The expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1) results in ATP-dependent reduction of drugs' concentration in cancer cells, i.e., multidrug resistance (MDR). Since the majority of projects are concentrated on the search of the new MDR modulators, there are very few reports on drug-induced stimulation of MDR transporters activity. In the present work, by means of functional fluorescence assay we have shown that MRP1-mediated efflux of 2',7'-bis-(3-carboxypropyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCPCF) out of human erythrocytes is stimulated by phenothiazine maleates that have been already identified as P-glycoprotein inhibitors. Phenothiazine maleates-induced stimulation of ATP-dependent uptake of 2',7'-bis-(3-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) into inside-out membrane vesicles prepared from erythrocyte membranes has been also demonstrated. Moreover, it was shown that phenothiazine maleates exerted stimulating effect on ATPase activity measured in erythrocyte membranes. To our best knowledge, this report is the first one demonstrating that compounds able to inhibit transport activity of P-glycoprotein can stimulate MRP1 transporter. We conclude that phenothiazine maleates probably exert their stimulatory effect on MRP1 by direct interaction with the protein at the site different from the substrate binding site.
Aim: Silybin (silibinin) is major biologically active flavonolignan extracted from milk thistle (Sylibum marianum). Its biological activities include hepato‐protection, anticancer properties, and antioxidant‐ and membrane‐stabilizing functions. Although membranes are postulated to be one of the cellular targets for silybin, little is known about its interaction with phospholipid bilayers. Methods: In the present work, the interactions of silybin with phosphatidylcholine bilayers were studied in detail using fluorescence spectroscopy, microcalorimetry and electron spin resonance techniques. Results: The results showed that silybin interacted with the surface of lipid bilayers. It affected the generalized polarization of the fluorescent probe Prodan, while not influencing the more deeply located Laurdan. Silybin lowered the main phospholipid phase transition temperature as judged by microcalorimetry, and caused the immobilization of spin probe Tempo‐palmitate located on the surface of membranes. The mobility of spin probes 5‐ and 16‐doxyl stearic acid was not affected by silybin. Silybin‐induced quenching of 1,6‐diphe‐nyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene fluorescence indicated that some flavonoid molecules partitioned into the hydrophobic region of membranes, which did not change significantly the biophysical properties of the deeper membrane regions. Conclusion: Such a behavior of silybin in membranes is in accordance with its postulated biological functions and neglectable side effects of therapies using silybin.
The purpose of the present study was to explore the potential application of cyanines in photodynamic treatment. The photophysical features of four cyanines (KF570, HM118, FBF-749, and ER-139) were investigated by elemental and spectral analyses. Two malignant cell lines (MCF-7/WT and MCF-7/DOX) were used to test the potential for use in the photodynamic therapy. The cytotoxic effects of these dyes were determined by the MTT assay after 4 and 24 h of incubation with the cyanine. KF570 and HM118 were irradiated with red light (630-nm filter) and FBF-749 and ER-139 with green light (435-nm filter). The results showed that the cyanine HM118 demonstrated a major phototoxic effect. It was also noted that the efficiency of photodynamic therapy was higher in the doxorubicin-resistant cell line (MCF-7/DOX).
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