The Mechanisms of Long Non-coding RNA-XIST in Ischemic Stroke: Insights into Functional Roles and Therapeutic Potential

Ischemic stroke, which occurs due to the occlusion of cerebral arteries, is a common type of stroke. Recent research has highlighted the important role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of cerebrovascular diseases, specifically ischemic stroke. Understanding the functional roles of lncRNAs in ischemic stroke is crucial, given their potential contribution to the disease pathology. One noteworthy lncRNA is X-inactive specific transcript (XIST), which exhibits downregulation during the early stages of ischemic stroke and subsequent upregulation in later stages. XIST exert its influence on the development of ischemic stroke through interactions with multiple miRNAs and transcription factors. These interactions play a significant role in the pathogenesis of the condition. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive summary of the functional roles of XIST in ischemic stroke. By investigating the involvement of XIST in the disease process, we aim to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying ischemic stroke and potentially identify novel therapeutic targets.

Signaling pathways governing the behaviors of leukemia stem cells

Leukemia is a malignancy in the blood that develops from the lymphatic system and bone marrow. Although various treatment options have been used for different types of leukemia, understanding the molecular pathways involved in the development and progression of leukemia is necessary. Recent studies showed that leukemia stem cells (LSCs) play essential roles in the pathogenesis of leukemia by targeting several signaling pathways, including Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog, and STAT3. LSCs are highly proliferative cells that stimulate tumor initiation, migration, EMT, and drug resistance. This review summarizes cellular pathways that stimulate and prevent LSCs' self-renewal, metastasis, and tumorigenesis.

Stem Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease: What Promise Does it Hold?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by substantia nigra dopamine cell death and a varied clinical picture that affects older people. Although more than two centuries have passed since the earliest attempts to find a cure for PD, it remains an unresolved problem. With this in mind, cell replacement therapy is a new strategy for treating PD. This novel approach aims to replace degenerated dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons with new ones or provide a new source of cells that can differentiate into DAergic neurons. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are among the cells considered for transplantation therapies. Recently disease-modifying strategies like cell replacement therapies combined with other therapeutic approaches, such as utilizing natural compounds or biomaterials, are proposed to modify the underlying neurodegeneration. In the present review, we discuss the current advances in cell replacement therapy for PD and summarize the existing experimental and clinical evidence supporting this approach.

Circular RNAs-mediated angiogenesis in human cancers

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) as small non-coding RNAs with cell, tissue, or organ-specific expression accomplish a broad array of functions in physiological and pathological processes such as cancer development. Angiogenesis, a complicated multistep process driving a formation of new blood vessels, speeds up tumor progression by supplying nutrients as well as energy. Abnormal expression of circRNAs reported to affect tumor development through impressing angiogenesis. Such impacts are introduced as constant with different tumorigenic features known as "hallmarks of cancer". In addition, deregulated circRNAs show possibilities to prognosis and diagnosis both in the prophecy of prognosis in malignancies and also their prejudice from healthy individuals. In the present review article, we have evaluated the angiogenic impacts and anti-angiogenic managements of circRNAs in human cancers.

Potential roles of lncRNA MALAT1-miRNA interactions in ocular diseases

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein coding transcripts that are longer than 200 nucleotides in length. LncRNAs are implicated in gene expression at the transcriptional, translational, and epigenetic levels, and thereby impact different cellular processes including cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immune response. In recent years, numerous studies have demonstrated the significant contribution of lncRNAs to the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases, such as stroke, heart disease, and cancer. Further investigations have shown that lncRNAs have altered expression patterns in ocular tissues and cell lines during pathological conditions. The pathogenesis of various ocular diseases, including glaucoma, cataract, corneal diseases, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, and retinoblastoma, is influenced by the involvement of specific lncRNAs which play a critical role in the development and progression of these diseases. Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is a well-researched lncRNA in the context of ocular diseases, which has been shown to exert its biological effects through several signaling pathways and downstream targets. The present review provides a comprehensive summary of the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological functions and roles of MALAT1 in ocular diseases.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Parkinson's Disease: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disorder whose pathogenesis is not completely understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress have been considered as major causes and central events responsible for the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in PD. Therefore, investigating mitochondrial disorders plays a role in understanding the pathogenesis of PD and can be an important therapeutic target for this disease. This study discusses the effect of environmental, genetic and biological factors on mitochondrial dysfunction and also focuses on the mitochondrial molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, and its possible therapeutic targets in PD, including reactive oxygen species generation, calcium overload, inflammasome activation, apoptosis, mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondrial dynamics. Other potential therapeutic strategies such as mitochondrial transfer/transplantation, targeting microRNAs, using stem cells, photobiomodulation, diet, and exercise were also discussed in this review, which may provide valuable insights into clinical aspects. A better understanding of the roles of mitochondria in the pathophysiology of PD may provide a rationale for designing novel therapeutic interventions in our fight against PD.

Evaluation of the effects of ethanol and mitomycin on survival of rat limbal stem cells: an in vitro study

PURPOSE

Ethanol and mitomycin C (MMC) are clinically used to treat corneal diseases such as LASEK and LASIK surgery. In this study, we investigated the effects of time-dependent alcohol and MMC in cultured rat limbal stem cells (LSCs) to determine the appropriate time for the use of this compound in the clinical setting.

METHODS

LSCs (N = 10 eyes) isolated from male Wistar rats were cultured and characterized; then, isolates were divided into three groups. One group was exposed to a 20% concentration of ethanol for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 s, and cell viability was assessed one, three, and five days following ethanol exposure using an MTT assay. To investigate the effect of MMC, cells in the second group were treated with 0.02% MMC in various periods (i.e., 15 s, 30 s, 60 s, 90 s, and 120 s) and time-dependent responses of cultured LSCs were recorded. Cells in the third group were co-treated with ethanol and MMC; then, dose and time dependency was evaluated.

RESULTS

In comparison with the viable cells in the control group, ethanol markedly decreased the viability of cells in a time-dependent manner in days one and three. On day five, the viability of LSCs was improved significantly (p < 0.05) in comparison with day one. The number of viable progenitor cells was significantly decreased after MMC treatment in a time-dependent manner, as determined by the MTT assay (p < 0.001). The use of mitomycin, along with alcohol, decreased cell viability in all groups treated with ethanol + MMC compared to the control on days one, three, and five (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that ethanol and MMC reduced cell viability in cultured LSCs in a time-dependent manner. In addition, when LSCs were exposed to alcohol alone, they had a better recovery process within 5 days in comparison to when exposed to mitomycin alone or mitomycin + alcohol.

Potential roles of lncRNA-XIST/miRNAs/mRNAs in human cancer cells

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that contain more than 200 nucleotides but do not code for proteins. In tumorigenesis, lncRNAs can have both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive properties. X inactive-specific transcript (XIST) is a known lncRNA that has been implicated in X chromosome silencing in female cells. Dysregulation of XIST is associated with an increased risk of various cancers. Therefore, XIST can be a beneficial prognostic biomarker for human malignancies. In this review, we attempt to summarize the emerging roles of XIST in human cancers.

Potential roles of endothelial cells-related non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular diseases

Endothelial dysfunction is identified by a conversion of the endothelium toward decreased vasodilation and prothrombic features and is known as a primary pathogenic incident in cardiovascular diseases. An insight based on particular and promising biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction may possess vital clinical significances. Currently, non-coding RNAs due to their participation in critical cardiovascular processes like initiation and progression have gained much attention as possible diagnostic as well as prognostic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases. Emerging line of proof has demonstrated that abnormal expression of non-coding RNAs is nearly correlated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In the present review, we focus on the expression and functional effects of various kinds of non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular diseases and negotiate their possible clinical implications as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and curative targets.

The stem cell-specific long non-coding RNAs in leukemia

Leukemia is defined as a heterogeneous group of hematological cancers whose prevalence is on the rise worldwide. Despite the large body of studies, the etiology of leukemia has not been fully elucidated. Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that sustain the growth of the leukemic clone and are the main culprit for the maintenance of the neoplasm. In contrast to most leukemia cells, LSCs are resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy. Several recent studies demonstrated the altered expression profile of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in LSCs and shed light on the role of lncRNAs in the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of LSCs. LncRNAs are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are implicated in several cellular and molecular processes such as gene expression, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. Likewise, lncRNAs have shown a prognostic marker in leukemia patients and represent novel treatment options. Herein, we review the current knowledge concerning lncRNAs' implication in the pathogenesis of LSCs and discuss their prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic potential.

Evaluation of effects of riboflavin and/or ultraviolet-A on survival of rat limbal epithelial stem cells in ex-vivo

Purpose

To investigate the effects of riboflavin and/or ultraviolet-A (UV-A) irradiation on the cell viability of ex-vivo-cultured rat limbal stem cells (LSCs).

Methods

LSCs of male Wistar rats (N = 12 eyes) were cultured, and immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate them. After characterization, these cells were assigned to four groups of control (C), a group that was exposed to UV-A radiation (UV), a group that was treated with riboflavin (R), and a group that cotreated with both UV-A and riboflavin (UV+R). To determine the cell viability of LSCs, these cells were subjected to MTT assay on days 1, 3, and 7 after exposure to UV-A and/or riboflavin. The duration of exposure to UV-A and riboflavin was similar to levels used during the conventional corneal collagen cross-linking procedure.

Results

Compared with the viable cells in the control group, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in the number of LSCs in the UV group during all study days. In the R group, the level of viable LSCs was as same as the level of viable LSCs in the C group. Combined treatment with UV-A plus riboflavin significantly decreased the survival of LSCs on days 1 and 3 (P < 0.0001, P < 0.001, respectively) compared with the control group. Interestingly, in the UV+R group, the photosensitizing effect of riboflavin significantly decreased the cytotoxic effect of UV irradiation 7 days after exposure.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the administered UV energy in the presence or absence of riboflavin can damage LSCs. Likewise, riboflavin could decrease the toxic effect of UVA on LSCs.

Signaling pathways governing glioma cancer stem cells behavior

Glioma is the most common malignant brain tumor that develops in the glial tissue. Several studies have identified that glioma cancer stem cells (GCSCs) play important roles in tumor-initiating features in malignant gliomas. GCSCs are a small population in the brain that presents an essential role in the metastasis of glioma cells to other organs. These cells can self-renew and differentiate, which are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of glioma. Therefore, targeting GCSCs might be a novel strategy for the treatment of glioma. Accumulating evidence revealed that several signaling pathways, including Notch, TGF-β, Wnt, STAT3, AKT, and EGFR mediated GCSC growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Besides, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs, circular RNAs, and long ncRNAs have been found to play pivotal roles in the regulation of GCSC pathogenesis and drug resistance. Therefore, targeting these pathways could open a new avenue for glioma management. In this review, we summarized critical signaling pathways involved in the stimulation or prevention of GCSCs tumorigenesis and invasiveness.

The pathogenic roles of lncRNA-Taurine upregulated 1 (TUG1) in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a gastrointestinal tumor that develops from the colon, rectum, or appendix. The prognosis of CRC patients especially those with metastatic lesions remains unsatisfactory. Although various conventional methods have been used for the treatment of patients with CRC, the early detection and identification of molecular mechanisms associated with CRC is necessary. The scientific literature reports that altered expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contributed to the pathogenesis of CRC cells. LncRNA TUG1 was reported to target various miRNAs and signaling pathways to mediate CRC cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Therefore, TUG1 might be a potent predictive/prognostic biomarker for diagnosis of CRC.

Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor increases proliferation, Migration and differentiation of subventricular zone neuroblasts in photothrombotic stroke model of mouse

BACKGROUND

Cerebral ischemic stroke can induce the proliferation of subventricular zone (SVZ) neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult brain. However, this reparative process is restricted because of NSCs' death shortly after injury or disability of them to reach the infarct boundary. In the present study, we investigated the ability of cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) on the attraction of SVZ-resident NSCs toward the lesioned area and neurological recovery in a photothrombotic (PT) stroke model of mice METHODS: The mice were assigned to three groups stroke, stroke+phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and stroke+CDNF. Migration of SVZ NSCs were evaluated by BrdU/doublecortin (DCX) double immunofluorescence method on days 7 and 14 and their differentiation were evaluated by BrdU/ Neuronal Nuclei (NeuN) double immunofluorescence method 28 days after intra-SVZ CDNF injection. Serial coronal sections were stained with cresyl violet to detect the infarct volume and a modified neurological severity score (mNSS) was performed to assess the neurological performance RESULTS: Injection of CDNF increased the proliferation of SVZ NSCs and the number of DCX-expressing neuroblasts migrated from the SVZ toward the ischemic site. It also enhanced the differentiation of migrated neuroblasts into the mature neurons in the lesioned site. Along with this, the infarct volume was significantly decreased and the neurological performance was improved as compared to other groups CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that CDNF is capable of enhancing the proliferation of NSCs residing in the SVZ and their migration toward the ischemia region and finally, differentiation of them in stroke mice, concomitantly decreased infarct volume and improved neurological abilities were revealed.

Stem cell-based and mesenchymal stem cell derivatives for coronavirus treatment

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as one of the types of pneumonia was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. COVID-19 is considered the third most common coronavirus among individuals after acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) in the 20th century. Many studies have shown that cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches have an impressive effect on different dangerous diseases in a way that using a cell-based experiment could be effective for improving humans with severe acute respiratory infections caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus. Accordingly, due to the stunning effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and derivatives on the treatment of various diseases, this review focuses on the auxiliary role of MSCs and their derivatives in reducing the inflammatory processes of acute respiratory infections resulted from the 2019 novel coronavirus. The reported MSCs treatment outcomes are significant because these cells prevent the immune system from overactivating and improve, endogenous repair by improving the lung microenvironment after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The MSCs can be an effective, autologous, and safe treatment, and therefore, share the results. To date, the results of several studies have shown that MSCs and their derivatives can inhibit inflammation. Exosomes act as intercellular communication devices between cells for the transfer of active molecules. In this review, recent MSCs and their derivatives-based clinical trials for the cure of COVID-19 are introduced.

Cardioprotective effect of Rosa canina L. methanolic extract on heat shock induced cardiomyocyte injury: An experimental study

Introduction: Overexposure to heat conditions can affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system and may promote cardiovascular disorders. Heat shock induced myocardial injury via increasing endoplasmic reticulum response-mediated apoptosis. This study investigated the impact of pretreatment with Rosa canina (RC), a natural antioxidant, on myocardial damage induced by heat stress exposure and underlying mechanisms in cardiomyocytes in rats. Methods: Sixty adult male Wistar rats were allocated into five groups, including Control: received normal saline (NS), Heat Stress (HS), and HS+RC groups. Animals in the HS groups were subjected to heat stress (43 ºC) for 15 minutes once a day for two weeks. Animals in the HS+RC groups received three doses of RC (250, 500, and 1000 mg/mL) one hour before being subjected to heat shock. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane kinases, including PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), immunoreactivity of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha (eIF2α) as well as caspase 8 were detected by Western blot. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed. Moreover, histopathological changes and apoptosis were also assayed in the heart tissue by using histopathological and TUNEL assays. Results: Heat exposure increased the level of ROS and induced oxidative damage in the heart tissue. The results demonstrated that RC administration decreased the overproduction of ROS induced by heat stress in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, heat stress up regulated the expression of p-PERK, p-eIF2α,and CHOP protein while pretreatment with RC decreased expression of ER stress-related markers in cardiomyocytes. Besides, RC diminished heat stress-induced cellular damage and apoptosis associated with inhibition of caspase 8 activation, a pro-apoptotic protein in cardiomyocytes. Conclusion: These findings indicate that RC exerts a protective effect on heart tissue, at least in part,through inactivation of PERK/eIF2α/CHOP pathway or inhibition of ER stress and oxidative stress triggeredapoptosis in cardiomyocytes induced by heat stress.

Do Genetic Factors Predispose People to COVID-19: A Review Article

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a threat to human life and society. Scientists and clinicians are struggling with the intrusive SARS-CoV-2 virus to enhance their knowledge about its pathogenesis and find an effective medicine and vaccine to combat its complications. Till now, they have learned that this SARS-CoV-2 has not infected all people exposed to this virus, and also severe respiratory illnesses have not been observed in all infected patients. Patients over 65 or with underlying diseases are more vulnerable to develop severe disease. Based on this premise, a highly challenging question is why some people are more susceptible to this virus and others are not. The present study was aimed to review the current information, which explains the broad spectrum of COVID-19 presentation. Here, we discussed how genetic background, immune system, underlying disease, smoking status, as well as age, race, and gender affect COVID-19 susceptibility.

Rosa canina L. methanolic extract prevents heat stress-induced memory dysfunction in rats

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Heat stress has harmful effects on the brain structure and synaptic density via induction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which result in neuronal damage in the hippocampus and thereby cognitive impairments. In this study, we investigate the effect of Rosa canina treatment on cognitive function in heat stress-exposed rats and its underlying mechanisms. What is the main finding and its importance? We show that R. canina improves cognitive deficits induced by heat stress by attenuation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and by upregulation of synaptic proteins in the hippocampus.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Rosa canina (RC) dried fruits on oxidative stress, inflammation, synaptic degeneration and memory dysfunction induced by heat stress (HS) in rats. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows: the control group received normal saline (NS); the HS group was exposed to heat stress (43°C) for 15 min once a day for 2 weeks; and HS+R groups were exposed to heat stress and received one of three doses (250, 500 or 1000 mg kg^-1 ) of RC methanolic extract for 2 weeks. A passive avoidance test and a Y-maze test were performed to assess learning and memory. The levels of reactive oxygen species were assessed. The serum cortisol concentration and hippocampal total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were also detected using spectrophotometry. The protein expressions of c-Fos, heat-shock protein-70, tumour necrosis factor-α, growth-associated protein 43, post-synaptic density-95 and synaptophysin were evaluated in the hippocampal tissue. The results showed that RC significantly improved cognitive dysfunction induced by HS, which was accompanied by downregulation of tumour necrosis factor-α and upregulation of growth-associated protein 43 and synaptophysin proteins in the hippocampus of HS-exposed rats. Furthermore, RC significantly attenuated serum cortisol concentrations and upregulated heat shock protein-70 and c-Fos in the hippocampus. In addition, the administration of RC attenuated reactive oxygen species levels and enhanced antioxidant defense in the hippocampus. These findings indicate that RC attenuated the deleterious effect of HS on cognition through its antioxidant properties and by enhancing synaptic function and plasticity.

Effect of cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor on endogenous neural progenitor cell migration in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

This study investigated the ability of intra-subventricular zone (SVZ) administration of cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) on neural progenitor cells (NPCs) attraction from the SVZ toward the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned striatum and improvement of motor dysfunctions in Parkinsonian rats. Male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups of the sham model (Sham), 6-OHDA-lesioned (OH), 6-OHDA-lesioned plus CDNF vehicle (OH+Vehicle), and 6-OHDA-lesioned plus CDNF (OH+CDNF). The animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD) was induced by unilateral intra-striatal infusion of 6-OHDA. Rats in the treatment groups received an intra-SVZ injection of CDNF or the vehicle of CDNF two weeks after PD model induction and were then subjected to the beam and bar tests on days 7, 14, and 21 after CDNF injection. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was intraperitoneally injected to label newly generated cells. Migration and proliferation of NPCs were assessed by BrdU/doublecortin (DCX) double immunofluorescence method on days 7, 14, and 21 after CDNF infusion. 6-OHDA in the OH group induced catalepsy and increased elapsed time in the beam test compared to the Sham group. However, administration of CDNF improved the motor performance and increased the number of DCX expressing neuroblasts in the SVZ as compared to the OH and OH+Vehicle groups. CDNF also enhanced cell proliferation and increased the number of migrated BrdU- and DCX-positive cells toward the lesioned striatum in the OH+CDNF group. These results suggest that CDNF enhances the proliferation and migration of neural stem cells (NSCs) toward the lesioned striatum accompanied by improvement of PD-induced motor dysfunctions.

Immune system and new avenues in Parkinson’s disease research and treatment

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. However, although 200 years have now passed since the primary clinical description of PD by James Parkinson, the etiology and mechanisms of neuronal loss in this disease are still not fully understood. In addition to genetic and environmental factors, activation of immunologic responses seems to have a crucial role in PD pathology. Intraneuronal accumulation of α-synuclein (α-Syn), as the main pathological hallmark of PD, potentially mediates initiation of the autoimmune and inflammatory events through, possibly, auto-reactive T cells. While current therapeutic regimens are mainly used to symptomatically suppress PD signs, application of the disease-modifying therapies including immunomodulatory strategies may slow down the progressive neurodegeneration process of PD. The aim of this review is to summarize knowledge regarding previous studies on the relationships between autoimmune reactions and PD pathology as well as to discuss current opportunities for immunomodulatory therapy.

Neurotrophic factors hold promise for the future of Parkinson's disease treatment: is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by a spectrum of clinicopathologic signs and a complex etiology. PD results from the degeneration of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra. Current therapies for PD are only able to alleviate symptoms without stopping disease progression. In addition, the available therapeutic strategies do not have long-lasting effects. Furthermore, these therapies cause different ranges of adverse side effects. There is great interest in neurotrophic factors (NTFs) due to their ability to promote the survival of different neural cells. These factors are divided into four families: neurotrophins, neurokines, the glial cell line-derived NTF family of ligands, and the newly recognized cerebral DA NTF/mesencephalic astrocyte-derived NTF family. The protective and therapeutic effects of these factors on DAergic neurons make them suitable for the prevention of progressive cell loss in PD. Based on the above premise, we focus on the protective effects of NTFs, especially CDNF and MANF, on nigrostriatal DAergic neurons in PD.

Biomonitoring of trace metal bioavailabilities to the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite along the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf

The fouling barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite is a cosmopolitan biomonitor of trace metal bioavailabilities, with an international comparative data set of body metal concentrations. Bioavailabilities of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, V and Zn to A. amphitrite were investigated at 19 sites along the Iranian coast of the understudied Persian Gulf. Commercial and fishing ports showed extremely high Cu bioavailabilities, associated with high Zn bioavailabilities, possibly from antifouling paints and procedures. V availability was raised at one port, perhaps associated with fuel leakage. Cd bioavailabilities were raised at sites near the Strait of Hormuz, perhaps affected by adjacent upwelling off Oman. The As data allow a reinterpretation of the typical range of accumulated As concentrations in A. amphitrite. The Persian Gulf data add a new region to the A. amphitrite database, confirming its importance in assessing the ecotoxicologically significant trace metal contamination of coastal waters across the world.