Immunological aspects of probiotics for improving skin diseases: Influence on the Gut-Brain-Skin Axis.

The interplay between gut microbiota and human health, both mental and physical, is well-documented. This connection extends to the gut-brain-skin axis, linking gut microbiota to skin health. Recent studies have underscored the potential of probiotics and prebiotics to modulate gut microbiota, supported by in vivo and clinical investigations. In this comprehensive review, we explore the immunological implications of probiotics in influencing the gut-skin axis for the treatment and prevention of skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne, diabetic ulcers, atopic dermatitis, and skin cancer. Our analysis reveals that probiotics exert their effects by modulating cytokine production, whether administered orally or topically. Probiotics bolster skin defenses through the production of antimicrobial peptides and the induction of keratinocyte differentiation and regeneration. Yet, many questions surrounding probiotics remain unanswered, necessitating further exploration of their mechanisms of action in the context of skin diseases.

Isolation of cfDNA from spent culture media and its association with implantation rate and maternal immunomodulation.

OBJECTIVES: This investigation aims to evaluate the association between the concentration of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the spent culture medium (SCM) with implantation rate and the maternal immune system in the invitro fertilization (IVF). In this study, 30 embryos were cultured and scored according to Gardner's criteria. SCM was gathered on day five from every embryo to analyze the quantity of cfDNA. The real-time PCR technique evaluated the expression level of transcription factors, including Foxp3, RORγt, GATA3, and T-bet. The percentage of Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, NK cells, and NK cells cytotoxicity was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The concentration of cfDNA in the ß-HCG (-), ß-HCG ( +), and ongoing pregnancy groups were 20.70 ± 9.224 ng/µL, 27.97 ± 7.990 ng/µL, and 28.91 ± 8.566 ng/µL, respectively. The ratio of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg reduced significantly in pregnant women, as well as the level of NK cells and NK cytotoxicity cells fell dramatically in the ongoing pregnancy group. The expression level of RORγt and T-bet declined while the expression level of Foxp3 and GATA3 increased considerably in pregnant mothers. Our investigation revealed that the concentration level of cfDNA in SCM could not be associated with implantation rate, prediction of ongoing pregnancy, and maternal immune system.

Sildenafil citrate-loaded targeted nanostructured lipid carrier enhances receptivity potential of endometrial cells via LIF and VEGF upregulation.

The main objective of this research is to prepare sildenafil citrate (SC)-loaded arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (RGD)-containing nanostructured lipid carrier (SC-loaded NLC-RGD) and evaluate their effects on the receptivity potential of endometrial cells. Hot homogenization method was used to prepare SC-loaded NLC-RGD. Then, size, drug encapsulation, and morphology of prepared nanoparticles were studied by photon correlation spectroscopy technic, ultrafiltration method, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Subsequently, the influence of SC-loaded NLC-RGD on endometrial receptivity was evaluated by in vitro implantation assay. Finally, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and integrin beta 3 (as endometrial receptivity markers) was assessed in SC-loaded NLC-RGD-treated endometrial cells by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Particles with a nano-size diameter (92.7 nm), appropriate polydispersity index (0.21), spherical morphology, and acceptable loading efficiency were prepared. In vitro implantation assay showed that SC, SC-loaded NLC, and SC-loaded NLC-RGD improve the rate of endometrial attachment potential by 1.6 ± 0.4, 1.7 ± 0.3, and 2.3 ± 0.3 times, respectively. Analysis of RT-PCR results showed the enhancing mRNA of LIF and VEGF in SC-treated endometrial cells. Results also confirmed the higher influence of SC-loaded NLC-RGD on gene expression patterns in comparison to SC. Using NLC-RGD as a carrier to deliver SC to endometrial cells is an effective approach to improve endometrial receptivity. Upregulation of LIF and VEGF is the probable mechanism by which SC enhances the endometrial receptivity potential.

Recent advances in the application of probiotic yeasts, particularly Saccharomyces, as an adjuvant therapy in the management of cancer with focus on colorectal cancer.

Today, the increasing rate of cancer-related mortality, has rendered cancer a major global challenge, and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Conventional approaches in the treatment of cancer mainly include chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, these approaches still come with certain disadvantages, including drug resistance, and different side effects such as gastrointestinal (GI) irritation (e.g., diarrhea, mucositis). This has encouraged scientists to look for alternative therapeutic methods and adjuvant therapies for a more proper treatment of malignancies. Application of probiotics as an adjuvant therapy in the clinical management of cancer appears to be a promising strategy, with several notable advantages, e.g., increased safety, higher tolerance, and negligible GI side effects. Both in vivo and in vitro analyses have indicated the active role of yeast probiotics in mitigating the rate of cancer cell proliferation, and the induction of apoptosis through regulating the expression of cancer-related genes and cellular pathways. Strain-specific anti-cancer activities of yeast probiotics strongly suggest that their administration along with the current cancer therapies may be an efficient method to reduce the side effects of these approaches. The main purpose of this article is to evaluate the efficacy of yeast probiotics in alleviating the adverse effects associated with cancer therapies.