Proteome analysis, bioinformatic prediction and experimental evidence revealed immune response down-regulation function for serum-starved human fibroblasts.

Emerging evidence indicates that fibroblasts play pivotal roles in immunoregulation by producing various proteins under health and disease states. In the present study, for the first time, we compared the proteomes of serum-starved human skin fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using Nano-LC-ESI-tandem mass spectrometry. This analysis contributes to a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of chronic inflammation and cancer, which are intrinsically accompanied by growth factor deficiency.The proteomes of starved fibroblasts and PBMCs consisted of 307 and 294 proteins, respectively, which are involved in lymphocyte migration, complement activation, inflammation, acute phase response, and immune regulation. Starved fibroblasts predominantly produced extracellular matrix-related proteins such as collagen/collagenase, while PBMCs produced focal adhesion-related proteins like beta-parvin and vinculin which are involved in lymphocyte migration. PBMCs produced a more diverse set of inflammatory molecules like heat shock proteins, while fibroblasts produced human leukocytes antigen-G and -E that are known as main immunomodulatory molecules. Fifty-four proteins were commonly found in both proteomes, including serum albumin, amyloid-beta, heat shock cognate 71 kDa, and complement C3. GeneMANIA bioinformatic tool predicted 418 functions for PBMCs, including reactive oxygen species metabolic processes and 241 functions for starved fibroblasts such as antigen processing and presentation including non-classical MHC -Ib pathway, and negative regulation of the immune response. Protein-protein interactions network analysis indicated the immunosuppressive function for starved fibroblasts-derived human leucocytes antigen-G and -E. Moreover, in an in vitro model of allogeneic transplantation, the immunosuppressive activity of starved fibroblasts was experimentally documented. Conclusion: Under serum starvation-induced metabolic stress, both PBMCs and fibroblasts produced molecules like heat shock proteins and amyloid-beta, which can have pathogenic roles in auto-inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, aging, and cancer. However, starved fibroblasts showed immunosuppressive activity in an in vitro model of allogeneic transplantation, suggesting their potential to modify such adverse reactions by down-regulating the immune system.

The effect of eliminating sintering during the synthesis of 3D scaffolds using the gel-casting method on their biological characteristics:in vivoandin vitroevaluations.

The possibility of making shapeable three-dimensional scaffolds along with suitable mechanical properties is one of the most challenging points in tissue engineering. This study investigated the effect of the eliminating sintering during the synthesis of Hydroxyapatite/Agarose nanocomposite foam produced by gel-casting method, as bone tissue cellular scaffold, on its biological characteristics. The Hydroxyapatite/Agarose nanocomposite foam was synthesized by gel-casting, and samples were divided into two groups: group S, in which half of the samples were sintered, and group C, which the other half of the samples were left unsintered. To assessin vitrocytotoxicity, the supernatant culture medium was extracted from 100 mg ml-1foam suspension in complete culture medium after 72 h incubation and diluted into various concentrations. SaOs-II cells were incubated with extracts of each scaffold at different concentrations and analyzed using the MTT assay. Additionally,in vivocharacteristics were evaluated by implanting the scaffolds in rat tibia. Overall, the number of living cells was higher in group S than in group C, except for concentrations of 25% and 75% after 24 and 48 h of incubation, respectively. MTT assay results indicated that concentrations below 50% for group S and 25% for group C could be considered non-toxic. Allin vivovariables exhibited significant changes over time, with most changes occurring faster in group S than in group C. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of inflammation rate, osteocyte, osteoblast, and osteoclast count, as well as remaining biomaterial percentage only on day 30. Despite the delay in the tissue regeneration process observed by eliminating sintering during the gel-casting method, it is recommended as a means of producing reversible polymeric scaffolds with proper handling, cutting, and shaping capabilities that can be easily applied by clinicians during surgery according to the specific defect site.

Serotonin-1A receptor activation in the median raphe nucleus improves response learning-based strategy in 192IgG saporin-induced cognitive impairments.

Deficits in the translation between egocentric-allocentric strategies may become another diagnostic mark for neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer's disease. Regarding the specific regional distribution of serotonin-1A receptor in brain areas mediating allocentric (externally-centered) spatial navigation to the escape location, here we studied the effects of median raphe nucleus serotonin-1A autoreceptors stimulation, [8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT); 4 µg/0.5 µl saline], of a selective cholinergic denervation by intracerebroventricular administration of the 192IgG saporin (1µl/each ventricle), on male Wistar rats search strategies in a Morris maze during acquisition, and before probe sessions. Despite some evidence of spatial hippocampal dependent knowledge to those PBS/Saline animals, their performance dropped to chance levels on probe trial. Therefore, we considered two probabilities and first analyzed the ability of the rats to make better use of one or more strategies. We showed statistically significant increases in the distances associated with egocentric (body-centered) non-spatial strategies, random searching in particular, in 192IgG/8OH rats, which led to their improved performance. Second, considering to what extent a shift in search strategy use improves performance indicated that 8-OH-DPAT alone did not affect learning since it appeared the related performance was impaired over days. However, the strategy choices made by 192IgG/8OH rats increased performance by more than 12% compared to 192IgG/Saline rats, an effect reversed with pre-treatment by serotonin-1A receptor antagonist, N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexane-carboxamide (WAY 100635). The results strongly suggest the potential role of serotonergic system, via the serotonin-1A receptors, in spatial navigation. We argue that the receptors are of interest as therapeutic targets that can be used against age-related cognitive decline.

Ninety-six-hour starved peripheral blood mononuclear cell supernatant inhibited LA7 breast cancer stem cells induced tumor via reduction in angiogenesis and alternations in Gch1 and Spr expressions.

Introduction: The microenvironment of solid tumors such as breast cancer is heterogeneous and complex, containing different types of cell, namely, cancer stem cells and immune cells. We previously reported the immunoregulatory behavior of the human immune cell in a solid tumor microenvironment-like culture under serum starvation stress for 96 h. Here, we examined the effect of this culture-derived solution on breast cancer development in rats. Method: Ninety-six-hour starved PBMCs supernatant (96 h-SPS) was collected after culturing human PBMCs for 96 h under serum starvation condition. Breast cancer stem cells, LA7 cell line, was used for in vitro study by analyzing gene expression status and performing cytotoxicity, proliferation, scratch wound healing assays, followed by in vivo tumor induction in three groups of mature female Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were treated with 96 h-SPS or RPMI and normal saline as control, n = 6 for each group. After biochemical analysis of iron, lactate, and pH levels in the dissected tumors, Ki67 antigen expression, angiogenesis, and necrosis evaluation were carried out. Metabolic-related gene expression was assessed using RT-qPCR. Moreover, 96 h-SPS composition was discovered by Nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS. Results: 96 h-SPS solution reduced the LA7 cell viability, proliferation, and migration and Gch1 and Spr genes expression in vitro (p< 0.05), whereas stemness gene Oct4 was upregulated (p< 0.01). The intracellular lactate was significantly decreased in the 96 h-SPS treated group (p = 0.007). In this group, Gch1 and Spr were significantly downregulated (p< 0.05), whereas the Sox2 and Oct4 expression was not changed significantly. The number of vessels and mitosis (Ki67+ cells) in the 96 h-SPS-treated group was significantly reduced (p = 0.024). The increased rate of necrosis in this group was statistically significant (p = 0.04). Last, proteomics analysis revealed candidate effectors' components of 96 h-SPS solution. Conclusion: 96 h-SPS solution may help to prevent cancer stem cell mediated tumor development. This phenomenon could be mediated through direct cytotoxic effects, inhibition of cell proliferation and migration in association with reduction in Gch1 and Spr genes expression, angiogenesis and mitosis rate, and necrosis augmentation. The preliminary data obtained from the present study need to be investigated on a larger scale and can be used as a pilot for further studies on the biology of cancer development.

Downregulation of Stemness Genes and Induction of Necrosis in Rat LA7 Cancer Stem Cells Induced Tumors Treated with Starved Fibroblasts Culture Supernatant.

BACKGROUND: Stem cell differentiation therapy is a promising strategy in cancer treatment. we show that protein cocktail prepared from serum starved fibroblasts has therapeutic potential based on this strategy. METHODS: The condition medium was prepared from foreskin isolated fibroblasts and analyzed by Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). LA7 mammary gland cancer stem cells originated tumors were induced in Sprague Dawley rats. The rats treated subcutaneously with DMEM (group A), condition medium (group B), or normal saline (group C) once daily for 7 days. Then the tumors were removed and divided into the two parts, one part was used to quantify gene expression by stem-loop RT-qPCR assay and the other part was used for Hematoxylin & Eosin (H & E), Giemsa, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. RESULTS: All induced tumors appeared as sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC). Immunohistochemistry staining confirmed this conclusion by recognizing the tumor as Ki67+, cytokeratin+, vimentine+, and estrogen receptor negative SC. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that Oct4-, Sox-2, Nanog- gene expression was much reduced in the condition medium treated tumors versus proper controls (p< 0.05). Tissue necrosis was more prevalent in this group while tumors volume was diminished almost by 40%. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis unrevealed the stemness reducing and the cell death inducing proteins such as, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), insulin like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) and -7 (IGFBP-7) in the condition medium. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the substances released from starved human fibroblasts were able to down-regulate the stemness-related genes and induce necrosis in LA7 derived tumors.

Systemic effects of starved fibroblast culture supernatant on immunosuppressed rats treated with cancer stem cells (LA7).

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate and compare the effect of starved fibroblast culture supernatant (SFS), DMEM and normal saline alone or along with LA7 on dexamethasone-treated immunosuppressed Wistar rats. METHODS: After the isolation of fibroblasts from the fresh foreskin of children, it was cultured in serum-free DMEM, and the supernatant collected after 16 hours (16h-SFS). This solution and the other treatments were injected subcutaneously into the rats from each group once daily for 14 days. The liver, intestine and lung histology along with blood cellular and biochemical characteristics were studied. RESULTS: The results showed that dexamethasone as immunosuppressant reduced the body weight. The histological change in the liver was mild fibrosis induced by LA7+16h-SFS. Also, among the different blood cellular and biochemical indices measured, the eosinophil percentage in the 16h-SFS treated rats , glucose levels in the 16h-SFS+LA7 group and triglyceride concentrations in the 16h-SFS group were changed (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the secretions of starved fibroblasts especially that combined with LA7 cancer stem cells could induce some minor histological and biochemical changes in immunosuppressed rats, and also it opened a new window for subsequent investigations on unknown mechanisms related to this work.

A comparative study on immunophenotypic characterization and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells derived from periodontal ligament and gingiva.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from periodontal ligament (PDL) and gingiva can be used for the development of cell-based regenerative approaches in dentistry and medicine. The purpose of this investigation was to establish a method for isolation of human stem cells from the PDL and gingiva, multilineage differentiation of those cells, and comparison of periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells (PDLMSCs) and gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs). METHODS: PDL and gingival tissues of third molar teeth were digested enzymatically and the proliferative potential of human PDLMSCs and GMSCs was compared by MTT assay. The expression of cell surface epitopes was analyzed by flow cytometry. To investigate the multilineage differentiation capacity of these stem cells, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation was achieved. The specific staining of nodules was performed to evaluate differentiation, whereas the expression of alkalin phosphatase (ALP) and collagen A I (COL I) genes was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The outgrown cells derived from PDL and gingival tissues were similar, fibroblast-like, and spindle-shaped. Further, the proliferation potential of GMSCs was greater than PDLMSCs. Both types of stem cells expressed MSC precursor markers, including CD73, CD90, and CD105, whereas they were negative for hematopoietic markers, including CD34 and CD45. PDLMSCs demonstrated more osteogenic potential compared to GMSCs with strong mineral noduls, and significantly greater expression of up-regulated bone-related markers ALP and COL I. CONCLUSION: MSCs derived from PDL and gingiva demonstrated multipotent characteristics, suggesting new therapeutic approaches in tissue engineering and PDLMSCs are more appropriate candidates for this purpose.

Targeting LA7 breast cancer stem cells of rat through repressing the genes of stemness-related transcription factors using three different biological fluids.

Down-regulation of stemness genes expression is important in differentiation therapy against cancer stem cells (CSCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the Oct4 , Sox2, Nanog, and C-myc expression in rat breast cancer stem cells (LA7) which treated with human ovarian follicular fluid (FF), replicative senescent fibroblast culture supernatant (P14), and 16 h serum starved fibroblast supernatant (16 h-SFS). The cells were exposed to these biological fluids for 24 h, 72 h, and 7 days. Stem-loop RT-qPCR assay was used to quantify the expression of above mentioned genes. Results showed that FF had the least cytotoxic effect on the LA7 cells. Except for Nanog gene, exposure of LA7 cell line to 16 h-SFS and P14 decreased significantly expression of the three other genes after 24 h (P < 0.05). Nanog and Sox2 genes expression was also decreased in LA7 cells which have been already treated with FF for 24 h. Moreover, compared to the control solution, the expression of Oct4 increased significantly after 7 days exposure to FF (P < 0.05). Annexin V-PE /7-AAD-, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining and doubling time assays revealed apoptosis and necrosis induction by these biological fluids in LA7 cells. Moreover, in an in vitro model of metastasis assay, i.e., scratch test, these fluids exhibited anti-LA7 migration activity which culminated in 16 h-SFS treated cells. Generally, this study showed that FF, 16 h-SFS, and P14 have positive effects on down-regulation of Nanog, Oct4, Sox2 and C-myc expression, and consequently can increase the differentiation of breast cancer stem cells. For the first time, this study provided some evidence indicating that some biological fluids have potential to differentiate the CSCs, show anti- survival, growth-, and cell migration activity.

The Effects of Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment of Thymol against tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide (t-BHP) Cytotoxicity in MCF-7 Cell Line and Fibroblast Derived Foreskin.

BACKGROUND: Some recent studies have reported anti-tumor activity for Thymol, but the findings are inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate and compare Thymol's effects on MCF-7 cancer cells and fibroblasts while treated with tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). METHODS: In the pre-treatment, MCF-7 and fibroblast cells were treated with various Thymol concentrations and incubated for 24 h. Then, t-BHP was added to a final concentration of 50 µM, and the cells were incubated for one h. In the post-treatment, cells were incubated first with 50 µM t-BHP for one h and then treated with Thymol. Cell viability was tested by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Thymol's antioxidant capacity was measured by DPPH and FRAP assays, and lipid peroxidation levels were determined by the TBARS method. RESULTS: The thymol effects were dose-dependent, and despite their antioxidant properties, at concentrations of 100 µg/ml or more, increased t-BHP toxicity and reduced cancer cell viability. MTT assay result showed that pre-treatment and post-treatment with Thymol for 24 hours effectively reduced MCF-7 and fibroblast cell viability compared with the untreated control group. Both pre- and post-treatment of Thymol, normal fibroblast cell viability was significantly greater than that of the MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSION: Our finding showed that Thymol appears to be toxic to MCF-7 cells at lower concentrations than fibroblasts after 24 hours of incubation. Pre-treatment with Thymol neutralized the oxidative effect of t-BHP in fibroblasts but was toxic for MCF-7 cells.

Anticancer properties of chitosan against osteosarcoma, breast cancer and cervical cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is still the most common cause of morbidity in the world. Chitosan, a commonly used natural polymer, is consisted of different molecular weight with different biological activities.The purpose of this study was to determine cytotoxicity effect of high molecular weight (HMWC) and low molecular weight of chitosan (LMWC) on three cancerous cell lines MCF-7, HeLa and Saos-2 with different histological origin. METHODS: The anticancer property of two types of chitosan on three cancerous cell lines and human fibroblast as normal cell line, was evaluated by cytotoxic activity including their apoptosis induction properties. Chitosan solutions 2% (w/v) were prepared. The cells were treated by different concentration of chitosan and viability was determined by MTT assay after 24, 48 and 72 h .Also the mode of cell death-apoptosis vs necrosis ,was determined by Annexin V staining assay and analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: While both types of chitosan were effective in inhibiting cell proliferation of three cancerous cell lines, fibroblast cells showed somehow more compatibility with chitosan. Despite of a significant decrease in all 3 cell lines viability, up to 90%, but we didn't see a concentration dependent difference between both types of chitosan (HMWC and LMWC) in their cytotoxic effects. Flow cytometry analysis showed necrosis more observable with MCF7 while the apoptosis pattern of death was more in Saos-2 and HeLa. Also, higher viability with both types of chitosan was seen in fibroblast as normal cells. CONCLUSION: While chitosan is compatible with normal diploid fibroblast cells, it shows anticancerous effect against 3 cancerous cell lines. Furthermore, it seems that the molecular weight of chitosan does not affect its anticancerous property.

Biscoumarin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids as novel anti-diabetic agents: Design, synthesis, in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition, kinetic, and docking studies.

A novel series of biscoumarin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids 6a-n was prepared and evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. All fourteen derivatives exhibited excellent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging between 13.0 ±â€¯1.5 and 75.5 ±â€¯7.0 µM when compared with the acarbose as standard inhibitor (IC50 = 750.0 ±â€¯12.0 µM). Among the synthesized compounds, compounds 6c (IC50 = 13.0 ±â€¯1.5 µM) and 6g (IC50 = 16.4 ±â€¯1.7 µM) exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and were non-cytotoxic towards normal fibroblast cells. Kinetic study revealed that compound 6c inhibits the α-glucosidase in a competitive mode. Furthermore, molecular docking investigation was performed to find interaction modes of the biscoumarin-1,2,3-triazole derivatives.

Comparison of Salivary and Serum Soluble CD44 Levels between Patients with Oral SCC and Healthy Controls

Background: The most common type of oral cancer is oral squamous cell carcinoma. If it is diagnosed in the early stages; the success of the treatment can be increased. It seems that ELISA-based techniques as a screening tool for society are the most cost-effective methods for early diagnosis. CD44 is a key marker for the detection of SCC stem cells. The aim of this study was to compare the level of soluble CD44 in saliva and serum between patients with oral SCC and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Saliva and serum were collected from 20 patients with primary OSCC and 20 healthy persons as control group. The samples were evaluated by an ELISA test kit. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22, chi-square, ANOVA, T-test and Spearman correlation test. Results: The mean of soluble CD44 level in serum and saliva of the patient and control groups are 531.51±228.95 and 453.3±113.74 (for serum) and 48.53±59.02 and 17.76±39.14 (for saliva) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in serum and saliva solCD44 level between the patient and control groups (P value = 0.182 and P value = 0.061 respectively). Also, there was no significant correlation between the solCD44 level in each patient and control group in serum (P value = 0.61) and in saliva (P value = 0.445). Conclusions: Determination of solCD44 level in saliva and serum can be a useful method for diagnosis the person's involvement with cancer cells and the cancer in the early stages. But according to the controversial outcomes of past studies, larger and more accurate studies are needed in groups with more cases of oral cancer.

Association of interleukin-6 (rs1800796) but not transforming growth factor beta 1 (rs1800469) with serum calcium levels in osteoporotic patients.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disease with a strong genetic influence. Recent studies have demonstrated that cytokines, such as TGF-ß1 and interleukin 6 (IL-6) play complex roles in the normal bone metabolism and pathophysiology of osteoporosis. Here, we investigated the roles of 2 polymorphisms mapping to the promoters of TGF-ß1and IL-6 genes on the genetic susceptibility to osteoporosis as well as calcium and vitamin D levels. METHODS: A cohort of 297 elderly participants in northern Iran comprising 181 osteoporotic patients (mean age ±â€¯SD, 68.36 ±â€¯7.21 years) and 116 unrelated healthy controls (mean age ±â€¯SD, 64 ±â€¯5.44 years) was studied for TGF-ß1(C-509T) and IL-6 (G-634C) polymorphisms using PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: A significant relationship was observed between calcium level and IL-6 genotypes in osteoporotic males (P = 0.011) and females (P = 0.020). No significant differences were observed between osteoporotic and control groups with respect to allele frequency or genotype distribution based on the 2 selected polymorphisms under different genetic models. The results remained the same after comparing the BMD values of either the femur neck or lumbar spine with the genotypes of the elderly men and women when analyzed separately. CONCLUSION: IL-6 genotype influences serum calcium levels in osteoporotic patients. The lack of association between the common genetic variations of TGF-ß1 and IL-6 genes, and BMD highlights the complex genetic background of osteoporosis in the north of Iran.

Induction of apoptosis in HeLa cancer cells by an ultrasonic-mediated synthesis of curcumin-loaded chitosan-alginate-STPP nanoparticles.

Natural herbal compounds have been widely introduced as an alternative therapeutic approach in cancer therapy. Despite potent anticancer activity of curcumin, its clinical application has been limited because of low water solubility and resulting poor bioavailability. In this study, we designed a novel ultrasonic-assisted method for the synthesis of curcumin-loaded chitosan-alginate-sodium tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (CS-ALG-STPP NPs). Furthermore, antitumor effect of curcumin-loaded NPs was evaluated in vitro. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize the properties of NPs. Antitumor activity of curcumin-loaded NPs was assessed by using MTT and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). FE-SEM and AFM data revealed the spherical morphology, and the average size of NPs was <50 nm. In vitro cytotoxicity assay suggested that curcumin-loaded CS-ALG-STPP NPs displayed significant antitumor activity compared with the free curcumin. Gene expression level analyses showed that curcumin NPs significantly increased the apoptotic gene expression. Collectively, our results suggest that curcumin-loaded NPs significantly suppressed proliferation and promoted the induction of apoptosis in human cervical epithelioid carcinoma cancer cells, which might be regarded as an effective alternative strategy for cancer therapy.

Effects of Regular Treadmill Exercise on a DNA Oxidative-Damage Marker and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Rat Hippocampal Tissue.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Regular exercise can result in changes in the levels of oxidative stress in the hippocampus; however, little attention has been paid to physical-activity-induced neuronal protection to exposure to lead compounds. This study investigated the effects of regular treadmill exercise on a DNA oxidative-damage marker [8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)] and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of hippocampal tissue in lead-acetate exposed rats. METHODS: This study investigated the effects of 8 weeks of regular treadmill exercise on 8-OHdG and the TAC of hippocampal tissue in lead-acetate-exposed rats. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: baseline, sham (control), lead, and exercise+lead. The exercise program involved running on a treadmill with increasing intensity five times a week for 8 weeks. Animals in the lead and exercise+lead groups received lead acetate at 20 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally three times weekly for 8 weeks. Animals in the sham group received solvent (ethyl oleate) at 30 mg/kg body weight three times weekly for 8 weeks. TAC and 8-OHdG were measured by spectrophotometric and ELISA techniques, respectively. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test with a significance cutoff of p≤0.05. RESULTS: The level of 8-OHdG and the TAC were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in the lead group than in the baseline and sham groups (p<0.01). However, the 8-OHdG level and TAC value in hippocampal tissue were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in the exercise+lead group relative to the lead group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The TAC of hippocampal tissue may be directly associated with neural protection mechanisms of exercise following lead acetate injection, and the beneficial effects of regular exercise in preventing hippocampal neuronal damage could be due to decreased hippocampal oxidative stress such as reflected by a lower 8-OHdG level and increased TAC.

RNA Extraction from Animal and Human's Cancerous Tissues: Does Tissue Matter?

The reliability of gene expression profiling, based technologies and methods to find transcriptional differences representative of the original samples is influenced by the quality of the extracted RNA. Hence, RNA extraction is the first step to investigate the gene expression and its function. Consequently, the quality of extracted RNA is really significant. Correspondingly, this research was accomplished to optimize the RNA extraction methods and compare the amounts of tissue or quality of tissue. Relatively, the cancerous tissue of human stomach in fresh and frozen conditions and also the mouse fresh tissue were studied. Some factors like the amount of samples, efficacy differences of diverse extraction buffers (TriPure, Trizol) and also the efficacy of b-mercaptoethanol were compared and investigated. The results indicated that the less amount (1-2 mg) compared to other amounts (2-5 mg, 5-15 mg) yielded the best quality and the RNA bands (5S, 18S, 28S) were observed perfectly. Relatively, comparing and measuring some kinds of buffers (Trizol, TriPure) indicated no difference in RNA extraction quality. The last investigated factor was the effect of b- mercaptoethanol which was used along with TriPure to remove the RNAse. Conclusively, no effective impression was observed.

Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents of Aqueous Extract of Stinging Nettle and In Vitro Antiproliferative Effect on Hela and BT-474 Cell Lines.

Phenolic compounds including flavonoids and phenolic acids are plants secondary metabolites. Due to their ability to act as antioxidant agents, there is a growing interest to use those components in traditional medicine for cancer prevention or treatment. The aim of this study was to measure the amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids as well as anti-proliferative effect of aqueous extract of Stinging nettle on BT-474 and Hela cell lines. The amounts of phenolics content and total flavonoids were determined by folin ciocalteu and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. The free radical scavenging activity was measured by using diphenyl - picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The reducing power of the extract was measured in the presence of potassium hexacyanoferrate and its antiproliferative activity was assessed on BT-474 and Hela cell lines using MTT assay. Total phenolic content was 322.941± 11.811 mg gallic acid/g extract. Total flavonoid content was 133.916±12.006 mg Catechin/g. The IC50 of DPPH radical was 1.2 mg/ ml and the reducing power was 218.9± 15.582 µg ascorbic acid/ g. Cell viability of BT-474 cells decreased to less than half of the control (no added extract) at the presence of 3 mg/ ml extract while no significant changes were detected for Hela cells at similar conditions. There was no significant difference in the percentage of surviving cells between consecutive days (day 1, 2 and 3) for both BT-474 and Hela cells (P>0.05). Although the relatively high amount of phenolic and flavonoid contents of the aqueous extract make this plant a promising candidate for diseases treatment; however, there is not a direct relationship between the amounts of these antioxidant components and the efficiency in in vitro cancer treatment.

Tissue culture study of the medicinal plant leek (allium ampeloprasum L).

Persian shallot, also called leek (Allium ampeloprasum), is a monocotyledon plant of the lily family (Liliaceae). It belongs to the genus Allium, has a characteristic taste and morphological features, making it to be considered as one of the popular herbal medicine. This research was conducted with the purpose of obtaining optimal conditions for tissue culture of Persian shallot and comparing its active ingredient production in vitro versus in vivo. In this study, the auxin 2, 4-D and benzyl aminopurine- 6 (BAP) hormones, each at two concentrations (0.5 and 0.1 mg/ L) and Kin at 0.5 mg/ L were used in the format of a randomized complete block design in three replications. Results showed that the best culture media for callus formation for leaf and seed explants were the MS cultures with the hormonal compositions (0.5 mg/ L of 2, 4- D, 0.1 mg/ L of BAP) and (0.5 mg/ L of Kin and 0.1 mg/ L of 2, 4- D). Identification of the chemical composition of the essential oils, extracted either from leek callus or leaf was carried out using GC mass analysis. Twenty one compounds were detected in the GC mass spectra, seven of which constitutv about 51.5% of the total amount of compounds present in the essential oils were identified. Our data demonstrate that the leek essential oil constituents as well as callus formation can be affected by culture medium condition.

Antioxidant and apoptotic effects of an aqueous extract of Urtica dioica on the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and one of the leading causes of death among women in the world. Plants and herbs may play an important role in complementary or alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-proliferative potential of Urtica dioica. The anti oxidant activity of an aqueous extract of Urtica dioica leaf was measured by MTT assay and the FRAP method while its anti-proliferative activity on the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and fibroblasts isolated from foreskin tissue was evaluated using MTT assay. Mechanisms leading to apoptosis were also investigated at the molecular level by measuring the amount of anti and pro-apoptotic proteins and at the cellular level by studying DNA fragmentation and annexin V staining by flow cytometry. The aqueous extract of Urtica dioica showed antioxidant effects with a correlation coefficient of r(2)=0.997. Dose-dependent and anti-proliferative effects of the extract were observed only on MCF-7 cells after 72 hrs with an IC50 value of 2 mg/ml. This anti proliferative activity was associated with an increase of apoptosis as demonstrated by DNA fragmentation, the appearance of apoptotic cells in flow cytometry analysis and an increase of the amount of calpain 1, calpastatin, caspase 3, caspase 9, Bax and Bcl-2, all proteins involved in the apoptotic pathway. This is the first time such in vitro antiproliferative effect of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica leaf has been described for a breast cancer cell line. Our findings warrant further research on Urtica dioica as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer.