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| 2. |
- Bengtsson, Torbjörn, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Plantaricin NC8 αβ exerts potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus spp. and enhances the effects of antibiotics
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2045-2322. ; 10:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The use of conventional antibiotics has substantial clinical efficacy, however these vital antimicrobial agents are becoming less effective due to the dramatic increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Novel approaches to combat bacterial infections are urgently needed and bacteriocins represent a promising alternative. In this study, the activities of the two-peptide bacteriocin PLNC8 αβ were investigated against different Staphylococcus spp. The peptide sequences of PLNC8 α and β were modified, either through truncation or replacement of all L-amino acids with D-amino acids. Both L- and D-PLNC8 αβ caused rapid disruption of lipid membrane integrity and were effective against both susceptible and antibiotic resistant strains. The D-enantiomer was stable against proteolytic degradation by trypsin compared to the L-enantiomer. Of the truncated peptides, β1-22, β7-34 and β1-20 retained an inhibitory activity. The peptides diffused rapidly (2 min) through the bacterial cell wall and permeabilized the cell membrane, causing swelling with a disorganized peptidoglycan layer. Interestingly, sub-MIC concentrations of PLNC8 αβ substantially enhanced the effects of different antibiotics in an additive or synergistic manner. This study shows that PLNC8 αβ is active against Staphylococcus spp. and may be developed as adjuvant in combination therapy to potentiate the effects of antibiotics and reduce their overall use.
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| 3. |
- Abrikossova, Natalia, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of gadolinium oxide nanoparticles on the oxidative burst from human neutrophil granulocytes
- 2012
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Ingår i: Nanotechnology. - Bristol, United Kingdom : IOP Publishing Ltd.. - 0957-4484 .- 1361-6528. ; 23:27
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We have previously shown that gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles are promising candidates to be used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging applications. In this study, these nanoparticles were investigated in a cellular system, as possible probes for visualization and targeting intended for bioimaging applications. We evaluated the impact of the presence of Gd2O3 nanoparticles on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from human neutrophils, by means of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. Three sets of Gd2O3 nanoparticles were studied, i.e. as synthesized, dialyzed and both PEG-functionalized and dialyzed Gd2O3 nanoparticles. In addition, neutrophil morphology was evaluated by fluorescent staining of the actin cytoskeleton and fluorescence microscopy. We show that surface modification of these nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is essential in order to increase their biocompatibility. We observed that the as synthesized nanoparticles markedly decreased the ROS production from neutrophils challenged with prey (opsonized yeast particles) compared to controls without nanoparticles. After functionalization and dialysis, more moderate inhibitory effects were observed at a corresponding concentration of gadolinium. At lower gadolinium concentration the response was similar to that of the control cells. We suggest that the diethylene glycol (DEG) present in the as synthesized nanoparticle preparation is responsible for the inhibitory effects on the neutrophil oxidative burst. Indeed, in the present study we also show that even a low concentration of DEG, 0.3%, severely inhibits neutrophil function. In summary, the low cellular response upon PEG-functionalized Gd2O3 nanoparticle exposure indicates that these nanoparticles are promising candidates for MR-imaging purposes.
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| 4. |
- Asplund Persson, Anna, 1966-, et al.
(författare)
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Cross-talk between adenosine and the oxatriazole derivative GEA 3175 in platelets
- 2005
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Ingår i: European Journal of Pharmacology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0014-2999 .- 1879-0712. ; 517:3, s. 149-157
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We examined the interplay between adenosine and the nitric oxide (NO)-containing oxatriazole derivative GEA 3175 in human platelets. The importance of cyclic guanosine 3′5′-monophosphate (cGMP)-inhibited phosphodiesterases (PDEs) was elucidated by treating the platelets with adenosine combined with either GEA 3175 or the PDE3-inhibitor milrinone. The drug combinations provoked similar cyclic adenosine 3′5′-monophosphate (cAMP) responses. On the contrary, cGMP levels were increased only in GEA 3175-treated platelets. Both drug combinations reduced P-selectin exposure, platelet adhesion and fibrinogen-binding. However, adenosine together with GEA 3175 was more effective in inhibiting platelet aggregation and ATP release. Thrombin-induced rises in cytosolic Ca2+ were suppressed by the two drug combinations. Adenosine administered with GEA 3175 was, however, more effective in reducing Ca2+ influx.In conclusion, the interaction between adenosine and GEA 3175 involves cGMP-mediated inhibition of PDE3. The results also imply that inhibition of Ca2+ influx represent another cGMP-specific mechanism that enhances the effect of adenosine.
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| 5. |
- Bengtsson, Torbjörn, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Dual action of bacteriocin PLNC8 alpha beta through inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis infection and promotion of cell proliferation
- 2017
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Ingår i: Pathogens and Disease. - : Oxford University Press. - 2049-632X. ; 75:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterised by accumulation of pathogenic bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, in periodontal pockets. The lack of effective treatments has emphasised in an intense search for alternative methods to prevent bacterial colonisation and disease progression. Bacteriocins are bacterially produced antimicrobial peptides gaining increased consideration as alternatives to traditional antibiotics. We show rapid permeabilisation and aggregation of P. gingivalis by the two-peptide bacteriocin PLNC8 alpha beta. In a cell culture model, P. gingivalis was cytotoxic against gingival fibroblasts. The proteome profile of fibroblasts is severely affected by P. gingivalis, including induction of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. PLNC8 alpha beta enhanced the expression of growth factors and promoted cell proliferation, and suppressed proteins associated with apoptosis. PLNC8 alpha beta efficiently counteracted P. gingivalis-mediated cytotoxicity, increased expression of a large number of proteins and restored the levels of inflammatory mediators. In conclusion, we show that bacteriocin PLNC8 alpha beta displays dual effects by acting as a potent antimicrobial agent killing P. gingivalis and as a stimulatory factor promoting cell proliferation. We suggest preventive and therapeutical applications of PLNC8 alpha beta in periodontitis to supplement the host immune defence against P. gingivalis infection and support wound healing processes.
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| 6. |
- Bengtsson, Torbjörn, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Leucocyte activation by collagen-stimulated platelets in whole blood
- 2002
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5513 .- 1502-7686. ; 62:6, s. 451-462
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Interaction between vascular cells plays an important role in the initial phases of the inflammatory process, but the mechanisms responsible for cell-cell communication are not fully understood. In this study, activation of leucocytes and platelets in heparinized whole blood was assessed using lumi-aggregometry. This technique enables simultaneous measurement of aggregation and oxygen radical production by monitoring impedance and luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (CL), respectively. Collagen induced aggregation and CL, depending on dose, and markedly enhanced subsequent aggregation and CL-response triggered by the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMet-Leu-Phe). Collagen stimulation of whole blood down- and upregulated the expression of L-selectin and CD11b, respectively. Monoclonal antibodies against sialyl LewisX and P-selectin caused a pronounced inhibition of the oxidative burst, triggered by collagen itself or by a combination of collagen and fMet-Leu-Phe. Furthermore, the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser(RGDS)-peptide effectively inhibited collagentriggered aggregation and CL, and the subsequent enhancement of the fMet-Leu-Phe-induced responses. This suggests that fibrinogen plays a part in linking platelet GpIIb/IIIa with CD11b on the leucocyte surface. However, neither anti-CD11b nor the PI-peptide (containing the ?-chain motif in fibrinogen that interacts with CD11b) counteracted the stimulatory effects of activated platelets on leucocyte functions. The selectin- and integrin-antagonizing substances were ineffective on the CL-responses induced by fMet-Leu-Phe itself. This study suggests that, through selectin- and integrin-dependent interaction, activated platelets potentiate leucocyte aggregation and oxygen radical production, which might be important for the outcome of inflammatory reactions.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Bengtsson, Torbjörn, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Role of the actin cytoskeleton during respiratory burst in chemoattractant-stimulated neutrophils
- 2006
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Ingår i: Cell Biology International. - : Wiley. - 1065-6995 .- 1095-8355. ; 30:2, s. 154-163
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this study was to clarify the role of the actin cytoskeleton during chemotactic peptide fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLF)-stimulated respiratory burst in human neutrophil granulocytes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured as luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (CL) and F-actin content as bodipy phallacidin fluorescence in neutrophils treated with latrunculin B or jasplakinolide, an inhibitor and activator of actin polymerization, respectively. Latrunculin B markedly decreased, whereas jasplakinolide increased, the F-actin content in neutrophils, unstimulated or stimulated with fMLF. Latrunculin B enhanced the fMLF-triggered ROS-production more than tenfold. Jasplakinolide initially inhibited the fMLF-induced CL-response, however, caused a potent second sustained phase (>400% of control). Both actin drugs triggered a substantial CL-response when added 5-25 min after fMLF. This was also valid for chemotactic doses of fMLF, where latrunculin B and jasplakinolide amplified the ROS-production 5-10 times. By using specific signal transduction inhibitors, we found that the NADPH oxidase activation triggered by destabilization of the actin cytoskeleton occurs downstream of phospholipase C and protein kinase C but is mediated by Rho GTPases and tyrosine phosphorylation. In conclusion, rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton are a prerequisite in connecting ligand/receptor activation, generation of second messengers and assembly of the NADPH oxidase in neutrophil granulocytes. © 2005 International Federation for Cell Biology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 9. |
- Bengtsson, Torbjörn, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Secreted gingipains from Porphyromonas gingivalis colonies exert potent immunomodulatory effects on human gingival fibroblasts
- 2015
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Ingår i: Microbiological Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0944-5013 .- 1618-0623. ; 178, s. 18-26
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Periodontal pathogens, including Polphyromonas gingivalis, can form biofilms in dental pockets and cause inflammation, which is one of the underlying mechanisms involved in the development of periodontal disease, ultimately leading to tooth loss. Although P. gingivalis is protected in the biofilm, it can still cause damage and modulate inflammatory responses from the host, through secretion of microvesicles containing proteinases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of cysteine proteinases in P. gingivalis colony growth and development, and subsequent immunomodulatory effects on human gingival fibroblast. By comparing the wild type W50 with its gingipain deficient strains we show that cysteine proteinases are required by P. gingivalis to form morphologically normal colonies. The lysine-specific proteinase (Kgp), but not arginine-specific proteinases (Rgps), was associated with immunomodulation. P. gingivalis with Kgp affected the viability of gingival fibroblasts and modulated host inflammatory responses, including induction of TGF-beta 1 and suppression of CXCL8 and IL-6 accumulation. These results suggest that secreted products from P. gingivalis, including proteinases, are able to cause damage and significantly modulate the levels of inflammatory mediators, independent of a physical host-bacterial interaction. This study provides new insight of the pathogenesis of P. gingivalis and suggests gingipains as targets for diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis.
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| 10. |
- Bengtsson, Torbjörn, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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The lantibiotic gallidermin acts bactericidal against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus and antagonizes the bacteria-induced proinflammatory responses in dermal fibroblasts
- 2018
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Ingår i: MicrobiologyOpen. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2045-8827. ; 7:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Antimicrobial resistance needs to be tackled from new angles, and antimicrobial peptides could be future candidates for combating bacterial infections. This study aims to investigate in vitro the bactericidal effects of the lantibiotic gallidermin on Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, possible cytotoxic effects and its impact on host-microbe interactions. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of gallidermin were determined, and cytotoxicity and proinflammatory effects of gallidermin on fibroblasts, red blood cells (RBCs) and in whole blood were investigated. Both MIC and MBC for all four tested strains of S. epidermidis was 6.25 μg/ml. Both MIC and MBC for methicillin-sensitive S. aureus was 12.5 μg/ml and for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) 1.56 μg/ml. Gallidermin displayed no cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts, only a high dose of gallidermin induced low levels of CXCL8 and interleukin-6. Gallidermin hemolyzed less than 1% of human RBCs, and did not induce reactive oxygen species production or cell aggregation in whole blood. In cell culture, gallidermin inhibited the cytotoxic effects of the bacteria and totally suppressed the bacteria-induced release of CXCL8 and interleukin-6 from fibroblasts. We demonstrate that gallidermin, expressing low cell cytotoxicity, is a promising candidate for treating bacterial infections caused by S. epidermidis and S. aureus, especially MRSA.
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