11. TXM peptides inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection, syncytia formation, and lower inflamatory consequencesTea Govednik, Duško Lainšček, Urška Kuhar, Marva Lachish, Sandra Janežič, Malan Štrbenc, Uroš Krapež, Roman Jerala, Daphne Atlas, Mateja Manček Keber, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: After three years of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the search and availability of relatively low-cost benchtop therapeutics for people not at high risk for a severe disease are still ongoing. Although vaccines and new SARS-CoV-2 variants reduce the death toll, the long COVID-19 along with neurologic symptoms can develop and persist even after a mild initial infection. Reinfections, which further increase the risk of sequelae in multiple organ systems as well as the risk of death, continue to require caution. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is an important target for both vaccines and therapeutics. The presence of disulfide bonds in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein is essential for its binding to the human ACE2 receptor and cell entry. Here, we demonstrate that thiol-reducing peptides based on the active site of oxidoreductase thioredoxin 1, called thioredoxin mimetic (TXM) peptides, can prevent syncytia formation, SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells, and infection in a mouse model. We also show that TXM peptides inhibit the redox-sensitive HIV pseudotyped viral cell entry. These results support disulfide targeting as a common therapeutic strategy for treating infections caused by viruses using redox-sensitive fusion. Furthermore, TXM peptides exert anti-inflammatory properties by lowering the activation of NF-κB and IRF signaling pathways, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokines in mice. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the TXM peptides, which also cross the blood-brain barrier, in combination with prevention of viral infections, may provide a beneficial clinical strategy to lower viral infections and mitigate severe consequences of COVID-19.
Ključne besede: SARS-CoV-2, Disulfides, Thiol-reacting compound, Spike, Anti-inflammatory activity
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Ogledov: 359; Prenosov: 143
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12. Effect of sucrose concentration on streptococcus mutans adhesion to dental material surfacesAnamarija Zore, Franc Rojko, Nives Matijaković Mlinarić, Jona Veber, Aleksander Učakar, Roman Štukelj, Andreja Pondelak, Andrijana Sever Škapin, Klemen Bohinc, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Enamel demineralization, known as dental caries, is instigated by the bacterium Streptococcus mutans, which generates acid during carbohydrate metabolism. Among carbohydrates, sucrose is the most cariogenic and capable of biofilm formation. This study aimed to explore and comprehend Streptococcus mutans’ adherence to two prevalent dental material surfaces, i.e., a cobalt–chromium(Co-Cr) alloy and a resin-based composite, under the influence of various sucrose concentrations. To understand bacterial adhesion, the surfaces were characterized using profilometry, tensiometry, and surface charge measurements. Bacterial adhesion was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and crystal violet dye methods. Results revealed that the composite surface exhibited greater rough-ness compared with the Co-Cr alloy surface. Both surfaces displayed hydrophilic properties and a negative surface charge. Bacterial adhesion experiments indicated lower bacterial adherence to the Co-Cr alloy than to the composite surface before the addition of sucrose. However, the introduction of sucrose resulted in biofilm development on both surfaces, showcasing a similar increase in bacterial adhesion, with the highest levels being observed at a 5% sucrose concentration in the bacterial suspension. In conclusion, the findings suggest sucrose-rich foods could facilitate bacterial adaptation despite less favorable surface characteristics, thereby promoting biofilm formation.
Ključne besede: bacterial adhesion, streptococcus mutans, dental material surfaces, sucrose concentration
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 31.01.2024; Ogledov: 324; Prenosov: 137
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13. Antibacterial effect of polymethyl methacrylate resin base containing TiO2 nanoparticlesAnamarija Zore, Anže Abram, Aleksander Učakar, Ivo Godina, Franc Rojko, Roman Štukelj, Andrijana Sever Škapin, Rajko Vidrih, Olivera Dolić, Valentina Veselinović, Klemen Bohinc, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Restorations in dentistry must reproduce the aspect of the patient’s natural teeth and require non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and good mechanical properties in order to last longer. Restorations are permanently in contact with microbes that can adhere to and form biofilms. The purpose of this study was to determine the adhesion extent of Streptococcus mutans to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin base containing TiO2 nanoparticles. To understand the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans on the modified resin-based surfaces, the following surface properties were measured: the roughness, contact angle, zeta potential and CIE color parameters. Evaluation of tensile stress performance in TiO2 modified PMMA showed that the maximum tensile stress of the modified PMMA resin decreases with an increasing amount of TiO2 nanoparticles. The increasing amount of TiO2 decreases the roughness and causes contact angles in the border between hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. All the studied surfaces are negatively charged and added TiO2 tends to increase the zeta potential. The addition of TiO2 nanoparticles increases the lightness and decreases the intensity of the red and yellow color. The increasing addition of TiO2 nanoparticles into PMMA increases the morphological change of bacterial cells.
Ključne besede: bacterial adhesion, Streptococcus mutans, polymethyl methacrylate resin, TiO2, surface properties
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 20.12.2023; Ogledov: 295; Prenosov: 152
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17. Vegetacijske in talne razmere v izbranih gozdovih GGE Ivančna Gorica na območju Prestrane pri Krki : (delavnica Javne gozdarske službe in projekta Life-IP Natura.SI na OE ZGS Ljubljana)Lado Kutnar, Valerija Babij, Aleksander Marinšek, Roman Črnič, Luka Laznik, 2023, druge monografije in druga zaključena dela Ključne besede: vegetacija, tla, rastišče, ekologija gozda, delavnice, Javna gozdarska služba, Slovenija, fitocenologija, gozdne združbe, gozdni rastiščni tipi
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 08.09.2023; Ogledov: 482; Prenosov: 172
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18. Development of a simple gelatin-based sensing platform for the sensitive label-free impedimetric detection of SARS-CoV-2Alnilan Cristina Barros Lobato, Maja Šubic, Tea Romih, Lea Žibret, Dino Metarapi, Mojca Benčina, Roman Jerala, Kristijan Vidović, Samo B. Hočevar, Nikola Tasić, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Objavljeno v DiRROS: 07.08.2023; Ogledov: 527; Prenosov: 255
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19. Antifungal effect of polymethyl methacrylate resin base with embedded Au nanoparticlesIvan Marić, Anamarija Zore, Franc Rojko, Andrijana Sever Škapin, Roman Štukelj, Aleksander Učakar, Rajko Vidrih, Valentina Veselinović, Marijan Gotić, Klemen Bohinc, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Full and partial restorations in dentistry must replicate the characteristics of the patient’s natural teeth. Materials must have good mechanical properties and be non-toxic and biocompatible. Microbes, which can form biofilms, are constantly in contact with restorations. In this study, we investigate how well Candida albicans adheres to a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin base with gold (Au) nanoparticles. We synthesized Au nanoparticles and characterized them. The average size of Au nanoparticles embedded in PMMA was 11 nm. The color difference ∆E between PMMA and PMMA/Au composites was 2.7 and was still esthetically acceptable to patients. PMMA/Au surfaces are rougher and more hydrophilic than pure PMMA surfaces, and the isoelectric point of both types of surfaces was 4.3. Above the isoelectric point, PMMA/Au surfaces are more negatively charged than PMMA surfaces. The added Au nanoparticles decreased the tensile strength, while the hardness did not change significantly. Adhesion measurements showed that PMMA surfaces modified with Au nanoparticles reduced the extent of microbial adhesion of Candida albicans.
Ključne besede: fungal adhesión, C. albicans, polymethyl methacrylate resin, Au, surface properties, composites
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.07.2023; Ogledov: 529; Prenosov: 211
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20. Engineered combinatorial cell device for wound healing and bone regenerationLucija Kadunc, Duško Lainšček, Rok Gašperšič, Petra Sušjan, Uroš Kovačič, Miha Butinar, Boris Turk, Roman Jerala, Iva Hafner Bratkovič, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Growth factors are the key regulators that promote tissue regeneration and healing processes. While the effects of individual growth factors are well documented, a combination of multiple secreted growth factors underlies stem cell–mediated regeneration. To avoid the potential dangers and laborintensive individual approach of stem cell therapy while maintaining their regeneration-promoting effects based on multiple secreted growth factors, we engineered a “mix-and-match” combinatorial platform based on a library of cell lines producing growth factors. Treatment with a combination of growth factors secreted by engineered mammalian cells was more efficient than with individual growth factors or even stem cell–conditioned medium in a gap closure assay. Furthermore, we implemented in a mouse model a device for allogenic cell therapy for an in situ production of growth factors, where it improved cutaneous wound healing. Augmented bone regeneration was achieved on calvarial bone defects in rats treated with a cell device secreting IGF, FGF, PDGF, TGF-β, and VEGF. In both in vivo models, the systemic concentration of secreted factors was negligible, demonstrating the local effect of the regeneration device. Finally, we introduced a genetic switch that enables temporal control over combinations of trophic factors released at different stages of regeneration mimicking the maturation of natural wound healing to improve therapy and prevent scar formation.
Ključne besede: wound healing, bone regeneration, growth factors
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 01.06.2023; Ogledov: 631; Prenosov: 252
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