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At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed2025

Radiation Without Borders: Unraveling Bystander and Non-Targeted Effects in Oncology.

Radiotherapy (RT) remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, offering spatially precise cytotoxicity against malignant cells. However, emerging evidence reveals that ionizing radiation (IR) exerts biological effects beyond the targeted tumor volume, manifesting as radiation bystander effects (BEs) and other non-targeted effects (NTEs). These phenomena challenge the traditional paradigm of RT as a localized intervention, highlighting systemic and long-term consequences in non-irradiated tissues. This comprehensive review synthesizes molecular, cellular, and clinical insights about BEs, elucidating the complex intercellular signaling networks gap junctions, cytokines, extracellular vesicles, and oxidative stress that propagate damage, genomic instability, and inflammation. We explore the role of mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic reprogramming, immune modulation, and stem cell niche disruption in shaping BEs outcomes. Clinically, BEs contribute to neurocognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary fibrosis, gastrointestinal toxicity, and secondary malignancies, particularly in pediatric and long-term cancer survivors. The review also evaluates countermeasures including antioxidants, COX-2 inhibitors, exosome blockers, and FLASH RT, alongside emerging strategies targeting cfCh, inflammasomes, and senescence-associated secretory phenotypes. We discuss the dual nature of BEs: their potential to both harm and heal, underscoring adaptive responses and immune priming in specific contexts. By integrating mechanistic depth with translational relevance, this work posits that radiation BEs are a modifiable axis of RT biology. Recognizing and mitigating BEs is imperative for optimizing therapeutic efficacy, minimizing collateral damage, and enhancing survivorship outcomes. This review advocates for a paradigm shift in RT planning and post-treatment care, emphasizing precision, personalization, and systemic awareness in modern oncology.

Humans↗
PubMed2025

Targeting innovative therapeutic approaches to the hallmarks of aging to combat Alzheimer's disease.

Aging is the leading risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Mounting evidence implicates twelve interconnected hallmarks of aging, such as genomic instability, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, and altered intercellular communication, as core contributors to cognitive decline. In this review, we will first delineate the hallmarks of aging and their mechanistic roles according to their functions in the aging brain and Alzheimer's disease. These hallmarks can be grouped into four major functional clusters: (i) Genomic and epigenomic instability, (ii) proteostasis and organelle dysfunction, (iii) cellular fate and regenerative decline, and (iv) cellular senescence. Then, we provide an overview of innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at modifying these hallmarks, focusing on the emerging paradigm of supplementation of rejuvenation factors that are derived from young plasma, stem cell secretomes, or their derivatives (e.g., extracellular vesicles). Finally, we discuss key aging-related biological factors that can influence Alzheimer's disease progression and evaluate their potential as therapeutic targets.

Alzheimer’s disease↗
PubMed1988

Biomaterial-associated calcification: pathology, mechanisms, and strategies for prevention.

Deposition of calcium-containing apatite mineral occurs widely in association with cardiovascular and noncardiovascular medical devices and biomaterials, is the leading cause of failure of contemporary bioprosthetic heart valves, and limits the functional lifetime of experimental (and potentially clinical) mechanical blood pumps and polymeric heart valves. Calcification of bioprosthetic tissue is primarily intrinsic, related to cuspal connective tissue cells and fragments, and collagen. In contrast, the predominant site of calcific crystals on flexing polymeric surfaces in blood pumps or valve prostheses is extrinsic, associated with adherent cells, thrombus, or pseudointima. Pathologic calcification shares key features with physiologic skeletal mineralization, including crystal initiation through the mediation of cell membranes, usually in the form of extracellular vesicles. This suggests a unified hypothesis for normal and abnormal mineralization. Several approaches are being studied experimentally for the inhibition of bioprosthetic heart valve calcification. Controlled-release diphosphonate therapy, perhaps in conjunction with an anticalcification cuspal pretreatment, appears most effective. Research objectives in biomaterial-associated calcification include (1) development of animal models, (2) determination of initial crystal nucleation events and sites, (3) elucidation of the relative roles of host, implant, and mechanical determinants, and (4) development of approaches for the inhibition of mineralization.

Assisted Circulation↗
PubMed1985

[Comparative cytologic studies on the effect of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide on bacterial cells].

Growing cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus megaterium show after treatment with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) typical concentration-dependent alterations of envelope. In Ps. aeruginosa low doses of the detergent cause perforations and lesions of the cytoplasmic membrane, by 0.016% CTAB the formation of extracellular vesicles of the outer membrane ("blebs") and the intracellular assembly of lamellar structures can be detected. These intracellular lamellar structures are artifacts of the cytoplasmic membrane after detergent application. In this case the conglomeration of bacterial cells can be demonstrated with the scanning electron microscope. The results are discussed in connection with the use of CTAB in inactivation and permeabilization of bacteria.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗
PubMed1978

Ultrastructure of the collagen fibril. I. Some features of the structure of the collagen fibril.

In the human ovary, thyroid gland and in the rat tail tendon the plasma membrane of fibroblasts may "disappear" or "dissolve", leading to a direct contact of the cytoplasm with extracellular space. Extracellular filaments and collagen fibrils may grow directly out of the cytoplasm and from extracellular vesicles and cellular remnants. The filaments are complex structures composed of 3 to 5 subfilaments. Adjacent collagen fibrils are connected with interfibrillar bridges. In the rat tail tendon 2 different types and opposite orientated fibrils are found. After enzymatic treatment it becomes clear that the collagen fibril has a tridimensional organization and is composed of filaments and amorphous cementing matrix. The matrix is easily affected by various enzymes and washed away, revealing thus the inner spiral structure of the fibril.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

[Ultrastructural features of femoral artery myocytes during experimental leg lengthening].

Femoral arteries in mature dogs have been studied electron microscopically at various stages of the shin lengthening performed after G. A. Ilizarov method. Certain ultrastructural signs demonstrating biosynthetic and secretory activation of myocytes directed to intensification of elastogenetic processes have been revealed. Immature elastic fibers are forming around myocytes as aggregations of microfibrils, later accumulations of amorphous material appear in them. On the 28th, 42d days of distraction, hyperproduction of intra- and extracellular vesicles is noted, as well as that of intracellular matrix. Cytoplasmic islets of myocytes and intercellular connections increase in number. In the subintimal layer, of the tunica media and at its border with adventitium, longitudinally situating fasciculi of smooth muscle cells are forming. The myocytic ultrastructural peculiarities noted, the new formations of elastic elements depend, at early stages of the experiment, on changes of regional hemodynamics, and at advanced stages - also on the effect of longitudinally acting tension stress.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Biochemistry and pharmacology of reversible inhibitors of MAO-A agents: focus on moclobemide.

Moclobemide, p-chloro-N-[morpholinoethyl]benzamide, is a prototype of RIMA (reversible inhibitor of MAO-A) agents. The compound possesses antidepressant efficacy that is comparable to that of tricyclic and polycyclic antidepressants. In humans, moclobemide is rapidly absorbed after a single oral administration and maximum concentration in plasma is reached within an hour. It is moderately to markedly bound to plasma proteins. MAO-A inhibition rises to 80% within two hours; the duration of MAO inhibition is usually between eight and ten hours. The activity of MAO is completely reestablished within 24 hours of the last dose, so that a quick switch to another antidepressant can be safely undertaken if clinical circumstances demand. RIMAs are potent inhibitors of MAO-A in the brain; they increase the free cytosolic concentrations of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine in neuronal cells and in synaptic vesicles. Extracellular concentrations of these monoamines also increase. In the case of moclobemide, increase in the level of serotonin is the most pronounced. Moclobemide administration also leads to increased monoamine receptor stimulation, reversal of reserpine induced behavioral effects, selective depression of REM sleep, down regulation of beta-adrenoceptors and increases in plasma prolactin and growth hormone levels. It reduces scopolamine-induced performance decrement and alcohol induced performance deficit which suggest a neuroprotective role. Tyramine potentiation with moclobemide and most other RIMA agents is negligible.

Benzamides↗
PubMed1993

[Ultrastructure and properties of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans].

In this study, plaque samples taken from periodontal pockets were cultured on Tryptic-soy-serum-bacitracin-vancomycin agar and identified according to colony morphology, Gram stain, catalase reaction and nitrate reduction tests after an incubation of 48 hours in candle jar. Cells identified as Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were evaluated under the transmission electron microscope for fine structure. Outer membrane was observed as an irregular structure containing microcapsules. Unlike previous studies, periplasmic space was observed separately from other layers. Cytoplasmic membrane was observed surrounded by an electron-opaque cytoplasm. Besides, extracellular vesicles were seen extending to the outer environment around cytoplasmic membrane. Pathogenic properties of organelles were discussed. As a result, it was concluded that, in the future studies, products released and structural alterations occurring during growth of the organism, their pathologic effects and ways to suppress them need to be investigated microbiologically, ultrastructurally and biochemically.

Actinobacillus Infections↗
PubMed1993

The influence of haemin levels on growth and enzyme production by Porphyromonas gingivalis in continuous culture.

Porphyromonas gingivalis was grown in continuous culture in brain heart infusion medium with haemin (5 microgm 1(-1) to 10 mg 1(-1)). Growth was haemin-limited up to 400 microgm 1(-1), and steady-state growth could not be obtained in the absence of haemin. It was confirmed that protoporphyrin IX could replace the haemin requirement. The results indicate that P. gingivalis has more than one uptake system for haemin, one of which is high affinity. The effect of haemin on hydrolytic enzyme production revealed a complex picture. Trypsin-like protease activity peaked at 200 microgm 1(-1) with a substantial and highly significant reduction at high (2 and 10 mg 1(-1)) concentrations of haemin. Alkaline phosphatase also peaked around 100 to 400 microgm 1(-1) while N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase was not greatly affected except that a greater proportion of enzyme was secreted into the medium at the lowest haemin concentration. In general, haemin-limitation enhanced export of the hydrolytic enzymes to the extracellular vesicle fraction. Protoporphyrin IX at 2 mg 1(-1) caused a highly significant reduction i the production of all three enzymes.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed1985

Characterization of cellular and extracellular plasma membrane vesicles from a non-metastasizing lymphoma (Eb) and its metastasizing variant (ESb).

Plasma membrane fragments from two variants of a murine lymphoma, Eb and ESb, with different metastatic capacity were investigated. Plasma membranes were isolated from tumor cells recovered from the peritoneal cavity. They differed in their lipid composition, indicating a more fluid state of the plasma membranes derived from the highly metastatic tumor line ESb. Extracellular membrane vesicles could be isolated from the ascites of the tumor-bearing mice. The shedding capacity of ESb cells was much higher than that of Eb cells. The extracellular membranes by chemical analysis and the measurement of marker enzymes proved to be derived from the plasma membranes. However, they differed from the plasma membranes from which they were derived in several aspects: the lipid to protein ratio was diminished; the activities of some plasma membrane-associated enzymes were lower while others were identical in plasma membranes and extracellular membranes; the content of saturated fatty acids in phospholipids was enhanced in extracellular membranes. These effects were more pronounced in the highly metastasizing tumor line ESb. It is thus concluded that shedding of extracellular membranes is not a random process. The biochemical differences found in the plasma membranes and the extracellular membranes of the two tumor lines are discussed with respect to the different metastatic capacity of the tumors.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Characterization of cellular and extracellular plasma membrane vesicles from a low metastatic lymphoma (Eb) and its high metastatic variant (ESb): inhibitory capacity in cell-cell interaction systems.

Spontaneously shed extracellular plasma membrane vesicles (ECM) of a highly metastatic murine tumor line (ESb) were compared with plasma membrane vesicles (PM) of the same cells prepared by the nitrogen cavitation method and with ECM and PM preparations of the related low metastatic tumor line Eb. From a previous biochemical analysis it was concluded that the exfoliation of ECM vesicles, which is very pronounced in metastatic ESb cells, is not a random process. This conclusion is further corroborated by the present functional analysis. Compared to ESb PM, ESb-derived ECM were selectively enriched for Fc receptors and depleted in glycoproteins with affinity for hepatocytes. Tumor-derived ECM carried the same tumor antigen as the corresponding tumor line and showed in comparison to PM material an increased inhibitor capacity in a T-cell-mediated tumor-specific cytotoxicity test.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Separation of outer and cytoplasmic membranes of Fibrobacter succinogenes and membrane and glycogen granule locations of glycanases and cellobiase.

The outer membrane (OM) of Fibrobacter succinogenes was isolated by a combination of salt, sucrose, and water washes from whole cells grown on either glucose or cellulose. The cytoplasmic membrane (CM) was isolated from OM-depleted cells after disruption with a French press. The OM and membrane vesicles isolated from the extracellular culture fluid of cellulose-grown cells had a higher density, much lower succinate dehydrogenase activity, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis protein profiles different from those of the CM. The OM from both glucose- and cellulose-grown cells and the extracellular membrane vesicles from cellulose-grown cultures exhibited higher endoglucanase, xylanase, and acetylesterase activities than the CM and other cell fractions. Endoglucanase 2 was absent from the isolated OM fractions of glucose- and cellulose-grown cells and from the extracellular membrane vesicles of cellulose-grown cells but was present in the CM and intracellular glycogen granule fractions, while endoglucanase 3 was enriched in the OM. Cellobiosidase was located primarily in the periplasm as previously reported, while cellobiase was mainly present in the glycogen granule fraction of glucose-grown cells and in a nongranular glycogen and CM complex in cellulose-grown cells. The cellobiase was not eluted from glycogen granules by cellobiose, maltose, and maltotriose nor from either the granules or the cell membranes by nondenaturing detergents but was eluted from both glycogen granules and cell membranes by high concentrations of salts. The eluted cellobiase rebound almost quantitatively when diluted and mixed with purified glycogen granules but exhibited a low affinity for Avicel cellulose. Thus, we have documented a method for isolation of OM from F. succinogenes, identified the OM origin of the extracellular membrane vesicles, and located glycanases and cellobiase in membrane and glycogen fractions.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Rigid plasma-membrane-derived vesicles, enriched in tumour-associated surface antigens (MLr), occurring in the ascites fluid of a murine leukaemia (GRSL).

Extracellular membraneous vesicles of GRSL leukaemia cells were isolated from the ascites fluid bathing the cells in vivo, and from cell washes. Mammary tumour virus-induced antigens (MLr) expressed on the surface of the cells are enriched on these vesicles as compared to plasma membranes isolated from the cell homogenate. The lipid fluidity of the vesicles is much smaller than that of the plasma membranes, and the content of the pertinent lipid parameters, cholesterol and sphingomyelin, are accordingly greatly increased. The extracellular vesicles which are also enriched in sialic acid and 5'-nucleotidase are apparently derived from the plasma membrane, probably at least partly by exfoliation of selected parts or domains of the surface of living cells. An analogy between this shedding of vesicles, the formation of endocytotic vesicles and the budding of viruses is noted; all these processes select or assemble rigid lipid domains of the cell membrane. The possible participation of surface microvilli and sub-lethal autolysis in the process of shedding is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Ultrastructural studies on the origin and structure of matrix vesicles in bone of young rats.

Tibiae of young rats were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in order to study the origin and structure of matrix vesicles in periosteal bone. SEM studies have shown that periosteal osteoblasts have elongated processes with globular structures of 0.1 micron in diameter attached to the cell surface and processes. Similar structures were found to cover the inner surface of osteoblastic lacunae. The SEM studies have further shown that in the periosteal surface (forming bone) the above-described globules once mineralized, aggregated to form larger, nonhomogeneous mineralized spherules in which, by proper treatment with NaOCl, hydroxyapatite crystals could be exposed. Endosteal osteoblasts had fewer processes, devoid of the globular structures. Similarly, osteocytic and osteoclastic processes, although elongated and numberous, were not covered by the globular structures. In the matrix, collagen fibers of forming bone were randomly orientated, while in the deeper areas of bone they formed bundles with a longitudinal orientation. TEM studies have shown that the structures found on the osteoblastic surface and in the matrix are membrane-bound matrix vesicles which seem to be formed by budding from cell processes. Preformed membrane-bound vesicles were also observed by TEM inside sections of osteoblastic processes. These vesicles resembled the extracellular matrix vesicles in size and shape, thus giving the impression that at least some of the matrix vesicles are preformed cellular structures. While comparing SEM with TEM, it can be conducted that in bone, as in cartilage, matrix vesicles which probably serve as the initial locus of calcification, are formed directly by osteoblasts.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

The association of amorphous mineral deposits with the plasma membrane of pre- and young odontoblasts and their relationship to the origin of dentinal matrix vesicles in rat incisor teeth.

Young and preodontoblasts and matrix vesicles which occur in the presecretory region of incisor teeth of growing rats were examined in stained and unstained ultrathin sections in order to characterize sites involved in the initial mineralization of dentin. Common to pre- and young odontoblasts in the presecretory region were hemispherical membrane-associated amorphous densities, measuring 5-35 nm in diameter after fixation in glutaraldehyde-osmium tetroxide or glutaraldehyde only. Amorphous densities were associated also with the limiting membranes of some vesicles in the extracellular matrix. Other vesicles in the extracellular matrix contained needle-like crystalline deposits typical of dentinal matrix vesicles. Fully differentiated odontoblasts in more incisal regions of the tooth lacked plasma membrane-associated amorphous densities. Neither amorphous nor crystalline densities were associated with any other cellular or subcellular structures in cells of the presecretory region. Flotation of ultrathin sections on solutions of EDTA or EGTA removed the amorphous densities from the plasma membranes, suggesting that the amorphous densities are calcium-containing mineral deposits. Amorphous deposits were associated with the membrane of vesicular structures protruding from the surfaces of pre- and young odontoblasts, suggesting that vesicles found in the extracellular matrix arise by budding from the plasma membranes of pre- and young odontoblasts. The occurrence of amorphous mineral deposits in association with the limiting membrane of some vesicles in the extracellular matrix, and the occurrence of needle-like mineral crystals within other matrix vesicles, suggest that an amorphous-to-crystalline phase transformation of mineral takes place within the matrix vesicle. The results of this study suggest that calcium-binding sites associated with plasma membranes of pre- and young odontoblasts act as nucleating centers for primary mineral deposition in tooth dentin.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Purification and further characterization of isolated matrix vesicles from rat alveolar bone.

Extracellular matrix vesicles from rat alveolar bone were isolated by collagenase digestion and differential centrifugation. Further purification was performed by discontinuous sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Control tissues, kidney and liver, were processed according to the same procedures. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation of bone matrix vesicles revealed two peaks of enzymatic activity: "light" and "heavy" vesicle-enriched fractions. Electron micrographs revealed a higher degree of purification of the "light" rather than the "heavy" vesicle-enriched fraction. This coincided with the high levels of enzymatic activity detected in this fraction. Preparations obtained from kidney and liver had significantly lower levels of activity of alkaline phosphatase and ATPase as compared to the bone matrix vesicle fractions. There were also differences in the positions of enzyme activity peaks in the sucrose gradient fractions from the three tissues studied. Electron microscopic examination of kidney and liver fractions revealed structures larger than the purified bone matrix vesicles. In addition no electron-dense material was found within organelles from kidney and liver and they were studded with numerous ribosomes. Our observations indicate that the present method of isolation and purification yields fractions of matrix vesicles which are specific to bone and are significantly different from those obtained from kidney and liver.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Biochemical characterization of matrix vesicles from bone and cartilage.

Extracellular matrix vesicles from bone and epiphyseal cartilage of femur and tibia of rats were isolated by collagenase digestion (crude vesicles) and further purified by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Fractions containing cells and membranes were also isolated from the two tissues. The alkaline and acid phosphatase and ATPase activities, as well as protein content of all fractions including crude and purified matrix vesicles, were assayed. The crude vesicles from both tissues demonstrated a high alkaline phosphatase specific activity (5-20 times higher than in the cell fraction). The total enzyme activities and protein content were significantly higher in all fractions from cartilage than those from bone. A major peak of alkaline phosphatase activity and protein content was obtained following the sucrose gradient centrifugation. The position of this peak was similar for both tissues. The specific activity of alkaline phosphatase of purified matrix vesicles was significantly higher in bone than in cartilage. The phosphatase activities from cartilage and bone showed a similar pH dependence and a similar response to metal ions. Of the metal ions tested (Na+, Mg2+, Zn2+, and Ca2+) only Zn2+ (at 5 mM concentration) inhibited significantly the alkaline phosphatase activity of purified matrix vesicles. The electrophoretic profile of purified matrix vesicles showed eight major protein bands common for both tissues. In addition, cartilage vesicles appeared to possess two peptides not found in bone.

Acid Phosphatase↗