Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the widespread accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein aggregates. αSyn aggregation disrupts critical cellular processes, including synaptic function, mitochondrial integrity, and proteostasis, which culminate in neuronal cell death. Importantly, αSyn pathology extends beyond neurons—it also encompasses spreading throughout the neuronal environment and internalization by microglia and astrocytes. Once internalized, glia can act as neuroprotective scavengers, which limit the spread of αSyn. However, they can also become reactive, thereby contributing to neuroinflammation and the progression of PD. Recent advances in αSyn research have enabled the molecular diagnosis of PD and accelerated the development of targeted therapies. Nevertheless, despite more than two decades of research, the cellular function, aggregation mechanisms, and induction of cellular damage by αSyn remain incompletely understood. Unraveling the interplay between αSyn, neurons, and glia may provide insights into disease initiation and progression, which may bring us closer to exploring new effective therapeutic strategies. Herein, we provide an overview of recent studies emphasizing the multifaceted nature of αSyn and its impact on both neuron and glial cell damage.

Recently, the modification of the initial structure of biopolymers, mainly chitosan, has been gaining importance with a view to obtain functional forms with increased practicality and specific properties enabling their use in tissue engineering. Therefore, in this article, the properties (structural and biological) of thermosensitive hydrogels obtained from chitosan lactate/chloride and two types of crosslinking agents (β-glycerol phosphate disodium salt pentahydrate and uridine 5′-monophosphate disodium salt) are discussed. The aim of the research is to identify changes in the structure of the biomaterials during conditioning in water. Structural investigations were carried out by FTIR spectroscopy. The crystallinity of gels was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The biocompatibility (evaluation of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity) of chitosan hydrogels was investigated by contact with human colon adenocarcinoma cell line for 48 h. The cytotoxicity was verified based on the colorimetric resazurin assay, and the genotoxicity was checked by the comet assay (percentage of DNA in the comet tail). The conducted research showed that the analyzed types of chitosan hydrogels are non-cytotoxic and non-genotoxic materials. The good biocompatibility of chitosan hydrogels surfaces makes them interesting scaffolds with clinical potential in tissue regeneration engineering.

The promotion of biologically based treatment strategies in restorative dentistry is of paramount importance, as invasive treatments should be avoided to maintain the tooth’s vitality. This study aimed to assess the biocompatibility of commercially available bioactive materials that can be used for dental pulp capping. The study was performed with a monocyte/macrophage peripheral blood SC cell line (ATCC CRL-9855) on the following six specific bioactive materials: ProRoot MTA (Dentsply Sirona), MTA Angelus (Angelus), Biodentine (Septodont), TheraCal LC (Bisco), ACTIVA BioACTIVE (Pulpdent) and Predicta Bioactive Bulk (Parkell). The cytotoxicity of the investigated agents was measured using a resazurin-based cell viability assay, while the genotoxicity was evaluated using an alkaline comet assay. Additionally, flow cytometry (FC) apoptosis detection was conducted with a FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate) Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit I. FC cell-cycle arrest assessment was carried out with propidium iodide staining. The results of this study showed no significant cytotoxicity and genotoxicity (p > 0.05) in ProRoot MTA, MTA Angelus, Biodentine, ACTIVA BioACTIVE and Predicta Bioactive. Conversely, TheraCal LC presented a significant decrease (p < 0.001). In conclusion, due to excellent biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, MTA, Biodentine, ACTIVA BioACTIVE and Predicta Bioactive may be suitable for pulp capping treatments. On the other hand, due to the high cytotoxicity of TheraCal LC, its use should be avoided in vital pulp therapies.

α-synuclein (α-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein abundant in the central nervous system. Physiologically, the protein regulates vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release in the presynaptic terminals. Pathologies related to misfolding and aggregation of α-syn are referred to as α-synucleinopathies, and they constitute a frequent cause of neurodegeneration. The most common α-synucleinopathy, Parkinson’s disease (PD), is caused by abnormal accumulation of α-syn in the dopaminergic neurons of the midbrain. This results in protein overload, activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and, ultimately, neural cell apoptosis and neurodegeneration. To date, the available treatment options for PD are only symptomatic and rely on dopamine replacement therapy or palliative surgery. As the prevalence of PD has skyrocketed in recent years, there is a pending issue for development of new disease-modifying strategies. These include anti-aggregative agents that target α-syn directly (gene therapy, small molecules and immunization), indirectly (modulators of ER stress, oxidative stress and clearance pathways) or combine both actions (natural compounds). Herein, we provide an overview on the characteristic features of the structure and pathogenic mechanisms of α-syn that could be targeted with novel molecular-based therapies.

Dental universal adhesives are considered an useful tool in modern dentistry as they can be used in different etching techniques, allow for simplified protocol and provide sufficient bond strength. However, there is still no consensus as to their toxicity towards pulp. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of three universal adhesives: OptiBond Universal, Prime&Bond Universal and Adhese in an in vitro experimental model, monocyte/macrophage cell line SC (ATCC CRL-9855). The cytotoxicity was measured by means of XTT assay, whereas the genotoxicity (comet assay) was evaluated based on the percentage of DNA present in the comet tail. Furthermore, the ability of the adhesives to induce apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry (FC) with the FITC annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) double staining. The analysis of the cell cycle progression was performed with FC using PI staining. OptiBond Universal presented significant, while Prime&Bond Universal and Adhese Universal had minimal cytotoxicity and genotoxicity towards human SC cells. Moreover, only OptiBond Universal increased the level of apoptosis in SC cell line. None of the adhesives showed significant cell cycle arrest, as revealed by FC analysis. Due to substantial differences in toxicity in in vitro studies of dental adhesives, there is a great need for further research in order to establish more reliable test protocols allowing for standardized methodology.