Plasma-derived extracellular vesicles improve mice embryo development.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) or conventional medium in fertilization and early embryo development rate in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: MII oocytes (matured in vivo or in vitro conditions) were obtained from female mice. The extracellular vesicles were isolated by ultracentrifugation of plasma and were analyzed and measured for size and morphology by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). By western blotting analysis, the EVs proteins markers such as CD82 protein and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) were investigated. Incorporating DiI-labeled EVs within the oocyte cytoplasm was visible at 23 h in oocyte cytoplasm. Also, the effective proteins in the early reproductive process were determined in isolated EVs by western blotting. These EVs had a positive effect on the fertilization rate (P < 0.05). The early embryo development (8 cell, morula and blastocyst stages) was higher in groups supplemented with EVs (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that supplementing in vitro maturation media with EVs derived- plasma was beneficial for mice's embryo development.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells' osteogenic potential: superiority or non-superiority to other sources of mesenchymal stem cells?

Skeletal problems are an increasing issue due to the increase in the global aging population. Different statistics reports show that today, the global population is aging that results in skeletal problems, increased health system costs, and even higher mortality associated with skeletal problems. Common treatments such as surgery and bone grafts are not always effective and in some cases, they can even cause secondary problems such as infections or improper repair. Cell therapy is a method that can be utilized along with common treatments independently. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a very important and efficient source in terms of different diseases, especially bone problems. These cells are present in different tissues such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, placenta, dental pulp, peripheral blood, amniotic fluid and others. Among the types of MSCs, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are the most widely used source of these cells, which have appeared to be very effective and promising in terms of skeletal diseases, especially compared to the other sources of MSCs. This study focuses on the specific potential and content of BMMSCs from which the specific capacity of these cells originates, and compares their osteogenic potential with other types of MSCs, and also the future directions in the application of BMMSCs as a source for cell therapy.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell's exosomes as key nanoparticles in osteogenesis and bone regeneration: specific capacity based on cell type.

Today, communities and their health systems are facing with several challenges associated with the population ageing. Growing number of bone disorders is one of the most serious consequences of aging. According to the reports bone disorders won't just affect the elderly population. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that could be derived from a variety of tissues including bone marrow, Wharton's Jelly, adipose tissue, and others. MSCs have been utilized in different researches in the field of regenerative medicine because of their immunosuppression and anti-inflammatory mechanisms (like: inhibiting the activity of antigen presenting cells, and suppressing the activity of T lymphocyte cells, macrophages, and so on.), migration to injured areas, and participation in healing processes. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are a type of these cells which can be commonly used in bone research with the promising results. These cells function by releasing a large number of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Exosomes are the most major EVs products produced by BMMSCs. They have the same contents and properties as their parent cells; however, these structures don't have the defects of cell therapy. Proteins (annexins, tetraspannins, etc.), lipids (cholesterol, phosphoglycerides, etc.), nucleic acids (micro-RNAs, and etc.) and other substances are found in exosomes. Exosomes affect target cells, causing them to change their function. The features of BMMSC exosomes' mechanism in osteogenesis and bone regeneration (like: effects on other MSCs, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and angiogenesis) and also the effects of their micro-RNAs on osteogenesis are the subject of the present review.

The effect of daily fast food consumption, family size, weight-caused stress, and sleep quality on eating disorder risk in teenagers.

PURPOSE: Eating disorder (ED) is a common complication with disturbance of eating or eating-related behaviors that lead to physical and psychosocial disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between eating disorders and daily fast food consumption, family size, weight-caused stress, and sleep quality in teenagers in Zanjan, Iran. METHODS: Adolescent girl students aged 12-15 years (n = 370), selected in a cross-sectional study, completed the Eating Attitude Test-26 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaires. The cluster random sampling method was used. Statistical analysis was performed using R software version 3.6.3. Logistic regression modeling was used for investigating the relationship between factors and odds of EDs. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A significant relationship was found between family size (OR = 0.77, p = 0.049), fast food-daily consumption (OR = 5.42, p = 0.043), weight-caused stress (OR = 12.47, p < 0.001), and poor sleep quality (OR = 1.70, p = 0.024) and odds of eating disorder among teenage girls. CONCLUSION: A significant positive association was found between a low number of family members, daily fast food consumption, stress status, poor sleep quality and odds of EDs. However more longitudinal studies are required to confirm the results.

Relationships between maternal characteristics and infant birth weight.

PURPOSE: Nowadays, the importance of infant birth weight (IBW) as a key factor in determining the future of physical and mental development of children is a growing concern. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between maternal characteristics and IBW among pregnant women who were referred to health centers in Qazvin city in the year 2016. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted among pregnant women in 28-36 weeks of gestation who referred to healthcare centers and facilities affiliated by the Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in April-June 2016. The associations between maternal physical activity, mothers' socioeconomic status and birth weight were examined by SPSS Software Package version 16 through linear and logistic regression tests. FINDINGS: Linear regression modeling suggested that maternal weight (p=0.001), income (p=0.04), gestational age of delivery (p=0.00) and pre-pregnancy BMI (p=0.02) were positively associated with birth weight, while occupational and heavy physical activity (p=0.003 and 0.008, respectively) were negatively associated with IBW. In this study, low birth weight infants are compared to those with normal weight belonged to mothers who have spent more time in doing heavy physical activities (OR=1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.23). Also infants with low birth weight compared to others in the normal weight category were born from mothers with lower pre-pregnancy BMI (OR=0.65, 95% CI 0.62-0.78), gestational age of delivery (OR=0.82, 95% CI 0.79-0.86), maternal weight (OR=0.86, 95% CI 0.84-0.88) and income (OR=0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.83). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study findings revealed that certain maternal characteristics could play a significant role in IBW. Despite the importance, in most of developing countries (particularly Iran), future mothers are not advised about an appropriate weight gain during pregnancy or the optimal level of physical activity in such a period of time. Therefore, counseling pregnant women and giving them proper information on appropriate perinatal care would be helpful in order to have pregnancies with optimal outcomes. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The authors applied several statistical methods to analyze IBW among mothers with different maternal characteristics and predict birth weight based on contributing factors.

Curcumin nanomicelle improves semen parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and reproductive hormones in infertile men: A randomized clinical trial.

At least 50% of infertile couple's problems are related to male factor infertility. This Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial conducted in Urology unit of Infertility Clinic on 60 infertile men. Patients were randomly assigned to one of intervention and placebo (n = 30) groups. Finally, 28 subjects in each group completed the study. Participants in the intervention group took daily 80 mg curcumin nanomicelle and those in the placebo group took daily placebo for 10 weeks. Semen analysis, anthropometric, physical activity assessments, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, inflammatory factors, and reproductive hormones were measured at the baseline and at the end of the study. At the end of study, statistically significant differences were seen in the total sperm count, sperm concentration, and motility in the intervention group to the control group. In treatment group, the total sperm count, sperm concentration, and motility levels were also statistically increased at the end of study compared to the baseline values. Curcumin nanomicelle supplementation also resulted in a statistically significant improvement in plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor a in comparison to the placebo. Medical therapy of asthenoteratospermia with curcumin nanomicelle supplement could improve quality of semen parameters. However, further investigation is suggested in this regard.

Probiotics as beneficial agents in the management of diabetes mellitus: a systematic review.

Probiotics have been suggested to play an important role in the management of diabetes. We conducted a systematic review on the role of probiotics in modulating parameters related to diabetes in animal and human experiments. We searched Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane central until June 2014, concerning the effects of probiotics on hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and their anti-diabetic efficacies by modulating the activities of proinflammatory and antioxidant factors. Our initial search retrieved 1120 reports. After screening titles and abstracts, 72 full-text articles were reviewed for eligibility. Ultimately, 33 articles met our inclusion criteria consisting of five human and twenty eight animal reports. Lactobacillus strains were, in particular, used in all studies with or without other strains. We found that probiotics have beneficial effects on glycemic controls, as all human studies showed significant reductions in at least one of the primary outcome endpoints which were the levels of fasting plasma glucose, postprandial blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, insulin, insulin resistance and onset of diabetes; similarly, all the animal reports, except for two, documented significant changes in these parameters. Regarding secondary outcome measures, that is, lipid profiles, pro-inflammatory and anti-oxidant factors, only one human and one animal study failed to show any significant changes in any of these parameters. This systematic review generally demonstrated beneficial effects of the probiotic administration, especially Lactobacillus sub-strains, on the management of diabetes-related blood parameters, although, more evidence, especially from human trials, is needed to confirm these effects and also to conduct a meta-analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Eating breakfast, fruit and vegetable intake and their relation with happiness in college students.

PURPOSE: Nutrition plays a major role in physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between happiness and fruit and vegetable intake as well as eating breakfast in students. METHODS: In this cross-sectional web-based study, all students of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in Iran who attended course classes were invited to participate in the study. Five hundred forty-one students filled out the web-based questionnaire which included questions related to measurement of happiness, breakfast, fruit and vegetable consumption and socio-economic and demographic information. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the relationship between happiness and breakfast, fruit and vegetable consumption by adjustments for covariates. RESULTS: Measure of happiness was positively associated with eating breakfast, number of meals eaten daily and the amount of fruit and vegetable consumption (P values were <0.001, 0.008, 0.02, and 0.045 respectively). Students who ate breakfast every day, more than 8 servings of fruit and vegetables daily, and had 3 meals in addition to 1-2 snacks per day had the highest happiness score. CONCLUSION: Healthier behavior pattern was associated with higher happiness scores among medical students.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance in Children and Adolescent of Qazvin, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MetSyn and insulin resistance (IR) in children and adolescents in Qazvin, Iran. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 338 children and adolescents aged 10-18 years old who were selected by a multistage cluster random sampling method. We performed standardised measurements of variables including waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, plasma glucose level, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglycerides, and insulin. MetSyn was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. IR was estimated by the homeostatic model assessment. RESULTS: Of the 338 total subjects, 172 were female. The overall prevalence of MetSyn and IR were 3.4% and 18.2%, respectively. There was no sex difference for the prevalence of MetSyn. A total of 185 subjects (56.4%) had one or two components of MetSyn. The most common component was low HDL levels in both sexes, which was followed by high WC in females and high fasting plasma glucose levels in males. CONCLUSION: The lack of a standard definition of MetSyn in children and adolescents combined with the geographical and socioeconomic differences make it difficult to compare the results from different studies. Modification of lifestyle habits is an important strategy in preventing MetSyn and IR.

Sleep Problems among Pre-School Children in Qazvin, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Sleep problems are one of the main health issues raised by families. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the sleep problems of pre-school children in Iran. METHODS: Five hundred and seventy-nine children aged 3-6 years were randomly recruited from 15 kindergartens in the city of Qazvin in Iran. The Iranian version of BEARS (Bedtime problems, Excessive daytime sleepiness, Awakenings during the night, Regularity and duration of sleep and Snoring) and the Children's Sleep Habits questionnaire (CSHQ) were completed by interviewers. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 19. The data were analysed with a Student's t-test, chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 299 boys (51.6%) and 280 (48.3%) girls with a mean age of 4.1 years (SD 0.8). The mean body mass index (BMI) of the children was 15 (SD 2.1). The average sleep duration among the children was 10:54 h/day (SD 00:48). They went to bed late (23:18 h SD 00:48) and woke early (09:26 h; SD 01:00). Daytime sleepiness was reported by 6.9% of the participants. The incidence of awakening during the night, sleep-disordered breathing and snoring was 13.9%, 1.2% and 2.7%, respectively. Most of the children shared a room with their parents (87%) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The children had sleep-related problems, including a late bedtime, delayed sleep onset, daytime sleepiness, midnight awakening, sleep-disordered breathing, and snoring. Sharing a room was very common among the Iranian children.

Association between Maternal Hemoglobin, other Maternal Attributes and Neonatal Birth Weight: A Case-control Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the burden of anemia in pregnant women and its consequences on the pregnancy outcome are well documented, there is limited evidence on the association between maternal hemoglobin concentration and low birth weight (LBW) in the study area. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the association between maternal hemoglobin concentration and neonatal birth weight (BW) in Qazvin, Iran, 2018-2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among 450 neonates with BW < 2500 gm (LBW) and 451 neonates with BW > 2500 gm. In this study, neonates with BW less than 2500 gm were cases, while those who were greater than 2500 gm were considered as control. Multiple logistic regression model was used to calculate OR with 95% Confidence Interval (95 % CI) to determine the association between maternal anemia and other maternal attributes and neonate BW. RESULTS: Maternal hemoglobin (g/dl) was not significantly associated with neonate BW (OR: 1.03 (95 % CI: 0.58 - 1.81), p = 0.93). However, maternal initial weight (Kg) (OR: 0.96 (95 % CI: 0.94 - .098), p < 0.001), mother's age in year (OR: 1.04 (95 % CI: 1.00 - 1.09), p = 0.038), gestational age (OR: 0.49 (95 % CI: 0.43 - 0.57), p < 0.001) were significantly associated with neonatal BW. CONCLUSION: Maternal hemoglobin concentration was not significantly associated with LBW. However, other maternal attributes such as low initial maternal weight, low gestational age, low education status and old age were significantly associated with LBW. Intervention that targeted mothers with low initial weight, low educational status and older age is required to minimize LBW among neonates in the study area.

17ß-Estradiol-Loaded Exosomes for Targeted Drug Delivery in Osteoporosis: A Comparative Study of Two Loading Methods.

Purpose: Exosomes are natural nanoparticles that participate in intercellular communication through molecular transport. Recently, due to their membrane vesicular structure and surface proteins, exosomes have been used extensively in the research field of drug delivery. Osteoporosis is an inflammation in which the cellular balance of bone tissue is disturbed that reduces bone density and making bone prone to abnormal fractures with small amount of force. Utilizing estrogen is one of the main therapeutic strategies for osteoporosis. Despite the positive effects of estrogen on bone tissue, changes in the natural estrogen levels of the body can cause a number of diseases such as different types of cancer. Therefore, designing a therapeutic system which controls more accurate tissue targeting of estrogen seems to be a rational and promising practical approach. Methods: In this study, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs)-derived exosomes were loaded by estradiol using two different methods of drug loading, namely incubation and sonication methods and then the survival effects of the drug loaded exosomes on BMMSCs was investigated. Results: Examination of size, shape, and surface factors of exosomes in different states (pure exosomes and drug-loaded exosomes) showed that the round morphology of exosomes was preserved in all conditions. However, the particles size increased significantly when loaded by sonication method. The increased survival of BMMSCs was noted with estradiol-loaded exosomes when compared to the control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that estradiol-loaded exosomes have potential to be used as nano-drug carriers in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Iranian neonates with jaundice: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to estimate the overall prevalence of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in neonates with jaundice who were admitted to hospitals in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Sciences, and Iranian Local databases up to December 2019.We calculated Prevalence and 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) of G6PD deficiency as summary measures. We conducted subgroup analysis based on the sex and quality of studies, while meta-regression were applied for investigating the effect of years of studies and years of publication on the pooled prevalence. We applied sensitivity analysis to investigate the effect of excluding each study on the pooled prevalence estimation. RESULTS: The total sample size was 9799 people. The pooled prevalence of G6PD deficiency among neonates with jaundice in Iran was 7.0% (95% CI: 5.5-8.5%). The results of subgroup analysis showed that, pooled prevalence of G6PD deficiency among male neonate (12.1%, 95%CI: 7.6-16.7%) was more prevalent that female (3.00%, 95%CI: 1.1-4.9%). Based on the sensitivity analysis, lower and higher pooled prevalence of G6PD deficiency was observed 5.8% (95%CI: 4.7-6.9%) and 7.3% (95%CI: 5.7-8.8%) respectively by excluding each study. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 7% in Iranian neonates with Jaundice. Prevalence was high in male and early hours of life. We recommend screening test for G6PD deficiency in neonates to prevent its complications.

An Insight on the Role of Altered Function and Expression of Exosomes and MicroRNAs in Female Reproductive Diseases.

Exosomes are small bilayer-lipid membrane vesicles secreted by living cells that are able to transfer regulatory molecules and genetic information from one cell to another. These vesicles are enriched with several nucleic acids including mRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), other non-coding RNAs, as well as proteins and lipids. Alterations in the exosomal content and functions are observed in numerous reproductive diseases in both animals and human cases. MicroRNAs, a class of small endogenous RNA molecules, can negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcription level. Aberrant microRNA expression has been reported in multiple human reproductive diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome, preeclampsia, uterine leiomyomata, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and Asherman's syndrome. This study focuses to review recent research on alterations of microRNA expression and the role of exosomes in female reproductive diseases. It has been demonstrated that exosomes may be a potential therapeutic approach in various female reproductive diseases. In addition, changes in expression of microRNAs act as molecular biomarkers for diagnosis of several reproductive diseases in women, and regulation of their expression can potentially reduce infertility.

Improved glycemic status, insulin resistance and inflammation after receiving oral oleoylethanolamide supplement in people with prediabetes: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids have been shown. This study was conducted to assess effect of oleoylethanolamide (OEA) supplementation on glycemic status, insulin resistance (IR) and inflammatory factor in pre-diabetic individuals. METHODS: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was done at Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in which 46 pre-diabetic patients were divided into two equal groups and received one 125 mg OEA capsule in the intervention group (23 subjects) and 125 mg capsule containing wheat flour in placebo group daily for 8 weeks. After collecting demographic information, at the beginning and end of the study, the questionnaires of physical activity, 24-hour food recall were completed and blood glucose (BG), plasma insulin level, IR, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: At the beginning and end of the study, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of anthropometric indices, food intake and physical activity (P > 0.05). At the end of the study, consumption of OEA significantly reduced BS, insulin, IR, HbA1c, and CRP (P < 0.05). No significant change was observed in mentioned biochemical factors in placebo group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Given that OEA supplementation improved the glycemic status, IR and reduced the inflammatory factor, use of this supplement can be introduced as a useful supplement to control pre-diabetes status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol of this clinical trial is registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ( http://www.IRCT.IR , identifier: IRCT20141025019669N16).

Anticancer Properties of Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii Supernatant on Human Breast Cancer Cells.

Saccharomyces boulardii, a variety of S. cerevisiae, is used as a probiotic yeast in food and drug industries. However, S. boulardii is an opportunistic pathogen, and the supernatant of this organism has recently been recommended for its health-promoting benefits. Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer disease in women worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of S. boulardii supernatant (SBS) on cell viability, inducing apoptosis and suppression of survivin gene expression in MCF-7 and MCF-7/MX as human non-drug-resistant and multidrug-resistant breast cancer cells respectively. The IC50 value of SBS against MCF-7 was calculated 1037, 542, and 543 µg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 h treatments, respectively. Also, this value against MCF-7/MX cells were measured 1242, 616, and 444 µg/mL after 24, 48, and 72 h respectively. We found that suppression of survivin gene expression should be one of the main molecular antitumor mechanisms which is contributed to apoptosis in breast cancer cells. However, anticancer activity of SBS was observed more efficient against MCF-7 than that against MCF-7/MX cells. SBS is suggested to be considered as one of the prospective anticancer drugs to treat human breast carcinoma. More investigations especially in vivo studies are strongly recommended to be implemented to characterize other antitumor mechanisms of SBS against breast carcinoma.

Effects of probiotic supplementation on major cardiovascular-related parameters in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a secondary-data analysis of a randomized double-blind controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have a higher risk of future cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Meanwhile, probiotics are shown to positively impact CVD-related parameters. This randomized controlled trial sought to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on fundamental CVD-related parameters including atherogenic index of plasma (AIPs), blood pressure, the Framingham risk score, and antioxidant markers in patients with T2DM. METHODS: Eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive 2 capsules/day of probiotics [each containing 500 mg of L.acidophilus(5 × 1010 CFU/g), L.plantarum(1.5 × 1010 CFU/g), L.fermentum(7 × 109 CFU/g), L.Gasseri(2 × 1010 CFU/g) and 38.5 mg of fructo-oligo-saccharides], or placebo for 6 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), atherogenic indices (the ratios of TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and logTG/HDL-C), the 10-year Framingham CVD risk score, as well as total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), paraoxonase (PON) and total oxidant status (TOS) were evaluated before and after the study. Final analyses were adjusted based on baseline parameters, and potential covariates including age, sex, PUFA and sodium intakes. RESULTS: Sixty participants completed the study. Compared with placebo, probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in SBP[-9.24 mmHg(- 14.5, - 3.9)], DBP[- 3.71 mmHg(- 6.59, - 0.83)], MAP[- 5.55 mmHg(- 8.8, - 2.31)], the Framingham risk categories [medium-low(1.5) vs. 2 (medium)] and logTG/HDL-C ratio [- 0.08 (- 0.14, 0)] (All P < 0.05) at the end of the study. No significant changes were observed in the antioxidant markers. CONCLUSION: Overall, probiotic supplementation for 6 weeks led to a significant improvement in major CVD-related parameters in populations with T2DM, suggesting the possible beneficial role of probiotics in lowering the risk of future CVDs associated with diabetes. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to confirm the veracity of these results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT2013100714925N1 (registered on November, 9th, 2013).

The effects of plasma-derived extracellular vesicles on cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation in mice.

Cumulus cell expansion is required for the ovulation of a fertilizable oocyte. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are bilayer-lipid membrane vesicles that may be found in a variety of bodily fluids and play an important role in biological processes. This study aimed to examine the effects of plasma-derived EVs on cumulus expansion and in vitro maturation (IVM) of the oocyte. EVswere isolated using ultracentrifugation from the plasma of female mice. The morphology and size of EVs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Western blotting allowed us to identify CD63, CD81, CD9, and HSP70 protein markers of EVs; the expression of the genes related to cumulus cell expansion, including hyaluronan synthase 2 (Has2) and prostaglandinendoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2), were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Plasma-derived EVs labeled with Dil dye were successfully incorporated with cumulus cells during IVM. Plasma-derived EVs significantly induced cumulus expansion and maturation of oocytes. The percentage of oocytes that reached the MII stage was significantly greater in the EVs treatment group compared with other groups. Although treatment with epidermal growth factor (EGF) significantly increased cumulus expansion in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), the impact was less than that seen with plasma-derived EVs. Furthermore, EVs generated from plasma substantially enhanced Has2 and Ptgs2 mRNA expression in the cumulus-oocyte complex. This research indicates that EVs derived from plasma are capable of promoting cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation.

Relation of dietary insulin index and dietary insulin load to metabolic syndrome depending on the lifestyle factors: Tehran lipid and glucose study.

AIM: The hypothesis of the effect of the insulinogenic effects of diet on the development of cardiovascular diseases has been proposed, but the findings of previous studies are very contradictory. We investigated the association between dietary insulin index (DII) and dietary insulin load (DIL), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk. Another objective was to examine the extent to which lifestyle (physical activity, smoking status, and weight change) and sex influence the relationship between DII, DIL, and MetS risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We followed 1915 participants in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. DIL and DII were calculated based on a validated food frequency questionnaire. Weight change was measured, and participants were categorized into > 3% weight loss, weight stable (± 3%), and > 3% weight gain. By joint classification, the association between DII and DIL (< median and ≥ median) and risk of MetS was assessed according to weight change, sex, physical activity levels, and smoking status. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the HRs (95% CI), adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: During 8.9 years of follow-up, among 1915 participants, we documented 591 new cases of MetS. DII and DIL were not associated with MetS risk in the crude and adjusted models. However, DIL and DII were associated with weight gain (≥ 3%). In the crude model, DIL and DII were associated with a higher risk of weight gain [HR: 1.74: 95% CI 1.50-2.03, and 1.70 (1.46-1.98), respectively]. These associations remained significant after further adjustment for confounders. The HRs were 1.61 (1.35-1.92) for DIL and 1.64 (1.39-1.93) for DII. Among men, women, participants with low physical activity levels, and smokers, the risk of MetS, independent of DIL and DII, only increased in a participant with weight gain. In women with weight stability, DIL and DII, higher than the median, were positively associated with MetS risk. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the association between MetS risk and a hyperinsulinemic diet depended on weight change.

Anticancer Properties of Saccharomyces boulardii Metabolite Against Colon Cancer Cells.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii has been used as a probiotic yeast in the medical and food industries. Colon cancers have been known as the third most common cancer type worldwide. Nowadays, cell-free extract and metabolites of probiotics have been employed for the treatment or prevention of different cancer diseases. This study investigates the anticancer properties of S. boulardii metabolites against human colon carcinoma. We evaluated cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and suppression of survivin, IL-8, and NFƙB gene expression effects of SBM against caco-2 cells after 24 and 48 h. IC50 concentrations of SBM were measured at 815 and 1411 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h treatments, respectively. The total proportion of apoptotic caco-2 cells treated with SBM after 24 and 48 h were calculated at 62.23 and 88.7%, respectively. Also, relative expression of survivin, IL-8, and NFƙB genes were significantly suppressed in caco-2 cells treated with SBM after 24 and 48 h. In conclusion, we found that SBM induced apoptosis, inhibited the growth rate, and suppressed the expression of the survivin, IL-8, and NFƙB genes in human colorectal cancer cells and it can be considered as a perspective supplement or drug for the treatment or prevention of colon cancer in humans.