Electrospun mat with eyelid fat-derived stem cells as a scaffold for ocular epithelial regeneration.

The aim of this study was to develop nanofibrous gelatin substrates for eyelid fat stem cell (EFSC) expansion that can serve as a potential alternative substrate to replace human amniotic membrane. Biocompatibility results indicated that all substrates were highly biocompatible, as EFSCs could favorably attach and proliferate on the nanofibrous surfaces. Microscopic figures showed that the EFSC were firmly anchored to the substrates and were able to retain a normal stem cell phenotype. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) and real time-PCR results revealed change in the expression profile of EFSCs grown on nanofibrous substrates when compared to those grown on control in epithelial induction condition. In addition, electrospun gelatin mats especially oriented scaffold provides not only a milieu supporting EFSCs expansion, but also serves as a useful alternative carrier for ocular surface tissue engineering and could be used as an alternative substrate to amniotic membrane.

Differential expression of aristaless-like homeobox 4: a potential marker for gastric adenocarcinoma.

AIM: The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the ALX-4 mRNA expression level in different stages of human gastric adenocarcinoma compared to the gastric cancer stem cells (GCSC) and gastric cancer cell line, MKN-45. BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is the second most common cancer in the world today, leading approximately to 3-10% of all cancer-related deaths. Identification of specific biomarkers could be a crucial approach to improve diagnosis and treatment of this cancer type. Recent findings emphasized on the up-regulation of Aristaless-Like Homeobox 4 (ALX-4) gene expression in several tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MKN-45 cell culture was prepared, and gastric cancer stem cell (GCSC) isolation was performed by flowcytometry. Then, 37 fresh gastric tissue samples from cancer patient were subjected for expression analysis by quantitative RT-PCR, prior to any therapeutic intervention in the comparative study for evaluation of ALX-4 gene expression. RESULTS: GCSCs with cuboidal shape as well as a positive expression of CD105, CD44, CD90 and negative for CD45, CD34 markers were identified. Overexpression of ALX-4 was detected in 46% (3.351±2.94, P<0.05) of gastric cancer tissue specimens and GCSCs (4.31±0.04, P<0.005). The mRNA expression level of ALX-4 in MKN-45 gastric cancer cell line was 2.81±0.07 (P<0.005). We determined that ALX-4 mRNA level significantly correlated with the tumor grade (P=0.004), stage (p=0.000153), but not gender (P= 0.06). CONCLUSION: These results documented the important role of ALX-4 in GCSCs, as an oncogene in progressive cancer, and valuable target in the treatment of drug resistant tumors.

Synthesis and evaluation of multi-wall carbon nanotube-paclitaxel complex as an anti-cancer agent.

AIM: The aim of this study was to design multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) anti-cancer drug and investigate its anti-cancerous efficacy of human gastric cancer. BACKGROUND: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) represent a novel nano-materials applied in various fields such as drug delivery due to their unique chemical properties and high drug loading. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) pre-functionalized covalently with a paclitaxel (PTX) as an anti-cancer drug and evaluated by different analyses including, scanning electron microscope (SEM), particle size analyzer and cellular analyses. RESULTS: A well conjugated of anti-cancer drug on the carbon nanotube surfaces was shown. This study demonstrates that the MWCN-PTX complex is a potentially useful system for delivery of anti-cancer drugs. The flow cytometry, CFU and MTT assay results have disclosed that MWCNT/PTXs might promote apoptosis in MKN-45 gastric adenocarcinoma cell line. CONCLUSION: According to results, our simple method can be designed a candidate material for chemotherapy. It has presented a few bio-related applications including, their successful use as a nano-carriers for drug transport.