Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for allergic airway inflammation.

Due to their immunomodulatory capacities, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively used as therapeutic approaches in cell-based therapy for various inflammatory diseases. Several lines of studies have shown that the most beneficial effects of MSCs are associated with MSC-derived exosomes. Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles that contain important biomolecules such as RNA, microRNAs (miRNAs), DNA, growth factors, enzymes, chemokines, and cytokines that regulate immune cell functions and parenchymal cell survival. Recently, exosomes, especially MSC-derived exosomes, have been shown to have protective effects in allergic airway inflammation. This review focused on the immune-regulatory potential of MSC-derived exosomes as nanoscale delivery systems in the treatment of allergic airway inflammation.

Topical anti-TNF-a ssDNA aptamer decreased the imiquimod induced psoriatic inflammation in BALB/c mice.

BACKGROUND: Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory factor that plays a pivotal role in psoriasis. Due to limitations of monoclonal antibody-based therapies, it is needed to discover new anti-TNF-α factors instead of usual anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies. Compared to antibodies, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules named aptamers, have advantages such as time-saving, less risk for immunogenicity and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the therapeutic effects of T1-T4 dimer anti-TNF-ɑ ssDNA aptamer topical treatment in the imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis animal model. METHODS: 5% IMQ cream was prescribed on the right ear of BALB/c to induce psoriasis model. The hydrogel-containing anti-TNF-ɑ aptamer or treatment control aptamer (anti- Interleukin (IL)17A) was topically prescribed to the mice's ears 10 min before IMQ cream treatment. The psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score was used to evaluate psoriasis intensity. Histopathology analysis was done for mice ears sections. Mass, size, and cell number of mice spleens were measured. The IL-17 level was determined in culture supernatants of axillary lymph node cells using ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of IL-17A, IL-1ß, STAT3, and S100a9, were evaluated in mice treated ear with quantitative Real Time-PCR. RESULTS: The anti-TNF-ɑ ssDNA aptamer lower doses had significant decrease in IMQ-induced PASI score (p < 0.05). In addition, in these groups, the IL-17A, STAT3, and S100a9 mRNA levels were significantly lower than the IMQ group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to our findings, this aptamer seems to be a prospective candidate for treating psoriatic inflammation especially in lower concentrations.

Information seeking behaviour differences indicate which US population groups lack information about human papilloma virus and associated cancer risks.

BACKGROUND: The majority of the US population have poor knowledge of cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV). Identifying best sources for communicating this information can guide strategies to promote HPV vaccination. OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between sources of health information and individuals' knowledge of HPV-related cervical and oropharyngeal cancer. METHODS: This study conducts logistic regression on the most recent wave (2019) of the Health Information National Trends Survey. Dependent variables are indicators for self-reported awareness that HPV causes (a) cervical cancer and (b) oropharyngeal cancer. The primary indicator is a variable for different sources of health information: The Internet, professional sources, print materials, friends/family and never looked for health information. RESULTS: Being female, young, non-Hispanic White and having college education is associated with higher odds of knowing about HPV-related cervical cancer. Controlling for demographic factors, individuals using professionals and the Internet are more likely to know that HPV causes cervical cancer (aOR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.66, 4.25; aOR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.75, 3.50, respectively) compared to those who have never looked for health information. Similar results were found for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. CONCLUSION: Findings provide implications for targeted messaging through effective channels to improve HPV vaccination uptake.