Adjuvant therapy with zinc supplementation; anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative role in multiple myeloma patients receiving autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Multiple myeloma (MM) patients are often accompanied by heightened levels of oxidative stress, even following bone marrow transplantation. Trace mineral supplements have been found to regulate and inhibit the activity of oxidative radicals and inflammatory factors, which are involved in the pathogenesis of MM. The study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the supplementation by analyzing changes in oxidative, anti-oxidative, and inflammation markers. Patients were randomly assigned to a zinc or placebo group, with the former receiving 30 mg of zinc or placebo tablets daily for 1 month. Blood samples were collected from the patients on the day of transplantation, 15 days, and 30 days post-transplantation. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the expression of oxidative/antioxidative genes. Furthermore, the protein level of oxidative markers in serum samples was assessed. Finally, serum TNF-α concentrations were measured using the ELISA technique. The expression levels of SOD1, SOD2, and NRF2 genes were significantly higher on days 15 and 30 compared to the control group (P < 0.05), with a greater increase on day 30 (P < 0.05). Conversely, the expression levels of Keap1 and NOX2 genes were lower on day 30 than those of the control group (P < 0.05), with a further decrease from day 15 to day 30 (P < 0.05). The experimental group exhibited a notable reduction in TNF-α cytokine levels on day 30 compared to the control and placebo groups (P < 0.05). All findings were coordinated according to the nutritional questionnaire. Our findings suggest a potential benefit of zinc supplementation in managing the adverse effects of chemotherapy in MM patients, warranting further investigation.

Neutrophil extracellular traps formation: effect of Leishmania major promastigotes and salivary gland homogenates of Phlebotomus papatasi in human neutrophil culture.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) is caused by the inoculation of Leishmania parasites via the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. After an infected bite, a series of innate and adaptive immune responses occurs, among which neutrophils can be mentioned as the initiators. Among the multiple functions of these fighting cells, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were studied in the presence of Leishmania major promastigotes and salivary gland homogenates (SGH) of Phlebotomus papatasi alone, and in combination to mimic natural conditions of transmission. MATERIAL & METHODS: The effect of L. major and SGH on NETs formation was studied in three different groups: neutrophils + SGH (NS), neutrophils + L. major (NL), neutrophils + L. major + SGH (NLS) along with negative and positive controls in 2, 4 and 6 h post-incubation. Different microscopic methods were used to visualize NETs comprising: fluorescence microscopy by Acridine Orange/ Ethidium Bromide staining, optical microscopy by Giemsa staining and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the expression level of three different genes NE, MPO and MMP9 was evaluated by Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: All three microscopical methods revealed similar results, as in NS group, chromatin extrusion as a sign of NETosis, was not very evident in each three time points; but, in NL and especially NLS group, more NETosis was observed and the interaction between neutrophils and promastigotes in NL and also with saliva in NLS group, gradually increased over times. Real-time reveals that, the expression of MPO, NE and MMP9 genes increased during 2 and 4 h after exposure, and then decreased at 6 h in most groups. CONCLUSION: Hence, it was determined that the simultaneous presence of parasite and saliva in NLS group has a greater impact on the formation of NETs compared to NL and NS groups.

Advances in nanotechnology for improving the targeted delivery and activity of amphotericin B (2011-2023): a systematic review.

Amphotericin B (AmB) is a broad-spectrum therapeutic and effective drug, but it has serious side effects of toxicity and solubility. Therefore, reducing its toxicity should be considered in therapeutic applications. Nanotechnology has paved the way to improve drug delivery systems and reduce toxicity. The present study, for the first time, comprehensively reviews the studies from 2011 to 2023 on reducing the in vitro toxicity of AmB. The findings showed that loading AmB with micellar structures, nanostructured lipid carriers, liposomes, emulsions, poly lactide-co-glycolide acid, chitosan, dendrimers, and other polymeric nanoparticles increases the biocompatibility and efficacy of the drug and significantly reduces toxicity. In addition, modified carbon nanoparticles (including graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon dots) with positively charged amine groups, PEI, and other components showed favorable drug delivery properties. Uncoated and coated magnetic nanoparticles and silver NPs-AmB composites had less cytotoxicity and more antifungal activity than free AmB. Citrate-reduced GNPs and lipoic acid-functionalized GNPs were also effective nanocarriers to reduce AmB cytotoxicity and improve anti-leishmania efficacy. In addition, zinc oxide-NPs and PEGylated zinc oxide-NPs showed favorable antifungal activity and negligible toxicity. According to a review study, carbon-based nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, and especially polymer nanoparticles caused some reduction in the toxicity and improved solubility of AmB in water. Overall, considering the discussed nanocarriers, further research on the application of nanotechnology as a cost-effective candidate to improve the efficiency and reduce the cytotoxicity of AmB is recommended.

Protective role of stem cells in POI: Current status and mechanism of action, a review article.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) has far-reaching consequences on women's life quality. Due to the lack of full recognition of the etiology and complexity of this disease, there is no appropriate treatment for infected patients. Recently, stem cell therapy has attracted the attention of regenerative medicine scholars and offered promising outcomes for POI patients. Several kinds of stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been used for the treatment of ovarian diseases. However, their potential protective mechanisms are still unknown. Undoubtedly, a better understanding of the therapeutic molecular and cellular mechanisms of stem cells will address uncover strategies to increase their clinical application for multiple disorders such as POI. This paper describes a detailed account of the potential properties of different types of stem cells and provides a comprehensive review of their protective mechanisms, particularly MSC, in POI disorder. In addition, ongoing challenges and several strategies to improve the efficacy of MSC in clinical use are addressed. Therefore, this review will provide proof-of-concept for further clinical application of stem cells in POI.

Hypoxia and programmed cell death-ligand 1 expression in the tumor microenvironment: a review of the effects of hypoxia-induced factor-1 on immunotherapy.

One useful cancer treatment approach is activating the patient's immune response against the tumor. In this regard, immunotherapy (IT) based on immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) has made great progress in the last two decades. Although ITs are considered a novel approach to cancer treatment and have had good results in preclinical studies, their clinical success has shown that only a small proportion of treated patients (about 20%) benefited from them. Moreover, in highly progressed tumors, almost no acceptable response could be expected. In this regard finding the key molecules that are the main players of tumor immunosuppression might be helpful in overcoming the possible burdens. Hypoxia is one of the main components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which can create an immunosuppressive microenvironment in various ways. For example, hypoxia is one of the main factors of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) upregulation in tumor-infiltrating Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs). Therefore, hypoxia can be targeted to increase the efficiency of Anti-PD-L1 IT and has become one of the important issues in cancer treatment strategy. In this review, we described the effect of hypoxia in the TME, on tumor progression and immune responses and the challenges created by it for IT.

Inflammatory Responses of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Vitro Differ from Healthy Women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a low-grade inflammatory state with increased serum levels of TNF-α. The present study has compared the inflammatory responses to breast cancer cell lines in women with PCOS with healthy women. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 50 women with PCOS and 50 healthy controls were cultured in the trans-well co-culture system. These cells were stimulated with two distinct breast cancer cell lines. The proliferation of PBMCs, CD3+CD8+T cell percentages, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentration were evaluated after 48 and 72 hours of incubation. TNF-α concentration and the proliferation rate of PBMCs after 48 hours of incubation significantly increased in the PCOS group. However, after 72 hours, TNF-α secretion significantly decreased in the PCOS group. The ability of PBMCs to produce TNF-α decreased gradually in women with PCOS. When the effects of low-grade inflammation and endocrine conditions on the cells decrease, the inability of PBMCs to create an inflammatory response will be altered.

Study the effect of recombinant leukemia inhibitory factor on maintenance of pregnancy and frequency of regulatory T cells in abortion-prone mice.

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) can have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life. Understanding the mechanisms behind abortion is crucial for developing potential treatments. Among various models of abortion, the CBA/J(♀) × DBA/2J(♂) model stands out as the most extensively studied. This model reveals the influence of an altered immune system on resorption during pregnancy. The leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) holds considerable importance as a secretory glycoprotein essential for successful implantation. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been found to produce high levels of LIF in both mice and humans. LIF plays a vital role in the development of Tregs by upregulating the expression of the Foxp3 transcription factor while downregulating the expression of RORγt. To investigate the impact of recombinant LIF (rLIF) on pregnancy maintenance and Treg cell frequency in abortion-prone (AP) mice, a specific recombinant protein was used in this study. The AP group consisted of CBA/J(♀) × DBA/2J(♂) mice, while the control group comprised CBA/J(♀) × BALB/c(♂) mice. Intraperitoneal injections of rLIF were administered to the AP group on the third day of pregnancy, and its effects on Treg cell frequency and pregnancy maintenance were examined during this period. Following rLIF injections on the fourteenth day of pregnancy, the expression of Foxp3 significantly increased in AP mice (p = 0.02,0.008). Additionally, AP mice injected with rLIF demonstrated a significant reduction in resorption rate (p = 0.01) and a notable increase in birth rate (p = 0.01,0.0005). These findings provide new insights into the potential benefits of LIF in treating RSA patients.

Therapeutic effect of trace elements on multiple myeloma and mechanisms of cancer process.

In the human body, trace elements and other micronutrients play a vital role in growth, health and immune system function. The trace elements are Iron, Manganese, Copper, Iodine, Zinc, Cobalt, Fluoride, and Selenium. Estimating the serum levels of trace elements in hematologic malignancy patients can determine the severity of the tumor. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematopoietic malignancy and is characterized by plasma cell clonal expansion in bone marrow. Despite the advances in treatment methods, myeloma remains largely incurable. In addition to conventional medicine, treatment is moving toward less expensive noninvasive alternatives. One of the alternative treatments is the use of dietary supplements. In this review, we focused on the effect of three trace elements including iron, zinc and selenium on important mechanisms such as the immune system, oxidative and antioxidant factors and cell cycle. Using some trace minerals in combination with approved drugs can increase patients' recovery speed. Trace elements can be used as not only a preventive but also a therapeutic tool, especially in reducing inflammation in hematological cancers such as multiple myeloma. We hope that the prospect of the correct use of trace element supplements in the future could be promising for the treatment of diseases.

Chemical exposure and alveolar macrophages responses: 'the role of pulmonary defense mechanism in inhalation injuries'.

Epidemiological and clinical studies have indicated an association between particulate matter (PM) exposure and acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation, which may be registered as increased mortality and morbidity. Despite the increasing evidence, the pathophysiology mechanism of these PMs is still not fully characterised. Pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs), as a predominant cell in the lung, play a critically important role in these pathological mechanisms. Toxin exposure triggers events associated with macrophage activation, including oxidative stress, acute damage, tissue disruption, remodelling and fibrosis. Targeting macrophage may potentially be employed to treat these types of lung inflammation without affecting the natural immune response to bacterial infections. Biological toxins, their sources of exposure, physical and other properties, and their effects on the individuals are summarised in this article. Inhaled particulates from air pollution and toxic gases containing chemicals can interact with alveolar epithelial cells and immune cells in the airways. PAMs can sense ambient pollutants and be stimulated, triggering cellular signalling pathways. These cells are highly adaptable and can change their function and phenotype in response to inhaled agents. PAMs also have the ability to polarise and undergo plasticity in response to tissue damage, while maintaining resistance to exposure to inhaled agents.

Serum Level of Antibodies Against Novel Acinetobacter Baumannii OmpA-selected Peptides in ICU Staff: Promise for the Future of Vaccine Development.

Extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is considered one of the most dangerous threats to global health, requiring novel therapeutic interventions. The outer membrane protein A (OmpA) is an immunogenic agent that triggers immune responses. The current study evaluated serum antibody levels against previously determined immunogenic OmpA peptides from A baumannii in ICU staff. Serum samples were collected from 62 ICU staff members (representing the exposed group), healthy controls (representing the nonexposed group), and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (as controls for nonspecific antibody reactions). After excluding the cross-reactive antibodies via Escherichia coli lysate pretreatment, all the samples were assessed in the vicinity of A baumannii lysate by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the positive samples were assessed for interaction with previously designed and selected peptides using ELISA. The protective potential of positive serum antibodies was surveyed in vitro using an opsonophagocytic study. The most antibody positive samples against one of the dominant peptides were determined in the ICU personnel (75%).  SLE serum samples did not react with candidate peptides. The strongest positive reaction was observed in serum treatment with one of the OmpA peptides (No. 5) with significant differences compared to other designed peptides. Our findings showed that ICU samples have substantially higher antibody levels than the nonexposed group; Positive samples show strong results in the opsonophagocytosiis assay. This study demonstrates A baumannii colonization at human mucosal surfaces, especially in exposed healthy workers. Novel OmpA-derived peptides could be used to identify immunogenic vaccine candidates. Therefore, more studies are needed  before this peptide and antibody levels are used in diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.

Dysregulation of Immunity in Pulmonary Fibrosis is Associated with Increased Myeloid-specific Triggering Receptor-1 and Transforming Growth Factor-beta1 Expression.

Fibrosing pneumonia (FP) is classified into usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), each having its own etiology and prognosis. Both types of FP are progressive and chronic conditions with distinct etiologies. Cytokines and inflammatory mediators play critical roles in the pathogenesis of FP. Among them, the role of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1) and modulators triggering fibrosis are not well understood. In this study, the expression of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) as a stimulator for the production of TGF-ß1 and also CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory cells were investigted in FP patients. Sixteen UIP, 14 NSIP and 4 pulmonary fibrosis following Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection patients, were compared with 12 healthy controls. The frequency of blood CD14+TGF-ß1+ and CD14+TREM1+-gated monocytes and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg), as well as the plasma levels of TGF-ß1 and IL­10 were measured. Fibrosis patients compared to healthy controls had a greater frequency of CD14+TGF-ß1+ [15.9 (0.2-88.2) vs. 0.6 (0.2-11.0)] and CD14+TREM1+ [21.1 (2.3-91.2) vs. 10.3 (3.1-28.6)]-gated monocytes, and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ [1.2 (0.3-3.6) vs. 0.2 (0.1-0.4)]-gated lymphocytes. Plasma TGF-ß1 were also significantly increased in patients with fibrosis compared to healthy controls [9316.2 (±5554.4) vs. 3787.5 (±2255.6)]. These results confirm the importance of TGF-ß1 and TREM1 in pulmonary fibrosis. It seems that this reciprocal cycle in healthy people is modulated by the production of IL­10 by Treg cells, thus limiting fibrosis, as observed in patients following TB infection. Further investigations are recommended to evaluate possible immunomodulatory mechanisms defects in pulmonary fibrosis.

Toxoplasma gondii profilin induces NLRP3 activation and IL-1ß production/secretion in THP-1 cells.

Toxoplasma gondii is a highly prevalent protozoan that infects a broad spectrum of warm-blooded animals. Profilin is a critical protein that plays a role in the movement and invasion of T. gondii. In the current study, we assessed how profilin stimulates inflammasomes and how it induces transcription and secretion of IL-1ß. For this purpose, we assessed the level of TLR 2, 4, 5, and 9 expressions in a THP-1 cell line treated with profilin from T. gondii (TgP). In addition, we analyzed the expression levels of various inflammasomes, as well as IL-1ß, and IL-18 in THP-1 cells treated with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950. TgP significantly increased the expression of TLR5 but the expression of TLR2, 4, and 9 was not significantly increased. In addition, TgP did not significantly increase the level of inflammasomes after 5 h. Treatment with MCC950 significantly reduced NLRP3 and IL-1ß on both transcription and protein levels. Although the transcription level of NLRP3 was reduced 5 h after treatment with TgP, western blot analysis showed an increase in NLRP3. The western blot and ELISA analysis also showed that TgP increased both pro- and mature IL-1ß. In summary, our study showed that NLRP3 most probably plays a pivotal role in the expression and production levels of IL-1ß during the interaction between TgP and macrophages.

Reduced expression of Il10, Stat3, Hoxa10, and Itgb3 in the embryo implantation site of rat model with prenatal androgen-induced polycystic ovary syndrome.

AIMS: Impaired implantation due to the reduced endometrial receptivity considers an etiology for infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this context, we aimed to compare the expression of interleukin 10 (Il10), homeobox A10 (Hoxa10), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), and ß3-integrin (Itgb3) in the embryo implantation site of a prenatally-androgenized rat model of PCOS before and during gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PCOS rat model was created by the injection of testosterone prenatally. The uterine tissues were collected before pregnancy (day 0) and on days 0.5, 4.5, 5.5, and 8.5 of gestation in the PCOS rat model and controls (n = 6; each group). RNA was extracted from the uterine samples and reverse transcribed to cDNA. Expression levels of Il10, Stat3, Hoxa10, and Itgb3 were measured using SYBR Green real-time RT-PCR and compared between the two groups. FINDINGS: PCOS rats showed decreased expression levels of the Il10 on day 8.5 compared to control rats. The mRNA levels of Hoxa10, Itgb3, and Stat3 were significantly decreased in the PCOS group on day 0 as well as on days 0.5, 4.5, 5.5, and 8.5 for Hoxa10, Itgb3, and Stat3. SIGNIFICANCE: The decreased gene expression of Il10, Hoxa10, Stat3, and Itgb3 in the PCOS rat model indicates the importance of the Il10 signaling axis as one of the possible disrupted mechanisms of endometrial receptivity in PCOS.

Immunologic deviations in recurrent spontaneous abortion mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is an abnormality that has a great impact on women's quality of life. RSA is defined as at least three unexplained abortions (without prior live birth) occurring before the 20th week of pregnancy. AIM: The present review attempts to discuss immunologic deviations in mouse models of RSA. CONTENT: The mating of DBA/2J males with CBA/J female mice has provided specialists with a homologous model of RSA. Much of the research using the CBA/J × DBA/2J mouse model has shown immune system alteration results in rejection. The link between RSA and the immune system suggests new approaches to prevent RSA from an immunological perspective. Rejection in this model is linked with the changed immune system during pregnancy, including change in Th1/Th2 ratio and defects in T and NK cells function, and so forth. IMPLICATIONS: The use of animal models prone to RSA can help a lot to solve the remained mysteries. This study reviews the existing knowledge of immune system roles in the RSA mouse models.

Continued exposure to D-galactose in postnatal period may inhibit excessive primordial follicle reduction in rats exposed prenatally to D-galactose.

We aimed to compare the ovarian reserve of rats exposed to oral D-galactose during prenatal and early life with rats exposed to D-galactose only during the prenatal period. Fifteen female pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups. The first and second groups were fed a D-galactose enriched diet (35%) from the third day of pregnancy to parturition (PP) and the third day to the end of lactation (PL), respectively. The control group (C group) was fed a standard diet. The study population was the female offspring of three groups (PP', PL', and C'), in which some reproductive factors were examined between 45 and 50 days of age. When compared with the PP' group, the number of primordial follicles was significantly higher in the PL' group at PND 45-50 (40 vs. 30; p = .01); however, the antimullerian hormone level was significantly reduced in the PL' group versus control group (-2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.83, -1.53 ng/ml p = .000), and follicle-stimulating hormone level significantly increased in PP' group versus control (4.5 mIU/ml, 95% CI: 1.40-7.62, p = .005). There was no significant difference in leukocyte infiltration or antiovarian antibody among the groups. Continued exposure to D-galactose during the lactation period inhibits the primordial follicle loss in rats in terms of producing fewer atretic follicles.

Maternal Exposure to D-galactose Reduces Ovarian Reserve in Female Rat Offspring Later in Life.

Background: Embryonic life is critical for the formation of ovaries in mammals, and the intrauterine environment may affect ovarian reserve. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of prenatal D-galactose exposure on ovarian reserve in female rat offspring in their later lives. Methods: Ten pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. In one group, rats were fed with 35% D-galactose-enriched food from the third day to the end of pregnancy, and in the other group, rats were fed with a standard diet throughout pregnancy. Female offspring (prenatally galactose-exposed rats and non-exposed control rats) were examined in terms of hormonal levels [anti-Mullerian hormones (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2)] and ovarian histology at 45 - 50, 105 - 110, and 180 - 185 days of their age. Results: The number of primordial follicles significantly decreased time-dependently in prenatally galactose-exposed rats compared to controls (P-value = 0.002). In addition, decreases in AMH (3.25 vs. 7.5 ng/mL; P = 0.000) and E2 (7.9 vs. 19.5 pg/mL; P = 0.000) and increases in FSH (6.5 vs. 0.8 mIU/mL; P < 0.007) were observed in galactose-exposed rats compared to controls at 45 - 50 days of age. Conclusions: Prenatal exposure to D-galactose negatively affects ovarian reserve in female rats in their later lives. However, further investigation is needed to confirm our findings and explore underlying mechanisms.

Induction of a rat model of premature ovarian insufficiency using D-galactose feeding during the critical periods of development: A pilot study.

Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects about 1% of women of reproductive ages (15-45 yr), with no curative treatment. Objective: We aimed to present a rat model of POI using a D-galactose enriched diet. Materials and Methods: In a pilot study, 4 pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups; 3 groups were fed galactose-enriched diets at days 3-15 of pregnancy (G1); on the 3 rd day of pregnancy to parturition (G2), and the 3 rd day of pregnancy until the end of the weaning period (G3). Also, group 4, as the control group (G0), was fed standard pellets during the study. After confirming the lack of adverse effects of dieting with galactose in terms of offsprings' birth weight, we performed our study designed the same as the pilot study. A total of 40 pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Ovarian histology, reproductive hormones, and immunological characteristics of the female offspring were examined in all experimental groups and compared. Results: The pilot study revealed no significant differences in the birth weight of the offspring of the 4 study groups (p = 0.96). The ovarian index in the female offspring of those with a gal-exposed diet was significantly lower than that of the control group offspring (p < 0.01). Conclusion: As the birth weights of the offspring of our experimental and control groups were similar, it can be concluded that the reduction of ovarian follicles after prenatal exposure to D-galactose is due to the ovotoxicity of galactose. The results of our final study will provide more information about the rat POI model induced by prenatal exposure to D-galactose.

Evaluation the reactivity of a peptide-based monoclonal antibody derived from OmpA with drug resistant pulsotypes of Acinetobacter baumannii as a potential therapeutic approach.

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic and antibiotic-resistant pathogen that predominantly causes nosocomial infections. There is urgent need for development nonantibiotic-based treatment strategies. We developed a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) against a peptide of conserved outer membrane protein A (OmpA) and evaluated its reactivity with different pulsotypes of A. baumannii. METHODS: Peptide derived from A. baumannii OmpA was conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and injected into BALB/c mice. Splenocytes of immunized mice were fused with SP2/0 myeloma cells followed by selection of antibody-producing hybridoma cells. After screening of different hybridoma colonies by ELISA, one monoclone was selected as 3F10-C9 and the antibody was tested for reaction with five different Acinetobacter pulsotypes that were resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. The affinity constant was measured by ELISA. The ELISA, western blotting, indirect immunofluorescence (IFA), and in vitro opsonophagocytosis assays were used to evaluate the reactivity of generated mAb. RESULTS: The anti-OmpA antibody reacted with the immunizing peptide and had a high affinity (1.94 × 10-9 M) for its antigen in the ELISA. Specific binding of mAb to OmpA was confirmed in Western blot. IFA assays revealed that mAb recognized specific OmpA on the pulsotypes. Opsonophagocytosis assays showed that the mAb increased the bactericidal activity of macrophage cells. The antibody function was higher in the presence of serum complement. CONCLUSIONS: The peptide-based mAb demonstrated optimal performance in laboratory experiments which may be appropriate in investigation on OmpA in Acinetobacter pathogenesis and development of passive immunization as a novel therapeutic approach.

The effectiveness of antioxidant therapy (vitamin C) in an experimentally induced mouse model of ovarian endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the therapeutic effect of vitamin C on the development of endometrial lesions and fecundity disorders in the ovarian induction model of mouse endometriosis. METHODS: Ovarian endometriosis was surgically induced in 14 NMRI female mice (treatment group, N = 7) and (control group, N = 7). Three days after the second surgery (to assess endometriotic implant), the mice were randomized into two intervention groups: control (placebo) and treatment (50 mg/kg vitamin C every two days orally for four weeks) groups. In the oestrus phase, the mice were sacrificed. In macroscopic assessment, endometriotic implants were evaluated in size, volume, weight, growth score and adhesion score. The microscopic assessment examined the ovarian tissue (the number of antral follicles, corpus luteum and atretic follicles) and endometriotic lesion (histologic and trichrome fibrosis scores). RESULTS: Post-treatment implant volume, growth score, adhesion extent score and adhesion severity score were significantly lower in the treatment group (vitamin C) in comparison with the control group (placebo) (p < 0.0001). The difference between the median weight of endometriotic implants, epithelialization of implant tissue, trichrome fibrosis scores and follicle number in the two groups (treatment and control) was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Atretic follicles were significantly decreased after vitamin C therapy (p < 0.05). Although the numbers of corpus luteum seemed to be more preserved in specimens from the control group, there was no statistical significance between the two groups' histological scores. CONCLUSION: As a result, we may imply that vitamin C has a significant effect on reducing the induction and growth of endometrial implants, improving the fecundity function of ovaries, and consequently prevention of endometriosis-associated cancers. Further research is needed to improve targeted interventions resulting in the prevention and treatment of human endometriosis.

Engineering tumor-derived small extra cellular vesicles to encapsulate miR-34a, effectively inhibits 4T1 cell proliferation, migration, and gene expression.

Tumor cells produce small extra cellular vesicles-(tsEV) massively, which act as cancer messengers that may also have anti-cancer effects. Based on this knowledge, we hypothesized that we can benefit from 4T1-derived sEVs to amplify the anti-cancer effects of miR-34a-replacement therapy in 4T1 cells. Supernatant of 4T1 cultured cells gathered after 24 h of exposure to serum-free media. tsEVs purified by commercial kit and characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and bicinchoninic acid assay. Modified CaCl2 method applied for miR-34a loading in tsEV (tsEV-miR) and loading confirmation evaluated by the relative expression of miR-34a. MTT, annexin V/PI, cell cycle, scratch test, and real-time PCR were performed for proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and relative expression of miR-34a target genes after treatment with tsEV/tsEV-miR, respectively. The results indicated that tsEV-miR provides a time-dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect versus tsEV/control group. tsEV-miR could induce apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, and moreover, it effectively halted the invasion capability of 4T1 cells. Treatment with tsEV-miR down-regulated miR-34a target genes, including B-cell lymphoma-2, vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, and interleukin-6. Engineered tsEVs can affect different aspects of 4T1 cancer cells including proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and cancer-related gene expression profile. In this regard, tsEV could be considered a proper vehicle for miR-34a replacement therapy and could exacerbate its anti-cancer effects in triple-negative breast cancer. Indeed, TNBC can be targeted by multiple angles by its weapon.