, X-ray beam diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Liver cancer was induced to 36 Wistar rats by a single dose of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) (200 mg kg−1 BW). Hepatic cancer by MLAgNPs dose-dependently limited macroscopical variation compared with the DEN-induced hepatic cancer groups. The serum and liver were taken to measure the antioxidant parameters, proinflammatory cytokines and for a histopathological study. Serum hepatic and serum non-hepatic along with inflammatory cytokines were also assessed. Reduction in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, namely tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB), and improved membrane-bound enzyme activity were also detected. It was found that minor morphological anomalies were identified in the histopathology analysis in the MLAgNPs-treated groups. It could be concluded that silver nanoparticles introduce an extraordinary potential for use as adjuvants in hepatic cancer treatment because of their antioxidant abilities and ability to diminish inflammation in liver tissue by attenuating the NF-κB pathway.

Composite materials have gained popularity in various high-performance applications such as aerospace and automotive industry. The rising concern about the environmental issues and the need for more versatile composite materials have led to an increase in research interest regarding advanced composite materials using natural fibers as reinforcement. The objective of the present research endeavor is to investigate the effect of chemical treatment on the mechanical properties of Banana fiber (BF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites. Thermal properties of treated and untreated fibers have been examined using thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). Composites incorporating Banana fiber (10, 20 and 30% w: w) treated with NaOH (5% w: v) aqueous solution were developed. The extrusion-injection molding technique was used to fabricate the composite specimens. The mechanical properties of developed composites have been investigated and compared. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of tensile tested specimens has been carried out to investigate the fracture behavior of the developed composites. A significant improvement in mechanical properties revealed that the developed composites have great potential to be used in numerous engineering applications.

A 12h sleep deprivation enhances the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 1A receptors in rat hippocampus that recedes with 48h sleep recovery. The depressant effect of applied 5-HT on the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials recorded in the CA1 area, is also enhanced in hippocampi of SD rats. Following a 24 or 48h sleep recovery, the increase in the 5-HT effect subsided. These results have implications for therapeutics treating clinical depression.

In the present study, we describe the distribution of GABAC ρ3 receptor immunoreactivity in the cortex, striatum and hippocampus of wild type (wt) and 11 weeks old HD transgenic (tg) R6/2 mouse brain. In the brain of wt mice, GABAC ρ3 immunoreactivity is well expressed in neuronal cells, nerve fibers and axonal processes. In comparison to wt, GABAC ρ3 receptor like immunoreactivity decreases significantly in all three brain regions of R6/2 mice. The altered distributional pattern and significant changes in GABAC ρ3 receptor immunoreactivity as seen in the R6/2 mouse brain might be a plausible molecular mechanism for excitotoxicity in HD pathogenesis due to the loss of inhibitory input.

Endocannabinoids and somatostatin (SST) play critical roles in several pathophysiological conditions via binding to different receptor subtypes. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) are expressed in several brain regions and share overlapping functions. Whether these two prominent members of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family interact with each other and constitute a functional receptor complex is not known. In the present study, we investigated the colocalization of CB1R and SSTR5 in rat brain, and studied receptor internalization, interaction and signal transduction pathways in HEK-293 cells cotransfected with human cannabinoid receptor 1 (hCB1R) and hSSTR5. Our results showed that CB1R and SSTR5 colocalized in rat brain cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. CB1R was expressed in SSTR5 immunoprecipitate prepared from the brain tissue lysate, indicating their association in a system where these receptors are endogenously expressed. In cotransfected HEK-293 cells, SSTR5 and CB1R existed in a constitutive heteromeric complex under basal condition, which was disrupted upon agonist treatments. Furthermore, concurrent receptor activation led to preferential formation of SSTR5 homodimer and dissociation of CB1R homodimer. We also discovered that second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate and downstream signaling pathways were modulated in a SSTR5-dominant and concentration-dependent manner in the presence of receptor-specific agonist. In conclusion, with predominant role of SSTR5, the functional consequences of crosstalk between SSTR5 and CB1R resulting in the regulation of receptor trafficking and signal transduction pathways open new therapeutic avenue in cancer biology and excitotoxicity.

In the present study, we describe the status of somatostatin receptor 2 and 5 (SSTR2 and SSTR5) as well as cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) in Huntingtin (Htt) knock-in striatal neuronal cells. In mutant Htt (mHtt) knock-in (STHdhQ111/111) and wild type (STHdhQ7/7) striatal neuronal cells, SSTRs and CB1R exhibit prominent cytoplasmic expression and respond to agonist in a receptor specific manner. In response to quinolinic acid (QUIN)-induced toxicity, STHdhQ111/111 cells are more vulnerable and display suppressed cell survival signaling pathways. Receptor-specific agonists protect cells from QUIN-induced toxicity and activate ERK1/2 in both STHdh cells. Co-activation of SSTRs and CB1R resulted in loss of protective effects, delayed ERK1/2 phosphorylation and altered receptor complex composition. These results provide firsthand evidence in support of the protective role of SSTRs in STHdh cells and the possible crosstalk between SSTRs and CB1R in the modulation of excitotoxicity in Huntington's disease.

This chapter provides an insight into the comprehensive arena of green composites, looking for materials with a perspective to be useful in the near future in various structural and non-structural applications, by replacing composites made by synthetic fibers and matrices. At this point, materials originating from Mother Nature (renewable resources) are favored as compared to the products obtained from non-renewable resources of energy. From the technical statistics of bio-polymers and natural reinforcements, a databank was formed providing insight into the mechanical performance of numerous possible components for the futuristic green composite products. Following the analysis, an assessment is accomplished where facets of suitability for the aspiring essentials in terms of mechanical properties are examined. In that segment, green materials for matrix and reinforcement are placed in order to recognize them as materials which embrace both ample strength and stiffness besides providing with the reasonable cost so as to be encouraging materials for the green composite-based products.

The use of lignocellulosic fibers such as pineapple, banana, jute, and sisal as a reinforcement for developing the biocomposites is an emerging area of research in the field of polymer-based composites. Biocomposites have replaced the traditional fiber-reinforced polymer composites in various non-structural applications. The number of processes has been developed and commercialized for near-net-shape manufacturing of biocomposite components. However, complex composite products necessitate the secondary operations such as hole-making as an essential step for ascertaining the assembly operations. The hole-making operations lead to the damage in the biocomposite components in the form of delamination and fiber pullout. The researchers and engineers worldwide have tried to investigate the various issues, challenges, and opportunities in the primary and secondary processing of biocomposites. The current chapter highlights the fundamental issues, the challenges, and the existing opportunities which can help in formulating a road map for research and development in the field of primary and secondary processing of biocomposites.