In-vitro and in-silico anti-HSV-1 activity of a marine steroid from the jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda venom.

In this study, we investigated the potential in vitro anti-HSV-1 activities of the Cassiopea andromeda jellyfish tentacle extract (TE) and its fractions, as well as computational work on the thymidine kinase (TK) inhibitory activity of the identified secondary metabolites. The LD50, secondary metabolite identification, preparative and analytical chromatography, and in silico TK assessment were performed using the Spearman-Karber, GC-MS, silica gel column chromatography, RP-HPLC, LC-MS, and docking methods, respectively. The antiviral activity of TE and the two purified compounds Ca2 and Ca7 against HSV-1 in Vero cells was evaluated by MTT and RT-PCR assays. The LD50 (IV, mouse) values of TE, Ca2, and Ca7 were 104.0 ± 4, 5120 ± 14, and 197.0 ± 7 (µg/kg), respectively. They exhibited extremely effective antiviral activity against HSV-1. The CC50 and MNTD of TE, Ca2, and Ca7 were (125, 62.5), (25, 12.5), and (50, 3.125) µg/ml, respectively. GC-MS analysis of the tentacle extract revealed seven structurally distinct chemical compositions. Four of the seven compounds had a steroid structure. According to the docking results, all compounds showed binding affinity to the active sites of both thymidine kinase chains. Among them, the steroid compound Pregn-5-ene-3,11-dione, 17,20:20,21 bis [methylenebis(oxy)]-, cyclic 3-(1,2-ethane diyl acetal) (Ca2) exhibited the highest affinity for both enzyme chains, surpassing that of standard acyclovir. In silico data confirmed the experimental results. We conclude that the oxosteroid Ca2 may act as a potent agent against HSV-1.

Green synthesis of MnO2 NPs using Arabic gum: assessing its potential antiviral activity against influenza A/H1N1.

BACKGROUND: The antiviral properties of metal nanoparticles against various viruses, including those resistant to drugs, are currently a subject of intensive research. Recently, the green synthesis of nanoparticles and their anti-viral function have attracted a lot of attention. Previous studies have shown promising results in the use of Arabic gum for the green synthesis of nanoparticles with strong antiviral properties. In this study we aimed to investigate the antiviral effects of MnO2 nanoparticles (MnO2-NPs) synthesized using Arabic gum, particularly against the influenza virus. METHODS: Arabic gum was used as a natural polymer to extract and synthesize MnO2-NPs using a green chemistry approach. The synthesized MnO2-NPs were characterized using SEM and TEM. To evaluate virus titration, cytotoxicity, and antiviral activity, TCID50, MTT, and Hemagglutination assay (HA) were performed, respectively. Molecular docking studies were also performed to investigate the potential antiviral activity of the synthesized MnO2-NPs against the influenza virus. The molecular docking was carried out using AutoDock Vina software followed by an analysis with VMD software to investigate the interaction between Arabic gum and the hemagglutinin protein. RESULTS: Simultaneous combination treatment with the green-synthesized MnO2-NPs resulted in a 3.5 log HA decrement and 69.7% cellular protection, which demonstrated the most significant difference in cellular protection compared to the virus control group (p-value < 0.01). The docking results showed that binding affinities were between - 3.3 and - 5.8 kcal/mole relating with the interaction between target with MnO2 and beta-D-galactopyranuronic acid, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicated that the MnO2-NPs synthesized with Arabic gum had significant antiviral effects against the influenza virus, highlighting their potential as a natural and effective treatment for inhibition of respiratory infections.

Chemical Compositions and Experimental and Computational Modeling of the Anticancer Effects of Cnidocyte Venoms of Jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda and Catostylus mosaicus on Human Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells.

Nowadays, major attention is being paid to curing different types of cancers and is focused on natural resources, including oceans and marine environments. Jellyfish are marine animals with the ability to utilize their venom in order to both feed and defend. Prior studies have displayed the anticancer capabilities of various jellyfish. Hence, we examined the anticancer features of the venom of Cassiopea andromeda and Catostylus mosaicus in an in vitro situation against the human pulmonary adenocarcinoma (A549) cancer cell line. The MTT assay demonstrated that both mentioned venoms have anti-tumoral ability in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis proved that both venoms can increase some pro-apoptotic factors and reduce some anti-apoptotic molecules that lead to the inducing of apoptosis in A549 cells. GC/MS analysis demonstrated some compounds with biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer activities. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic showed the best position of each biologically active component on the different death receptors, which are involved in the process of apoptosis in A549 cells. Ultimately, this study has proven that both venoms of C. andromeda and C. mosaicus have the capability to suppress A549 cells in an in vitro condition and they might be utilized in order to design and develop brand new anticancer agents in the near future.

Proliferative Effect of Aqueous Extract of Sea Cucumber (Holothuria parva) Body Wall on Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells.

Sea cucumber extracts and their bioactive compounds have the potential for stem cell proliferation induction and for their beneficial therapeutic properties. In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were exposed to an aqueous extract of Holothuria parva body walls. Proliferative molecules were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis in an aqueous extract of H. parva. The aqueous extract concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 µg/mL and 10 and 20 ng/mL of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) as positive controls were treated on hUC-MSCs. MTT, cell count, viability, and cell cycle assays were performed. Using Western blot analysis, the effects of extracts of H. parva and EGF on cell proliferation markers were detected. Computational modeling was done to detect effective proliferative compounds in the aqueous extract of H. parva. A MTT assay showed that the 10, 20, and 40 µg/mL aqueous extract of H. parva had a proliferative effect on hUC-MSCs. The cell count, which was treated with a 20 µg/mL concentration, increased faster and higher than the control group (p < 0.05). This concentration of the extract did not have a significant effect on hUC-MSCs' viability. The cell cycle assay of hUC-MSCs showed that the percentage of cells in the G2 stage of the extract was biologically higher than the control group. Expression of cyclin D1, cyclin D3, cyclin E, HIF-1α, and TERT was increased compared with the control group. Moreover, expression of p21 and PCNA decreased after treating hUC-MSCs with the extract. However, CDC-2/cdk-1 and ERK1/2 had almost the same expression as the control group. The expression of CDK-4 and CDK-6 decreased after treatment. Between the detected compounds, 1-methyl-4-(1-methyl phenyl)-benzene showed better affinity to CDK-4 and p21 than tetradecanoic acid. The H. parva aqueous extract showed proliferative potential on hUC-MSCs.

Tissue Extract from Brittle Star Undergoing Arm Regeneration Promotes Wound Healing in Rat.

This study set out to evaluate the wound healing properties of brittle star extracts in vitro and in vivo. Due to the great arm regeneration potential of the brittle star, Ophiocoma cynthiae, the present study aimed to evaluate the wound healing effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of brittle star undergoing arm regeneration in wound healing models. The brittle star samples were collected from Nayband Bay, Bushehr, Iran. After wound induction in the arm of brittle stars, hydroalcoholic extracts relating to different times of arm regeneration were prepared. The GC-MS analysis, in vitro MTT cell viability and cell migration, Western blot, and computational analysis tests were performed. Based on the in vitro findings, two BSEs were chosen for in vivo testing. Macroscopic, histopathological and biochemical evaluations were performed after treatments. The results showed positive proliferative effects of BSEs. Specifically, forty-two compounds were detected in all groups of BSEs using GC-MS analysis, and their biological activities were assessed. The MTT assay showed that the 14 d BSE had a higher proliferative effect on HFF cells than 7 d BSE. The cell migration assay showed that the wound area in 7 d and 14 d BSEs was significantly lower than in the control group. Western blot analysis demonstrated an increase in the expression of proliferation-related proteins. Upon the computational analysis, a strong affinity of some compounds with proteins was observed. The in vivo analysis showed that the evaluation of wound changes and the percentage of wound healing in cell migration assay in the 7 d BSE group was better than in the other groups. Histopathological scores of the 7 d BSE and 14 d BSE groups were significantly higher than in the other groups. In conclusion, the hydroalcoholic extract of O. cynthiae undergoing arm regeneration after 7 and 14 days promoted the wound healing process in the cell and rat skin wound healing model due to their proliferative and migratory biological activity.

Effects of four herbs as a dietary on properties of egg and immune response against Newcastle and avian influenza vaccine in Japanese laying quail.

This study shows the effectiveness of diet containing Trachyspermum copticum (TC), Majorana hortensis Minch (MH), Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl (SL), and Zingiber officinale (ZO) on the growth performance, biochemical factors, and qualitative agents of eggs of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and their immune responses against Newcastle and Avian Influenza vaccine. For this prepose, 675 quails were divided into 9 groups with three replicates and fed with different treatment diets (basic diet with no supplements (control treatment diet) and diets supplemented with one of two levels (0.5 and 2%) of each plant powders). Data showed that the use of TC 2% increased the Haugh unit significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the control (P < 0.05). At the end of the experiment, shell weight (g) and shell thickness were also remarkably enhanced in treated groups compared with the control group. Moreover, the findings of this study showed the thiobarbituric acid and yolk cholesterol level reduced remarkably (P < 0.05) in the MH and SL groups without significant adverse effect on albumen protein (%) and total protein (%) level. In this study, TC-2%, ZO-2%, and SL-2% all increased the antibody titers against avian influenza. The use of a diet containing MH-2% increased Newcastle disease in Japanese quail in comparison to both controls and different levels of other medicinal herb powders. Based on these results, using these four herbal plant powders in Japanese quail, diets could positively affect their egg qualitative and biochemical factors.

Vortex assisted solid-phase extraction of lead(II) using orthorhombic nanosized Bi2WO6 as a sorbent.

Nanosized single crystal orthorhombic Bi2WO6 was synthesized by a hydrothermal method and used as a sorbent for vortex assisted solid phase extraction of lead(II). The crystal and molecular structure of the sorbent was examined using XRD, Raman, SEM and SEM-EDX analysis. Various parameters affecting extraction efficiency were optimized by using multivariate design. The effect of diverse ions on the extraction also was studied. Lead was quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The recoveries of lead(II) from spiked samples (at a typical spiking level of 200-400 ng·mL-1) are >95%. Other figures of merit includes (a) a detection limit of 6 ng·mL-1, (b) a preconcentration factor of 50, (c) a relative standard deviation of 1.6%, and (d) and adsorption capacity of 6.6 mg·g-1. The procedure was successfully applied to accurate determination of lead in (spiked) pomegranate and water samples. Graphical abstract Nanosized single crystal orthorhombic Bi2WO6 was synthesized and characterized by a hydrothermal method and used as a sorbent for vortex assisted solid phase extraction of lead(II). The procedure was successfully applied to accurate determination of lead in (spiked) pomegranate and water samples.

In vitro detection of marine invertebrate stem cells: utilizing molecular and cellular biology techniques and exploring markers.

Marine invertebrate stem cells (MISCs) represent a distinct category of pluripotent and totipotent cells with remarkable abilities for self-renewal and differentiation into multiple germ layers, akin to their vertebrate counterparts. These unique cells persist throughout an organism's adult life and have been observed in various adult marine invertebrate phyla. MISCs play crucial roles in numerous biological processes, including developmental biology phenomena specific to marine invertebrates, such as senescence, delayed senescence, whole-body regeneration, and asexual reproduction. Furthermore, they serve as valuable models for studying stem cell biology. Despite their significance, information about MISCs remains scarce and scattered in the scientific literature. In this review, we have carefully collected and summarized valuable information about MISC detection by perusing the articles that study and detect MISCs in various marine invertebrate organisms. The review begins by defining MISCs and highlighting their unique features compared to vertebrates. It then discusses the common markers for MISC detection and in vitro techniques employed in invertebrate and vertebrates investigation. This comprehensive review provides researchers and scientists with a cohesive and succinct overview of MISC characteristics, detection methods, and associated biological phenomena in marine invertebrate organisms. We aim to offer a valuable resource to researchers and scientists interested in marine invertebrate stem cells, fostering a better understanding of their broader implications in biology. With ongoing advancements in scientific techniques and the continued exploration of marine invertebrate species, we anticipate that further discoveries will expand our knowledge of MISCs and their broader implications in biology.

From seaweed to healing: the potential of fucoidan in wound therapy.

This bibliometric review examines the current state of research on fucoidan, a sulphated polysaccharide found in brown seaweed species, and its potential for wound healing. The review included 58 studies that investigated fucoidan's effects on wound healing, revealing that it possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could aid in the healing process. Fucoidan was also found to promote cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, essential for wound healing. However, the optimal dosage, treatment duration, safety, and efficacy of fucoidan in various wound types and patient populations still require further investigation. Additionally, advanced wound dressings like hydrogels have garnered significant attention for their potential in wound healing. While this review indicates promise for fucoidan as a natural wound healing compound, it underscores the need for additional clinical trials to determine its optimal use as a commercial therapeutic agent in wound healing.

The current trend of exosome in epithelial ovarian cancer studies: A bibliometric review.

Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer. About 90% of ovary tumors are epithelial. The current treatment for EOC involves surgical debulking of the tumors followed by a combination of chemotherapy. While most patients achieve complete remission, many EOCs will recur and develop chemoresistance. The cancer cells can adapt to several stress stimuli, becoming resistant. Therefore, new ways to fight resistant cells during the disease are being studied. Recently, exosomes, which reflect cell behavior in normal and pathological conditions such as epithelial ovarian cancer, are of academic interest as new biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy. Consequently, the current study aimed to investigate the research output of exosomes in EOC. Method: A bibliometric method was used for analyzing publications on exosome and epithelial ovarian cancer from the beginning to 15 October 2022 by searching keywords in Scopus, PubMed and Google scholar. Annual scientific publications, authors, citations, journals, co-authorships, and keywords co-occurrence were analyzed and plotted using Microsoft Office Excel and VOS viewer. 39 original journal articles and 3 reviews have been published since 2015 up to 15 October 2022. Results: The findings showed that China is the top country in research output, international collaborations, organization, author, and sponsorship. The top journals were the Journal of Ovarian Research, Oncotarget, and Tumor Biology, all in the United States. The top institution was Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. The top author was Xipeng Wang. Co-occurrence analysis showed that academics' interest is toward:1) 1) Exosomes as prognostic biomarkers of EOC as well as their role in the proliferation and migration of cells. 2) The role of exosomes in metastasis through different mechanisms; 3) The role of exosomes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ovarian cancer cells; 4) The diagnostic role of EVs in EOC; and 5) Conferring chemoresistance in EOC through the exosomal transfer of miRNAs. Conclusion: Research on the exosome and EOC has an increasing trend, and China is much more involved than other countries in research, financial support, and international cooperation. These findings could aid researcher in understanding novel ideas and subjects interested by sponsors in this field.

Role of CD9 Sensing, AI, and Exosomes in Cellular Communication of Cancer.

Exosomes are small membrane-bound vesicles that are released by various types of cells, including cancer cells, and play a role in intercellular communication. CD9 is a protein that is involved in cell signaling and adhesion. It is found on the surface of various cells, including cancer cells, and has been implicated in the communication between cancer cells and their microenvironment. Exosomes are small membrane-bound vesicles that are released by cells and contain various bioactive molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Exosomes have been shown to play a role in intercellular communication, and they have been implicated in the progression of cancer. There is evidence to suggest that CD9 is involved in the packaging and release of exosomes by cancer cells. CD9 has been shown to be important for the formation of tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs) on the surface of exosomes. These TEMs are thought to be important for the sorting and packaging of specific molecules into exosomes. In summary, CD9 appears to play an important role in the communication between cancer cells and their microenvironment via exosomes. The precise mechanisms by which CD9 mediates this communication are still being investigated, but the involvement of CD9 in exosome packaging and uptake suggests that it may be a promising target for the development of novel cancer therapies. Furthermore, CD9 has been shown to be involved in the uptake of exosomes by recipient cells. For example, studies have shown that CD9-positive exosomes released by cancer cells can be taken up by other cancer cells, leading to the transfer of oncogenic molecules and the promotion of cancer progression.

The anticoccidial effect of alcoholic extract of Citrullus colocynthis fruit and Juglans regia peel| in experimentally infected domestic chicken.

One of the main illnesses within the poultry industry is coccidiosis. Anticoccidial medicines applied in the poultry industry show many shortcomings and new control measures are necessary. The current research aimed to study the effect of extract of Citrullus colocynthis and Juglans regia peel on growth performance, gut bacteria, Haematological, Anticoccidial Index (ACI), and Optimum Anticoccidial Activity (OAA) of coccidiosis-infected domestic chicken. The maximum weight gain was observed in the groups treated with 0.001% and 0.01% C. colocynthis extract. Moreover, 0.01% C. colocynthis extract treatment increased two factors of ACI and OAA by 121.42 and 109, respectively, which were higher than commercial anticoccidial (Sulfaclozine). The extract of C. colocynthis fruit and J. regia peel decreased monocytes and eosinophils haematological factors and increased basophils in birds infected with Eimeria. Both extracts modulated intestinal microbiome haematological factors in birds infected with Eimeria, while J. regia peel extract had better performance than C. colocynthis fruit extract. These results indicate that used C. colocynthis and J. regia extracts have an anti-coccidial effect and the potential to control Eimeria infection.

Antioxidant and anticholinesterase properties of Echinometra mathaei and Ophiocoma erinaceus venoms from the Persian Gulf.

Introduction: The Persian Gulf is home to a diverse range of marine life, including various species of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms. This study investigates the potential therapeutic properties of venoms from echinoderms in the Persian Gulf, specifically their ability to inhibit cholinesterases (Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) and act as antioxidants. Methods: Four venoms from two echinoderm species, including the spine, gonad, and coelomic fluids of sea urchins, as well as brittle star venoms, were analyzed using various methods, including LD50 determination, protein analysis, antioxidant assays, GC-MS for secondary metabolite identification, and molecular docking simulations. Results and discussion: The study's results revealed the LD50 of the samples as follows: 2.231 ± 0.09, 1.03 ± 0.05, 1.12 ± 0.13, and 6.04 ± 0.13 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the protein levels were 44.037 ± 0.002, 74.223 ± 0.025, 469.97 ± 0.02, and 104.407 ± 0.025 µg/mL, respectively. SDS-PAGE and total protein studies indicated that at least part of the venom was proteinaceous. Furthermore, the study found that the brittle star samples exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to other samples, including the standard ascorbic acid, at all tested concentrations. GC-MS analysis identified 12, 23, 21, and 25 compounds in the samples, respectively. These compounds had distinct chemical and bioactive structures, including alkaloids, terpenes, and steroids. Conclusion: These venoms displayed strong cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities, likely attributed to their protein content and the presence of alkaloids, terpenes, and steroids. Notably, the alkaloid compound C 7 was identified as a promising candidate for further research in Alzheimer's disease therapy. In conclusion, echinoderms in the Persian Gulf may hold significant potential for discovering novel therapeutic agents.

MRI Tracking of Marine Proliferating Cells In Vivo Using Anti-Oct4 Antibody-Conjugated Iron Nanoparticles for Precision in Regenerative Medicine.

Marine invertebrates are multicellular organisms consisting of a wide range of marine environmental species. Unlike vertebrates, including humans, one of the challenges in identifying and tracking invertebrate stem cells is the lack of a specific marker. Labeling stem cells with magnetic particles provides a non-invasive, in vivo tracking method using MRI. This study suggests antibody-conjugated iron nanoparticles (NPs), which are detectable with MRI for in vivo tracking, to detect stem cell proliferation using the Oct4 receptor as a marker of stem cells. In the first phase, iron NPs were fabricated, and their successful synthesis was confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. Next, the Alexa Fluor anti-Oct4 antibody was conjugated with as-synthesized NPs. Their affinity to the cell surface marker in fresh and saltwater conditions was confirmed using two types of cells, murine mesenchymal stromal/stem cell culture and sea anemone stem cells. For this purpose, 106 cells of each type were exposed to NP-conjugated antibodies and their affinity to antibodies was confirmed by an epi-fluorescent microscope. The presence of iron-NPs imaged with the light microscope was confirmed by iron staining using Prussian blue stain. Next, anti-Oct4 antibodies conjugated with iron NPs were injected into a brittle star, and proliferating cells were tracked by MRI. To sum up, anti-Oct4 antibodies conjugated with iron NPs not only have the potential for identifying proliferating stem cells in different cell culture conditions of sea anemone and mouse cell cultures but also has the potential to be used for in vivo MRI tracking of marine proliferating cells.

Methodologies to Isolate and Purify Clinical Grade Extracellular Vesicles for Medical Applications.

The use of extracellular vesicles (EV) in nano drug delivery has been demonstrated in many previous studies. In this study, we discuss the sources of extracellular vesicles, including plant, salivary and urinary sources which are easily available but less sought after compared with blood and tissue. Extensive research in the past decade has established that the breadth of EV applications is wide. However, the efforts on standardizing the isolation and purification methods have not brought us to a point that can match the potential of extracellular vesicles for clinical use. The standardization can open doors for many researchers and clinicians alike to experiment with the proposed clinical uses with lesser concerns regarding untraceable side effects. It can make it easier to identify the mechanism of therapeutic benefits and to track the mechanism of any unforeseen effects observed.

Anti-lung Cancer Marine Compounds: A Review.

Lung cancer is one of the most common and lethal cancers in human beings. Lung cancer has been divided into two major types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Current drugs suffer from various side effects, and the insufficient efficacy of present treatments creates a desire for better more efficient new drugs. This review compares the diversity of marine-derived bioactive compounds from different marine species. Some of the natural products from marine resources are in different stages of clinical trials. By the way, most of them have been studied in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, in this review, the mechanisms of action of marine-derived anti-lung cancer components on lung cancer cell lines have been reviewed. In addition, considering growing rate and the high costs of cancer research, attention must be paid to some aspects of targeting and developing anti-lung cancer drug. In better words, like the other therapeutic strategies that have their particular challenges and weak points, several challenges about marine-derived anti-lung cancer components which exist for scientists for doing research are explained. Moreover, as the attentions in the field of cancer therapy are focused on designing and developing new anticancer strategies for the treatment of cancer in the future, the application of marine-derived anti-lung cancer components in the field of future cancer therapy and their role in future anticancer strategies are briefly discussed.

Algal Cells-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Review With Special Emphasis on Their Antimicrobial Effects.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) originated from different cells of approximately all kinds of organisms, recently got more attention because of their potential in the treatment of diseases and reconstructive medicine. To date, lots of studies have been performed on mammalian-derived vesicles, but little attention has been paid to algae and marine cells as valuable sources of EVs. Proving the promising role of EVs in medicine requires sufficient resources to produce qualified microvesicles. Algae, same as its other sister groups, such as plants, have stem cells and stem cell niches. Previous studies showed the EVs in plants and marine cells. So, this study was set out to talk about algal extracellular vesicles. EVs play a major role in cell-to-cell communication to convey molecules, such as RNA/DNA, metabolites, proteins, and lipids within. The components of EVs depends on the origin of the primitive cells or tissues and the isolation method. Sufficient resources are needed to produce high-quality, stable, and compatible EVs as a drug or drug delivery system. Plant stem cells have great potential as a new controllable resource for the production of EVs. The EVs secreted from stem cells can easily be extracted from the cell culture medium and evaluated for medicinal uses. In this review, the aim is to introduce algae stem cells as well as EVs derived from algal cells. In the following, the production of the EVs¸ the properties of EVs extracted from these sources and their antimicrobial effects will be discussed.

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and their exosomes for restoration of spermatogenesis in non-obstructive azoospermia: a systemic review.

Stem cells have been introduced as new promising therapeutic agents in treatment of degenerative diseases because of having high differentiation potential while maintaining the ability to self-replicate and retaining features of their source cells. Among different type of cell therapies, mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) therapy is being increasingly developed as a new way to treat structural defects that need to be repaired and regenerated. Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a reproductive disease in men that causes infertility in 10% of infertile men. Based on in vitro studies, MSCs from different tissue sources have been differentiated into germ cells or gamete progenitor cells by simple methods in both male and female. On the other hand, the therapeutic effects of MSCs have been evaluated for the treatment of NOA animal models created by chemical or surgical compounds. The results of these studies confirmed successful allotransplantation or xenotransplantation of MSCs in the seminiferous tubules. As well, it has been reported that exosomes secreted by MSCs are able to induce the process of spermatogenesis in the testes of infertile animal models. Despite numerous advances in the treatment of reproductive diseases in men and women with the help of MSCs or their exosomes, no clinical trial has been terminated on the treatment of NOA. This systematic review attempts to investigate the possibility of MSC therapy for NOA in men.

Chemical compositions and experimental and computational modeling activity of sea cucumber Holothuria parva ethanolic extract against herpes simplex virus type 1.

Sea cucumber has antiviral activities against various viruses including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The purpose of the current study was to determine the chemical profile and inhibitory effects of tegument ethanolic extract of Holothuria parva on HSV-1 infection and to elucidate the mechanism of antiviral action of this marine invertebrate. Cytotoxic activity of the extract on Vero cell line was determined using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method. The different components in H. parva were determined by GC-MS analysis. To assess the antiviral activity of the extract, MTT and 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) were applied. Finally, computational molecular docking was performed to screen the potential binding ability of extract contents with HSV-1 surface glycoproteins and host cell surface receptors. Using MTT assay, the non-cytotoxic concentration of the extract was measured 46.5 µg/mL. Octadecanoic acid 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester and 2',6'-acetoxylidide were two major constituents in the H. parva extract. Pre-treatment of HSV-1 with the ethanolic extract of H. parva led to a 2.1 log10 TCID50 reduction in virus titers when compared to the control group (P = 0.002). The log10 TCID50 reductions relative to the control group for co-penetration and post-penetration assays were 1.5 (P = 0.009) and 0.7 (P = 0.09), respectively. The tegument ethanolic extract of H. parva has significant antiviral properties against HSV-1. Docking analysis demonstrated that compounds of the extract [lidocaine and 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester octadecanoic acid] may cover similarly both virus and host cells binding domains leading to interference in virus attachment to cell receptors.

Three-Dimensional Imaging in Stem Cell-Based Researches.

Stem cells have an important role in regenerative therapies, developmental biology studies and drug screening. Basic and translational research in stem cell technology needs more detailed imaging techniques. The possibility of cell-based therapeutic strategies has been validated in the stem cell field over recent years, a more detailed characterization of the properties of stem cells is needed for connectomics of large assemblies and structural analyses of these cells. The aim of stem cell imaging is the characterization of differentiation state, cellular function, purity and cell location. Recent progress in stem cell imaging field has included ultrasound-based technique to study living stem cells and florescence microscopy-based technique to investigate stem cell three-dimensional (3D) structures. Here, we summarized the fundamental characteristics of stem cells via 3D imaging methods and also discussed the emerging literatures on 3D imaging in stem cell research and the applications of both classical 2D imaging techniques and 3D methods on stem cells biology.