Exosomes as Theranostic Agents in Reproduction System.

Exosomes (Exos), belonging to extracellular vesicles, are cell-derived nano-sized vesicles with the potential to carry different kinds of biological molecules. Many studies have proved the impacts of exosomal cargo on several biological processes in female and male reproductive systems. It is also hypothesized that changes in exosomal cargo are integral to the promotion of certain pathological conditions, thus Exos can be used as valid biomarkers for the diagnosis of infertility and other abnormal conditions. Here, efforts are made to collect some recent data related to the physiological significance of Exos in the reproductive system, and their potential therapeutic effects. It is anticipated that the current review article will lay the groundwork for elucidating the source and mechanisms by which Exos control the reproductive system additionally supplying fresh methods and concepts for the detection and treatment of disorders associated with fertility for future studies.

Urinary exosomal metabolites: Overlooked clue for predicting cardiovascular risk.

Over the last decade, increasing research has focused on urinary exosomes (UEs) in biological fluids and their relationship with physiological and pathological processes. UEs are membranous vesicles with a size of 40-100 nm, containing a number of bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and miRNAs. These vesicles are an inexpensive non-invasive source that can be used in clinical settings to differentiate healthy patients from diseased patients, thereby serving as potential biomarkers for the early identification of disease. Recent studies have reported the isolation of small molecules called exosomal metabolites from individuals' urine with different diseases. These metabolites could utilize for a variety of purposes, such as the discovery of biomarkers, investigation of mechanisms related to disease development, and importantly prediction of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk factors, including thrombosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia as well as homocysteine. It has been indicated that alteration in urinary metabolites of N1-methylnicotinamide, 4-aminohippuric acid, and citric acid can be valuable in predicting cardiovascular risk factors, providing a novel approach to evaluating the pathological status of CVDs. Since the UEs metabolome has been clearly and precisely so far unexplored in CVDs, the present study has specifically addressed the role of the mentioned metabolites in the prediction of CVDs risk factors.

Association between the FABP2 Ala54Thr and CRP+1059C/G polymorphisms and small dense LDL level in patients with atherosclerosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The polymorphisms of fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) and C-reactive protein (CRP) might act as genetic risk factors for atherosclerosis. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between FABP2 Ala54Thr and CRP+1059C/G polymorphisms and atherosclerosis as well as the association of Small dense-LDL (sd-LDL). METHODS: A total of 255 subjects (125 controls and 130 patients) were included. The FABP2 and CRP polymorphisms were determined by PCR-RFLP and AS-PCR methods, respectively. Sd-LDL was measured based on Hirano et al method. RESULTS: There were no significant distinctions between the patient and control groups concerning FABP2 and CRP polymorphisms (p > .05). No significant relationship was observed between studied polymorphisms and sd-LDL level in the patient group (p > .05). However, patients group had higher level of sd-LDL compared to controls (p < .05). CONCLUSION: FABP2 Ala54Thr and CRP+1059G/C polymorphisms were not associated with atherosclerosis and sd-LDL level. However, the increased sd-LDL level was known as a risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Cardioprotective potential of vanillic acid.

Nowadays, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a global threat to public health, accounting for almost one-third of all deaths worldwide. One of the key mechanistic pathways contributing to the development of CVDs, including cardiotoxicity (CTX) and myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is oxidative stress (OS). Increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is closely associated with decreased antioxidant capacity and mitochondrial dysfunction. Currently, despite the availability of modern pharmaceuticals, dietary-derived antioxidants are becoming more popular in developed societies to delay the progression of CVDs. One of the antioxidants derived from herbs, fruits, whole grains, juices, beers, and wines is vanillic acid (VA), which, as a phenolic compound, possesses different therapeutic properties, including cardioprotective. Based on experimental evidence, VA improves mitochondrial function as a result of the reduction in ROS production, aggravates antioxidative status, scavenges free radicals, and reduces levels of lipid peroxidation, thereby decreasing cardiac dysfunction, in particular CTX and MIRI. Considering the role of OS in the pathophysiology of CVDs, the purpose of this study is to comprehensively address recent evidence on the antioxidant importance of VA in the cardiovascular system.

Circulating microparticles as indicators of cardiometabolic risk in PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most prevalent endocrine disturbance of the female reproductive system, is associated with several pathologic conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, all of which are tightly connected to its progression. These factors are associated with a type of extracellular vesicle, ie, microparticles (MPs), released by shedding due to cell activation and apoptosis. Circulating MPs (cMPs) are secreted by a variety of cells, such as platelets, endothelial, leukocytes, and erythrocytes, and contain cytoplasmic substances derived from parent cells that account for their biologic activity. Current evidence has clearly shown that increased cMPs contribute to endothelial dysfunction, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular abnormalities as well as PCOS. It has also been reported that platelet and endothelial MPs are specifically increased in PCOS thus endangering vascular health and subsequent cardiovascular disease. Given the importance of cMPs in the pathophysiology of PCOS, we review the role of cMPs in PCOS with a special focus on cardiometabolic significance.

Study of angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism, enzyme activity and oxidized low density lipoprotein in Western Iranians with atherosclerosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: It has been indicated that Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism (rs4646994) could be regarded as a genetic factor that raises the risk of CAD through its impact on the activity of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II level. The present study seeks to examine the relationship between ACE I/D polymorphism with the risk of atherosclerosis. Moreover, its potential effects on ACE activity and oxLDL level are investigated. METHODS: In this study, 145 healthy individuals and 154 patients (143 males and 156 females) were selected among the subjects referred to Shahid Madani Hospital. Atherosclerosis was determined in all subjects with gold standard angiography. Blood samples were collected, used to isolate white blood cells (WBC) and serum separation. The DNA was extracted and the polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The enzyme activity was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: This study indicated that patients with atherosclerosis had higher levels of oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein (oxLDL) and ACE activity (P < 0.05) as compared to controls. Although we found a significant association between ACE I/D polymorphism genotype and the allele with atherosclerosis in the male group, there were no association when the entire patient group was compared to the entire control group. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed the ACE I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene may not be an independent risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis and evaluation of ACE activity level is more important in evaluating the risk of disease. The researchers found no relation between ACE I/D polymorphism and atherosclerosis and also between types of genotype, ACE activity, and OxLDL level.

The Protective Role of Gallic Acid Pretreatment On Renal Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIR) occurs when there is a temporary restriction of blood flow to the kidneys followed by an influx of blood, re-oxygenating the tissues. This occurs as a severe complication of major surgery. This process causes significant damage to the tissues and is responsible for the development of acute kidney injury (AKI), a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates. Here, we evaluated the potential protective effects of the antioxidant, gallic acid (GA), on RIR in an in vivo rat model. METHODS: Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: group 1 (control, n = 8), group 2 (Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) with no-treatment, n = 7), and group 3 (IR + daily GA 100 mg/kg i.p, n = 7). The abdomens of the rats in the control group were opened during the surgical procedure, then sutured closed. GA pretreatment began daily 15 days prior to inducing RIR. To induce RIR, the umbilical arteries were obstructed on both sides and clamped with mild pressure for 45 min. Following the 45 min ischemia, the clamps were removed to allow for the induction of reperfusion. The reperfusion phase was 24 hours. RESULTS: Following IR, the serum levels of urea and creatinine significantly increased compared to the controls. Pretreatment with GA was observed to reduce urea and creatinine levels following IR. However, this decrease was not statistically significant. The serum and renal levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the IR group was significantly elevated compared to the control group. Conversely, glutathione (GSH) levels and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) significantly decreased in the IR group compared to controls. Our findings show GA pretreatment to significantly improve the levels of renal MDA, serum GSH, and GPX activity following RIR. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the protective role for GA in mitigating the damage caused by RIR and its applications as a potential treatment.

Prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in processed meat products by using digestion and impression smear methods in Hamedan, Iran.

Sarcocystis is a common zoonotic parasite which can be transmitted through ingestion of contaminated, undercooked meat and is a major cause of economic loss in many countries. This study aimed to detect Sarcocystis parasite in processed meat products in Hamedan, Iran. A total of 20 samples of hamburger, sausage, and cocktail were collected from markets from three factories in Hamedan, Iran. The samples were examined by digestion and impression smear methods for detecting Sarcocystis parasite. The results showed that 80% of all tested samples were infected with Sarcocystis. The infection rate in hamburger, sausage, and cocktail were 87.5, 83.33, and 66.66%, respectively. The highest infestation rate was observed in hamburger. The present study shows that the rate of Sarcocystis contamination in meat products is very high. So, evaluation of raw meat quality in addition to applying hygienic programs at all stages of the production line is inevitable. Also, consumption of undercooked meat products or fast food should be avoided.