Implications of Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase 4 gene transcription and polymorphisms in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in an Iranian population.

BACKGROUND: Peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PADI4) has been implicated in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Here we aimed to evaluate the association of PADI4 gene rs11203367 and rs1748033 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with RA proneness. METHODS: The mRNA expression of PADI4 was determined in the whole blood samples. The genotyping of PADI4 polymorphisms was conducted using allelic discrimination TaqMan genotyping Real-time PCR. RESULTS: The alleles and genotypes of rs11203367 polymorphism were not associated with susceptibility to RA risk. The T allele (OR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.21-2.04, P = 0.0005), TT genotype (OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.53-5.06, P = 0.0007), TC genotype (OR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.04-2.23, P = 0.0291), dominant (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.19-2.47, P = 0.0034) and recessive (OR = 2.19, 95%CI: 1.25-3.82, P = 0.0057) models of rs1748033 SNP were associated with higher risk of RA. There was a significant upregulation of PADI4 mRNA in the RA patients compared to controls. mRNA expression of PADI4 had significantly positive correlation with anti-CCP level (r = 0.37, P = 0.041), RF level (r = 0.39, P = 0.037), and CRP level (r = 0.39, P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: PADI4 gene rs1748033 SNP was associated with increased RA risk. This polymorphism might affect the RA pathogenesis regardless of impressing the levels of PADI-4 in serum.

Association of interleukin 33 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility and regulation of inflammatory mediators in Systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

BACKGROUND: Studies have indicated the involvement of interleukin (IL)-33 in the pathogenesis of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This research intended to evaluate the association of IL33 gene rs1929992 and rs7044343 Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with risk of SLE. In addition, the association between these SNPs and inflammatory cytokines was determined. METHODS: In this study, 200 SLE cases and 200 healthy subjects were recruited. Using allelic discrimination Real-time PCR, IL33 gene rs1929992 and rs7044343 SNPs were genotyped. The mRNA expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-33, TNF-α were determined in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The serum levels of cytokines were also measured. RESULTS: The G allele (OR = 1.57, CI: 1.18-2.08, P = 0.0017), GG genotype (OR = 2.52, CI: 1.33-4.77, P = 0.0043), and GA genotype (OR = 2.12, CI: 1.34-3.34, P = 0.0011) of rs1929992 SNP was significantly associated with an increased SLE risk. The C allele (OR = 1.44, CI: 1.08-1.90; P = 0.0105), CC genotype (OR = 2.07, CI: 1.15-3.71; P = 0.0146), and CT genotype (OR = 1.61, CI: 1.02-2.53, P = 0.0395) of rs7044343 was significantly associated with increased SLE risk. The PBMC mRNA expression and serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-33, TNF-α were significantly increased in the SLE patients compared to controls. However, there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression and serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-33, and TNF-α among the SLE patients with three genotypes for both rs1929992 and rs7044343 polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS: IL33 gene rs1929992 and rs7044343 SNPs are involved in SLE pathogenesis but they might not influence on the inflammatory pathway.

Interleukin 23 receptor gene polymorphisms and their role in the inflammatory status of rheumatoid arthritis patients in an Iranian population.

BACKGROUND: Several investigations have disclosed the involvement of the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 pathway in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Here we investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL23 receptor (IL23R) gene with RA risk. In addition, the role of these SNPs with the inflammatory state of the patients were determined. METHODS: In this case-control study, 200 RA cases and 200 healthy subjects were recruited. Using allelic discrimination real-time polymerase chain reaction, both IL23R rs10489629 and rs1004819 SNPs were genotyped. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of IL-23R, IL-23, and IL-17A were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The serum levels of IL-23 and IL-17A were also determined. RESULTS: The A allele (odds ratio [OR] = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.15-2.01; P = .0030), AA genotype (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.33-4.35; P = .0035), and AG genotype (OR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.56-4.16, P = .0002) of rs1004819 SNP was significantly associated with increased RA risk. The mRNA expression of IL-17A (fold change = 2.55, P = .00027), IL-23 (fold change = 1.62, P = .0081), and IL-23R (fold change = 1.59, P = .0077) was significantly upregulated in the PBMCs from RA patients compared to that of healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-17A (P = .00019) and IL-23 (P = .00055) was significantly higher in the RA patients compared to the controls. No significant association was detected between patient data and SNPs. CONCLUSIONS: The IL-23/IL-27 pathway plays a role in RA pathogenesis, but IL23R gene rs1004819 SNP might not be regulating this pathway in RA disease.

Effect of Short-time Exposure of Local Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields on Sleepiness in Male Rats.

Introduction: Lack of high-quality sleep causes severe side effects like anxiety and changes in plasma concentration of oxalate. The current study investigated the impact of local extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) on inducing sleep (sleepiness) and anxiety in male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male rats were divided into four groups (n=10 for each group). The ELF-MF exposure (0, 10, and 18 Hz) was applied with an intensity of 200µT for three days (10 min/d). The sham-treated animal did not receive ELF-MF. Serum levels of oxalic acid (OA) and sleepiness were measured before and after the last exposure to ELF-MF or sham. Anxiety, sleepiness, and OA were measured using the elevated plus maze, open-field test (OFT), and ELISA test. Results: A comparison of oxalate levels before and after exposure to ELF-MF revealed that ELF-MF (10 Hz) decreased the serum level of oxalate (P<0.05). Comparing open/closed arm entry (in an elevated plus maze) between before and after exposure to ELFMF revealed significant differences. Also, frequency, velocity, and distance moved were decreased in the open-field test. Conclusion: Results of the present study demonstrated that ELF-MF with short-time exposure may modulate the metabolism of OA and may modulate anxiety-like behavior or kind of induction of sleepiness in male rats. Highlights: Oxalate acid concentration may reduce after short time ELF-MF exposure.Locomotor activity in male rats may decrease after the ELF-MF exposure.Short time ELF-MF exposure may induce sleepiness in male rats that may be used to treat sleep disorders. Plain Language Summary: It is necessary for a person to have good sleep to feel happy during the day. The usual way to treat the patient's sleep disorders is drug therapy, but there are some non-pharmacological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and proper diet. In this study we decided to evaluate the effect of ELF-MFs on sleep induction (sleepiness) in male rats by assessing behavioral tests and measuring oxalate acid density. The results showed that the activity of rats and oxalate acid concentration reduced after ELF-MF exposure. This was consistent with results of the plus maze test and the reduction of velocity, frequency and in the open-field test can be attributed to sleepiness. The results of this research showed that ELF-MF with short time exposure may modulate the anxiety-like behavior or kind of induction of sleepiness in male rats. This effect may be used to treat sleep disorders and requires further human studies.

Evaluation of Apoptotic Gene Expression in Hepatoma Cell Line (HepG2) Following Nisin Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to examine the effects of nisin on the survival and apoptosis of the hepatoma cell line HepG2 and to investigate possible apoptosis pathways activated by nisin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, viability and apoptosis of the cells were accomplished by the nisin treatment using the MTT assay and Annexin-V-fluorescein/propidium iodide (PI) double staining, respectively. Additionally, the human apoptosis PCR array was performed to determine pathways or genes activated by nisin during possible apoptosis. RESULTS: The results of the present study showed that nisin was able to decrease cell viability (IC50 ~ 40 µg/ml) in a dose-dependent manner and could induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells. PCR data indicated a considerable increase in the expression of genes, such as caspase and BCL2 families, involved in the induction of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study showed that overexpression of genes involved in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, especially caspase-9 and BID, increased apoptosis in HepG2 cells treated by nisin, compared to the control group.

Diosgenin and 4-Hydroxyisoleucine from Fenugreek Are Regulators of Genes Involved in Lipid Metabolism in The Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Line SW480.

OBJECTIVE: Diosignin and 4-hydroxy-L-isulosine (4-OH-Ile) are the two active ingredients of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum). Thus, in this study, we examined the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek seeds (HEFS), diosgenin and 4-OH-Ile on the expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) which are involved in lipid metabolism in SW480 cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, SW480 cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium and treated with HEFS, diosignin, 4-OH-Ile or orlistat for 24 and 48 hours. Inhibitory concentration of 20% (IC20) was calculated using MTT method and cells were then pre-treated with the IC20 concentrations for 24 and 48 hours before RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Changes in the expression of ACC, FAS, PPARγ and LDLR genes were assayed by employing the real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. RESULTS: Our results showed a significant down-regulation in the expression of ACC (P<0.001 and P<0.001 after 24 and 48 hours, respectively) and FAS genes (P<0.001 and P<0.001 after 24 and 48 hours, respectively) in SW480 cells treated with HEFS, diosignin, 4-OH-Ile, or orlistat, but significant up-regulation in the expression of PPARγ (P<0.001 and P<0.001 after 24 and 48 hours, respectively) and LDLR (P=0.005 and P=0.001 after 24 and 48 hours, respectively). CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, HEFS, diosgenin and 4-OH-Ile up or down-regulate the expression of some predominant genes involved in lipid metabolism pathway, similar to that observed for orlistat. These types of regulatory effects are presumably proper for the treatment of obesity and overweight.

Plasma MicroRNAs (miR-146a, miR-103a, and miR-155) as Potential Biomarkers for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Disease Activity in Iranian Patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that several microRNAs (miRNAs) are dysregulated in the whole blood as well as diverse cells and tissues from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The aim of the current study was to determine if the expression of miR-146a, miR-103a, and miR-155 in whole blood of RA patients could confer potential markers in evaluating of activity-severity of the disease in RA patients with established disease. METHODS: Whole blood samples were obtained from 30 RA patients and 30 healthy subjects. The RNA content of blood samples was isolated, cDNA was synthesized, and transcript levels of miR-146a, miR-103a, and miR-155 were determined using Real-time PCR. The clinicopathological characteristics of the patients were also evaluated. RESULTS: It was detected that expression level of miR-146a (fold change=1.85, P=0.004), miR-103a (fold change=2.44, P=0.0018), and miR-155 (fold change=1.94, P=0.0025) were significantly upregulated in the whole blood samples of RA patients in comparison to that of healthy subjects. Expression level of miRNAs was correlated with clinicopathological characteristics of the patients, including Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI), 28Tender Joint Count (TJC-28), 28Swollen Joint Count (SJC-28), C-reactive protein (CRP), Rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: Upregulated levels of miR-146a, miR-103a, and miR-155 in the whole blood samples of RA patients could confer a potential marker of activity-severity of the disease in RA patients with established disease.

Therapeutic effects of combination of platelet lysate and sulfasalazine administration in TNBS-induced colitis in rat.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and idiopathic disease with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Current therapeutic approaches in IBD have several limitations such as, harmful side effects and high price for biologic drugs. It sounds that finding of an effective, safe and inexpensive strategy to overcome IBD is critical. Platelet derivatives, as biological pool of wide range of growth factors and cytokines, are widely used in regenerative medicine for treatment of soft and hard tissue lesions. We sought to determine whether platelet lysate (PL) alone or in combination with sulfasalazine (reference drug) can be a valuable strategy for overcoming IBD. In the present study, we investigated and compared the daily and alternate-day administration of PL alone or combined with sulfasalazine for treating colitis in a rat model of IBD. Histological damage scores of TNBS-induced colitis were reduced by co-administration of every alternate day PL and sulfasalazine. Pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 were decreased and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-ß were increased after treatment with PL compared to that in the TNBS group. Furthermore, combined treatment with PL and sulfasalazine decreased apoptosis and inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, the combined administration of PL with conventional IBD therapy is able to effectively ameliorate IBD through modulation of inflammatory status.

The effects of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells treated with 17-b estradiol on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

The present study was conducted aimed at exploring the modulatory effects of 17-b estradiol (17-bED) on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the EAE (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis) animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Following the isolation of bone marrow-derived MSCs from the bilateral femurs and tibias of the male Wistar rats, the cells were harvested and cultured in the presence of 100 nM 17-bED for 24 h. EAE was induced in male Wistar rats (8-12 weeks old) using guinea pig spinal cord homogenate, in combination with the complete Freund's adjuvant. The MSC therapy was triggered when all of the animals obtained a disability score. The symptoms were monitored on a daily basis throughout the study until the rats were euthanized. The mRNA expression of cytokines, including IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-4, and TGF-ß together with MMP8 and MMP9 as the family members of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the brain and spinal cord tissues were examined using real-time PCR. The levels of splenocytes-originated IL-10 and IFN-γ cytokines were also measured by ELISA. The MTT-based research findings showed that the infiltration of lymphocytes into the spleen decreased considerably. It was also observed that the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines decreased significantly, while the mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines increased remarkably. It was also found that the mRNA levels of the examined matrix metalloproteinases (MMP8 and MMP9) were downregulated significantly. The findings of the present study indicated that the administration of 17-bED enhanced the efficacy of MSCs transplantation and modulated immune responses relatively in the EAE model, via the regulation of either pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases.

The New Compound of (2R, 4S)-N-(2, 5-difluorophenyl)-4-Hydroxy-1-(2, 2, 2-Trifluoroacetyl) Pyrrolidine-2-Carboxamide to Mediate the Expression of Some Apoptosis Genes by the HepG2 Cell Line

Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide, for the treatment of which various therapy protocols and drugs have been introduced; however, none of them has suppressed cancer tissues completely. New research programs have been developed on cancer and the accompanied effects of novel synthesized compounds on cancer cell lines. Our latest reports on the molecular basis of cancer revealed a pattern of changes in gene expression triggered in the cancer pathway. Methods: HepG2 cell lines were cultured under similar conditions in both test and control groups. The IC50 concentration of the (2R, 4S)-N-(2, 5-difluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-(2, 2, 2-trifluoroacetyl) pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide compound was used in the treatment group. After 48 hours from the culture, the expressional profiles of apoptosis pathway genes (84 genes) were studied using the PCR array method. Results: The findings demonstrated that the expression of some apoptosis-related genes pertaining to TNF, BCL2, IAP, and caspase families was regulated by (2R, 4S)-N-(2, 5-difluorophenyl)-4-Hydroxy-1-(2, 2, 2-Trifluoroacetyl) Pyrrolidine-2-Carboxamide. In the same vein, an alteration was observed in the expression of both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes associated with the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis signaling pathways. Conclusions: According to the data obtained, the pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide compound was demonstrated to be able to regulate the apoptotic activities of HepG2 cells by affecting both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic relevant genes.

A novel copper (II) complex activated both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in liver cancerous cells.

Recent advances have put fundamental focus on the application of copper (II) (Cu [II]) complexes as agents for fighting against cancer. To determine whether [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex as a novel Cu complex can induce apoptosis in HepG2 as cancerous cells and L929 as normal cells via extrinsic or intrinsic apoptotic pathways, both cell lines were treated for 24 and 48 hours at IC50 concentrations of [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex. Then, the expression of some apoptosis-related genes including p53, caspase-8, bcl-2, and bax were assayed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex seems to inhibit the expression of bcl-2 in complex-treated HepG2 cancerous cells following the 24- and 48-hour treatment. The complex upregulated the p53, bax, and caspase-8 genes, therefore treatment of HepG2 cancerous cells with [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex induces programmed cell death via the upregulation of relative bax/bcl-2 ratio. Finally, this copper complex triggered apoptosis in HepG2 cells via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathway, whereas treatment of normal L929 cells with this complex induce apoptosis only via intrinsic pathway with the upregulation of relative bax/bcl-2 ratio and does not affect the expression level of caspase-8 gene and does not trigger the extrinsic pathway. Finally, these results obtained from present study confirm the role of a novel Cu complex on the induction of apoptosis process in HepG2 and L929 cells by overexpression of bax, inhibition of bcl-2 and increase of the relative bax/bcl-2 ratio. These results support that the [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex is able to induce apoptosis in cancerous cells, therefore, it has a potential for development as a novel anticancer drug.

Evaluating of Induction of Apoptosis by Cornus mass L. Extract in the Gastric Carcinoma Cell Line (AGS)

Aim and objectives: Natural products and derivatives of medicinal vegetation can play an important role to the cure tumor. The Present study was focused to determine the effect of Cornus mass L. extract on the induction of apoptosis in AGS gastric carcinoma cell line in compared to L929 cells. Methods: In this experimental study, AGS and L929 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations (0­10 mg/ml) of Cornus mass L. extract for 48 and 72 hours. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. The optical density of the colored solution was quantified at 570 nm wavelengths by an ELISA Reader. Making use of the apoptosis detection kit of Annexin V-FITC, PI and double staining with Annexin V-FITC were carried out for flow cytometry investigations. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Variations with a P-value less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: shows a noticeable deviation among various concentrations of extract when cells were treated for 48, 72 h declined cell viability in AGS cell line in comparison L929 cell lines in a dose and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). This extract also displayed approximately several-fold increased anti-cancer potency in AGS compared to L929 cells. The IC50 value in AGS cells (evaluated after 48,72h) of the extract against AGS cells was 5/44, 2/44 mg/ml (p≤0.05). The analysis results of flow cytometry indicated that apoptosis was induced by the extract in AGS cells treated, compared with L929 cells. Conclusion: Each of our results implicates the reality that Cornus mass L. extract acts as a novel, potent inhibitor of cancer proliferation in in vitro. This may result in developing a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of indole-sensitive cancers.

Effect of ß-D-Mannuronic Acid (M2000) on Oxidative Stress Enzymes' Gene Using Healthy Donor Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells for Evaluating the Anti-Aging Property.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to study the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects of low and high doses of the ß-D-mannuronic (M2000) on gene expression of enzymes involved in oxidative stress (including SOD2, GST, GPX1, CAT, iNOS, and MPO) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy donors under in vitro conditions. METHODS: The PBMCs were separated and the RNAs were then extracted and the cDNAs synthesized, and expression levels of the mentioned genes were detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Our results indicated that the high dose of this drug could significantly reduce the expression level of the SOD2 gene compared to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group (p < 0.0001). Moreover, it was found that the high dose of this drug could significantly decrease the expression level of the GST gene compared to the LPS group (p < 0.0001). However, no significant reductions were observed in expression levels of the CAT and GPX1 genes compared to the LPS group. Furthermore, our data revealed that the level of iNOS and MPO gene expression was significantly reduced, in both doses of M2000, respectively, compared to the LPS group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This research showed that M2000 as a novel NSAID with immunosuppressive properties could modify oxidative stress through lowering expression levels of the SOD2, GST, iNOS, and MPO genes compared to the healthy expression levels, with a probable reduction of the risk of developing inflammatory diseases related to age and aging.

Neuroprotective and antihyperalgesic effects of orexin-A in rats with painful diabetic neuropathy.

AIM OF STUDY: Diabetes mellitus is related to the development of neuronal tissue injury in different peripheral and central nervous system regions. A common complication of diabetes is painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDN). We have studied the neuroprotective and anti-nociceptive properties of neuropeptide orexin-A in an animal experimental model of diabetic neuropathy. METHODS: All experiments were carried out on male Wistar rats (220-250 g). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg (i.p.) streptozotocin (STZ). Orexin-A was chronically administrated into the implanted intrathecal catheter (0.6, 2.5 and 5 nM/L, daily, 4 weeks). The tail-flick and rotarod treadmill tests were used to evaluate the nociceptive threshold and motor coordination of these diabetic rats, respectively. Cleaved caspase-3, Bax, Bcl2 and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, as the biochemical indicators of apoptosis, were investigated in the dorsal half of the lumbar spinal cord tissue by western blotting method. RESULTS: Treatment of the diabetic rats with orexin-A (5 nM/L) significantly attenuated the hyperalgesia and motor deficit in diabetic animals. Furthermore, orexin-A (5 nM/L) administration suppressed pro-apoptotic cleaved caspase-3 and Bax proteins. Also, orexin-A (5 nM/L) reduced the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in spinal cord dorsal half of rats with PDN. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether our data suggest that the orexin-A has anti-hyperalgesic and neuroprotective effects in rats with PDN. Cellular mechanisms underlying the observed effects may, at least partially, be related to reducing the neuronal apoptosis.

Combination therapy of mesenchymal stromal cells and sulfasalazine attenuates trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid induced colitis in the rat: The S1P pathway.

Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) transplantation is a novel immunomodulatory therapeutic tool to ameliorate the symptom of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of combined sufasalazine and ASCs therapy in a rat model of IBD. After induction of colitis in rats, ASCs were cultured and intraperitoneally injected (3 × 106 cells/kg) into the rats on Days 1 and 5 after inducing colitis, in conjunction with daily oral administration of low dose of sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg). The regenerative effects of combination of ASCs and sulfasalazine on ulcerative colitis were assessed by measuring body weight, colonic weight/length ratio, disease activity index, macroscopic scores, histopathological examinations, cytokine, and inflammation markers profiles. In addition, western blot analysis was used to assess the levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and apoptosis related proteins in colitis tissues. Simultaneous treatment with ASCs and sulfasalazine was associated with significant amelioration of disease activity index, macroscopic and microscopic colitis scores, as well as inhibition of the proinflammatory cytokines in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. Moreover, combined ASCs and sulfasalazine therapy effectively inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway, reduced the expression of Bax and prevented the loss of Bcl-2 proteins in colon tissue of the rats with TNBS-induced colitis. Furthermore, combined treatment with ASCs and sulfasalazine shifted inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages by decreasing the levels of MCP1, CXCL9 and increasing IL-10, Arg-1 levels. In conclusion, combination of ASCs with conventional IBD therapy is potentially a much more powerful strategy to slow the progression of colitis via reducing inflammatory and apoptotic markers than either therapy alone.

Comparison of the effects of 17ß- estradiol treated and untreated mesenchymal stem cells on ameliorating animal model of multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: The current investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effects of 17ß- estradiol (17ß-ED) on the potential of the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for modulation of immunity responses in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: After isolation of MSCs, cells were cultured in presence of 100 nM 17ß-ED for 24 hr. Modeling of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was achieved by using guinea pig spinal cord homogenate, in addition to complete Freund's adjuvant in male Wistar rats. The processes of cell therapy were started following 12 days post-immunization. This duration allows all animals to develop a disability score. The achieved EAE clinical symptoms were regularly monitored every day until day 36, when all of examined rats were euthanized. RESULTS: Cell therapy in the EAE rats with 17ß-ED-primed MSCs exhibited more desirable consequences, which in turn lead to regression of the cumulative clinical score and neuropathological changes that are more than the therapy with untreated MSCs. The serum measures of myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO) as well as splenocytes-originated pro-inflammatory interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly decreased in EAE rats treated by 17ß-ED primed-MSCs compared to EAE rats that received untreated MScs. CONCLUSION: Combination of 17ß-ED and MSCs more effectively improved the signs and symptoms of EAE.

Effect of a Copper (II) Complex on The Induction of Apoptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to identify the anti-proliferative potential of [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex [L = 2-(((5-chloro-2-oxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenolato) and 2imi = 2-methyl imidazole] against HepG2 cells as an in vitro model of human hepatocellular carcinoma and normal mouse fibroblast L929 cells. Methods: The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex on HepG2 cells and normal fibroblasts (L929) were examined by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: Cytotoxicity induced by [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex was time dependent. Also, there was a positive correlation between cytotoxicity and an increase in Cu complex concentration. For HepG2 cells, the cell viability percentage was 50% at 58 µg/mL after 24 h treatment, whereas in the same concentration and conditions, the viability percentage was surprisingly higher (about 100%) for L929 cells. Also, after 48 h treatment, the viability percentage of HepG2 cells at 55 µg/mL concentration was 50% in contrast with 89.3% for L929 cells in the same conditions. Flow cytometry findings suggest that [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex is capable of decreasing cancer cell viability through apoptosis and did not efficiently activate the necrosis process. Conclusions: Finally, we found that [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex possess the potential for development as an anti-cancer drug for human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Nisin Induces Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis in Human Asterocytoma Cell Line (SW1088)

Background: Nisin is a member of the group of anti-microbial peptides which are considered as bacteriocins, but it possesses a vast range of activities. Astrocytoma is among the most prevalent types of brain tumor globally. Considering all facts about this peptide, the aim of the present study was the evaluation of any impact of nisin on proliferation and apoptosis of an astrocytoma cell line (SW1088). Methods: The SW1088 cell line was purchased from the Pasteur Institute of Iran and treated with various concentrations of Nisin. Nisin-induced cell toxicity and apoptosis were detected by both MTT assay and annexin V-FITC /propidium iodide (PI) staining. Result: In current study we observed that the cell death and apoptosis were significantly increased following nisin treatment, as compared to the control group. Conclusion: These results open a new window for establishment promising approaches with the concept of anti-cancer therapy by nisin in the future.