Environment may influence the development and prevention of cancer. Calcitriol has been associated with calcium homeostasis regulation. Many epidemiological, biochemical, and genetic studies have shown non-classic effects of vitamin D, such as its involvement in the progression of different cancers. Although vitamin D induces cellular arrest, triggers apoptotic pathways, inhibits angiogenesis, and alters cellular adhesion, the precise mechanisms of its action are still not completely established. This article will present a revision about the molecular aspects proposed to be involved in the anticancer action of calcitriol. Adequate levels of vitamin D to prevent cancer development will also be discussed.

Several hydrogel surfaces present properties that simulate the mechanical and physicochemical features of extracellular matrix (ECM), providing a platform that mimic the native cellular milieus. Poly- N -isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) hydrogels are receiving attention in biomedical field due to their thermosensibility and soft texture. However, more extensive biocompatibility and cellular interactions studies with cell lines are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study is focus on evaluating the biocompatibility of PNIPAM through cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and proliferation tests in murine preadipose cells (3T3-L1), human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and human carcinoma-derived cells (A549) in presence of hydrogel surfaces. Bioadhesive capacity above PNIPAM surfaces was also analyzed. MTT and neutral red uptake assays shown non-cytotoxic effect of PNIPAM in the studied cell lines. Genotoxicity was evaluated by the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay, where DNA damages were not detected. [ 3 H]-thymidine staining allowed to corroborate that cell proliferation had progressed correctly. Adopted morphologies for each cell line over PNIPAM were similar to cell growing observed on polystyrene, indicating that the surfaces favor the cell attachment during 5 days' culture. The good biocompatibility of PNIPAM surfaces make it an interesting scaffold with clinical potential in tissue regeneration engineering, and a possible adipose and kidney tissue-engineered construct.

3D cell scaffold based on macroporous PNIPAM is cytocompatible and preserves the cell viability for more than 75 culture days.

Stress in pregnant rats alters the pattern of secretion of corticosterone (COR) and modifies transplacentally hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) fetus. Prenatal stress during the critical hypothalamic differentiation is related to decreased fertility of male offspring by an increase in the basal level of COR. This modification could induce long-term changes in the process of apoptosis in the testis. However, early postnatal handling increases maternal behavior and could reverse the effects caused by increased secretion of COR. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of early postnatal stimulation of male rats prenatal stressed by chronic immobilization during the last two weeks of pregnancy, on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and their relationship with the activity of the HPA. Male Wistar rats 3 month olds, were separated in four groups: (a) prenatally stressed animals by immobilization (IMO), without postnatal stimulation; (b) prenatally stressed animals with postnatal stimulation; (c) control animals without prenatal stress, without postnatal stimulation and (d) control animals without prenatal stress, with postnatal stimulation. In different animals groups plasmatic levels of COR, Testosterone (T) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) were analyzed. Gonadosomatic index and testicular apoptosis was determined. In conclusion that prenatal stress by IMO increased levels of COR and inhibits the HHG axis obtaining low values of plasmatic LH and T, testicular weight, and induction of apoptosis in testes. On other hand, early postnatal stimulation results in an increase in maternal care to the offspring reversing the effects of prenatal stress on the HPG axis. This effect could be mediated by a mechanism independent of the HPA axis.

Transgenic farm animals are attractive alternative mammalian models to rodents for the study of developmental, genetic, reproductive and disease-related biological questions, as well for the production of recombinant proteins, or the assessment of xenotransplants for human patients. Until recently, the ability to generate transgenic farm animals relied on methods of passive transgenesis. In recent years, significant improvements have been made to introduce and apply active techniques of transgenesis and genetic engineering in these species. These new approaches dramatically enhance the ease and speed with which livestock species can be genetically modified, and allow to performing precise genetic modifications. This paper provides a synopsis of enzyme-mediated genetic engineering in livestock species covering the early attempts employing naturally occurring DNA-modifying proteins to recent approaches working with tailored enzymatic systems.

Calcitriol or 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) is a negative growth regulator of breast cancer cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine, a glutathione-depleting drug, modifies the antiproliferative effects of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on MCF-7 cells. For comparison, we included studies in MCF-7 cells selected for vitamin D resistance and in human mammary epithelial cells transformed with SV40 and ras. Our data indicate that L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine enhances the growth inhibition of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in all transformed breast cell lines. This effect is mediated by ROS leading to apoptosis. In conclusion, BSO alters redox state and sensitizes breast cancer cells to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-mediated apoptosis.

The prognosis and incidence of colon cancer are linked to vitamin D3 serum levels. To evaluate the effects of D,L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BSO), 1,25(OH)2D3 and their combination on intestinal Caco-2 cell growth, to elucidate the possible cellular mechanisms involved in their antiproliferative action, and to determine whether BSO acts as a sensitizer to 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment, enabling minimization of the toxic effects caused by high doses of the steroid. Human colon cancer Caco-2 cells were treated with 1,25(OH)2D3, BSO, both, or vehicle. Cell proliferation was evaluated by crystal violet staining. Cell cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometry. Total glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, superoxide anion levels, and alkaline phosphatase activities were analyzed by spectrophotometry. DNA fragmentation was evaluated using the terminal dUTP nick end labeling assay. BSO and 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibited Caco-2 cell growth, an effect that was higher with the combined treatment. The antiproliferative effect produced by the combination could be protected by ascorbic acid. BSO plus 1,25(OH)2D3 induced cell cycle arrest and suppressed cell division. Total glutathione decreased and superoxide anion increased with BSO and BSO plus 1,25(OH)2D3. Catalase activity increased with the combined treatment. Mitochondrial membrane potential and alkaline phosphatase activity were altered by 1,25(OH)2D3 alone or plus BSO. The percentage of terminal dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells was increased. BSO increases the antiproliferative effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on Caco-2 cells through induction of oxidative stress, which occurs simultaneously with DNA breakage. The antioxidant system can partially compensate the damage induced by BSO plus 1,25(OH)2D3. Cell differentiation induction is also involved in the response to the combined treatment.

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of prenatal stress and handling on immune system cell distribution and lymphocyte T proliferation in adult Albino Wistar male rats. Prenatal stressed (PS) offspring by immobilization (IMO) were handled during the first week of life. Animals of both treatments were acute IMO stressed. Blood was extracted from 0 to 330 min, and counting of white blood cells, leucocyte subpopulations and levels of corticosterone (COR) were made. Lymphocyte T spleen proliferation was determined. COR, leucocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophil profiles and lymphocyte T proliferation were significant different between prenatal stress and non-handling group and prenatal control and non-handling group, however these responses were attenuated when animals were handled. In conclusion, early handling revert the effects of PS with re-exposure to the same postnatal stressor on the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, the dynamic of leucocyte distribution and the mitogenic response of T lymphocytes.