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Estrogens can stimulate the development, proliferation, migration, and survival of target cells. These biological effects are mediated through their action upon the plasma membrane estrogen receptors (ERs). ERs regulate transcriptional processes by nuclear translocation and binding to specific response elements, which leads to the regulation of gene expression. This effect is termed genomic or nuclear. However, estrogens may exert their biological activity also without direct binding to DNA and independently of gene transcription or protein synthesis. This action is called non-genomic or non-nuclear. Through non-genomic mechanisms, estrogens can modify regulatory cascades such as MAPK, P13K, and tyrosine cascade as well as membrane-associated molecules such as ion channels and G-protein-coupled receptors. The recent studies on the mechanisms of estrogen action provide an evidence that non-genomic and genomic effects converge. An example of such convergence is the potential possibility to modulate gene expression through these two independent pathways. The understanding of the plasma membrane estrogen receptors is crucial for the development of novel drugs and therapeutic protocols targeting specific receptor actions.

Despite the rapid progression of cancer pharmacotherapy, the high drug resistance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) makes it one of the most lethal malignancies. Therefore, there are high expectations associated with experimental therapies, such as electrochemotherapy (ECT). This technique involves the application of short electric pulses to induce transitional permeabilization of the cellular membrane, thus enhancing drug molecules influx. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of electroporation with cisplatin (CisEP) on the primary culture of human PDA cells from lung metastases—their survival and stress response. Considering the growing importance of various research models, two established human PDA cell lines, EPP85-181P (sensitive to daunorubicin) and EPP85-181RDB (resistant to daunorubicin), were utilized as a reference control. Cisplatin revealed higher cytotoxicity towards established cell lines. Following CisEP application, we observed a significant decrease of cells viability in the primary culture model. After CisEP therapy, an increased immunoreactivity with SOD-2 and Casp-3 antibodies was noticed. In conclusion, we discovered that electroporation can enhance the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. This effect was evident for cells from the primary culture. The obtained results confirm the importance of primary cells models in studies on the efficacy of experimental cancer therapies.

Modifications of the composition or organization of the cancer cell membrane seem to be a promising targeted therapy. This approach can significantly enhance drug uptake or intensify the response of cancer cells to chemotherapeutics. There are several methods enabling lipid bilayer modifications, e.g., pharmacological, physical, and mechanical. It is crucial to keep in mind the significance of drug resistance phenomenon, ion channel and specific receptor impact, and lipid bilayer organization in planning the cell membrane-targeted treatment. In this review, strategies based on cell membrane modulation or reorganization are presented as an alternative tool for future therapeutic protocols.

Purpose: to assess the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on human gingival fibroblast proliferation. Methods: The study was conducted using the primary cell cultures of human fibroblasts collected from systemically healthy donors. Three different laser types, Nd:YAG (1064 nm), infrared diode laser (980 nm), and prototype led laser emitting 405, 450, and 635 nm were used to irradiate the fibroblasts. Due to the patented structure of that laser, it was possible to irradiate fibroblasts with a beam combining two or three wavelengths. The energy density was 3 J/cm2, 25 J/cm2, 64 J/cm2. The viability and proliferation of cells were determined using the (Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Blue) (MTT) test conducted 24, 48, and 72 h after laser irradiation. Results: The highest percentage of mitochondrial activity (MA = 122.1%) was observed in the group irradiated with the 635 nm laser, with an energy density of 64 J/cm2 after 48 h. The lowest percentage of MA (94.0%) was observed in the group simultaneously irradiated with three wavelengths (405 + 450 + 635 nm). The use of the 405 nm laser at 25 J/cm2 gave similar results to the 635 nm laser. Conclusions: The application of the 635 nm and 405 nm irradiation caused a statistically significant increase in the proliferation of gingival fibroblasts.

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Electroporation, applied as a non-thermal ablation method has proven to be effective for focal prostate treatment. In this study, we performed pre-clinical research, which aims at exploring the specific impact of this so-called calcium electroporation on prostate cancer. First, in an in-vitro study of DU 145 cell lines, microsecond electroporation (μsEP) parameters were optimized. We determined hence the voltage that provides both high permeability and viability of these prostate cancer cells. Subsequently, we compared the effect of μsEP on cells’ viability with and without calcium administration. For high-voltage pulses, the cell death’s mechanism was evaluated using flow-cytometry and confocal laser microscopy. For lower-voltage pulses, the influence of electroporation on prostate cancer cell mobility was studied using scratch assays. Additionally, we applied calcium-binding fluorescence dye (Fluo-8) to observe the calcium uptake dynamic with the fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, the molecular dynamics simulation visualized the process of calcium ions inflow during μsEP. According to our results calcium electroporation significantly decreases the cells viability by promoting apoptosis. Furthermore, our data shows that the application of pulsed electric fields disassembles the actin cytoskeleton and influences the prostate cancer cells’ mobility.