In Vitro and in Vivo Stimulation of the Murine Immune System by Agm-1470, a Potent Angiogenesis Inhibitor

in American Journal of Pathology (1996), 148(2), 393-8

AGM-1470, a potent angiogenesis inhibitor, is already engaged in phase I clinical trials because of its effectiveness to restrain tumor growth and its lack of major side effects. Recently, we showed that ... [more ▼]

AGM-1470, a potent angiogenesis inhibitor, is already engaged in phase I clinical trials because of its effectiveness to restrain tumor growth and its lack of major side effects. Recently, we showed that AGM-1470 stimulates in vitro human B lymphocyte proliferation through T lymphocytes. These data prompted us to explore the in vivo effects of AGM-1470 on the immune system in a mouse model. In this study, we showed that AGM-1470, in synergy with phytohemagglutinin, stimulates the proliferation of murine lymphocytes isolated from lymph nodes. This effect was similar to the one observed with human lymphocytes. When injected subcutaneously or intraperitoneally into mice at pharmacological doses, AGM-1470 induced a significant increase of axillary and mesenteric lymph nodes, respectively. Histological and morphological analyses showed that this phenomenon is mostly due to a hyperplasia of the germinal centers. On average, the area of the germinal center of lymph nodes from AGM-1470-treated mice were three times larger than in lymph nodes from control mice. Interestingly, no effect was observed when AGM-1470 was injected subcutaneously into T-deficient nude mice. Our data demonstrate that AGM-1470 stimulates B cell proliferation in vivo as suggested by the in vitro experiments. This effect should be taken into account in the follow-up of patients treated with this molecule and calls for additional studies to determine the biological consequences of such a stimulation on the host immune system. [less ▲]

In vitro antagonism of two potential biopesticides Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens : biochemical aspects.

in Proceedings "Biological control of fruit and foliar diseases" (1993, September)

In Vitro Anticancer Potential of Tree Extracts from the Walloon Region Forest.

in Planta Medica (2009), 75(15), 1634-1637

Forty-eight extracts from 16 common Belgian trees from the Walloon Region forest were evaluated for IN VITRO growth inhibitory activity against the human LoVo colon cancer, PC3 prostate cancer, and U373 ... [more ▼]

Forty-eight extracts from 16 common Belgian trees from the Walloon Region forest were evaluated for IN VITRO growth inhibitory activity against the human LoVo colon cancer, PC3 prostate cancer, and U373 glioblastoma cell lines. Our study was performed with the aim of selecting plant candidates in order to later isolate new anticancer compounds from an easily affordable tree material. Extracts from ALNUS GLUTINOSA (stem bark), CARPINUS BETULUS (leaves and stem bark), CASTANEA SATIVA (stem bark), FAGUS SYLVATICA (leaves), ILEX AQUIFOLIUM (leaves), LARIX DECIDUA (leaves), QUERCUS PETRAEA (stem bark), and QUERCUS ROBUR (leaves) showed for the first time potent IN VITRO growth inhibitory activity and could become easily affordable sources of potential new anticancer agents. Root extracts from ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA, already known for containing cytotoxic lectins, also showed interesting activity. [less ▲]

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of ethnobotanically selected plants from Burkina Faso

in Planta Medica (2008), 74(9), 1142-1142

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of plants used in Benin in traditional medicine to treat malaria

in Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2009), 122

Aim of the study: The aim of the studywas to evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of crude extracts of 12 plant species traditionally used in Benin for the treatment of malaria in order to ... [more ▼]

Aim of the study: The aim of the studywas to evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of crude extracts of 12 plant species traditionally used in Benin for the treatment of malaria in order to validate their use. Materials and methods: For each species, dichloromethane, methanol and total aqueous extracts were tested. The antiplasmodial activity of extracts was evaluated using the measurement of the plasmodial lactate dehydrogenase activity on chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and resistant (W2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The selectivity of the different extractswas evaluated using the MTT test on J774 macrophagelike murine cells and WI38 human normal fibroblasts. Results: The best growth inhibition of both strains of Plasmodium falciparum was observed with the dichloromethane extracts of Acanthospermum hispidum DC. (Asteraceae) (IC50 =7.5 g/ml on 3D7 and 4.8 g/ml on W2), Keetia leucantha (K. Krause) Bridson (syn. Plectronia leucantha Krause) (Rubiaceae) leaves and twigs (IC50 = 13.8 and 11.3 g/ml on 3D7 and IC50 = 26.5 and 15.8 g/ml on W2, respectively), Carpolobia lutea G.Don. (Polygalaceae) (IC50 = 19.4 g/ml on 3D7 and 8.1 g/ml on W2) and Strychnos spinosa Lam. (Loganiaceae) leaves (IC50 = 15.6 g/ml on 3D7 and 8.9 g/ml on W2). All these extracts had a low cytotoxicity. Conclusion: Our study gives some justifications for the traditional uses of some investigated plants. [less ▲]

In vitro Biocompatibility and Genotoxicity Assessment of a Gentamicin-Loaded Monoolein Gel Intended to Treat of Chronic Osteomyelitis

in Journal of Pharmacology & Toxicology (2008), 3(5),

The aim of the study was to assess in vitro the biocompatibility and the genotoxicity of a gentamicin-loaded monoolein gel intended to treat of chronic osteomyelitis. Indeed, we are developing ... [more ▼]

The aim of the study was to assess in vitro the biocompatibility and the genotoxicity of a gentamicin-loaded monoolein gel intended to treat of chronic osteomyelitis. Indeed, we are developing biodegradable implants based on monoolein and gentamicin. The results of formulations, physico-chemical characterization of the formulated implants and in vitro release kinetic of gentamicin from implants were encouraging. As biocompatibility and absence of genotoxicity are the prerequisites for safe use of implants, we performed in vitro hemolysis, cytotoxicity and, genotoxicity tests. Hemolysis was evaluated by incubating human erythrocytes in direct contact with the implant whereas cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay using fibroblasts and macrophages. Alkaline comet Assay was used to evaluate genotoxic potential of the implants. From these in vitro assays, the implant based on monoolein and gentamicin showed no genotoxic potential and has satisfactory biocompatibility. [less ▲]

In Vitro Characterization Of The Homogalacturonan-Binding Domain Of The Wall-Associated Kinase Wak1 Using Site-Directed Mutagenesis

in Phytochemistry (2006), 67(11), 1068-79

Wall-associated kinase 1--WAK1 is a transmembrane protein containing a cytoplasmic Ser/Thr kinase domain and an extracellular domain in contact with the pectin fraction of the plant cell wall in ... [more ▼]

Wall-associated kinase 1--WAK1 is a transmembrane protein containing a cytoplasmic Ser/Thr kinase domain and an extracellular domain in contact with the pectin fraction of the plant cell wall in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) HEYNH. In a previous paper [Decreux, A., Messiaen, J., 2005. Wall-associated kinase WAK1 interacts with cell wall pectins in a calcium-induced conformation. Plant Cell Physiol. 46, 268-278], we showed that a recombinant peptide expressed in yeast corresponding to amino acids 67-254 of the extracellular domain of WAK1 specifically interacts with commercial non-methylesterified homogalacturonic acid, purified homogalacturonans from Arabidopsis and oligogalacturonides in a calcium-induced conformation. In this report, we used a receptor binding domain sequence-based prediction method to identify four putative binding sites in the extracellular domain of WAK1, in which cationic amino acids were selected for substitution by site-directed mutagenesis. Interaction studies between mutated forms of WAK1 and homogalacturonans allowed us to identify and confirm at least five specific amino acids involved in the interaction with homogalacturonan dimers and multimers. The presence of this homogalacturonan-binding domain within the extracellular domain of WAK1 is discussed in terms of cell wall architecture and signal transduction. [less ▲]

In Vitro Comparison of the Antimycotic Activity of a Miconazole-Hp-Beta-Cyclodextrin Solution with a Miconazole Surfactant Solution

in Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (2001), 48(1), 83-7

The antimycotic activity of a new parenteral solution containing miconazole was compared with that of a marketed solution (Daktarin IV solution). This solution has been withdrawn from the Belgian market ... [more ▼]

The antimycotic activity of a new parenteral solution containing miconazole was compared with that of a marketed solution (Daktarin IV solution). This solution has been withdrawn from the Belgian market, probably because of toxic effects related to the presence of polyoxyl 35 castor oil. We propose a new formulation containing miconazole (10 mg/mL) (like the marketed solution), in combination with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and lactic acid. The MICs of these two solutions were determined by a broth microdilution method (based on NCCLS guidelines) for 67 yeasts and 50 filamentous fungi isolates. This study shows that the MICs obtained with these two solutions are not significantly different. [less ▲]

In vitro culture of Jatropha curcas L (Culture in vitro de Jatropha curcas L.)

in Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement = Biotechnology, Agronomy, Society and Environment [=BASE] (2011), 15(4), 567-574

In vitro cultures for producing pathogen-free plants and selecting disease resistant genotypes.

in Bulletin des Recherches Agronomiques de Gembloux (1988), 23(3),