Non-coding RNAs are correlated to TGF-β receptor type 2 in patients with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Multiple molecular expression alterations, particularly in non-coding RNAs, play fundamental roles in the regulations of cellular processes and may relate to the occurrence and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, we investigated the associations between TGFBR2, miR20a-5p and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LAMTOR5-AS1 in CRC patients.

METHODS

Colorectal cancer and adjacent normal tissue samples (n = 34) were prepared from CRC patients. The associations between TGFBR2, miR20a-5p and lncRNA LAMTOR5-AS1 were predicted using bioinformatics tools. The expression levels of TGFBR2, miR20a-5p and lncRNA LAMTOR5-AS1 were measured using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. The TGFBR2 protein values were measured by western blotting. The clinical importance of lncRNA LAMTOR5-AS1 was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

The up-regulated levels of TGFBR2 (p = 0.02), TGFBR2 protein (p = 0.008) and lncRNA LAMTOR5-AS1 (p = 0.02) were significantly observed in CRC tissues compared to the adjacent normal tissues. The miR20a-5p expression level (p = 0.009) was downregulated in CRC tissues. In addition, the miR20a-5p expression level was inversely correlated to the TGFBR2 gene (r²  = 0.88, p < 0.0001), protein (r²  = 0.95, p < 0.0001) and lncRNA LAMTOR5-AS1 gene (r²  = 0.93, p < 0.0001) expression levels. Based on the area under curve, the increase of lncRNA LAMTOR5-AS1 expression level with a sensitivity of 64.52% and specificity of 65.52% was considered in CRC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that miR20a-5p is inversely related to long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LAMTOR5-AS, such that it may be involved in the regulation of TGFBR2 expression level in CRC patients.

Atopic dermatitis: molecular, cellular, and clinical aspects

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complicated, inflammatory skin disease, which numerous genetic and environmental factors play roles in its development. AD is categorized into different phenotypes and stages, although they are mostly similar in their pathophysiological aspects. Immune response alterations and structural distortions of the skin-barrier layer are evident in AD patients. Genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment are also significantly involved in contextual factors. Genes involved in AD-susceptibility, including filaggrin and natural moisturizing, cause considerable structural modifications in the skin's lipid bilayer and cornified envelope. Additionally, the skin's decreased integrity and altered structure are accompanied by biochemical changes in the normal skin microflora's dysbiosis. The dynamic immunological responses, genetic susceptibilities, and structural modifications associated with AD's pathophysiology will be extensively discussed in this review, each according to the latest achievements and findings.

Prospects for Manipulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Tumor Therapy: Anti-Angiogenesis Property on the Spotlight

The interactions between the tumor microenvironment and the tumor cells confers a condition that accelerate or decelerate the development of tumor. Of these cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to modulate the tumor cells. MSCs have been established with double functions, whereby contribute to a tumorigenic or anti-tumor setting. Clinical studies have indicated the potential of MSCs to be used as tool in treating the human cancer cells. One of the advantageous features of MSCs that make them as a well-suited tool for cancer therapy is the natural tumor-trophic migration potential. A key specification of the tumor development has been stablished to be angiogenesis. As a result, manipulation of angiogenesis has become an attractive approach for cancer therapy. This review article will seek to clarify the anti-angiogenesis strategy in modulating the MSCs to treat the tumor cells.

Avocado/soy unsaponifiables can redress the balance between serum antioxidant and oxidant levels in patients with osteoarthritis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study

OBJECTIVES

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory disorder of the joint characterized by pain and stiffness. Oxidative stress plays an important role in pathogenesis of OA. We aimed to evaluate the effects of avocado/soy unsaponifiables (ASU) compound on serum antioxidant and oxidative stress in patients with Osteoarthritis.

METHODS

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was performed. Fourty patients with osteoarthritis were randomized to two different sequences: 1) DP: received ASU for three months followed by three months placebo, 2) PD: received placebo for the first three months followed by three months ASU. The oxidant statue was evaluated by measurement of serum malonldialdehyde (MDA). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also assessed.

RESULTS

Mean serum of MDA level as a marker of oxidative stress significantly decreased in all patients after three months treatment with ASU (4.46 ± 0.11 nmol/L) compare with baseline and placebo levels (5 ± 0.15 and 5.82 ± 0.12 nmol/L respectively) (p<0.05). On the other hand, ASU resulted in positive changes in serum antioxidant levels (p<0.05). Mixed-effects model of variance analyses showed that ASU effect is regardless of the order of receiving medication (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These data showed that Avocado/Soy Unsaponifiable can be an effective supplement in treatment of osteoarthritis through the control of the balance between antioxidant and oxidant molecular markers.

The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Trachyspermum ammi Seeds and Ibuprofen on Inflammatory Gene Expression in the Cartilage Tissue of Rats with Collagen-Induced Arthritis

Background and Objectives

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease treated with nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs that have different side effects. One of the plants used for this purpose in the traditional medicine is Trachyspermum ammi. The present study aimed at investigating the anti–inflammatory effect of this plant on type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods

The study was performed on 35 male Wistar rats. Seven rats were considered as the healthy control group (normal group), and CIA was stablished in the rest. The rats with a model of inflammatory arthritis were divided into four groups. One group did not receive any treatment and three groups were treated orally with ibuprofen (15 mg/kg), aqueous extract of the T. ammi seeds (100 mg/kg), or their combination for 30 days. The effect of different treatments was investigated on the paw thickness, arthritis score, and mRNA level of COX2 and iNOS genes.

Results

CIA increased paw thickness, arthritis score, and COX2 and iNOS mRNA levels compared to those of the normal group. Treatment with ibuprofen and aqueous extract alone or in combination reduced the studied variables. Reduction in the paw thickness, arthritis score, and iNOS mRNA level was more in the ibuprofen-treated group than the T. ammi extract-treated group, but treatment with T. ammi extract reduced COX2 mRNA level more than ibuprofen.

Conclusion

It seems that the aqueous extract of T. ammi can be used alone or in combination with ibuprofen to treat RA.

Composite Nanoscaffolds Modified with Bio-ceramic Nanoparticles (Zn2SiO4) Prompted Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Nanofiber scaffolds and bio-ceramic nanoparticles have been widely used in bone tissue engineering. The use of human- induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) on this scaffold can be considered as a new approach in the differentiation of bone tissue. In the present study, a polyaniline-gelatin-polycaprolactone (PANi-GEL-PCL) composite nanoscaffold was made by electrospinning and modified superficially by plasma method. The synthesized nanoscaffold was then coated with willemite's bio-ceramic nanoparticles (Zn2SiO4). The nanoscaffold's properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, nanoparticles characterization was carried out with SEM and dynamic light scattering. The growth and proliferation rate of cells on the synthesized nanoscaffold was examined by MTT assay. Subsequently, hiPSCs were cultured on murine fibroblast cells, incubated in embryoid bodies for 3 days, and placed on the nanoscaffolds. The differentiation potential of hiPSCs was investigated by the examination of common bone markers (e.g. alkaline phosphatase, calcium salt precipitation, and alizarin red test) using bone differentiation factors for 14 days. SEM showed the proper structure of electrospinned nanoscaffolds and coating of nanoparticles on the nanoscaffold surface. The results of MTT assay confirmed the growth and proliferation of cells and the biocompatibility of nanofibers. The results of bone indices also showed that differentiation on the composite nanoscaffold coated with willemite's bio-ceramic nanoparticles dramatically increased in comparison with other groups. Overall, this study demonstrated that PANi-GEL-PCL composite nanoscaffold with willemite's bio-ceramic nanoparticles is a suitable substrate for in vitro growth, proliferation, and differentiation of hiPSCs cells into osteoblasts.

Significant differences in maternal child-feeding style between ethnic groups in the UK: the role of deprivation and parenting styles

BACKGROUND

Nonresponsive maternal child-feeding interactions, such as restricting, pressurising and emotional feeding, can affect the ability of a child to self-regulate intake and increase the risk of becoming overweight. However, despite findings that South Asian and Black children living in the UK are more likely to be overweight, UK research has not considered how maternal child-feeding style might differ between ethnic groups. The present study aimed to explore variations in maternal child-feeding style between ethnic groups in the UK, taking into account associated factors such as deprivation and parenting style.

METHODS

Six hundred and fifty-nine UK mothers with a child who was aged 5-11 years old completed a questionnaire. Items included ethnicity and demographic data, as well as copies of the Child Feeding Questionnaire, Parental Feeding Styles Questionnaire and Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Significant differences in perceived responsibility (P = 0.002), restriction (P = 0.026), pressure to eat (P = 0.045), instrumental feeding (P = 0.000) and emotional feeding (P = 0.000) were found between the groups. Mothers from South Asian backgrounds reported higher levels of pressure to eat, emotional feeding and indulgent feeding styles, whereas mothers from Chinese backgrounds reported greater perceived responsibility and restriction. Mothers from Black and White British backgrounds were not significantly higher with respect to any behaviour. Maternal child-feeding style was also associated with deprivation and parenting style, although these did not fully explain the data.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding cultural factors behind maternal child-feeding style, particularly around pressurising and indulgent feeding behaviours, may play an important part in reducing levels of children who are overweight and obese in the UK.

Association Between Genetic Variants of Akt1 and Endometrial Cancer

Akt isoforms have critical roles in the cause and regulation of cancer cells invasive, migration, and metastatic dissemination. In the present study, the association between Akt1 polymorphisms and endometrial cancer was investigated in patients with endometrial cancer and controls. Thirty premenopaused patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer and 30 premenopaused women with no clinically documented abnormalities of the endometrium undergoing hysterectomy were included in this study. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. There was no significant difference between Akt1 gene polymorphisms of patients (SNP1, SNP2 and SNP3) with endometrial cancer and controls (p > 0.05). Difference between alleles frequency of SNP1, SNP2, SNP3 of patients with endometrial cancer and controls was not significant (p > 0.05). SNPs (rs72715985), (rs2494750), and (rs74090038) of Akt1 gene are not associated with endometrial cancer in Iranian subjects.

17β-Estradiol Stimulates Generation of Reactive Species Oxygen and Nitric Oxide in Ovarian Adenocarcinoma Cells (OVCAR 3)

BACKGROUND

Experimental and epidemiological evidence supports a role for steroid hormones in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. Among steroid hormones, 17β-estradiol (E2) has the most potent effect on proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we investigated the effect of E2 on production of ROS and NO in ovarian cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line (OVCAR-3) was cultured and treated with various concentrations of E2, antioxidants (N-acetyle cysteine and Ebselen) and ICI182780 as an estrogen receptor antagonist. MTT test was performed to evaluate cell viability. NO and ROS levels were measured by Griess and DCFH-DA methods, respectively.

RESULTS

ROS levels as well as NO levels were increased in OVCAR-3 cells treated with E2. The increase in ROS production was in parallel with increased cell viability which indicates that estrogen-induced ROS can participate in cancer progression. ICI182780 abolished E2-induced ROS production. Progesterone was also effective in reducing ROS and NO generation.

CONCLUSIONS

NO and ROS are important molecules in signaling networks in cell. These molecules can be used as therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment of ovary cancer and other estrogen-induced malignancies.

The evaluation of the FOXO1, KLF9 and YT521 genes expression in human endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

The current study was designed to explore the changes of the mRNA levels of the YT521, Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1), and Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) proteins in human normal and cancerous endometrial tissue.

METHODS

The study was conducted in 30 premenopausal patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer and 20 premenopausal women with no clinically documented abnormalities of the endometrium undergoing hysterectomy. Gene expression levels were assayed using quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The endometrial tissue FOXO1 mRNA level (0.82 +/- 0.27) of patients with endometrial cancer was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than controls (4.51 +/- 2.68). In subjects with endometrial cancer the KLF9 mRNA level (1.12 +/- 0.38) was lower (p < 0.001) when compared to controls (3.11 +/- 1.52). A remarkable (not significant, p = 0.069) increase was found in the YT521 mRNA level of patients' endometrial tissue (11.19 +/- 3.99) in comparison with the control subjects (8.82 +/- 5.01). No significant difference was detected for the FOXO1, KLF9 and YT521 mRNA levels of the endometrial tissue of patients with cancer at different stages.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that the alteration of the gene expression profiles of FOXO1, KLF9 and YT521, which occur in human endometrial cancers likely play a crucial role in initiation of cancer.

Fatty acid composition of serum lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Serum fatty acid content mainly reflects dietary fat intake. It is not known whether alterations of serum fatty acid compositions predict type 2 diabetes risk.

METHODS

We evaluated fatty acid contents in serum of the 76 normal and 98 diabetic adults taking part in a cross sectional study, using a gas chromatography method.

RESULTS

The contents of total saturated (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) of the diabetic subjects were significantly higher when compared to the controls (p = 0.006, p = 0.02 respectively). Serum linoleic and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) contents of subjects with diabetes were significantly lower than the control group (p = 0.02). There was a negative correlation (p = 0.001, r = -0.429) between serum PUFAs contents and cholesterol/HDL-C ratio in the control group, whereas this correlation in people with diabetes was not significant (p = 0.12). The correlation between serum TG (triglyceride) and SFAs contents of the diabetic patients was significantly positive (p = 0.01, r = 0.252). A significant negative correlation (p = 0.001, r = -0.421) was found between PUFA contents and serum TG levels of people with diabetes; however, the same correlation for the control group was not significant (p = 0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes incidence was significantly and positively associated with the proportions of serum palmitic, total saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid contents. Our findings with the use of this biomarker suggest that the dietary fat profile, particularly that of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, may contribute to the etiology of diabetes. It seems that patients with type 2 diabetes can have good control on lipid parameters with a higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids than saturated fatty acids.

Distribution of fatty acids in adipose tissue of patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

It is not known whether alterations of adipose tissue fatty acid compositions predict type 2 diabetes. Our goal was to characterize the relationship between the adipose tissue fatty acid compositions and type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We evaluated the fatty acid compositions of subcutaneous adipose tissue. These analyses were carried out on samples from 76 normal and 98 diabetic adults. Analysis was performed on a gas chromatograph.

RESULTS

The adipose tissue palmitic acid composition of diabetic subjects (24.9% +/- 0.3) was significantly higher (p = 0.01) than in the controls (23.3% +/- 1.6). A significant negative correlation (r = -0.276, p = 0.001) was found between adipose tissue polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the Chol/HDL-C ratio of all the subjects studied (controls plus diabetic patients). A similar negative correlation (r = -0.429, p = 0.001) was identified only for control group, whereas no significant correlation (p > 0.05) was found for diabetic populations. The correlation between fatty acid compositions and serum lipid profiles (TG, HDL-C, Chol/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C proportion) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) with HbAlc concentrations of people with diabetes and controls was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

A high amount of palmitic acid in adipose tissue may increase the risk of the type 2 diabetes and it seems that a high intake of PUFAs can lead to lowering of the Chol/HDL-C ratio.

Effect of oral contraceptive therapy on homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels in women: an observational study

OBJECTIVE

Increased levels of homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP) are considered as independent risk factors for atherosclerosis. As the level of these factors is affected by sex hormones, a population-based assessment of their changes following oral contraceptive therapy is needed to avoid the side effects that might arise of these variations. To this aim, the present study was to investigate the effect of combined oral contraceptive (OCP) on CRP and homocysteine levels among young healthy women.

METHODS

We conducted an observational cross-sectional analysis of 90 healthy, non-obese women (mean age 25 years and body-mass index 22 kg/m2). Forty-five healthy women on OCP and 45 healthy controls were studied for CRP and homocysteine levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Unpaired t test and Chi-square test were used for comparison of variables between oral contraceptive users and non-oral contraceptive users.

RESULTS

The results showed that the homocysteine (13.268±3.475 vs. 7.288±2.621 µmol/L) and CRP (5863.0±1349.5 vs. 1138.3±691.12 ng/ml) levels were significantly higher in women receiving OCP in comparison with the control group (p=0.027 and p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The alteration in homocysteine and CRP levels could be attributed to the OCP suggesting that use of these pills should be reviewed in women with increased risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Protective effects of a magnesium magnetic isotope (Mg25)-exchanging nanoparticle (25MgPMC16 ) on mitochondrial functional disorders in esmolol-induced cardiac arrest in rats

In cardiac surgery, agents are needed to produce temporary cardiac arrest (cardioplegia). One of these agents is esmolol (ESM) which is a short-acting selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist and its overdose causes diastolic ventricular arrest. The (25) MgPMC(16) (porphyrin adducts of cyclohexil fullerene-C60) is known as a nanoparticle which has a cardioprotective effect when the heart is subjected to stressful conditions. In this study, we aimed to confirm the deleterious effects of ESM overdose on cardiac mitochondria and identify any protective effects of (25) MgPMC(16) in male Wistar rats. Esmolol 100 mg kg(-1) (LD50 = 71 mg kg(-1) ) was injected intravenously (i.v.) into tail vein to induce cardiac arrest. This dose was obtained from an ESM dose-response curve which induces at least 80% arrest in rats. (25) MgPMC(16) at three different doses (45, 90 and 224 mg kg(-1) ) was injected i.v. as pretreatment, eight hours before ESM injection. (25) MgCl(2) or (24) MgPMC(16) were used as controls. Following cardiac arrest, the heart was removed and the mitochondria extracted. Mitochondrial viability and the adenosine 5'-diphosphate sodium salt hydrate/Adenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium salt hydrate (ADP/ATP) ratio were measured as biomarkers of mitochondrial function. Results indicate that (25) MgPMC(16) caused a significant increase in mitochondrial viability and decrease in ADP/ATP ratio. No significant changes were seen with (24) MgPMC(16) or (25) MgCl(2) . It is concluded that cardiac arrest induced by ESM overdose leads to a significant decrease in mitochondrial viability and their ATP levels, whereas pretreatment by (25) MgPMC(16) can protect mitochondria by increasing ATP level through liberation of Mg into cells and the improvement of hypoxia.

Acute and subchronic dermal toxicity of nanosilver in guinea pig

Silver has been used as an antimicrobial agent for a long time in different forms, but silver nanoparticles (nanosilver) have recently been recognized as potent antimicrobial agents. Although nanosilver is finding diverse medical applications such as silver-based dressings and silver-coated medical devices, its dermal and systemic toxicity via dermal use has not yet been identified. In this study, we analyzed the potential toxicity of colloidal nanosilver in acute and subchronic guinea pigs. Before toxicity assessments, the size of colloidal nanosilver was recorded in sizes <100 nm by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. For toxicological assessments, male guinea pigs weighing 350 to 400 g were exposed to two different concentrations of nanosilver (1000 and 10,000 μg/mL) in an acute study and three concentrations of nanosilver (100, 1000, and 10,000 μg/mL) in a subchronic study. Toxic responses were assessed by clinical and histopathologic parameters. In all experimental animals the sites of exposure were scored for any type of dermal toxicity and compared with negative control and positive control groups. In autopsy studies during the acute test, no significant changes in organ weight or major macroscopic changes were detected, but dose-dependent histopathologic abnormalities were seen in skin, liver, and spleen of all test groups. In addition, experimental animals subjected to subchronic tests showed greater tissue abnormalities than the subjects of acute tests. It seems that colloidal nanosilver has the potential to provide target organ toxicities in a dose- and time-dependent manner.