Genipin-Cross-Linked Silk Fibroin/Alginate Dialdehyde Hydrogel with Tunable Gelation Kinetics, Degradability, and Mechanical Properties: A Potential Candidate for Tissue Regeneration

Genipin-cross-linked silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel is considered to be biocompatible and mechanically robust. However, its use remains a challenge for in situ forming applications due to its prolonged gelation process. In our attempt to facilitate the in situ fabrication of a genipin-mediated SF hydrogel, alginate dialdehyde (ADA) was utilized as a reinforcement template. Here, SF/ADA-based hydrogels with different compositions were synthesized covalently and ionically. Incorporating ADA into the SF hydrogel increased pore size (44.66-174.66 μm), porosity (61.59-80.40%), and the equilibrium swelling degree (7.60-30.17). Moreover, a wide range of storage modulus and compressive modulus were obtained by adjusting the proportions of SF and ADA networks within the hydrogel. The in vitro cell analysis using preosteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1) demonstrated the cytocompatibility of all hydrogels. Overall, the covalently and ionically cross-linked SF/ADA hydrogel represents a promising solution for in situ forming hydrogels for applications in tissue regeneration.

Chitosan/Hyaluronan and Alginate-Nanohydroxyapatite Biphasic Scaffold as a Promising Matrix for Osteoarthritis Disorders

Purpose

Regenerative medicine offers new techniques for osteoarthritis (OA) disorders, especially while considering simultaneous chondral and subchondral regenerations.

Methods

Chitosan and hyaluronan were chemically bound as the chondral phase and the osteogenic layer was prepared with alginate and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP). These scaffolds were fixed by fibrin glue as a biphasic scaffold and then examined.

Results

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the porosity of 61.45±4.51 and 44.145±2.81 % for the subchondral and chondral layers, respectively. The composition analysis by energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) indicated the various elements of both hydrogels. Also, their mechanical properties indicated that the highest modulus and resistance values corresponded to the biphasic hydrogel as 108.33±5.56 and 721.135±8.21 kPa, despite the same strain value as other groups. Their individual examinations demonstrated the proteoglycan synthesis of the chondral layer and also, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the subchondral layer as 13.3±2.2 ng. After 21 days, the cells showed a mineralized surface and a polygonal phenotype, confirming their commitment to bone and cartilage tissues, respectively. Immunostaining of collagen I and II represented greater extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion in the biphasic composite group due to the paracrine effect of the two cell types on each other.

Conclusion

For the first time, the ability of this biphasic scaffold to regenerate both tissue types was evaluated and the results showed satisfactory cellular commitment to bone and cartilage tissues. Thus, this scaffold can be considered a new strategy for the preparation of implants for OA.

The role of oxygen tension in cell fate and regenerative medicine: implications of hypoxia/hyperoxia and free radicals

Oxygen pressure plays an integral role in regulating various aspects of cellular biology. Cell metabolism, proliferation, morphology, senescence, metastasis, and angiogenesis are some instances that are affected by different tensions of oxygen. Hyperoxia or high oxygen concentration, enforces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that disturbs physiological homeostasis, and consequently, in the absence of antioxidants, cells and tissues are directed to an undesired fate. On the other side, hypoxia or low oxygen concentration, impacts cell metabolism and fate strongly through inducing changes in the expression level of specific genes. Thus, understanding the precise mechanism and the extent of the implication of oxygen tension and ROS in biological events is crucial to maintaining the desired cell and tissue function for application in regenerative medicine strategies. Herein, a comprehensive literature review has been performed to find out the impacts of oxygen tensions on the various behaviors of cells or tissues.

Age-Related Alterations in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Function: Understanding Mechanisms and Seeking Opportunities to Bypass the Cellular Aging

Undoubtedly, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most common cell therapy candidates in clinical research and therapy. They not only exert considerable therapeutic effects to alleviate inflammation and promote regeneration, but also show low-immunogenicity properties, which ensure their safety following allogeneic transplantation. Thanks to the necessity of providing a sufficient number of MSCs to achieve clinically efficient outcomes, prolonged in vitro cultivation is indisputable. However, either following long-term in vitro expansion or aging in elderly individuals, MSCs face cellular senescence. Senescent MSCs undergo an impairment in their function and therapeutic capacities and secrete degenerative factors which negatively affect young MSCs. To this end, designing novel investigations to further elucidate cellular senescence and to pave the way toward finding new strategies to reverse senescence is highly demanded. In this review, we will concisely discuss current progress on the detailed mechanisms of MSC senescence and various inflicted changes following aging in MSC. We will also shed light on the examined strategies underlying monitoring and reversing senescence in MSCs to bypass the comprised therapeutic efficacy of the senescent MSCs.

The Current Status and Future Direction of Extracellular Nano-vesicles in the Alleviation of Skin Disorders

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) that originate from endocytic membranes. The transfer of biomolecules and biological compounds such as enzymes, proteins, RNA, lipids, and cellular waste disposal through exosomes plays an essential function in cell-cell communication and regulation of pathological and physiological processes in skin disease. The skin is one of the vital organs that makes up about 8% of the total body mass. This organ consists of three layers, epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis that cover the outer surface of the body. Heterogeneity and endogeneity of exosomes is an advantage that distinguishes them from nanoparticles and liposomes and leads to their widespread usage in the remedy of dermal diseases. The biocompatible nature of these extracellular vesicles has attracted the attention of many health researchers. In this review article, we will first discuss the biogenesis of exosomes, their contents, separation methods, and the advantages and disadvantages of exosomes. Then we will highlight recent developments related to the therapeutic applications of exosomes in the treatment of common skin disorders like atopic dermatitis, alopecia, epidermolysis bullosa, keloid, melanoma, psoriasis, and systemic sclerosis.

Microfluidic Synthesis of Ultrasmall Chitosan/Graphene Quantum Dots Particles for Intranasal Delivery in Alzheimer's Disease Treatment

Nanoparticles (NPs) based therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) attract interest due to their ability to pass across or bypass the blood-brain barrier. Chitosan (CS) NPs or graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are promising drug carriers with excellent physicochemical and electrical properties. The current study proposes the combination of CS and GQDs in ultrasmall NP form not as drug carriers but as theranostic agents for AD. The microfluidic-based synthesis of the CS/GQD NPs with optimized characteristics makes them ideal for transcellular transfer and brain targeting after intranasal (IN) delivery. The NPs have the ability to enter the cytoplasm of C6 glioma cells in vitro and show dose and time-dependent effects on the viability of the cells. IN administration of the NPs to streptozotocin (STZ) induced AD-like models lead to a significant number of entrances of the treated rats to the target arm in the radial arm water maze (RAWM) test. It shows the positive effect of the NPs on the memory recovery of the treated rats. The NPs are detectable in the brain via in vivo bioimaging due to GQDs as diagnostic markers. The noncytotoxic NPs localize in the myelinated axons of hippocampal neurons. They do not affect the clearance of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques at intercellular space. Moreover, they showed no positive impact on the enhancement of MAP2 and NeuN expression as markers of neural regeneration. The memory improvement in treated AD rats may be due to neuroprotection via the anti-inflammation effect and regulation of the brain tissue microenvironment that needs to be studied.

Computational assessment of lipid facilitated membrane permeation of vancomycin using force-probe molecular dynamic simulation

In this study the efficacy of different edible lipids for drug permeation enhancement of vancomycin through biological membrane was investigated using molecular dynamic simulation. In this regard, at first the ability of the lipids for complex formation with the drug was evaluated for number of most common edible lipids including tripalmitin (TPA), trimyristin (TMY), labrafil (LAB), glycerol monostearate (GMS), glycerol monooleate (GMO), Distearoylphosphorylethanolamine (DSPE), dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE), Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), cholesterol (CL), stearic acid (SA), palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA). Then the complexes were pulled thorough a bilayer membrane while the changes in force were probed. The results showed that besides the SA, PA and OA the other examined lipids were able to perform a perfect molecular complex with the drug. Also the results of pulling simulation revealed that the least of force was needed for drug transmittance through the membrane when it was covered by LAB, TMY and DSPE. These results indicated that these lipids can be the excellent materials of choice as permeation enhancer for preparing a proper oral formulation of vancomycin.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Microfluidic synthesis of zoledronic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles used for osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal cells

Zoledronic acid (ZA) is known as a potent bisphosphonate in osteogenic differentiation, but at high doses, it possesses toxic effects and causes decreased proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Therefore, encapsulation of ZA into nanoparticles and control of its release is expected to promote differentiation of stem cells into osteoblasts. The present work aimed to develop a simple method for synthesis of monodisperse ZA-loaded chitosan (CS) nanoparticles. In this regard, we proposed a microfluidic synthesis of nanoparticles through the ionic cross-linking of CS in the presence of ZA without a crosslinker. The main advantages of these microfluidic generated nanoparticles were narrow size distribution and fine spherical shape. Conversely, the nanoparticles that were synthesized using a bulk mixing method had an irregular shape with a broad size distribution. Real-time PCR assay as well as alizarin red staining were used to evaluate the in-vitro osteogenic potential of the nanoparticles. The results indicated that the controlled release of ZA from the microfluidic system generated uniform nanoparticles, improving the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Additionally, this microfluidic device provided the well-controlled synthesis of novel nanoparticles with a modified CS macromolecular polymer for targeted drug delivery systems.

Evaluation of Lactobacillus plantarum and PRGF as a new bioactive multi-layered scaffold PU/PRGF/gelatin/PU for wound healing

The effect of tissue engineering strategies in combination with Lactobacillus plantarum and platelet-rich growth factor (PRGF) with the aim of creating an appropriate wound dressing can be useful in wound healing and infection prevention in patients suffering from acute and chronic skin damages. Therefore, in this study, a new approach was employed to create a bioactive multilayer electrospun scaffold composed of polyurethane (PU), PRGF, and gelatin fibers, then human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs), fibroblast cells (HU-02) and L. plantarum were cultured on the scaffold. The physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity of the scaffold were evaluated. In addition, the expression of the migration and proliferation genes of fibroblast cells were investigated by real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Mitochondrial activity assays revealed that PRFG and L. plantarum had a significant positive effect on the viability of target co-cultured cells.Fluorescent and SEM (scanning electron microscopy) images presented the cells and bacterial proliferation and adhesion in hydrophilic scaffolds within 21 days. The sustained release of PRGF from scaffolds with a zero-order pattern was confirmed. RT-PCR analysis revealed that PRGF elevated the expression of VEGF genes up to fourfold, but L. plantarum had a better effect on DDR2 gene expression compared to the TCPS group. Antibacterial tests showed that L. plantarum has a bacterial load reduction of more than 70% in CFU/mL. The present scaffold is an appropriate model for cell attachment, migration, proliferation, and infection prevention.

Evaluation of in vitro coculture of keratinocytes derived from foreskin and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) on a multilayer oxygen-releasing electrospun scaffold based on PU/PCL.Sodium percarbonate (SPC)-gelatine/PU

Despite significant advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine during the last two decades, the fabrication of proper scaffolds with appropriate cells can still be considered a critical achievement in this field. Hypoxia is a major stumbling block to chronic wound healing, which restrains tissue engineering plans because a lack of oxygen may cause cell death. This study evaluated the cocultured human keratinocytes and human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) on a multilayer oxygen-releasing electrospun scaffold based on PU/PCL.Sodium percarbonate (SPC)-gelatin/PU. The scaffold was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. Flow cytometry confirmed mesenchymal stem cells, and then the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and DAPI staining were used to assess the in vitro biocompatibility of the scaffold. The experimental results showed that the multilayer electrospun scaffold containing 2.5% SPC could efficiently produce oxygen. Furthermore, according to cell viability results, this structure makes a suitable substrate for the coculture of keratinocytes and AMSCs. Gene expression analysis of various markers such as Involucrin, Cytokeratin 10, and Cytokeratin 14 after 14 days confirmed that keratinocytes and AMSCs coculture on PU/PCL.SPC-gelatin/PU electrospun scaffold promotes dermal differentiation and epithelial proliferation compared to keratinocytes single-cell culture. Therefore, our study supports using oxygen-releasing scaffolds as a potential strategy to hasten skin tissue regeneration. Based on the results, this structure is suggested as a promising candidate for cell-based skin tissue engineering. Given that the developed oxygen-generating polymeric electrospun scaffolds could be used as part of a future strategy for skin tissue engineering, the PU/PCL.SPC-gelatin/PU hybrid electrospun multilayer scaffold in combination with keratinocyte/AMSC coculture is proposed as an effective substrate for skin tissue engineering and regenerative medicine platforms.

Biomimetic biphasic scaffolds in osteochondral tissue engineering: Their composition, structure and consequences

Approaches to the design and construction of biomimetic scaffolds for osteochondral tissue, show increasing advances. Considering the limitations of this tissue in terms of repair and regeneration, there is a need to develop appropriately designed scaffolds. A combination of biodegradable polymers especially natural polymers and bioactive ceramics, shows promise in this field. Due to the complicated architecture of this tissue, biphasic and multiphasic scaffolds containing two or more different layers, could mimic the physiology and function of this tissue with a higher degree of similarity. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the approaches focused on the application of biphasic scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering, common methods of combining layers and the ultimate consequences of their use in patients were discussed.

3D-printed MgO nanoparticle loaded polycaprolactone β-tricalcium phosphate composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications: In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation

Magnesium (Mg) plays an important role in controlling bone apatite structure and density and is a potential bioactive material in repairing critical-sized bone defects. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of adding NanoMgO to polycaprolactone/beta-tricalcium phosphate (PCL/β-TCP) scaffolds on bone regeneration. Novel 3D-printed porous PCL/β-TCP composite scaffolds containing 10% nanoMgO were fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM) and compared with PCL/β-TCP (1:1) scaffolds (control). The morphology and physicochemical properties of the scaffolds were characterized by ATR-FTIR, XRD, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), transmission-electron-microscopy (TEM), water contact angle, and compressive strength tests and correlated to its cytocompatibility and osteogenic capacity in-vitro. To evaluate in-vivo osteogenic capacity, bone-marrow-derived stem cell (BMSC)-loaded scaffolds were implanted into 8 mm rat critical-sized calvarial defects for 12 weeks. The hydrophilic scaffolds showed 50% porosity (pore size = 504 μm). MgO nanoparticles (91.5 ± 27.6 nm) were homogenously dispersed and did not adversely affect BMSCs' viability and differentiation. Magnesium significantly increased elastic modulus, pH, and degradation. New bone formation (NBF) in Micro-CT was 30.16 ± 0.31% and 23.56 ± 1.76% in PCL/β-TCP/nanoMgO scaffolds with and without BMSCs respectively, and 19.38 ± 2.15% and 15.75 ± 2.24% in PCL/β-TCP scaffolds with and without BMSCs respectively. Angiogenesis was least remarkable in PCL/β-TCP compared with other groups (p < .05). Our results suggest that the PCL/β-TCP/nanoMgO scaffold is a more suitable bone substitute compared to PCL/β-TCP in critical-sized calvarial defects.

Repairing rat calvarial defects by adipose mesenchymal stem cells and novel freeze-dried three-dimensional nanofibrous scaffolds

Introduction: Treatment of critical-sized bone defects is challenging. Tissue engineering as a state-of-the-art method has been concerned with treating these non-self-healing bone defects. Here, we studied the potentials of new three-dimensional nanofibrous scaffolds (3DNS) with and without human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) for reconstructing rat critical-sized calvarial defects (CSCD). Methods: Scaffolds were made from 1- polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (PTFE/ PVA group), and 2- PTFE, PVA, and graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticle (PTFE/ PVA/GO group) and seeded by ADSCs and incubated in osteogenic media (OM). The expression of key osteogenic proteins including Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), collagen type Iα (COL Iα), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteonectin (ON) at days 14 and 21 of culture were evaluated by western blot and immunocytochemistry methods. Next, 40 selected rats were assigned to five groups (n=8) to create CSCD which will be filled by scaffolds or cell-containing scaffolds. The groups were denominated as the following order: Control (empty defects), PTFE/PVA (PTFE/PVA scaffolds implant), PTFE/PVA/GO (PTFE/PVA/GO scaffolds implant), PTFE/PVA/Cell group (PTFE/PVA scaffolds containing ADSCs implant), and PTFE/PVA/GO/Cell group (PTFE/PVA/GO scaffolds containing ADSCs implant). Six and 12 weeks after implantation, the animals were sacrificed and bone regeneration was evaluated using computerized tomography (CT), and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Results: Based on the in-vitro study, expression of bone-related proteins in ADSCs seeded on PTFE/PVA/GO scaffolds were significantly higher than PTFE/PVA scaffolds and TCPS (P<0.05). Based on the in-vivo study, bone regeneration in CSCD were filled with PTFE/PVA/GO scaffolds containing ADSCs were significantly higher than PTFE/PVA scaffolds containing ADSCs (P<0.05). CSCD filled with cell-seeded scaffolds showed higher bone regeneration in comparison with CSCD filled with scaffolds only (P<0.05). Conclusion: The data provided evidence showing new freeze-dried nanofibrous scaffolds formed from hydrophobic (PTFE) and hydrophilic (PVA) polymers with and without GO provide a suitable environment for ADSCs due to the expression of bone-related proteins. ADSCs and GO in the implanted scaffolds had a distinct effect on the bone regeneration process in this in-vivo study.

Coxiella burnetii and Borrelia spp. in peripheral blood of dromedary camels in Fars, Iran: molecular characterization, hematological parameters, and acute-phase protein alterations

Background

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are raised in extremely strict ecological conditions of deserts. Camels are vulnerable to many zoonotic infections. There are limited data on the occurrence of Q fever and borreliosis in camels, in Iran.

Aims

The current study was focused on the occurrence of Coxiella burnetii and Borrelia spp. infection in the blood samples of Iranian camels using molecular assays. Effect of the presence of these infections on various hematological factors and some acute-phase proteins (Hp, a1AGP, SAA) were also investigated.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 113 clinically healthy camels to investigate the presence of the infections using nested PCR. Moreover, the sequence of positive samples was analyzed phylogenetically. Routine haematological tests were performed and the concentrations of acute-phase proteins were measured in serum using enzyme immunoassay.

Results

PCR result showed that 6.19% (95% CI: 2.53-12.35%) (7/113) of camels were positive for C. burnetii. In addition, sequencing results of the corresponding gene of the outer membrane protein (com1) revealed two different genotypes of C. burnetii agent in camels from Southern Iran. In the PCR assay, Borrelia spp. DNA was not detected in the samples. No significant difference was observed in hematological parameters or acute-phase proteins between positive and negative Q fever camels except for mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and red cell distribution width (RDW).

Conclusion

Clinically healthy camels might be very important reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Q fever is not considered a notifiable disease in camels of Iran, and clinical cases may scarcely be recognized by the healthcare system. Due to a lack of adequate information, additional studies on the molecular epidemiology and clinical pathology aspects of C. burnetii infection in Iran are needed.

Surface Coating of Polyurethane Films with Gelatin, Aspirin and Heparin to Increase the Hemocompatibility of Artificial Vascular Grafts

Purpose: A hemocompatible substrate can offer a wonderful facility for nitric oxide (NO) production by vascular endothelial cells in reaction to the inflammation following injuries. NO inhibits platelet aggregation this is especially critical in small-diameter vessels. Methods: The substrate films were made of polyurethane (PU) in a casting process and after plasma treatments, their surface was chemically decorated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 2000, gelatin, gelatin-aspirin, gelatin-heparin and gelatin-aspirin-heparin. The concentrations of these ingredients were optimized in order to achieve the biocompatible values and the resulting modifications were characterized by water contact angle and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) assays. The values of NO production and platelet adhesion were then examined. Results: The water contact angle of the modified surface was reduced to 26±4^∘ and the newly developed hydrophilic chemical groups were confirmed by FTIR. The respective concentrations of 0.05 mg/ml and 100 mg/mL were found to be the IC50 values for aspirin and heparin. However, after the surface modification with aspirin, the bioactivity of the substrate increased in compared to the other experimental groups. In addition, there was a synergistic effect between these reagents for NO synthesis. While, heparin inhibited platelet adhesion more than aspirin. Conclusion: Because of the highly hydrophilic nature of heparin, this reagent was hydrolyzed faster than aspirin and therefore its influence on platelet aggregation and cell growth was greater. Taken together, the results give the biocompatible concentrations of both biomolecules that are required for endothelial cell proliferation, NO synthesis and platelet adhesion.

Brain Homogenate of a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease Modifies the Secretome of 3D Cultured Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells: A Potential Neuroregenerative Therapy

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease leading to neuronal cell death and manifested by cognitive disorders and behavioral impairment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most promising candidates to stimulate neuroregeneration and prevent disease progression. Optimization of MSC culturing protocols is a key strategy to increase the therapeutic potential of the secretome.

Objectives

Here, we investigated the effect of brain homogenate of a rat model of AD (BH-AD) on the enhancement of protein secretion in the secretome of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) when cultured in a 3D environment. Moreover, the effect of this modified secretome was examined on neural cells to study the impact of the conditioned medium (CM) on stimulation of regeneration or immunomodulation in AD.

Methods

PDLSCs were isolated and characterized. Then, the spheroids of PDLSCs were generated in a modified 3D culture plate. PDLSCs-derived CM was prepared in the presence of BH-AD (PDLSCs-HCM) and the absence of it (PDLSCs-CM). The viability of C6 glioma cells was assessed after exposure to different concentrations of both CMs. Then, a proteomic analysis was performed on the CMs.

Results

Differentiation into adipocytes and high expression of MSCs markers verified the precise isolation of PDLSCs. The PDLSC spheroids were formed after 7 days of 3D culturing, and their viability was confirmed. The effect of CMs on C6 glioma cell viability showed that both CMs at low concentrations (> 20 mg/mL) had no cytotoxic effect on C6 neural cells. The results showed that PDLSCs-HCM contains higher concentrations of proteins compared to PDLSCs-CM, including Src-homology 2 domain (SH2)-containing PTPs (SHP-1) and muscle glycogen phosphorylase (PYGM) proteins. SHP-1 has a role in nerve regeneration, and PYGM is involved in glycogen metabolism.

Conclusions

The modified secretome derived from 3D cultured spheroids of PDLSCs treated by BH-AD as a reservoir of regenerating neural factors can serve as a potential source for AD treatment.

Overexpression of VEGF in dermal fibroblast cells accelerates the angiogenesis and wound healing function: in vitro and in vivo studies

Fibroblasts are the main cells of connective tissue and have pivotal roles in the proliferative and maturation phases of wound healing. These cells can secrete various cytokines, growth factors, and collagen. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a unique factor in the migration process of fibroblast cells through induces wound healing cascade components such as angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and epithelialization. This study aimed to create VEGF₁₆₅ overexpressing fibroblast cells to evaluate angiogenesis function in wound healing. In vitro, a novel recombinant expression vector, pcDNA3.1(-)-VEGF, was produced and transfected into the fibroblast cells. Following selecting fibroblast cells with hygromycin, recombinant cells were investigated in terms of VEGF expression by quantifying and qualifying methods. Mechanical, physical, and survival properties of polyurethane-cellulose acetate (PU-CA) scaffold were investigated. Finally, in vivo, the angiogenic potential was evaluated in four groups containing control, PU-CA, PU-CA with fibroblast cells, and VEGF-expressing cells on days 0, 2, 5, 12 and 15. Wound biopsies were harvested and the healing process was histopathologically evaluated on different days. qRT-PCR showed VEGF overexpression (sevenfold) in genetically-manipulated cells compared to fibroblast cells. Recombinant VEGF expression was also confirmed by western blotting. Manipulated fibroblast cells represented more angiogenesis than other groups on the second day after surgery, which was also confirmed by the antiCD31 antibody. The percentage of wound closure area on day 5 in genetically-manipulated Hu02 and Hu02 groups showed a significant reduction of wound area compared to other groups. These findings indicate that overexpression of VEGF₁₆₅ in fibroblast cells results in enhanced angiogenesis and formation of granulated tissue in the early stage of the healing process, which can show its therapeutic potential in patients with impaired wound healing and also provide functional support for gene therapy.

A smart magnetic hydrogel containing exosome promotes osteogenic commitment of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Objectives

Exosomes, as nano-sized extracellular vehicles acting as cell-to-cell communicators, are novel promising therapeutics in the area of bone tissue engineering. Moreover, magnetic nanoparticles, whose integration with other appropriate components is viewed as an intriguing approach to strengthen bone tissue engineering efficacy. We investigated the effect of magnetic enriched with exosomes on osteogenic differentiation.

Materials and Methods

Exosomes were isolated from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells by Exo-spin™ kit (MSC-EX). Alginate (Alg) scaffold containing 1% (w/w) cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4) was produced. MSC-EX were gently loaded onto Alg and Alg-cobalt ferrite (Alg-CF) scaffolds yielding Alg-EX and Alg-CF-EX scaffolds. The effects of MSC-Ex and magnetic hydrogel composite under an external static magnetic field (SMF) on proliferation and differentiation of MSCs were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measurement, alizarin red staining, and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis.

Results

Our results showed that Alg and Alg-CF scaffolds were not only cytotoxic but also supported AdMSCs proliferation. MSC-EX loading of the scaffolds enhanced AdMSCs proliferation significantly. According to the results, Alg-CF-EX scaffolds under magnetic stimulation exhibited the most potent effect on osteogenic differentiation of cultured AdMSCs as evidenced by higher ALP activity and mineralization.

Conclusion

We provided evidence that the combination of Alg hydrogel, CFNPs, and MSC-EX resulted in the construction of a bone tissue-engineering scaffold that highly supports the osteogenic commitment of MSCs.

Preparation of poly(acrylic acid)/tricalcium phosphate nanoparticles scaffold: Characterization and releasing UC-MSCs derived exosomes for bone differentiation

Introduction

This study focused on preparing a multiscale three-dimensional (3D) scaffold using tricalcium phosphate nanoparticles (triCaPNPs) in a substrate of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) polymer for controlled release of exosomes in bone tissue engineering.

Methods

A scaffold was fabricated with a material mixture containing acrylic acid (AA) monomer, N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA), ammonium persulfate (APS), sodium bicarbonate (SBC), and triCaPNPs called composite scaffold (PAA/triCaPNPs) via cross-linking and freeze-drying methods. The synthesis process was easy and without complex multi-steps. Through mimicking the hybrid (organic-inorganic) structure of the bone matrix, we here chose triCaPNPs for incorporation into the PAA polymer. After assessing the physicochemical properties of the scaffold, the interaction of the scaffold with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) such as attachment, proliferation, and differentiation to osteoblast cells was evaluated. In addition, we used DiI-labeled exosomes to verify the exosome entrapment and release from the scaffold.

Results

The polymerization reaction of 3D scaffold was successful. Based on results of physicochemical properties, the presence of nanoparticles in the composite scaffold enhanced the mechanical stiffness, boosted the porosity with a larger pore size range, and offered better hydrophilicity, all of which would contribute to greater cell penetration, proliferation, and then better bone differentiation. In addition, our results indicated that our scaffold could take up and release exosomes, where the exosomes released from it could significantly enhance the osteogenic commitment of UC-MSCs.

Conclusion

The current research is the first study fabricating a multiscale scaffold using triCaPNPs in the substrate of PPA polymer using a cross-linker and freeze-drying process. This scaffold could mimic the nanoscale structure and chemical combination of native bone minerals. In addition, our results suggest that the PAA/triCaPNPs scaffold could be beneficial to achieve controlled exosome release for exosome-based therapy in bone tissue engineering.

Whole genome and transcriptome analysis enhances precision cancer treatment options

BACKGROUND

Recent advances are enabling delivery of precision genomic medicine to cancer clinics. While the majority of approaches profile panels of selected genes or hotspot regions, comprehensive data provided by whole genome and transcriptome sequencing and analysis (WGTA) presents an opportunity to align a much larger proportion of patients to therapies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Samples from 570 patients with advanced or metastatic cancer of diverse types enrolled in the Personalized OncoGenomics (POG) program underwent WGTA. DNA-based data, including mutations, copy number, and mutation signatures, were combined with RNA-based data, including gene expression and fusions, to generate comprehensive WGTA profiles. A multidisciplinary molecular tumour board used WGTA profiles to identify and prioritize clinically actionable alterations and inform therapy. Patient responses to WGTA-informed therapies were collected.

RESULTS

Clinically actionable targets were identified for 83% of patients, 37% of whom received WGTA-informed treatments. RNA expression data were particularly informative, contributing to 67% of WGTA-informed treatments; 25% of treatments were informed by RNA expression alone. Of a total 248 WGTA-informed treatments, 46% resulted in clinical benefit. RNA expression data were comparable to DNA-based mutation and copy number data in aligning to clinically beneficial treatments. Genome signatures also guided therapeutics including platinum, PARP inhibitors, and immunotherapies. Patients accessed WGTA-informed treatments through clinical trials (19%), off-label use (35%), and as standard therapies (46%) including those which would not otherwise have been the next choice of therapy, demonstrating the utility of genomic information to direct use of chemotherapies as well as targeted therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrating RNA expression and genome data illuminated treatment options that resulted in 46% of treated patients experiencing positive clinical benefit, supporting the use of comprehensive WGTA profiling in clinical cancer care.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

NCT02155621.

Aspirin effect on bone remodeling and skeletal regeneration: Review article

Bone tissues are one of the most complex tissues in the body that regenerate and repair themselves spontaneously under the right physiological conditions. Within the limitations of treating bone defects, mimicking tissue engineering through the recruitment of scaffolds, cell sources and growth factors, is strongly recommended. Aspirin is one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and has been used in clinical studies for many years due to its anti-coagulant effect. On the other hand, aspirin and other NSAIDs activate cytokines and some mediators in osteoclasts, osteoblasts and their progenitor cells in a defect area, thereby promoting bone regeneration. It also stimulates angiogenesis by increasing migration of endothelial cells and the newly developed vessels are of emergency in bone fracture repair. This review covers the role of aspirin in bone tissue engineering and also, highlights its chemical reactions, mechanisms, dosages, anti-microbial and angiogenesis activities.

Synergistic effect of quercetin and cobalt ferrite-graphene oxide-based hyperthermia to inhibit expression of heat shock proteins and induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells

Background: Combinatorial medicine includes promising therapeutic methods for diseases such as cancer, whereby various biochemical and physical agents are simultaneously used to remove tumors. For example, the effectiveness of hyperthermia as a new technique for cancer therapy, can be enhanced, if it is combined with chemical compounds. Herein, the influence of quercetin as a heat shock protein (HSP) inhibitor on the efficiency of cobalt ferrite-graphene oxide (CoFe2O4-GO) nanoparticles- based hyperthermia was investigated in an in vitro study. Methods: Firstly, the surface of graphene sheets was decorated with CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (5-8 nm) and assayed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The cytotoxic effect of the corresponding co-implementation was then examined in MCF7 cell line with or without hyperthermia by (3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) test for 24, 48 and 72 hrs. In addition, the expression of Bax, Bcl2 and HSP70 genes and the production of radicals were evaluated by Real-Time PCR and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assays respectively. Results: The study showed that the doses associated with the IC50 points for quercetin and the CoFe2O4-GO nanocomposite were 0.02 mg/ml and 0.001 g/ml, respectively. The results showed that the simultaneous treatment of the cancer cells with quercetin, the nanocomposite, and hyperthermia significantly improves the cytotoxicity effect, increases the expression of Bax gene and down-regulates HSP70 and Bcl2 genes. In addition, the greatest attenuation of DPPH free radicals was observed in the corresponding group. Conclusion: The hybrid treatment of quercetin and the nanoparticle in the presence of hyperthermia could be considered as a promising approach for cancer therapy with minor side effects.

Immunological and bacteriological quality of fresh cow colostrum and passive immunity transfer in selected dairy farms in Fars, Iran

Background

The quality of colostrum is affected by IgG level and microbial load.

Aims

The quality of colostrum used in feeding dairy calves and passive immunity transfer in selected dairy farms in Fars province, Iran was investigated.

Methods

A total of 75 colostrum and neonatal blood samples were collected from 11 herds. The immunological quality of colostrum was assessed using a Brix digital refractometer. The bacteriological quality was assessed by performing total plate count (TPC), total coliform count (TCC), spore-former count, fungi count, and species-specific PCR assay to detect some bacterial species.

Results

The mean Brix of colostrum samples was 25.4% and 72% of the samples had a Brix score ≥22%. The mean serum Brix and the prevalence of failure of passive transfer (FPT) were 10% and 4%, respectively. The mean TPC, TCC, spore-former count, and fungi count were 3.6 × 10⁵, 2.8 × 10⁴, 3.2 × 10⁴, and 1.1 × 10⁴ CFU/ml, respectively. The results showed that 50, 5.9, and 4% of colostrum samples were positive for Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp. and Maycobacterium paratuberculosis, respectively. There was no evidence of contamination with Brucella spp., Corynebacterium bovis and Mycoplasma bovis.

Conclusion

Considering all colostrum quality indicators comprehensively, only 37.3% of the studied samples met the industry standard. A large number of calves were at risk of receiving poor quality colostrum, especially in terms of microbial contamination. Further researches are needed to evaluate the colostrum management and the effect of bacterial contamination of colostrum on the health of neonate calves in this region.

Optimization of Nanoclay/Polyacrylonitrile Scaffold Using Response Surface Method for Bone Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Response surface methodology (RSM) based on the D-optimal algorithm was employed here for the electrospinning of nanoclay/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite scaffold by the aim of obtaining the lower fiber diameter and better mechanical properties for bone regeneration. The input parameters included the electrospinning voltage, flow rate and the ratio of nanoclay/PAN and the obtained values for the optimum point were 17 kV for the applied voltage, 0.41 ml/hr for flow rate, and 19.06% for the nanoclay/PAN ratio. The composite scaffold was fabricated in accordance with these optimum values and then studied by scanning electron microscopy and tensile apparatus. The fiber diameter and Young's modulus of the prepared scaffold were respectively 145 ± 12 nm and 267 ± 8.7 MPa that the values were between predicted by RSM. Moreover, the biocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation of the composite scaffold were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and alkaline phosphatase assays. The bare scaffold and tissue culture polystyrene were used as control groups. The results approved stronger bioactivity and bone regeneration with the composite scaffold as a presence of clay nanoparticles.

----Evaluation of Design and Fabrication of Food-Grade Nanofibers from Chitosan-Gelatin for Nanoencapsulation of Stigmasterol Using the Electrospinning Method

Purpose: In this research, electrospinning method was employed to fabricate food-grade nanofibers (NFs) from chitosan-gelatin combination for stigmasterol encapsulation. The spinnability of mixed chitosan and gelatin solutions was investigated at different polymer ratios, and the physicochemical properties of the NFs were evaluated.

Methods: The mixture solution of chitosan (1.5 % w/v) and gelatin (20 % w/v) in acetic acid indicated spinnability under the following conditions: the ratio of 25:75, voltage of 17 kV, and 15 cm capillary collector distance with a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. Stigmasterol (0.04 % w/v) was incorporated into NFs of chitosan-gelatin at a respective ratio of 25:75.

Results: Encapsulation efficiency (EE) of loaded stigmasterol was found to be 87 ± 5 %. The antioxidant ability of loaded stigmasterol was considerably higher than that observed for free stigmasterol. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results demonstrated the formation of the ultrathin fibers with no bead (with diameters of 217 ± 43 nm). The concentration of polymeric solution and viscosity had a notable effect on the electrospinning efficiency of the chitosan-gelatin-based NFs. The thermal stability of chitosan and gelatin fibers was more than that of native gelatin and chitosan. The in vitro stigmasterol release from these NFs followed a controlled-release pattern. The released phytosterol from chitosan formula was less than from those without chitosan formula (46 ± 3 % and 96 ± 4 % respectively).

Conclusion: The obtained results suggested that gelatin had a high potential for enhancing the spinnability of chitosan under acidic conditions at optimized concentrations.

Evaluation of in vitro fibroblast migration by electrospun triple-layered PU-CA/gelatin.PRGF/PU-CA scaffold using an AAVS1 targeted EGFP reporter cell line

Introduction: Migration of fibroblast cells in wound areas is a critical aspect of the wound healing process. Employment of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) labeled fibroblast cells facilitates real-time monitoring and functional evaluation of these cells in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Plasma rich in growth factor (PRGF) is a potent accelerator of wound healing; therefore, in this study, a novel method to fabricate an electrospun bioactive scaffold containing PRGF was employed to induce in vitro cell proliferation and migration.

Methods: First, the EGFP reporter gene was integrated into the AAVS1 locus of fibroblast cells using CRISPR/Cas9 system. Then, PRGF was obtained from platelet-rich plasma, and a multi-layered scaffold was fabricated using polyurethane-cellulose acetate (PU-CA) fibers as the outer layers and PRGF-containing gelatin fibers were located in the internal layer like a central strip. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile, water contact angle, and FTIR tests were performed to assess the characteristics of the scaffolds. The EGFP targeted cells were cultured on scaffolds with or without PRGF to investigate their viability, toxicity, and migration pattern in response to the release profile.

Results: Fluorescence images showed that the number of migrating cells on scaffold containing PRGF was more significant than PU-CA scaffold up to day 6. Increased expression of SGPL1, DDR2, and VEGF genes was also observed on the scaffold containing PRGF compared to PU-CA using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis with around 3-, 2-, and 2-fold enhancement, respectively.

Conclusion: The current scaffold provides the appropriate template for cell attachment and migration. In addition, the present results highlight the potential of reporter gene targeting for the in vitro analysis of biological processes such as migration.

Polyethylene glycol triggers the anti-cancer impact of curcumin nanoparticles in sw-1736 thyroid cancer cells

Curcumin has been recognized as an effective anticancer agent. However, due to its hydrophobic property, the cell absorption is not satisfied. Herein, the curcumin nanoparticles were prepared in the presence of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) to reduce its elimination by immune system. For first time, not only the curcumin was encapsulated within the niosome nanoparticles modified by PEG, there are no reports related to the anticancer property of curcumin against thyroid cancers. The nanoparticles was developed and its anticancer was studied on sw-1736 cancer cell line. The nanoparticles were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Also, the release profile of curcumin, the IC50 concentration, the radical amount and the gene expression were evaluated. The optimized nanoparticles showed a diameter of 212 ± 31 nm by SEM and the encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of 76% and 16.8% respectively. DLS confirmed the polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.596 and the release model was shown a sustained release with the delivery of 68% curcumin after 6 days. Also, the nanoparticles indicated the higher storage stability at 4 °C. After the cell treatment, the apoptotic bodies were appeared and IC50 was obtained as 0.159 mM. Moreover, the generated radicals by the treated cells was 86% after 72 h and the gene pattern indicated the bax/bcl2 ratio of 6.83 confirming the apoptosis effect of the nanoparticles. The results approved the nanoparticles could be suggested as an anticancer drug candidate for thyroid cancers. The encapsulated curcumin within the niosome nanoparticles modified with PEG, could be released and up-taken by the thyroid cancer cell line due to the same hydrophobic property of cell membrane and the niosome particles. The reaction between curcumin and cellular components generates radicals and activates the apoptotic pathway. The corresponding reaction finally makes cell death.

Cartilage tissue engineering by co-transplantation of chondrocyte extracellular vesicles and mesenchymal stem cells, entrapped in chitosan-hyaluronic acid hydrogel

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on injectable hydrogels are mostly used to regenerate articular cartilage, which would have a variety of outcomes. Chondrocyte extracellular vesicles (EVs) have attracted many attentions for their chondrogenic differentiation capacity; however, the roles of EVs in both chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs and cartilage regeneration are poorly understood yet. In the current study, to investigate the differentiation effects of human articular chondrocyte EVs on adipose-derived MSCs, they were cultured in injectable chitosan-hyaluronic acid (CS-HA) hydrogel and then treated with chondrocyte EVs for 21 days. The continuous treatment of EVs performed on MSCs increased chondrogenic genes' expressions ofSOX9andCOL2A1and induced expression of Col II protein. In addition, glycosaminoglycans secretion was detected in the EV-treated MSCs after about 14 days. The therapeutic efficiency of this hydrogel and EVs was studied in a rabbit osteochondral defect model. MRI results revealed that the cartilage regeneration capacity of EV-treated MSCs with CS-HA hydrogel was greater than the untreated MSCs or the EV-treated MSCs without hydrogel. Moreover, histological results showed hyaline-like cartilage in the CS-HA/MSC and CS-HA/EV/MSC groups in the cartilage defect sites. These findings suggested that the chondrocyte-EVs and CS-HA hydrogel could provide the preferable niche for chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs and cartilage regeneration in osteoarthritis cartilage injuries.

The utility of dermal fibroblasts in treatment of skin disorders: A paradigm of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Dermal fibroblasts are the most accessible cells in the skin that have gained significant attention in cell therapy. Applying dermal fibroblasts' regenerative capacity can introduce new patterns to develop cell-based therapies to treat skin disorders. Dermal fibroblasts originate from mesenchymal cells and are located within the dermis. These cells are mainly responsible for synthesizing glycosaminoglycans, collagens, and components of extracellular matrix supporting skin's structural integrity. Preclinical studies suggested that allogeneic and autologous dermal fibroblasts provide widespread and beneficial applications for wound healing, burn ulcers, and inherited skin disorders. In this regard, generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from fibroblasts and gene-edited fibroblasts are promising approaches for treating skin disorders. Here, we aimed to review literature about ongoing and completed clinical trials that applied fibroblasts and bioengineered fibroblasts as therapeutic agents for various skin disorders. This review explores cell therapy protocols from the earliest phase of allogeneic and autologous fibroblasts development in different benches to translating them into bedside-level treatment for skin disorders, particularly recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Effects of in vitro low oxygen tension preconditioning of buccal fat pad stem cells on in Vivo articular cartilage tissue repair

AIMS

Progenitor cells-based regenerative strategy has shown promise to repair cartilage, an avascular tissue in which cells experience hypoxia. Hypoxia is known to improve the early chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether hypoxia preconditioning could be used to enhance the regenerative potential of the combination of buccal fat pad stem cells (BFPSCs) and bilayer chitosan-based hydrogel scaffold for articular cartilage repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human BFPSCs were seeded on the bilayer chitosan-based hydrogel scaffolds in the culture medium. The viability and proliferation of cells on the scaffolds were monitored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), MTT assay, and DAPI staining. Hypoxia preconditioned BFPSCs-seeded scaffolds were transplanted into rabbit articular cartilage knee defects for 12 weeks. The newly formed tissue was evaluated by cartilage-specific immunohistological analysis and histological staining.

KEY FINDINGS

It was found that the chondrogenic differentiation and osteochondral conjunction in articular cartilage defect via BFPSCs-seeded bilayer scaffolds was enhanced by hypoxic preconditioning compared to a normoxic environment.

SIGNIFICANCE

Based on our study, the integrity with subchondral bone in osteochondral defect was enhanced by BFPSCs on bilayer scaffold. Thus, this study provides evidence on the design of preconditioned cell-seeded bilayer hydrogels for articular cartilage regeneration.

Comprehensive comparison between 222 CTLA-4 haploinsufficiency and 212 LRBA deficiency patients: a systematic review

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) haploinsufficiency (CHAI) and lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor (LRBA) deficiency (LATAIE) are newly identified inborn errors of immunity with shared molecular pathomechanisms and clinical manifestations. In this review, we aimed to provide differential comparisons regarding demographic, clinical, immunological and molecular characteristics between these two similar conditions. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases and included studies were systematically evaluated. Overall, 434 (222 CHAI and 212 LATAIE) patients were found in 101 eligible studies. The CHAI patients were mainly reported from North America and western Europe, while LATAIE patients were predominantly from Asian countries. In CHAI, positive familial history (P < 0·001) and in LATAIE, consanguineous parents (P < 0·001) were more common. In CHAI patients the rates of granulomas (P < 0·001), malignancies (P = 0·001), atopy (P = 0·001), cutaneous disorders (P < 0·001) and neurological (P = 0·002) disorders were higher, while LATAIE patients were more commonly complicated with life-threatening infections (P = 0·002), pneumonia (P = 0·006), ear, nose and throat disorders (P < 0·001), organomegaly (P = 0·023), autoimmune enteropathy (P = 0·038) and growth failure (P < 0·001). Normal lymphocyte subsets and immunoglobulins except low serum levels of CD9⁺ B cells (14·0 versus 38·4%, P < 0·001), natural killer (NK) cells (21 versus 41·1%, P < 0·001), immunoglobulin (Ig)G (46·9 versus 41·1%, P = 0·291) and IgA (54·5 versus 44·7%, P = 0·076) were found in the majority of CHAI and LATAIE patients, respectively. The most frequent biological immunosuppressive agents prescribed for CHAI and LATAIE patients were rituximab and abatacept, respectively. Further investigations into the best conditioning and treatment regimens pre- and post-transplantation are required to improve the survival rate of transplanted CHAI and LATAIE patients.

Impaired atrial electromechanical coupling in lichen planus patients

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Lichen planus (LP) which is a chronic inflammatory disease can cause impaired atrial electromechanical coupling, leading to increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

Purpose

The present study aimed to evaluate atrial electromechanical coupling in LP patients by using electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography.

Methods

Forty-six LP patients were investigated in this cross-sectional case-control study. The control group comprised healthy individuals selected in age and gender-matched manner. Echocardiography and ECG were done for all patients to show inter and intra-atrial electromechanical delays and P wave dispersion respectively. The electromechanical delays were calculated by using the difference between the delays from the onset of the P wave on ECG to the onset of A wave on tissue Doppler recordings of the different areas.

Results

The baseline characteristics of the case and control group were similar and did not differ significantly. The P wave dispersion was 45.63 ± 3.48 milliseconds in the LP group in comparison to 36.56 ± 2.87 milliseconds in the control group (p &lt; 0.001). As shown in the table, the intra and inter-atrial electromechanical delays were also significantly prolonged in LP patients when compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference between the left and right ventricular systolic function and diastolic function of the two groups.

Conclusion

The results of the study indicate the presence of significant impaired atrial electromechanical coupling in patients with LP confirmed by both electrocardiographic and echocardiographic tools.

Electromechanical delays Case N = 46 (mean ± SD) Control N = 46 (mean ± SD) P value Septal - PA (msec) 59.71 ± 13.24 44.39 ± 11.07 0.002 Lateral - PA (msec) 55.71 ± 13.26 48.89 ± 11.21 0.009 Tricuspid - PA (msec) 52.37 ± 13.12 43.28 ± 10.58 0.002 Inter-atrial delay (msec) (lateral PA−RV PA) 8.47 ± 1.62 6.37 ± 1.36 &lt;0.001 Intra-atrial delay (msec) (LA) [lateral PA−septal PA] 4.80 ± 1.48 3.83 ± 0.82 &lt;0.001 Intra-atrial delay (msec) (RA) [septal PA−RV PA] 3.91 ± 0.96 2.02 ± 0.71 &lt;0.001 PA Delay from the onset of the P wave on ECG to the onset of A wave on tissue Doppler, N: number, SD: Standard Deviation, LA: Left Atrium, RA: Right Atrium, RV: Right Ventricle

Optimization of Topography and Surface Properties of Polyacrylonitrile-Based Electrospun Scaffolds via Nonoclay Concentrations and its Effect on Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Nowadays, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most widely used cell sources for bone regenerative medicine. Electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based scaffolds play an important role in bone tissue engineering due to their good mechanical properties, which could be enhanced by the presence of nanoparticles such as nanoclay. This study evaluated the in-vitro effect of different concentrations of nanoclay in surface characteristic properties of PAN-based electrospun nanofiber scaffolds and the osteogenic differentiation ability of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs). After electrospinning nanofibers, their structure were assessed through some characterization tests. Then AD-MSCs isolation and characterization were done, and the cell attachment and the biocompatibility were determined. Finally, osteogenic differentiation-related markers, genes, and proteins were studied. Clay-PAN25% electrospun nanofiber scaffold could support attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of AD-MSCs better than other groups. Also, nanoclay could enhance the properties of PAN-based scaffolds, such as fiber diameter, topography, surface charge, hydrophilicity, roughness, and degradation, as well as osteogenic differentiation of cells. As a result, Clay-PAN25% with the highest concentration of nanoclay was found as a promising biodegradable and cost-effective scaffold for osteogenic differentiation of AD-MSCs.

Alteration of fatty acid profile of milk in Holstein cows fed Bacillus coagulans as probiotic: a field study

BACKGROUND

Probiotics may improve milk quality and the general health status of animals.

AIMS

The effects of dietary Bacillus coagulans PRM101 on milk components, milk fatty acids (FA), and some health indicators of dairy cows were investigated.

METHODS

The probiotic was added to the feed of 12 Holstein cows (2 g/cow: 2 × 1011 CFU/cow) for 63 days compared to a control group fed on the basal ration (n=11). Milk and blood samples were taken on days 0, 21, 42, and 63.

RESULTS

The yields of milk and energy corrected milk (ECM; computed from milk weight and its fat and protein content) decreased linearly and similarly (P=0.60) in both groups. The treatment cows, however, showed quadratic increases in the weights of milk (P=0.03) and ECM (P=0.04) at d42 of the study. Energy corrected milk (d42, P<0.05) and crude protein content of milk (d42, P<0.05; d63, P<0.1) were higher in the cows receiving the probiotic. The proportions of heptadecanoic (C17:0; P=0.002) and linoleic (C18:2; P=0.077) acids in milk fat (g/100 g fat) were higher in the treatment cows on d63. Milk total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and similarly, amyloid A (AA) and haptoglobin (Hp) of milk and blood were not affected. Total antioxidant capacity and MDA were negatively correlated in the control group (r=-0.669, P=0.005). Heptadecanoic acid correlated negatively with milk MDA (r=-0.611, P=0.035) and positively (r=0.591, P=0.043) with serum Hp in the treatment cows.

CONCLUSION

Dietary B. coagulans PRM101 may improve the proportions of C17:0 and C18:2 FA in milk. Some improvements in milk protein and the health status of the cows may also be anticipated.

Interleukin-8 gene expression and apoptosis induced by Salmonella Typhimurium in the presence of Bacillus probiotics in the epithelial cell

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three Bacillus probiotics on Salmonella Typhimurium, and interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene expression in the co-culture of the Bacillus and the pathogen in vitro.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus indicus and Bacillus coagulans were initially turned to spore and heat-inactivated forms. The cellular damages of the probiotics on the HT-29 cells were investigated individually and in combination with S. Typhimurium using 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and fluorescence assays. To extract cell free supernatants (CFS) of the probiotics, they were cultured in selective media. The inhibitory activity of CFSs were then assayed against the pathogen. The gene expression of IL-8 of the HT-29 cells was evaluated by real-time PCR in all the groups. The results showed that the CFSs of three probiotics could inhibit the growth of S. Typhimurium by more than 50%. Inhibitory effects of B. indicus and B. subtilis CFSs were related to the production of pepsin-sensitive compounds, except B. coagulans in which the high inhibitory effect was due to organic acids. The spores of the three probiotics and the heat-inactivated forms of B. subtilis and B. coagulans could reduce the cytotoxicity of S. Typhimurium. The cell viability also increased applying both forms probiotics against the pathogen. In all co-culture groups, the IL-8 gene expression induced by S. Typhimurium was reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

The three Bacillus probiotics can be considered as proper candidates for the prevention and treatment of S. Typhimurium food poisoning.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Applying probiotics as live bacteria is universally noted in foods. This study tried to discover the effects of Bacillus probiotics in the form of spore or even heat-killed bacteria against S. Typhimurium and evaluate ratio of IL-8 gene expression in cell culture. The most effective Bacillus probiotic will be recommended. This approach will help to use probiotics as nonvegetative cells in foods to fight gastrointestinal pathogens.

A web-based daily care training to improve the quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Mothers of moderately to severely affected children with cerebral palsy (CP) have to spend a long time to take care of their children. This time-consuming responsibility affects their physical and psychosocial health. Therefore, mothers as caregivers are required to receive special training to take care of their children.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a developed web-based intervention for daily care training of children with CP on their mothers' quality of life (QOL), anxiety, depression, stress, and their musculoskeletal pain.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

This study was a single blind randomized controlled trial. 91 mothers of children with CP with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III, IѴ, and Ѵ, who aged from 4 to 12 years were assigned to the intervention and control groups using block randomization. Mothers in the control group received their routine face to face occupational therapy intervention and mothers in the intervention group received 12 weeks web-based intervention. QOL, depression, anxiety, stress, and pain were measured before and after the intervention in both groups.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The results of analysis of covariance showed that after controlling the mean score of pretest of pain, the mean score of post-tests in the intervention and control groups was significantly different (P < 0.05). The mean scores of physical health and total QOL scores of post-tests in the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group with controlling pretest scores.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Designed web-based intervention affects the caregivers' QOL and pain significantly. This intervention can be used to provide daily care training for mothers of children with CP.

Appropriate Scaffold Selection for CNS Tissue Engineering

Cellular transplantation, due to the low regenerative capacity of the Central Nervous System (CNS), is one of the promising strategies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The design and application of scaffolds mimicking the CNS extracellular matrix features (biochemical, bioelectrical, and biomechanical), which affect the cellular fate, are important to achieve proper efficiency in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation as well as integration with the surrounding tissue. Different studies on natural materials demonstrated that hydrogels made from natural materials mimic the extracellular matrix and supply microenvironment for cell adhesion and proliferation. The design and development of cellular microstructures suitable for neural tissue engineering purposes require a comprehensive knowledge of neuroscience, cell biology, nanotechnology, polymers, mechanobiology, and biochemistry. In this review, an attempt was made to investigate this multidisciplinary field and its multifactorial effects on the CNS microenvironment. Many strategies have been used to simulate extrinsic cues, which can improve cellular behavior toward neural lineage. In this study, parallel and align, soft and injectable, conductive, and bioprinting scaffolds were reviewed which have indicated some successes in the field. Among different systems, three-Dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a powerful, highly modifiable, and highly precise strategy, which has a high architectural similarity to tissue structure and is able to construct controllable tissue models. 3D bioprinting scaffolds induce cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation and promote the diffusion of nutrients. This method provides exceptional versatility in cell positioning that is very suitable for the complex Extracellular Matrix (ECM) of the nervous system.

Apoptosis induction and proliferation inhibition by silibinin encapsulated in nanoparticles in MIA PaCa-2 cancer cells and deregulation of some miRNAs

OBJECTIVES

Silibinin, as an herbal compound, has anti-cancer activity. Because of low solubility of silibinin in water and body fluids, it was encapsulated in polymersome nanoparticles and its effects were evaluated on pancreatic cancer cells and cancer stem cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells were treated with different doses of silibinin encapsulated in polymersome nanoparticles (SPNs). Stemness of MIA PaCa-2 cells was evaluated by hanging drop technique and CD133, CD24, and CD44 staining. The effects of SPNs on cell cycle, apoptosis and the expression of several genes and miRNAs were investigated.

RESULTS

IC50 of SPNs was determined to be 40 µg/ml after 24 hr. Our analysis showed that >98% of MIA PaCa-2 cells expressed three stem cell markers. FACS analysis showed a decrease in these markers in SPNs-treated cells. PI/AnnexinV staining revealed that 40 µg/ml and 50 µg/ml of SPNs increased apoptosis up to ~40% and >80% of treated cells, respectively. Upregulation of miR-34a, miR-126, and miR-let7b and downregulation of miR-155, miR-222 and miR-21 was observed in SPNs-treated cells. In addition, downregulation of some genes involved in proliferation or migration such as AKT3, MASPINE, and SERPINEA12, and upregulation of apoptotic genes were observed in treated cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that SPNs induced apoptosis and inhibited migration and proliferation in pancreatic cells and cancer stem cells through suppression of some onco-miRs and induction of some tumor suppressive miRs, as well as their targets.

Freeze-dried multiscale porous nanofibrous three dimensional scaffolds for bone regenerations

Introduction: Simulating hydrophobic-hydrophilic composite face with hierarchical porous and fibrous architectures of bone extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key aspect in bone tissue engineering. This study focused on the fabrication of new three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds containing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), with and without graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles using the chemical cross-linking and freeze-drying methods for bone tissue application. The effects of GO on physicochemical features and osteoinduction properties of the scaffolds were evaluated through an in vitro study. Methods: After synthesizing the GO nanoparticles, two types of 3D scaffolds, PTFE/PVA (PP) and PTFE/PVA/GO (PPG), were developed by cross-linking and freeze-drying methods. The physicochemical features of scaffolds were assessed and the interaction of the 3D scaffold types with human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) including attachment, proliferation, and differentiation to osteogenic like cells were investigated. Results: GO nanoparticles were successfully synthesized with no agglomeration. The blending of PTFE as a hydrophobic polymer with PVA polymer and GO nanoparticles (hydrophilic compartments) were successful. Two types of 3D scaffolds had nano topographical structures, good porosities, hydrophilic surfaces, thermal stabilities, good stiffness, as well as supporting the cell attachments, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Notably, GO incorporating scaffolds provided a better milieu for cell behaviors. Conclusion: Novel multiscale porous nanofibrous 3D scaffolds made from PTFE/ PVA polymers with and without GO nanoparticles could be an ideal candidate for bone tissue engineering as a 3D template.

Polyvinyl alcohol modified polyvinylidene fluoride-graphene oxide scaffold promotes osteogenic differentiation potential of human induced pluripotent stem cells

Tissue engineering is fast becoming a key approach in bone medicine studies. Designing the ideally desirable combination of stem cells and scaffolds are at the hurt of efforts for producing implantable bone substitutes. Clinical application of stem cells could be associated with serious limitations, and engineering scaffolds that are able to imitate the important features of extracellular matrix is a major area of challenges within the field. In this study, electrospun scaffolds of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), PVDF-graphene oxide (GO), PVDF-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and PVDF-PVA-GO were fabricated to study the osteogenic differentiation potential of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) while cultured on fabricated scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy study, viability assay, relative gene expression analysis, immunocytochemistry, alkaline phosphates activity, and calcium content assays confirmed that the osteogenesis rate of hiPSCs cultured on PVDF-PVA-Go is significantly higher than other scaffolds. Here, we showed that the biocompatible, nontoxic, flexible, piezoelectric, highly porous and interconnected three-dimensional structure of electrospun PVDF-PVA-Go scaffold in combination with hiPSCs (as the stem cells with significant advantageous in comparison to other types) makes them a highly promising scaffold-stem cell system for bone remodeling medicine. There was no evidence for the superiority of PVDF-GO or PVDF-PVA scaffold for osteogenesis, compared to each other; however both of them showed better potentials as to PVDF scaffold.

Anti-oxidant and Selective Anti-proliferative Effects of the Total Cornicabra Olive Polyphenols on Human Gastric MKN45 Cells

Background

According to the epidemiological studies, consuming olive products can decrease the incidence of the different types of cancers mostly due to the high anti-oxidant properties of their polyphenolic compounds.

Objectives

To evaluate the anti-oxidant and anti-proliferative potentials of the olive fruits total polyphenols on the gastric adenocarcinoma MKN45 cells in comparison to the normal Hu02 cells.

Materials and Methods

The total phenolic content of the olive fruits and radical scavenging activity were determined by Folin and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) tests respectively. MTT assay was performed for the evaluation of the cell viability. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured using DCFH-DA. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16 statistical software.

Results

Treatment of the MKN45 cells with the phenolic compounds extracted from olive fruits decreased growth and viability of the cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, treatment of the MKN45 cells with a combination of the phenolic compounds extracts and cytarabine further decreased cell compared to monotherapy of the cells with each compound alone. Mechanistically, we showed that the anti-cancer effects of the olive polyphenols in the MKN45 cells are mediated through depletion of ROS. Similarly, polyphenolic extracts were found to decrease ROS level in the normal cells at the concentrations of 500 and 1000 μg.mL^-1 and short treatment times (6 h), but the viability of these cells did not significantly change. At high concentrations (2000 μg.mL^-1) of the phenolic extracts or at longer times of incubation (12 h), however, both ROS levels and the viability of the cells were significantly decreased in the normal cells.

Conclusions

The olive fruits polyphenolic extract modulates ROS levels and selectively targets cancerous cells at low concentrations. Also, the effects of cytarabine could be potentiated by the olive fruits polyphenols. Thus, for a combined protocol of cancer cell therapy, olive fruit polyphenolic compound could be proposed as a proper candidate.