Stem cell-based therapy for systemic lupus erythematous.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, is among the most prevalent rheumatic autoimmune disorders. It affects autologous connective tissues caused by the breakdown of self-tolerance mechanisms. During the last two decades, stem cell therapy has been increasingly considered as a therapeutic option in various diseases, including parkinson's disease, alzheimer, stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, diabete, heart disease, bone disease, renal disease, respiratory diseases, and hematological abnormalities such as anemia. This is due to the unique properties of stem cells that divide and differentiate to the specialized cells in the damaged tissues. Moreover, they impose immunomodulatory properties affecting the diseases caused by immunological abnormalities such as rheumatic autoimmune disorders. In the present manuscript, efficacy of stem cell therapy with two main types of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), and hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in animal models or human patients of SLE, has been reviewed. Taken together, MSC and HSC therapies improved the disease activity, and severity in kidney, lung, liver, and bone (improvement in the clinical manifestation). In addition, a change in the immunological parameters occurred (improvement in immunological parameters). The level of autoantibodies, including antinuclear antibody (ANA), and anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid antibodies (dsDNA Abs) reduced. A conversion of Th1/Th2 ratio (in favor of Th2), and Th17/Treg (in favor of Treg) was also detected. In spite of many advantages of MSC and HSC transplantations, including efficacy, safety, and increased survival rate of SLE patients, some complications, including recurrence of the disease, occurrence of infections, and secondary autoimmune diseases (SAD) were observed after transplantation that should be addressed in the next studies.

The Efficacy of Different Antibiotic Compounds in Regenerative Treatment of Immature Necrotic Teeth.

Objectives: Endodontic treatment of immature teeth poses a significant challenge, especially in achieving a proper seal using traditional obturation methods. Revascularization presents itself as an alternative approach to this problem, and the application of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) has been suggested as a means to achieve disinfection during the procedure. This study aims to compare the antibacterial properties of three different antibiotic combinations to assess their effectiveness on root canal disinfection. Materials and Methods: Eighty samples were employed to assess the impact of three antibiotic combinations on Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, and a combination thereof. The antibiotics included metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and cefaclor (CCM), the commonly used TAP, and a double antibiotic paste (DAP) composed of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin. Dentin shavings collected using Gates-Glidden drills were placed in microtubes containing a 2ml standard bacterial suspension. Microtube contents were diluted and cultured on BHI agar plates, with colony counts calculated based on dentine shavings' weight in CFU/mg. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-hoc tests were used for statistical analysis and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: A significant difference in mean CFU was observed among all bacterial groups (P<0.05). Dunn's post-hoc analysis showed a significant difference only between the control group (methylcellulose) and the other antibiotic groups. There was no significant difference between the other antibiotic groups in two-by-two comparisons. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the antimicrobial properties of DAP, TAP and CCM. Therefore, DAP and CCM may be used during regenerative treatment.

The wound healing effect of polycaprolactone-chitosan scaffold coated with a gel containing Zataria multiflora Boiss. volatile oil nanoemulsions.

AIMS: Thymus plant is a very useful herbal medicine with various properties such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Therefore, the properties of this plant have made this drug a suitable candidate for wound healing. In this study, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) gel containing Zataria multiflora volatile oil nanoemulsion (neZM) along with polycaprolactone/chitosan (PCL-CS) nanofibrous scaffold was used, and the effect of three experimental groups on the wound healing process was evaluated. The first group, HPMC gel containing neZM, the second group, PCL-CS nanofibers, and the third group, HPMC gel containing neZM and bandaged with PCL-CS nanofibers (PCL-CS/neZM). Wounds bandaged with common sterile gas were considered as control. METHODS: The nanoemulsion was synthesized by a spontaneous method and loaded into a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) gel. The DLS test investigated the size of these nanoemulsions. A PCL-CS nanofibrous scaffold was also synthesized by electrospinning method then SEM and contact angle tests investigated morphology and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of its surface. The animal study was performed on full-thickness skin wounds in rats, and the process of tissue regeneration in the experimental and control groups was evaluated by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. RESULTS: The results showed that the nanoemulsion has a size of 225±9 nm and has an acceptable dispersion. The PCL-CS nanofibers synthesized by the electrospinning method also show non-beaded smooth fibers and due to the presence of chitosan with hydrophilic properties, have higher surface hydrophobicity than PCL fibers. The wound healing results show that the PCL-CS/neZM group significantly reduced the wound size compared to the other groups on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days. The histological results also show that the PCL-CS/neZM group could significantly reduce the parameters of edema, inflammation, and vascularity and increase the parameters of fibrosis, re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition compared to other groups on day 21. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that the PCL-CS/neZM treatment can effectively improve wound healing.

Stem cell-based therapy for systemic sclerosis.

Autoimmune diseases, including SSc, are prevalent, affecting autologous connective tissues and caused by the breakdown of self-tolerance mechanisms of the immune system. During the last 2 decades, stem cell therapy has been increasingly considered as a therapeutic option in various diseases, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, bone disease, renal disease, respiratory disease and haematological abnormalities such as anaemia. This is due to the unique properties of stem cells that both divide and differentiate to the specialized cells in the damaged tissue. Moreover, they impose immunomodulatory properties affecting the diseases caused by immunological abnormalities such as SSc. In the present review, the efficacy of stem cell therapy with two main types of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells, will be reviewed. Moreover, other related issues, including safety, changes in immunological parameters, suitable choice of stem cell origin, conditioning regimen and complications of stem cell treatment will be discussed.

The association of pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and blood parameters in patients with beta-thalassemia major: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Oxidative stress due to iron accumulation in patients with beta-thalassemia major (BTM) causes complications such as tissue damage and destruction. This study aimed to assess the association between the serum prooxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB) and blood parameters in patients with BTM. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 92 patients with BTM. In this study, PAB was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum ferritin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), complete blood cell count (CBC), and history of blood transfusion were recorded. The association of the blood parameters was assessed across the tertiles (T) of serum PAB (highest T vs. lowest T). Results: The results showed that high serum ferritin was directly associated with serum PAB [odds ratio (OR), 12.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.98‒54.91; T3 vs. T1]. Also, direct associations were found for high TC (OR, 4.97; 95% CI, 1.42‒17.32; T3 vs. T1), high ALT (OR, 4.95; 95% CI, 1.33‒18.46; T3 vs. T1) and high TSH (OR, 3.78; 95% CI, 1.10‒13.02; T3 vs. T1). Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that serum PAB levels were directly associated with ferritin, ALT, TC, and TSH levels. This indicates that improvements in blood parameters, especially ferritin and TSH levels, occur by ameliorating oxidative stress in patients with BTM.

Cell-based therapies for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis that is the most prevalent rheumatic autoimmune disorder, affect autologous connective tissues caused by the breakdown of the self-tolerance mechanisms of the immune system. During the last two decades, cell-based therapy, including stem cells and none-stem cells has been increasingly considered as a therapeutic option in various diseases. This is partly due to the unique properties of stem cells that divide and differentiate from the specialized cells in the damaged tissue. Moreover, stem cells and none-stem cells, impose immunomodulatory properties affecting the diseases caused by immunological abnormalities such as rheumatic autoimmune disorders. In the present review, the efficacy of cell-based therapy with four main types of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and human amniotic membrane cells, as well as none-stem cells, including regulatory T cells, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and tolerogenic dendritic cells will be evaluated. Moreover, other related issues, including safety, changes in immunological parameters, suitable choice of stem cell and none-stem cell origin, conditioning regimen, limitations, and complications will be discussed.

Thyroid function and opium use disorder: a cross-sectional study on the Fasa adults cohort study (FACS), 2017.

BACKGROUND: Addiction increases the risk of different lifelong disorders. However, there are limited studies evaluating the effects of opioid use disorder (OUD) on thyroid function. The present study aimed to compare the thyroid function of individuals with and without OUD. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 700 eligible participants of the Persian Cohort of Fasa, Iran. Pregnant women and participants with false or missing data were excluded from the study. Remained participants were divided into case and control groups based on the recorded history of OUD. Frozen plasma samples of the cohort bank were used to determine the levels of T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The thyroid function was compared between the two groups using the Mann-Whitney test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean age of the final studied population (n = 648) was 54.0 ± 9.8 years, including 336 men (49.1%) and 197 participants with OUD (28.8%). The median levels of TSH, T4, and T3 were 2.91 ± 4.61, 9.26 ± 3.65, and 1.22 ± 0.49, respectively. The case group had significantly higher TSH (3.72 ± 6.2 vs. 2.58 ± 3.75, P < 0.001) and lower T4 (8 ± 3.6 vs. 9.8 ± 3.5, P < 0.001). Also, T3 was slightly lower in the case group (1.1 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5; P = 0.369), although this association was only significant in female opium users (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings revealed that OUD caused a reduction in T4 while increasing TSH. Therefore, OUD may lead to the development of primary hypothyroidism, which needs to be investigated in future studies.

Effect of Low-Temperature Degradation, Ph-Cycling and Simulated Tooth Brushing on Surface Roughness, Topography, and Polish Retention of Yttrium-Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia.

Statement of the Problem: Surface roughness of zirconia is an important parameter that determines the success of zirconia restorations. When zirconia surfaces are left rough, higher susceptibility to hydrothermal aging, plaque accumulation and color changes would occur. Therefore, polish retention of these restorations is considered as a challenge. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of hydrothermal degradation, pH- cycling, and simulated tooth brushing on surface roughness, topography, and polish retention of an yttrium-stabilized monolithic zirconia. Materials and Method: In this experimental study, 64 specimens of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconium oxide (20×4×2mm) were prepared (ZirKonzahn, Steger, Ahrntal). The specimens were wet- polished (standard polishing), and divided into 8 groups (n=8). Four control groups were assessed in non-aged condition while in 4 experimental groups the artificially ageing was done. Different finishing and polishing procedures were performed in 8 groups. The surface roughness values including mean surface roughness (Ra) and mean height of surface roughness (Rz) was measured by a profilometer. The results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α=0.05). One representative specimen of each group was inspected under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for assessment of surface topography. Results: The effects of surface treatments on Ra (p<.001) and Rz (p<.001) parameters were significant. Ageing had no significant effect on Ra (p=.086) and Rz (p=.067) values. Maximum Ra and Rz parameters were recorded following grinding (p<.001) and minimum values were recorded after glazing, which were significantly lower than the values in grinding group (p<.001). Polishing and glazing diminished the surface roughness (Ra) of ground zirconia similarly (p=.995). Conclusion: Aging had no significant effect on surface roughness of zirconia, irrespective of surface treatment type. Grinding yielded maximum surface roughness. Intra oral polishing yielded a surface roughness comparable to standard polishing and glazing.

Use of Albumin for Drug Delivery as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tool.

Drug delivery is an important topic that has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years. Albumin nanoparticles play a significant role in drug delivery as a carrier due to their unique characteristics. Albumin is non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable. Its structure is such that it can interact with different drugs, which makes the treatment of the disease faster and also reduces the side effects of the drug. Albumin nanoparticles can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, etc. These nanoparticles can connect to some compounds, such as metal nanoparticles, antibodies, folate, etc. and create a powerful nanostructure for drug delivery. In this paper, we aim to investigate albumin nanoparticles in carrier format for drug delivery application. In the beginning, different types of albumin and their preparation methods were discussed, and then albumin nanoparticles were discussed in detail in diagnosing and treating various diseases.

Thiamine as a peripheral neuro-protective agent in comparison with N-acetyl cysteine in axotomized rats.

Objectives: In this study, the impact of thiamine (Thi), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and dexamethasone (DEX) were investigated in axotomized rats, as a model for neural injury. Materials and Methods: Sixty-five axotomized rats were divided into two different experimental approaches, the first experiments included five study groups (n=5): intrathecal Thi (Thi.it), intraperitoneal (Thi), NAC, DEX, and control. Cell survival was assessed in L5DRG in the 4th week by histological assessment. In the second study, 40 animals were engaged to assess Bcl-2, Bax, IL-6, and TNF-α expression in L4-L5DRG in the 1st and 2nd weeks after sural nerve axotomy under treatment of these agents (n=10). Results: Ghost cells were observed in morphological assessment of L5DRG sections, and following stereological analysis, the volume and neuronal cell counts significantly were improved in the NAC and Thi.it groups in the 4th week (P<0.05). Although Bcl-2 expression did not show significant differences, Bax was reduced in the Thi group (P=0.01); and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased in the NAC group (1st week, P<0.01). Furthermore, the IL-6 and TNF-α expression decreased in the Thi and NAC groups, on the 1st week of treatment (P≤0.05 and P<0.01). However, in the 2nd week, the IL-6 expression in both Thi and NAC groups (P<0.01), and the TNF-α expression in the DEX group (P=0.05) were significantly decreased. Conclusion: The findings may classify Thi in the category of peripheral neuroprotective agents, in combination with routine medications. Furthermore, it had strong cell survival effects as it could interfere with the destructive effects of TNF-α by increasing Bax.

Rolipram and pentoxifylline combination ameliorates the morphological abnormalities of dorsal root ganglion neurons in experimental diabetic neuropathy by reducing mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is the most prevalent complication of diabetes. Pharmacological treatments for DN are often limited in efficacy, so the development of new agents to alleviate DN is essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rolipram, a selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor (PDE-4I), and pentoxifylline, a general PDE inhibitor, using a rat model of DN. In this study, a diabetic rat model was established by i.p. injection of STZ (55 mg/kg). Rats were treated with rolipram (1 mg/kg), pentoxifylline (100 mg/kg), and combination of rolipram (0.5 mg/kg) and pentoxifylline (50 mg/kg), orally for 5 weeks. After treatments, sensory function was assessed by hot plate test. Then rats were anesthetized and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons isolated. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP, adenosine diphosphate and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels, Cytochrome c release, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 proteins expression in DRG neurons were assessed by biochemical and ELISA methods, and western blot analysis. DRG neurons were histologically examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining method. Rolipram and/or pentoxifylline significantly attenuated sensory dysfunction by modulating nociceptive threshold. Rolipram and/or pentoxifylline treatment dramatically increased the cAMP level, prevented mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and degeneration of DRG neurons, which appears to be mediated by inducing ATP and MMP, improving cytochrome c release, as well as regulating the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 proteins, and improving morphological abnormalities of DRG neurons. We found maximum effectiveness with rolipram and pentoxifylline combination on mentioned factors. These findings encourage the use of rolipram and pentoxifylline combination as a novel experimental evidence for further clinical investigations in the treatment of DN.

Association between inter-arm blood pressure difference and cardiovascular disease: result from baseline Fasa Adults Cohort Study.

The inter-arm blood pressure difference has been advocated to be associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Our study aimed to investigate the association between Inter-arm systolic and diastolic blood pressure differences and Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD). A total of 10,126 participants aged 35-70 years old were enrolled in a prospective Fasa Persian Adult Cohort. In this cross-sectional study, the cutoff values for inter-arm blood pressure difference were less than 5, greater than 5, greater than 10, and greater than 15 mm Hg. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Based on the results the prevalence of ≥ 15 mmHg inter-arm systolic and diastole blood pressure difference (inter-arm SBPD and inter-arm DBPD) were 8.08% and 2.61%. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that inter-arm SBPD ≥ 15 and (OR<5/≥15 = 1.412; 95%CI = 1.099-1.814) and inter-arm DBPD ≥ 10 (OR<5/≥10 = 1.518; 95%CI = 1.238-1.862) affected the risk of CVD. The results showed that the differences in BP between the arms had a strong positive relationship with CVD. Therefore, inter-arm blood pressure could be considered a marker for the prevention and diagnosis of CVD for physicians.

Effective blocking of neuropilin-1activity using oligoclonal nanobodies targeting different epitopes.

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a non-tyrosine kinase receptor and when overexpressed, leads to angiogenesis. High expression of NRP-1 has been observed in various cancers. Unique characteristic of nanobodies (small size, high affinity and stability, and ease production) make them potential therapeutic tools. Oligoclonal nanobodies which detect multiple functional epitopes on the target antigen could be potential tools for inhibition of cancer resistance problems due to escape variant of tumor cells. In this study, oligoclonal anti-NRP-1 nanobodies were selected from camel immune library and their binding activities as well as in vitro functionality were evaluated. Anti-NRP-1 nanobodies were expressed in an Escherichia coli host, and purified using nickel affinity chromatography. The effect of each individual and oligoclonal nanobodies on human endothelial cells were evaluated by MTT, Tube formation, and migration assay as well. Results showed that oligoclonal anti-NRP-1 nanobodies detected different epitopes of NRP-1 antigen and inhibited in vitro angiogenesis of human endothelial cells better than each individual nanobody. Results indicate promising oligoclonal anti-NRP-1 nanobodies for inhibition of angiogenesis.

A data-informed system to manage scarce blood product allocation in a randomized controlled trial of convalescent plasma.

BACKGROUND: Equitable allocation of scarce blood products needed for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is a complex decision-making process within the blood supply chain. Strategies to improve resource allocation in this setting are lacking. METHODS: We designed a custom-made, computerized system to manage the inventory and allocation of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) in a multi-site RCT, CONCOR-1. A hub-and-spoke distribution model enabled real-time inventory monitoring and assignment for randomization. A live CCP inventory system using REDCap was programmed for spoke sites to reserve, assign, and order CCP from hospital hubs. A data-driven mixed-integer programming model with supply and demand forecasting was developed to guide the equitable allocation of CCP at hubs across Canada (excluding Québec). RESULTS: 18/38 hospital study sites were hubs with a median of 2 spoke sites per hub. A total of 394.5 500-ml doses of CCP were distributed; 349.5 (88.6%) doses were transfused; 9.5 (2.4%) were wasted due to mechanical damage sustained to the blood bags; 35.5 (9.0%) were unused at the end of the trial. Due to supply shortages, 53/394.5 (13.4%) doses were imported from Héma-Québec to Canadian Blood Services (CBS), and 125 (31.7%) were transferred between CBS regional distribution centers to meet demand. 137/349.5 (39.2%) and 212.5 (60.8%) doses were transfused at hubs and spoke sites, respectively. The mean percentages of total unmet demand were similar across the hubs, indicating equitable allocation, using our model. CONCLUSION: Computerized tools can provide efficient and immediate solutions for equitable allocation decisions of scarce blood products in RCTs.

Immunoprotective characterization of egg yolk immunoglobulin raised to loop 3 of outer membrane protein 34 (Omp34) in a murine model against Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most notorious nosocomial pathogens with high mortality rates. Recently, egg yolk antibody (IgY), has been considered as a promising biomolecule against pneumonia caused by this bacterium. Loop 3 of outer membrane protein 34 (Omp34) was predicted as a highly exposed immunogenic peptide. However, its immunogenicity remains to be experimentally elucidated. In the current study, a construct composed of 5 copies of loop3 of Omp34 labeled as Omp34L3X5 was designed. This construct as well as the recombinant Omp34 were expressed, purified, and injected into laying hens to raise specific antibodies. The specific IgYs were extracted from hyperimmune egg yolks. The Omp34L3X5 and whole cells (WC) of A. baumannii served as antigens in indirect ELISA to assess the purified IgYs reactivity. These antibodies were administered to neutropenic mice 1 h before the challenge with 10 × LD50 of a clinical isolate of A. baumannii. The specific IgYs recognized recombinant Omp34 (P < 0.0001) as well as WC of A. baumannii (P < 0.05). The survival rate of mice that received anti- Omp34L3X5 or anti-Omp34 IgYs was 83.33 % and 100 % respectively. All control mice died within 24 h while mice that received non-specific IgYs died within 72 h. After 24 h, bacterial load in the lung of mice received non-specific IgYs, anti-Omp34L3X5 or anti-Omp34 IgYs were 2.03 × 108, 2.2 × 108, and 1.93 × 108 CFU/organ respectively. Bacterial load in the spleen of mice received non-specific IgYs, anti-Omp34L3X5 or anti-Omp34 IgYs were 1.03 × 108, 7.8 × 107, and 6.3 × 107 CFU/organ respectively. Bacterial load in lung and spleen of control mice were 3.03 × 109 and 1.45 × 108 CFU/organ respectively.

Effects of Wound Fluid on Breast Cancer-derived Spheroids in a 3D Culture System: A Case Series Study.

Surgery is the standard treatment for breast malignancies, although local and distant relapses might occur. Previous studies have shown that surgery-induced wound fluid (WF) contains tumor-initiating and progressing factors; however, these experiments have only been performed on breast cancer cell lines. Since a cancerous tumor includes various components like malignant cells, recruited non-malignant cells and extracellular matrix, those investigations that only focused on cancer cell lines themselves are not adequate to establish WF's effects. We conducted a 3D model study where we mimicked the tumor microenvironment to re-assess previous in-vitro findings. We generated human-derived breast tumor spheroids from 23 patient specimens, dissociated and cultured them in microfluidic devices. The spheroids from each sample were treated with the patients' WF or RPMI medium. The proportion of live and dead cells was assessed using live/dead assays and fluorescent imaging on day 6. In 22 samples, the percentage of live cells was significantly higher in the WF-treated group than in the RPMI-treated group. In one sample, we observed an opposite trend. The results were contrary in one of the samples, and we reported that case with more details. We compared the two groups using the 3D culture environment of human-derived tumor spheroids prepared from different microfluidic devices to mimic the tumor environment heterogeneity. Our findings showed that most patients with breast cancer benefit from surgical wound healing. However, removal of the surgical-induced serum may not be a method of inhibiting the tumor in all patients.

Radiobiological effects of wound fluid on breast cancer cell lines and human-derived tumor spheroids in 2D and microfluidic culture.

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) could abrogate cancer recurrences, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. To clarify the effects of IORT-induced wound fluid on tumor progression, we treated breast cancer cell lines and human-derived tumor spheroids in 2D and microfluidic cell culture systems, respectively. The viability, migration, and invasion of the cells under treatment of IORT-induced wound fluid (WF-RT) and the cells under surgery-induced wound fluid (WF) were compared. Our findings showed that cell viability was increased in spheroids under both WF treatments, whereas viability of the cell lines depended on the type of cells and incubation times. Both WFs significantly increased sub-G1 and arrested the cells in G0/G1 phases associated with increased P16 and P21 expression levels. The expression level of Caspase 3 in both cell culture systems and for both WF-treated groups was significantly increased. Furthermore, our results revealed that although the migration was increased in both systems of WF-treated cells compared to cell culture media-treated cells, E-cadherin expression was significantly increased only in the WF-RT group. In conclusion, WF-RT could not effectively inhibit tumor progression in an ex vivo tumor-on-chip model. Moreover, our data suggest that a microfluidic system could be a suitable 3D system to mimic in vivo tumor conditions than 2D cell culture.

The oxidative and thermal stability of optimal synergistic mixture of sesame and grapeseed oils as affected by frying process.

In spite of grapeseed oil high contents of linoleic acid, its oxidative stability is relatively low, and mixing with more stable oils such as sesame oil can be a good way to improve the oxidative stability of this oil. The aim of this study was to increase the oil oxidative stability by producing an optimum formulation due to the combination of grapeseed and sesame oil. For this purpose, some of the qualitative properties of the optimum formulation were investigated during frying process. For finding the best formulation, the quantities of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of sesame oil were blended with 100, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% of grapeseed oil. The results show that the highest percentage of fatty acid in various samples (sesame oil, grapeseed oil, and mixed formulations) is related to the linoleic acid, followed by oleic, palmitic, and stearic acid. In conclusion the addition of sesame oil to grapeseed oil increased the number of phenolic compounds, antioxidant strength, and oxidative stability of the mixed oil samples. Considering the price of the product and the importance of the nutritional quality and stability of the oil, combining 75% sesame oil and 25% grapeseed oil has the best nutritional quality and lower cost than pure sesame oil formula. After frying process, comparison of sesame and grapeseed oil different factors with national Iranian standard limits showed that the parameters of acid number and peroxide value were more than Iran's national standard, but the content of polar compounds was within the permissible content. Finally, the mixture of sesame and grapeseed oil is not suitable for long-term heating and frying.

Immunopathogenesis of endometriosis: An overview of the role of innate and adaptive immune cells and their mediators.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with the growth and proliferation of endometrial-like tissues outside the uterus. Although the exact etiology and mechanism of the pathogenesis of the disease have not been fully elucidated, the immune system cells and the mediators produced by them can be named as effective factors in the onset and progression of the disease. AIMS: We aim to attempt to review studies on the role of the immune system in endometriosis to better understand the pathogenesis of endometriosis. CONTENT: Abundant production of inflammatory mediators by neutrophils and macrophages and reduced cytotoxicity of defined cells promote endometriosis at the early stages of the disease. Following an increase in the inflammation of the environment, the body takes compensatory mechanisms to reduce inflammation and establish homeostasis. For this purpose, the body produces remodeling and anti-inflammatory factors leading to slow conversion of the inflammatory environment into a non-inflammatory environment with proliferative and immunosuppressive properties. Environmental conditions induce M2 macrophages, TH2 cells, and Tregs differentiation, promoting disease progression by producing angiogenic and immunosuppressive factors. However, the exact molecular mechanism involved in changing inflammatory to non-inflammatory conditions is not yet fully understood. IMPLICATIONS: Due to the common characteristics of endometriotic cells and cancer cells, most potential treatment options for endometriosis have been suggested due to the results of these methods in the treatment of cancer. In this pathway, immune system cells and soluble mediators can be used as targets.