STING agonists as promising vaccine adjuvants to boost immunogenicity against SARS-related coronavirus derived infection: possible role of autophagy.

As a major component of innate immunity and a positive regulator of interferons, the Stimulator of interferon gene (STING) has an immunotherapy potential to govern a variety of infectious diseases. Despite the recent advances regarding vaccines against COVID-19, nontoxic novel adjuvants with the potential to enhance vaccine efficacy are urgently desired. In this connection, it has been well-documented that STING agonists are applied to combat COVID-19. This approach is of major significance for boosting immune responses most likely through an autophagy-dependent manner in susceptible individuals against infection induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (SARS­CoV­2). Given that STING agonists exert substantial immunomodulatory impacts under a wide array of pathologic conditions, these agents could be considered novel adjuvants for enhancing immunogenicity against the SARS-related coronavirus. Here, we intend to discuss the recent advances in STING agonists' recruitment to boost innate immune responses upon vaccination against SARS-related coronavirus infections. In light of the primordial role of autophagy modulation, the potential of being an antiviral vaccine adjuvant was also explored.

Putative therapeutic impacts of cardiac CTRP9 in ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

Recently, cytokines belonging to C1q/tumour necrosis factor-related proteins (CTRPs) superfamily have attracted increasing attention due to multiple metabolic functions and desirable anti-inflammatory effects. These various molecular effectors exhibit key roles upon the onset of cardiovascular diseases, making them novel adipo/cardiokines. This review article aimed to highlight recent findings correlated with therapeutic effects and additional mechanisms specific to the CTRP9, particularly in cardiac ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Besides, the network of the CTPR9 signalling pathway and its possible relationship with IRI were discussed. Together, the discovery of all involved underlying mechanisms could shed light to alleviate the pathological sequelae after the occurrence of IRI.

A close-up view of dynamic biomarkers in the setting of COVID-19: Striking focus on cardiovascular system.

Based on the recent reports, cardiovascular events encompass a large portion of the mortality caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which drawn cardiologists into the management of the admitted ill patients. Given that common laboratory values may provide key insights into the illness caused by the life-threatening SARS-CoV-2 virus, it would be more helpful for screening, clinical management and on-time therapeutic strategies. Commensurate with these issues, this review article aimed to discuss the dynamic changes of the common laboratory parameters during COVID-19 and their association with cardiovascular diseases. Besides, the values that changed in the early stage of the disease were considered and monitored during the recovery process. The time required for returning biomarkers to basal levels was also discussed. Finally, of particular interest, we tended to abridge the latest updates regarding the cardiovascular biomarkers as prognostic and diagnostic criteria to determine the severity of COVID-19.

Application of exosomes for the alleviation of COVID-19-related pathologies.

The pandemic of COVID-19 caused worldwide concern. Due to the lack of appropriate medications and the inefficiency of commercially available vaccines, lots of efforts are being made to develop de novo therapeutic modalities. Besides this, the possibility of several genetic mutations in the viral genome has led to the generation of resistant strains such as Omicron against neutralizing antibodies and vaccines, leading to worsening public health status. Exosomes (Exo), nanosized vesicles, possess several therapeutic properties that participate in intercellular communication. The discovery and application of Exo in regenerative medicine have paved the way for the alleviation of several pathologies. These nanosized particles act as natural bioshuttles and transfer several biomolecules and anti-inflammatory cytokines. To date, several approaches are available for the administration of Exo into the targeted site inside the body, although the establishment of standard administration routes remains unclear. As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 primarily affects the respiratory system, we here tried to highlight the transplantation of Exo in the alleviation of COVID-19 pathologies.

Dichotomous effects of autophagy on infarct volume in experimental permanent/transient ischemic stroke model: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

According to the recent findings, autophagy modulation is being a potential therapeutic target in the management of ischemic stroke in a pre-clinical setting. However, the pros and cons of autophagic response strongly depend on the activation time of autophagy after injury. In this systematic review, we aimed to explore the impacts of pharmacological modulation of autophagy on infarct size in experimental ischemic stroke models. Based on our preliminary search, 3551 publications were identified. Of twenty-nine publications that met the inclusion criteria, twenty studies reported infarct volume reduction by percentage (%) with no evidence of any publication bias while nine studies reported by mm3, which had publication bias (39.25 units, standardized mean differences (SMD) = 41.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 30.33 to 53.51). Based on a meta-analysis, the point estimate (pooled mean difference) for improvement of infarct volume during autophagy modulation according to the mm3 and percentage were 35.64 (mean differences (MD) = 35.64, 95% CI: 26.43 to 44.85, z-value = 7.58, p-value < 0.001) and 14.38 (MD = 14.38, 95% CI = 10.50 to 18.26, z-value = 7.26, p < 0.001) units, respectively. Despite the undeniable role of autophagy in ischemic stroke, the dichotomous effects of autophagy regarding infarct volume reduction should be taken into account. Based on our findings, the studies included in this meta-analysis mostly reported a negative relation between autophagy induction and stroke volume development due to over-activity of autophagy upon the severe ischemic stroke; therefore, further pre-clinical studies are also recommended to establish adjusted autophagy with considering a time-dependent effect as a promising therapeutic target.

Melatonin as a promising modulator of aging related neurodegenerative disorders: Role of microRNAs.

One of the host risk factors involved in aging-related diseases is coupled with the reduction of endogenous melatonin (MLT) synthesis in the pineal gland. MLT is considered a well-known pleiotropic regulatory hormone to modulate a multitude of biological processes such as the regulation of circadian rhythm attended by potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. It has also been established that the microRNAs family, as non-coding mRNAs regulating post-transcriptional processes, also serve a crucial role to promote MLT-related advantageous effects in both experimental and clinical settings. Moreover, the anti-aging impact of MLT and miRNAs participation jointly are of particular interest, recently. In this review, we aimed to scrutinize recent advances concerning the therapeutic implications of MLT, particularly in the brain tissue in the face of aging. We also assessed the possible interplay between microRNAs and MLT, which could be considered a therapeutic strategy to slow down the aging process in the nervous system.

Chronic asthmatic condition modulated the onset of aging in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

The emergence of an inflammatory condition such as asthma could affect the therapeutic potential of stem cells. Synopsis of previous documents yielded controversial outcomes, leading to a limitation of stem cell-based therapy in the clinical setting. This study aimed to assess the impact of asthmatic serum on the MSCs aging and dynamic growth in vitro. Rats were divided into control and asthmatic groups randomly. The asthmatic change was induced using OVA sensitization. The asthmatic structural changes are monitored by conventional Haematoxylin-Eosin staining. Thereafter, blood samples were taken and sera provided from each group. In this study, primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in culture medium supplemented with normal and asthmatic serum for 7 days. The MSCs viability was examined using the MTT assay. The expression of the aging-related gene (ß-galactosidase), and stemness-related markers such as Sox2, Kfl-4 and p16INK4a were analysed by real-time PCR assay. Histological examination revealed chronic inflammatory remodelling which is identical to asthmatic changes. MTT assay showed a reduction of mesenchymal stem cell viability compared to the control group (P < .05). Real-time PCR analysis revealed a down-regulation of stemness-related markers Sox2, Kfl-4 and p16INK4a coincided with aging changes (ß-galactosidase) compared to the control group (P < .05). These data show the detrimental effect of asthmatic condition on bone marrow regenerative potential by accelerating early-stage aging in different stem cells and further progenitor cell depletion. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: In such inflammatory conditions as asthma, the therapeutic potential of stem cells may be altered. We demonstrate that serum from asthmatic rats had the potential to reduce the viability of mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Furthermore, we observed that the expression of the aging-related gene known ß-galactosidase was statistically increased in cells co-cultured with asthmatic serum. At the same time, expression of stemness-related markers Sox2, Kfl-4 and p16INK4a down-regulated. These results support the damaging effect of asthmatic condition on bone marrow regenerative ability by inducing early-stage aging in stem cells and additional progenitor cell reduction.

Correction to: Low-level laser irradiation at a high power intensity increased human endothelial cell exosome secretion via Wnt signaling.

After publication of this paper, the authors determined an error in Fig. 4. Below is the correct Fig. 4.

Treatment of cancer stem cells from human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29 with resveratrol and sulindac induced mesenchymal-endothelial transition rate.

In the current experiment, the combined regime of resveratrol and a Wnt-3a inhibitor, sulindac, were examined on the angiogenic potential of cancer stem cells from human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29 during 7 days. Cancer stem cells were enriched via a magnetic-activated cell sorter technique and cultured in endothelial induction medium containing sulindac and resveratrol. Expression of endothelial markers such as the von Willebrand factor (vWF) and vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and genes participating in mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition was studied by real-time PCR assay. Protein levels of Wnt-3a and angiogenic factor YKL-40 were examined by western blotting. ELISA was used to determine the level of N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 11 (GALNT11) during mesenchymal-endothelial transition. Autophagy status was monitored by PCR array under treatment with the resveratrol plus sulindac. Results showed that resveratrol and sulindac had the potential to decrease the cell survival of HT-29 cancer cells and the clonogenic capacity of cancer stem cells compared with the control (p < 0.05). The expression of VE-cadherin and vWF was induced in cancer stem cells incubated with endothelial differentiation medium enriched with resveratrol (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the Wnt-3a level was increased in the presence of resveratrol and sulindac (p < 0.05). YKL-40 was reduced after cell exposure to sulindac and resveratrol. The intracellular content of resistance factor GALNT11 was diminished after treatment with resveratrol (p < 0.05). Resveratrol had the potential to induce the transcription of autophagy signaling genes in cancer stem cells during endothelial differentiation (p < 0.05). These data show that resveratrol could increase cancer stem cell trans-differentiation toward endothelial lineage while decrease cell resistance by modulation of autophagy signaling and GALNT11 synthesis.

Public knowledge of people visiting Imam Reza hospital regarding stroke symptoms and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Early recognition of stroke symptoms results in a lower time period after stroke onset to treatment with a better outcome. This depends on the awareness of patients, family members, and the general public. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate public awareness about stroke risk factors, warning symptoms, and treatments. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted as a hospital-based survey on 2712 people who visited clinics or emergency department of Imam Reza hospital for any reason, from March 2015 to February 2016. All subjects were interviewed face-to-face by four trained physicians and a structured, pre-tested questionnaire was filled. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 41.0 ± 12.1 years old. Considering Cincinnati prehospital stroke scale (CPSS) as the main diagnostic system, the percentage of participants that mentioned face asymmetry, speech disturbances, and arm paralysis as a symptom of stroke was 7, 1.5, and 7.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, 71.2% of participants could not mention any of the stroke symptoms. Among participants, 20.2% did not know any of stroke risk factors although 35.1, 27.8, and 17.3% could name one, two and three or more risk factors, respectively. Among participants, only 1.1% were aware of thrombolytic therapy (t-PA) as a first-line drug for stroke treatment. CONCLUSION: In this study, public knowledge regarding stroke symptoms, risk factors, and therapy approaches was low. Taken together, public education is necessary to reduce the time for recognition of stroke symptoms and subsequently prompt and proper proceeding seems to be necessary for the community.

Silibinin protects human endothelial cells from high glucose-induced injury by enhancing autophagic response.

Silibin, a flavonoid from the seeds of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (Asteraceae) has been reported to produce curative properties in diabetes. Autophagy is generated by a vast array of insults for removal of damaged proteins and organelles from the cell. Inadequate autophagy promotes endothelial cells dysfunction and delays in diabetic ulcers recovery. We hypothesized that silibinin could protect endothelial cells against high glucose-induced damage by engaging autophagic responses. HUVECs viability was evaluated by MTT assay. The Griess method and TBARS assay were used to monitor changes in the levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde, respectively. ROS generation was recorded in DCFDA-stained cells analyzed by flow cytometry. To investigate the role of silibinin on migration, we used scratch test. The level of autophagy proteins LC3, Becline-1, and P62 were measured by Western blotting. Our data showed that silibinin had potential to increase cell survival after exposure to high glucose condition. Total levels of oxidative stress markers were profoundly reduced and the activity of GSH was increased by silibinin. High glucose suppressed HUVECs migration to the scratched area. However, a significant increase in cell migration was observed after exposure to silibinin. Autophagy was blocked at the late stage by high glucose concentration and silibinin initiated an autophagic response by reducing P62 and enhancing Beclin-1 and LC3-II-LC3-I ratio. These effects were blocked by autophagy inhibitor of 3-Methyladenine. These observations suggest that silibinin could protect HUVECs from high glucose induced-damage possibly by activation of autophagy pathway.

Carvacrol promotes angiogenic paracrine potential and endothelial differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells at low concentrations.

OBJECTIVES: Phenolic monoterpene compound, named Carvacrol, has been found to exert different biological outcomes. It has been accepted that the angiogenic activity of human mesenchymal stem cells was crucial in the pursuit of appropriate regeneration. In the current experiment, we investigated the contribution of Carvacrol on the angiogenic behavior of primary human mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS: Mesenchymal stem cells were exposed to Carvacrol in a dose ranging from 25 to 200µM for 48h. We measured cell survival rate by MTT assay and migration rate by a scratch test. The oxidative status was monitored by measuring SOD, GPx activity. The endothelial differentiation was studied by evaluating the level of VE-cadherin and vWF by real-time PCR and ELISA analyses. The content of VEGF and tubulogenesis behavior was monitored in vitro. We also conducted Matrigel plug in vivo CAM assay to assess the angiogenic potential of conditioned media from human mesenchymal stem cells after exposure to Carvacrol. RESULTS: Carvacrol was able to increase mesenchymal stem cell survival and migration rate (p<0.05). An increased activity of SOD was obtained while GPx activity unchanged or reduced. We confirmed the endothelial differentiation of stem cells by detecting vWF and VE-cadherin expression (p<0.05). The VEGF expression was increased and mesenchymal stem cells conditioned media improved angiogenesis tube formation in vitro (p<0.05). Moreover, histological analysis revealed an enhanced microvascular density at the site of Matrigel plug in CAM assay. CONCLUSIONS: Our data shed lights on the possibility of a Carvacrol to induce angiogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells by modulating cell differentiation and paracrine angiogenic response.

Docosahexaenoic acid reversed atherosclerotic changes in human endothelial cells induced by palmitic acid in vitro.

Abnormal activity of atherosclerotic endothelial cells paving luminal surface of blood vessels has been described in many diseases. It has been reported that natural polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid exert therapeutic effects in atherosclerotic condition. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with 1mM palmitic acid for 48 hours and exposed to 40µM docosahexaenoic acid for the next 24 hours. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to measure the expression of PTX3, iNOS, and eNOS. The level of nitric oxide was detected by Griess reagent. The transcription level of genes participating in coagulation and blood pressure was studied by polymerase chain reaction array. Docosahexaenoic acid improved the survival rate by reducing apoptosis rate (P < .05). Compared with that of the group given palmitic acid, attenuation of proinflammatory status was indicated by reduced interleukin-6 (P < .05) and prostaglandin E2 levels. All genes PTX3, iNOS, and eNOS were down-regulated after being exposed to docosahexaenoic acid. Nitric oxide contents were not changed in cells exposed to docosahexaenoic acid. Polymerase chain reaction array confirmed the reduction of LPA, PDGFß, ITGA2, SERPINE1, and FGA after exposure to docosahexaenoic acid for 24 hours (P < .05). Docosahexaenoic acid had potential to blunt atherosclerotic changes in the modulation of genes controlling blood coagulation, pressure, and platelet function. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: The current experiment showed that docosahexaenoic acid could reverse atherosclerotic changes in human endothelial cells induced by palmitic acid. The increased levels of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2 in atherosclerotic cells were returned to near-to-normal status. Gene expression analysis showed a reduced activity of genes participating in atherosclerotic endothelial cells treated by docosahexaenoic acid. The expression of genes related to cell clotting activity was also similar to that of normal cells.

Low-level laser irradiation at a high power intensity increased human endothelial cell exosome secretion via Wnt signaling.

The distinct role of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) on endothelial exosome biogenesis remains unclear. We hypothesize that laser irradiation of high dose in human endothelial cells (ECs) contributes to the modulation of exosome biogenesis via Wnt signaling pathway. When human ECs were treated with LLLI at a power density of 80 J/cm2, the survival rate reduced. The potential of irradiated cells to release exosomes was increased significantly by expressing genes CD63, Alix, Rab27a, and b. This occurrence coincided with an enhanced acetylcholine esterase activity, pseudopodia formation, and reduced zeta potential value 24 h post-irradiation. Western blotting showed the induction of LC3 and reduced level of P62, confirming autophagy response. Flow cytometry and electron microscopy analyses revealed the health status of the mitochondrial function indicated by normal ΔΨ activity without any changes in the transcription level of PINK1 and Optineurin. When cells exposed to high power laser irradiation, p-Akt/Akt ratio and in vitro tubulogenesis capacity were blunted. PCR array and bioinformatics analyses showed the induction of transcription factors promoting Wnt signaling pathways and GTPase activity. Thus, LLLI at high power intensity increased exosome biogenesis by the induction of autophagy and Wnt signaling. LLLI at high power intensity increases exosome biogenesis by engaging the transcription factors related to Wnt signaling and autophagy stimulate.

Type 2 Diabetes Inhibited Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Angiogenic Response by Over-Activity of the Autophagic Pathway.

The current study aimed to address the impact of serum from type 2 diabetes patients on the angiogenic properties of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and its relationship to autophagy signaling. Human primary stem cells were enriched and incubated with serum from diabetic and normal subjects for 7 days. Compared to data from the control group, diabetic serum was found to induce a higher cellular death rate (P < 0.001) and apoptotic changes (P < 0.01). We also showed that diabetic condition significantly abolished angiogenesis tube formation on Matrigel substrate, decreased cell chemotaxis (P < 0.01) in response to SDF-1α, and inhibited endothelial differentiation rate (P < 0.0001). Western blotting showed autophagic status by high levels of P62 (P < 0.0001), beclin-1 (P < 0.0001), and increase in LC3II/I ratio (P < 0.001). In vivo Matrigel plug assay revealed that supernatant conditioned media prepared from cells exposed to diabetic serum caused a marked reduction in the recruitment of VE-cadherin- (P < 0.01) and α-SMA-positive (P < 0.0001) cells 7 days after subcutaneous injection. PCR expression array analysis confirmed the overexpression of autophagy and apoptosis genes in cultured cells in response to a diabetic condition (P < 0.05). Using bioinformatic analysis, we noted a crosstalk network between DM2, angiogenesis, and autophagy signaling. DM2 could potently modulate angiogenesis by the interaction of IL-1ß with downstream insulin receptor and upstream androgen receptor. Corroborating to data, diabetic serum led to abnormal regulation of P62 during the angiogenic response. These data demonstrate that diabetic serum decreased human mesenchymal stem cell angiogenic properties directly on angiogenesis pathways or by the induction of autophagy signaling. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1518-1530, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Functional convergence of Akt protein with VEGFR-1 in human endothelial progenitor cells exposed to sera from patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 predisposes patients to various microvascular complications. In the current experiment, the potent role of diabetes mellitus was investigated on the content of VEGFR-1, -2, Tie-1 and -2, and Akt in human endothelial progenitor cells. The gene expression profile of mTOR and Hedgehog signaling pathways were measured by PCR array. The possible crosstalk between RTKs, mTOR and Hedgehog signaling was also studied by bioinformatic analysis. Endothelial progenitor cells were incubated with serum from normal and diabetic for 7days. Compared to non-treated cells, diabetic serum-induced cell apoptosis (~2-fold) and prohibited cell migration toward bFGF (p<0.001). ELISA analysis showed that diabetes exposed cells had increased abundance of Tie-1, -2 and VEGFR-2 and reduced amount of VEGFR-1 (p<0.0001) in diabetic cells. Western blotting showed a marked reduction in the protein level of Akt after cells exposure to serum from diabetic subjects (p<0.0001). PCR array revealed a significant stimulation of both mTOR and Hedgehog signaling pathways in diabetic cells (p<0.05). According to data from bioinformatic datasets, we showed VEGFR-1, -2 and Tie-2, but not Tie-1, are master regulators of angiogenesis. There is a crosstalk between RTKs and mTOR signaling by involving P62, GABARAPL1, and HTT genes. It seems that physical interaction and co-expression of Akt decreased the level of VEGFR-1 in diabetic cells. Regarding data from the present experiment, diabetic serum contributed to uncontrolled induction of both mTOR and Hedgehog signaling in endothelial progenitor cells. Diabetes mellitus induces mTOR pathway by involving receptor tyrosine kinases while Hedgehog stimulation is independent of these receptors.

Alginate-gelatin encapsulation of human endothelial cells promoted angiogenesis in in vivo and in vitro milieu.

Up to present, many advantages have been achieved in the field of cell-based therapies by applying sophisticated methodologies and delivery approaches. Microcapsules are capable to provide safe microenvironment for cells during transplantation in a simulated physiological 3D milieu. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of alginate-gelatin encapsulation on angiogenic behavior of human endothelial cells over a period of 5 days. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were encapsulated by alginate-gelatin substrate and incubated for 5 days. MTT and autophagy PCR array analysis were used to monitor cell survival rate. For in vitro angiogenesis analysis, cell distribution of Tie-1, Tie-2, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 were detected by ELISA. In addition to in vitro tubulogenesis assay, we monitored the expression of VE-cadherin by Western blotting. The migration capacity of encapsulated HUVECs was studied by measuring MMP-2 and MMP-9 via gelatin zymography. The in vivo angiogenic potential of encapsulated HUVECs was analyzed in immune-compromised mouse implant model during 7 days post-transplantation. We demonstrated that encapsulation promoted HUVECs cell survival and proliferation. Compared to control, no significant differences were observed in autophagic status of encapsulated cells (p > 0.05). The level of Tie-1, Tie-2, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 were increased, but did not reach to significant levels. Encapsulation decreased MMP-2, -9 activity and increased the VE-cadherin level in enclosed cells (p < 0.05). Moreover, an enhanced in vivo angiogenic response of encapsulated HUVECs was evident as compared to non-capsulated cells (p < 0.05). These observations suggest that alginate-gelatin encapsulation can induce angiogenic response in in vivo and in vitro conditions.

Endothelial cells' biophysical, biochemical, and chromosomal aberrancies in high-glucose condition within the diabetic range.

To date, many studies have been conducted to find out the underlying mechanisms of hyperglycemia-induced complications in diabetes mellitus, attributed to the cellular pathologies of different cells-especially endothelial cells. However, there are still many ambiguities and unresolved issues to be clarified. Here, we investigated the alteration in biophysical and biochemical properties in human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to a high-glucose concentration (30mM), comparable to glucose content in type 2 diabetes mellitus, over a course of 120 hours. In addition to a reduction in the rate of cell viability and induction of oxidative stress orchestrated by the high-glucose condition, the dynamic of the fatty acid profile-including polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fatty acids-was also altered in favor of saturated fatty acids. Genetic imbalances were also detected at chromosomal level in the cells exposed to the abnormal concentration of glucose after 120 hours. Moreover, the number of tip cells (CD31+ /CD34+ ) and in vitro tubulogenesis capability negatively diminished in comparison to parallel control groups. We found that diabetic hyperglycemia was associated with a decrease in the cell-cell tight junction and upregulation in vascular endothelial cadherin and zonula occludens (ZO)-1 molecules after 72 and 120 hours of exposure to the abnormal glucose concentration, which resulted in a profound reduction in transendothelial electrical resistance. The surface plasmon resonance analysis of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells immobilized on gold-coated sensor chips confirmed the loosening of the cell to cell intercellular junction as well as stable attachment of each cell to the basal surface. Our findings highlighted the disturbing effects of a diabetic hyperglycemia on either biochemical or biophysical properties of endothelial cells.

Effects of silymarin on the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin in diabetic rats.

The effect of silymarin (SMN) on the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin in diabetic rats was evaluated. Male Wistar rats were assigned into two major groups and then sub-grouped according to the purposes of the study. The first major group was subdivided into three groups (n = 6) including control, non-treated diabetic and SMN-treated diabetic animals. In the first major group, metabolism of testosterone by the hepatic microsomes was studied. The second major group also was divided to three groups including atorvastatin-treated non-diabetic, atorvastatin-treated diabetic and diabetic animals which received both atorvastatin and SMN. To study the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin, serum samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after the atorvastatin administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental model. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes resulted in a remarkable induction of testosterone hydroxylation as the V max for 6ß-hydroxytestosterone production in the diabetic rats (77.3 ± 8.6 pM/min/mg) was significantly higher than that in the control animals (45.9 ± 5.9 pM/min/mg). Moreover, SMN-treated animals showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of V max (59.4 ± 6.1 pM/min/mg). Diabetes resulted in a significant reduction of AUC (control 6.98 ± 0.58 vs diabetic rats 4.35 ± 0.24 h mg/ml) and C max values (control 0.52 ± 0.03 vs diabetic group 0.33 ± 0.01 µg/ml), while the SMN-received group showed remarkable recovery of diabetes-reduced values of AUC and C max. These findings indicated that diabetes resulted in a significant up-regulation of microsomal enzyme activities. Moreover, as SMN could significantly regulate the enzyme activities and consequently the atorvastatin pharmacokinetics in diabetic rats, its regulative effect in a combination therapy is concluded.

Exosomes as Theranostic Agents in Reproduction System.

Exosomes (Exos), belonging to extracellular vesicles, are cell-derived nano-sized vesicles with the potential to carry different kinds of biological molecules. Many studies have proved the impacts of exosomal cargo on several biological processes in female and male reproductive systems. It is also hypothesized that changes in exosomal cargo are integral to the promotion of certain pathological conditions, thus Exos can be used as valid biomarkers for the diagnosis of infertility and other abnormal conditions. Here, efforts are made to collect some recent data related to the physiological significance of Exos in the reproductive system, and their potential therapeutic effects. It is anticipated that the current review article will lay the groundwork for elucidating the source and mechanisms by which Exos control the reproductive system additionally supplying fresh methods and concepts for the detection and treatment of disorders associated with fertility for future studies.