Transcriptional Regulation of the Colorectal Cancer Stem Cell Markers, Nanog and Oct4, Induced by a Thermodynamic-Based Therapy Approach

Background

Cancer stem cells (CSC), as responsible issues to cancer development and progression, play a crucial role in tumorigenesis, recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Both hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be effective for cancer treatment, particularly when combined with other therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hyperthermia combined with PDT on colorectal CSC and the gene expression of the CSC markers, presenting a more effective approach for cancer therapy.

Methods

The study was conducted in the Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran in 2018. We evaluated the anticancer role of hyperthermia, Gold nanoparticles coated with curcumin (Cur-GNPs) in PDT and combination of the two approaches on cell viability and the expression of CSC markers, Nanog and Oct4 in colorectal cancer cell line HT-29. The cytotoxicity effect of Cur-GNPs against the cells was assessed in vitro. The cell viability was assessed using MTT assay, and the expression analysis of the CSC genes was evaluated using a q-real-time PCR.

Results

Cell viability was decreased by PDT (P=0.015) and the combination therapy (P=0.006) but not by hyperthermia alone (P=0.4), compared to control. Also, the expression of CSC markers, Nanog and Oct4 was shown to significantly down-regulate in all hyperthermia, PDT and combination groups.

Conclusion

Hyperthermia combined with PDT was indicated to be more efficient in eliminating tumors than hyperthermia or PDT alone.

Socioeconomic inequalities in oral health among adults in Tehran, Iran

OBJECTIVE

To identify the socioeconomic distribution of perceived oral health among adults in Tehran, Iran.

BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN

A cross-sectional population study.

PARTICIPANTS

A stratified random sample of 1,100 adults aged 18-84 years living in Tehran.

METHODS

Self-report data were obtained from the 2010 dental telephone interview survey. Oral health was evaluated using self-assessed non-replaced extracted teeth (NRET), and a three-item perceived dental health instrument. Socioeconomic status was measured by combining the variables of education and assets using principal component analysis. Inequalities in oral health were examined using prevalence ratios and concentration index.

RESULTS

The poorest quintile was 1.60 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.30; 1.98) times as likely to have any NRET compared with the richest quintile, indicating a disparity. Inequality was most pronounced in the 35-59 age group with prevalence ratio 2.01 (95% CI 1.26; 3.05). The concentration index of NRET in adults in Tehran was -0.22 (95% CI -0.28; -0.16). No significant differences were found in perceived dental health between socioeconomic classes.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults from lower socioeconomic classes experienced more disabilities due to missing their teeth, specifically in the middle-age group. Inequalities in perceived dental health were not apparent in the studied population.

Amelanotic Spitzoid melanoma in the burn scar of a child

We report a 3-year-old girl with a rapidly growing, amelanotic, nodular melanoma developing within a burn scar over the dorsal aspect of the left foot. Histologically, the lesion was spindle cell and exhibited lack of maturation, cellular atypia, and scattered mitotic figures. Twenty five percent of the tumor cells were positive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen by immunohistochemical stain. A left inguinal lymph node was also positive for regional metastasis. The child died with disseminated metastases 13 months after the lesion was removed.