P-glycoprotein (encoded by the ABCB1 gene) has a dual role in regulating inflammation and reducing chemotherapy efficacy in various diseases, but there are few studies focused on pulmonary TB patients. In this study, our objective was to identify a list of genes that correlate with high and low levels of ABCB1 gene expression in the lungs of pulmonary TB patients with different activity of chronic granulomatous inflammation. We compared gene expression in two groups of samples (with moderate and high activity of tuberculomas) to identify their characteristic gene signatures. Gene expression levels were determined using quantitative PCR in samples of perifocal area of granulomas, which were obtained from 65 patients after surgical intervention. Subsequently, two distinct gene signatures associated with high inflammation activity were identified. The first signature demonstrated increased expression of HIF1a, TGM2, IL6, SOCS3, and STAT3, which correlated with high ABCB1 expression. The second signature was characterized by high expression of TNFa and CD163 and low expression of ABCB1. These results provide insight into various inflammatory mechanisms and association with P-gp gene expression in lung tissue of pulmonary TB patients and will be useful in the development of a host-directed therapy approach to improving the effectiveness of anti-TB treatment.

The propensity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for biodegradation is important for their safe use in medical and technological applications. Here, we compared the oxidative degradation of two samples of industrial-grade MWCNTs—we called them MWCNT-d and MWCNT-t—upon their treatment with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). The MWCNTs had a similar inner diameter but they differed about 2-fold in the outer diameter. Electron microscopy combined with morphometric analysis revealed the different degradation of the two types of MWCNTs after their incubation with NaOCl—the thicker MWCNT-d were damaged more significantly than the thinner MWCNT-t. The both types of MWCNTs degraded at the inner side, but only MWCNT-d lost a significant number of the outer graphitic layers. Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that both MWCNTs had a similar high defectiveness. Using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we have shown that the more degradable MWCNT-d contained the same level of oxygen as MWCNT-t, but more metal impurities. The obtained results suggest that the biodegradability of MWCNTs depends not only on the wall thickness but also on the defects and impurities. Thus, the biodegradability can be regulated by the synthesis conditions or the post-synthesis modifications. Such degradation flexibility may be important for both medical and industrial applications.

Underwater wet welding is commonly used in joining pipelines and in underwater construction. Harmful and hazardous compounds are added to many flux-cored wires for underwater welding and cutting, and can have a negative impact on marine life. The specific objective of this study was to evaluate the aquatic toxicity of two suspension samples obtained using welding electrode and flux-cored wire in marine microalgae Attheya ussuriensis and Porphyridium purpureum. Growth rate inhibition, cell size, and biochemical changes in microalgae were evaluated by flow cytometry. The results of the bioassay demonstrated that the suspension obtained after welding with electrode had an acute toxic impact on diatomic microalgae A. ussuriensis, and both tested suspensions revealed chronic toxicity in this microalga with a 40% growth rate inhibition after exposure to 40–50% of prepared suspensions for 7 days. Red algae P. purpureum revealed tolerance to both suspensions caused by exopolysaccharide covering, which prevents the toxic impact of metal cations such as Al, Ti, Mn, Fe, and Zn, which are considered the main toxic components of underwater welding emissions.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is being considered as a potential replacement for microcrystalline cellulose as a food additive and a source of dietary fiber due to its unique properties. However, studies on the risks of consuming BNC in food are limited, and it is not yet approved for use in food in the US, EU, and Russia. Aim: This study aims to perform a toxicological and hygienic assessment of the safety of BNC in a subacute 8-week administration in rats. Methods: BNC was administered to male Wistar rats in doses of 0, 1.0, 10.0, and 100 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks. Various parameters such as anxiety levels, cognitive function, organ masses, blood serum and liver biochemistry, oxidative stress markers, vitamin levels, antioxidant gene expression, and liver and kidney histology were evaluated. Results: Low and medium doses of BNC increased anxiety levels and liver glutathione, while high doses led to elevated LDL cholesterol, creatinine, and uric acid levels. Liver tissue showed signs of degeneration at high doses. BNC did not significantly affect vitamin levels. Conclusion: The adverse effects of BNC are either not dose-dependent or fall within normal physiological ranges. Any effects on rats are likely due to micronutrient deficiencies or impacts on intestinal microbiota.

Background. The effect on the activity of the multidrug resistance protein P-glycoprotein (P-gp, MDR1 gene) in pro-inflammatory (M1) human macrophages is considered one of the promising strategies for increasing the effectiveness of the treatment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: P-gp activity is considered a factor that reduces intracellular accumulation of rifampicin (RIF), a substrate for P-gp. The aim of this work was to reveal the effect of the therapeutic concentration of RIF on the activity of P-gp in M1 human macrophages. The objectives were as follows: to determine the expression levels of the MDR1 gene, P-gp protein, as well as its functional activity at different periods of cell differentiation and under the influence of RIF.Material and methods. The following cell lines were used in the work: suspension cells of promonocytic leukemia THP-1 and THP-1 macrophages induced by phorbol ether according to the pro-inflammatory phenotype. Suspension cells of myeloid leukemia K562/IS-9 transfected with the MDR1 gene were used as a comparison group. An important factor is the choice of the experimental concentration of RIF: the average concentration of the drug in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was 10 µg/ml. The methods of RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry were used in the work.Results and discussion. The induction of MDR1 gene expression in M1 macrophages under short-term exposure to a therapeutic concentration of RIF was revealed. This effect is typical only for THP-1 macrophages, in which a significant functional activity of P-gp is registered. This induction does not occur in the cells with no detectable P-gp activity (THP-1 suspension cells). This indicates the presence of different mechanisms of RIF influence on MDR1, which can be used to develop a strategy for P-gp inhibition in inflammatory macrophages.Conclusion. Given the key role of macrophages in tuberculosis, further evaluation of MDR1/P-gp in the surgical material of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis is necessary, which makes it possible to draw a conclusion that it is necessary to develop and apply drug strategies aimed at blocking the functional activity of P-gp and choosing more effective anti-tuberculosis therapy regimens.