Global trend in exosome isolation and application: an update concept in management of diseases.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by various cells offer great potential for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. EVs are heterogeneous membranous vesicles. Exosomes are a subtype of EVs, 40-150 nm spherical vesicles with a lipid layer derived from endosomes. Exosomes, which are involved in signal transduction and maintain homeostasis, are released from almost all cells, tissues, and body fluids. Although several methods exist to isolate and characterize EVs and exosomes, each technique has significant drawbacks and limitations that prevent progress in the field. New approaches in the biology of EVs show great potential for isolating and characterizing EVs, which will help us better understand their biological function. The strengths and limitations of conventional strategies and novel methods (microfluidic) for EV isolation are outlined in this review. We also present various exosome isolation techniques and kits that are commercially available and assess the global market demand for exosome assays.

Young Plasma Induces Antidepressant-Like Effects in Aged Rats Subjected to Chronic Mild Stress by Suppressing Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Enzyme and Kynurenine Pathway in the Prefrontal Cortex.

Pathophysiology of depression in elderlies is linked to aging-associated increase in indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) levels and activity and kynurenine (Kyn) metabolites. Moreover, these aging-induced changes may alter the brain's responses to stress. Growing evidence suggested that young plasma can positively affect brain dysfunctions in old age. The present study aimed to investigate whether the antidepressant effects of young plasma administration in aged rats subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and underlying mechanisms, focusing on the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Young (3 months old) and aged (22 months old) male rats were divided into five groups; young control, aged control, aged rats subjected to CUMS (A + CUMS), aged rats subjected to CUMS and treated with young plasma (A + CUMS + YP), and aged rats subjected to CUMS and treated with old plasma (A + CUMS + OP). Plasma was injected (1 ml, intravenously) three times per week for four weeks. Young plasma significantly improved CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors, evidenced by the increased sucrose consumption ratio in the sucrose preference test and the reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test. Furthermore, young plasma markedly reduced the levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IDO, Kyn, and Kyn to tryptophan (Kyn/Trp) ratio in PFC tissue. Expression levels of the serotonin transporter and growth-associated protein (GAP)-43 were also significantly increased after chronic administration of young plasma. These findings provide evidence for the antidepressant effect of young plasma in old age; however, whether it improves depressive behaviors or faster recovery from stress-induced deficits is required to be elucidated.

The role of B cells in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.

There is ongoing debate on how B cells contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The success of B-cell targeting therapies in MS highlighted the role of B cells, particularly the antibody-independent functions of these cells such as antigen presentation to T cells and modulation of the function of T cells and myeloid cells by secreting pathogenic and/or protective cytokines in the central nervous system. Here, we discuss the role of different antibody-dependent and antibody-independent functions of B cells in MS disease activity and progression proposing new therapeutic strategies for the optimization of B-cell targeting treatments.

A potential entanglement between the spinal cord and hippocampus: Theta rhythm correlates with neurogenesis deficiency following spinal cord injury in male rats.

Cognitive deficits due to spinal cord injury (SCI) have been elucidated in both animals and humans with SCI. Such disorders may cause concomitant oscillatory changes in regions of the brain involving in cognition; a subject that has not been directed mechanistically. One of the crucial oscillations, having a prominent role in cognition, particularly spatial memory, is hippocampal theta rhythm. Our research revealed that SCI could induce changes not only in the neurogenesis and apoptosis rate of the hippocampus but also in theta power as well as receptors involving in the generation of this rhythm. Herein we used 24 male Wistar rats (Sham/SCI = 12) and examined the effect of spinal cord contusion on hippocampal theta rhythm, spatial memory, and neurodegeneration. We proved that SCI eliminates hippocampus-dependent theta power through spatial working memory, and correlates significantly with neurodegeneration and expression of receptors (NMDA, GABAA, Muscarinic1/M1), which are in turn essential in generation of theta rhythm. The immunohistochemistry analysis also demonstrated a significant decrease in DCX+ and BrdU+ cells; however, according to TUNEL assay, apoptosis is significantly higher in SCI-induced animals. The western blotting analysis further showed a significant reduction of the abovementioned receptors in the hippocampus. We also verified that SCI impairs the spatial memory, proved by poor performance in the Y-maze task. As well as, based on the local field potential recordings analysis, SCI decreases the power of theta rhythm. Eventually, this study demonstrated that chronic brain neurodegeneration occurs after SCI accompanied by theta rhythm and cognitive deficiency.

Tumor microenvironment complexity and therapeutic implications at a glance.

The dynamic interactions of cancer cells with their microenvironment consisting of stromal cells (cellular part) and extracellular matrix (ECM) components (non-cellular) is essential to stimulate the heterogeneity of cancer cell, clonal evolution and to increase the multidrug resistance ending in cancer cell progression and metastasis. The reciprocal cell-cell/ECM interaction and tumor cell hijacking of non-malignant cells force stromal cells to lose their function and acquire new phenotypes that promote development and invasion of tumor cells. Understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms governing these interactions can be used as a novel strategy to indirectly disrupt cancer cell interplay and contribute to the development of efficient and safe therapeutic strategies to fight cancer. Furthermore, the tumor-derived circulating materials can also be used as cancer diagnostic tools to precisely predict and monitor the outcome of therapy. This review evaluates such potentials in various advanced cancer models, with a focus on 3D systems as well as lab-on-chip devices. Video abstract.

Urodynamic Parameters in Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neurogenic Bladder Rats after Stem Cell Transplantation: A Narrative Review.

Neurogenic bladder (NGB) secondary to spinal cord injury (SCI) is accompanied with several complications such as urinary tract deterioration, urinary incontinence, and consequently lower quality of life (QoL), significant morbidities, and occasionally death. Current therapeutic methods have some side effects and there is no treatment for the upper urinary tract injuries. Stem cell therapy is a promising method for treating this condition. However, the best timing and the best route of its transplantation have not yet been determined. Animal models of SCI, especially in rats, are the most commonly used method for evaluating the efficacy of cell therapy in NGB improvement, and the most common assessment method is the urodynamic studies (UDS). However, there are variations in the range of UDS parameters among the published studies. The current review aimed to discuss the effect of stem cell transplantation on bladder dysfunction recovery based on urodynamic parameters after SCI in rats. For this purpose, the cell source, doses, the route of administration, and the complete UDS equipment and its parameters were summarized in SCI models in rats. In some urodynamic test results, to some extent, an improvement in the lower urinary system function was observed in each treatment group. However, this improvement was far from full functional recovery. The average cell dose was about 1 million cells in every injected site. In most studies, the stem cells (SCs) were transplanted 9 days after the injury using PE-50 and PE-60. Many researchers have recommended further experimental and clinical studies to confirm this treatment modality.

The hypothetical roles of arsenic in multiple sclerosis by induction of inflammation and aggregation of tau protein: A commentary.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease which manifests demyelination of neuronal cells in the brain. Despite extensive research on the mechanisms of disease development and progression, the exact mechanism is not elucidated yet, which has hampered drug development and subsequent treatment of the disease. We have recently shown that the serum levels of arsenic and malondialdehyde, a lipid peroxidation marker, are high in MS patients. In this article, we would like to formulate the hypothesis that arsenic may cause MS by induction of inflammation, degeneration, and apoptosis in neuronal cells. The induction of ROS generation in cells upon exposure to arsenic as a heavy metal may be involved in the pathogenesis of MS. Tau protein, a member of the family of microtubule-associated proteins, is mainly expressed in neurons and contribute to the assembly of neuronal microtubules network. Arsenic may affect the hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau proteins and may be involved in the cascade leading to deregulation of tau function associated with neurodegeneration. For validation of this hypothesis, studies might be conducted to evaluate the association of arsenic levels and tau protein levels in MS patients. Further studies might also focus on the trafficking along microtubules in neurons of MS patient with regard to hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. This hypothesis may add a new dimension to the understanding of MS etiology and help to design novel therapeutic agents against potential targets that might be discovered. If this hypothesis proves to be true, tau phosphorylation inhibitors can be potential candidates for MS drug development.

Development of Emu oil-loaded PCL/collagen bioactive nanofibers for proliferation and stemness preservation of human adipose-derived stem cells: possible application in regenerative medicine.

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) are promising candidate in stem cell therapies, and maintaining their stemness potential is vital to achieve effective treatment. Natural-based scaffolds have been recently attracted increasing attention in nanomedicine and drug delivery. In the present study, a polymeric nanofibrous scaffold was developed based on the polycaprolactone/Collagen (PCL/Coll) containing Emu oil as a bioactive material to induce the proliferation of ASCs, while simultaneously preserving the stemness property of those cells. Fabrication of the electrospun Emu oil-loaded PCL/Coll nanofibers was confirmed by using FE-SEM, FTIR, and tensile test. ASCs were seeded on two types of nanofibers (PCL/Coll and Emu oil-loaded PCL/Coll) and their proliferation, cell cycle progression, and stemness gene expressions were evaluated using MTT, propidium iodide staining, and qPCR during 14 days, respectively. The results indicated that ASCs displayed improved adhesion capacity with the higher rates of bioactivity and proliferation on the Emu oil-loaded nanofibers than the other groups. The proliferation capacity of ASCs on Emu oil-loaded PCL/Coll nanofibers was further confirmed by the cell cycle progression analysis. It was also found that Emu oil-loaded nanofibers significantly up-regulated the expression of stemness markers including sox-2, nanog, oct4, klf4, and c-Myc. The results demonstrated that the nanofibers containing Emu oil can reinforce the cell adhesion and enhance ASCs proliferation while preserving their stemness; therefore, using scaffolds containing natural products may have a great potential to enhance the in vitro expansion capacity of ASCs in the field of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

Design and synthesis of nano-biomaterials based on graphene and local delivery of cerebrolysin into the injured spinal cord of mice, promising neural restoration.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an incurable and catastrophic health issue with no clinical solution. As part of cascade reactions, the inflammatory process and fibrous glial scar production aggravate the amount of lesion through a secondary damage mechanism, encouraging scientists from other disciplines to investigate new paths for solving this problem. Graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives are among the most promising biomedical and nerve tissue regeneration materials due to their remarkable chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties. This paper designs and introduces a new GO-based nanomaterial to minimize inflammation and stimulate neurite regrowth. To improve biocompatibility, biodegradability, and cell proliferation, GO plates were modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Au nanoparticles as neuroprotective and antibacterial agents, respectively. Preliminary biological investigations on bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) with various concentrations of a graphenic nanocarrier indicated a lack of cell toxicity and an enhancement in BM-MSC proliferation of about 10% after 48 hours. Therapeutic nanostructures were used in the T10 segment of a mouse SCI model. The pathological and immunohistochemical data revealed that refilling tissue cavities, decreasing degeneration, and establishing neuroregeneration resulted in a considerable improvement of hind limb motor function. Furthermore, compared to the nanocomposite mixture alone, the intraspinal delivery of cerebrolysin (CRL) had a more satisfying impact on nerve regrowth, cystic cavity, hemorrhage avoidance, and motor function enhancement. This study demonstrates the potential of graphenic nanomaterials for SCI treatment and neuroregeneration applications.

Exosomes in neuron-glia communication: A review on neurodegeneration.

Introduction: Exosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs), are crucial for intercellular communication in various contexts. Despite their small size, they carry diverse cargo, including RNA, proteins, and lipids. Internalization by recipient cells raises concerns about potential disruptions to cellular functions. Notably, the ability of exosomes to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has significant implications. Methods: To conduct a thorough investigation into the existing academic literature on exosomes within the framework of neuron-glia communication, a comprehensive search strategy was implemented across the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases. Multiple iterations of the keywords "exosome," "neuron-glia communication," and "neurological disorders" were employed to systematically identify relevant publications. Furthermore, an exploration of the Clinicaltrials.gov database was undertaken to identify clinical trials related to cellular signaling, utilizing analogous terminology. Results: Although the immediate practical applications of exosomes are somewhat limited, their potential as carriers of pathogenic attributes offers promising opportunities for the development of precisely targeted therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. This review presents a comprehensive overview of contemporary insights into the pivotal roles played by exosomes as agents mediating communication between neurons and glial cells within the central nervous system (CNS). Conclusion: By delving into the intricate dynamics of exosomal communication in the CNS, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of the roles of exosomes in both physiological and pathological processes, thereby paving the way for potential therapeutic advancements in the field of neurological disorders.

Lavender Essential Oil Inhalation Improves Attentional Shifting and Accuracy: Evidence from Dynamic Changes of Cognitive Flexibility and Power Spectral Density of Electroencephalogram Signals.

Background: Cognitive flexibility, a vital component of executive function, entails the utilization of extended brain networks. Olfactory stimulation has been shown to influence various brain functions, particularly cognitive performance. Method: To investigate aroma inhalation's effects on brain activity dynamics associated with cognitive flexibility, 20 healthy adults were recruited to complete a set-shifting task during two experimental conditions: no aroma stimuli vs. lavender essential oil inhalation. Using Thomson's multitaper approach, the normalized power spectral density (NPSD) was assessed for five frequency bands. Results: Findings confirm that aroma inhalation significantly affects behavioral indices (i.e., reaction time (RT) and response accuracy) and electroencephalogram (EEG) signatures, especially in the frontal lobe. Participants showed a tremendous increase in theta and alpha NPSD, associated with relaxation, along with beta NPSD, associated with clear and fast thinking after inhaling the aroma. NPSD of the delta band, an indicator of the unconscious mind, significantly decreased when stimulated with lavender essential oil. Further, participants exhibited shorter RT and more accurate responses following aroma inhalation. Conclusion: Our findings revealed significant changes in oscillatory power and behavioral performance after aroma inhalation, providing neural evidence that olfactory stimulation with lavender essential oil may facilitate cognitive flexibility.

A new insight into the role of pericytes in ischemic stroke.

The functional structure of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) deteriorates after stroke by developing diffuse microvascular and neurovascular dysfunction and loss of white matter integrity. This causes nervous tissue injury and causes sensory and motor disabilities in stroke patients. Improving the integrity of the BBB and neurovascular remodeling after stroke can promote post-stroke injury conditions. Pericytes are contractile cells abundant in the BBB and sandwiched between astrocytes and endothelial cells of the microvessels. Stroke could lead to the degeneration of pericytes in the BBB. However, recent evidence shows that promoting pericytes enhances BBB integrity and neurovascular remodeling. Furthermore, pericytes achieve multipotent properties under hypoxic conditions, allowing them to transdifferentiate into the brain resident cells such as microglia. Microglia regulate immunity and inflammatory response after stroke. The current review studies recent findings in the intervening mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of pericytes in BBB recovery after stroke.

Tau Protein Biosensors in the Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Tau protein plays a crucial role in diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases. However, performing an assay to detect tau protein on a nanoscale is a great challenge for early diagnosis of diseases. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western-blotting, and molecular-based methods, e.g., PCR and real-time PCR, are the most widely used methods for detecting tau protein. These methods are subject to certain limitations: the need for advanced equipment, low sensitivity, and specificity, to name a few. With the above said, it is necessary to discover advanced and novel methods for monitoring tau protein. Counted among remarkable approaches adopted by researchers, biosensors can largely eliminate the difficulties and limitations associated with conventional methods. The main objective of the present study is to review the latest biosensors developed to detect the tau protein. Furthermore, the problems and limitations of conventional diagnosis methods were discussed in detail.

Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of pH-sensitive doxorubicin-loaded functionalized graphene oxide in osteosarcoma cells.

Introduction: Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most common drugs in cancer treatment. However, its partial solubility along with the high incidence of side effects remains a challenge to tackle. To address these issues, we designed a formulation based on graphene oxide (GO) and used it as an anticancer drug delivery system. Methods: The physical and chemical properties of the formulation were studied using FTIR, SEM, EDX, Mapping, and XRD. Release studies in the in vitro condition were used to evaluate the pH sensitivity of drug release from nanocarriers. Other in vitro studies, including uptake assay, MTT, and apoptosis assay were carried out on the osteosarcoma cell line. Results: in vitro release studies confirmed that the synthesized formulation provides a better payload release profile in acidic conditions, which is usually the case in the tumor site. On the OS cell line, the cytotoxicity of the DOX-loaded nanocarrier (IC50=0.293 µg/mL) and early apoptosis rate (33.80 % ) were higher in comparison to free DOX (IC50=0.472 µg/mL, and early apoptosis rate= 8.31 % ) after 48 hours. Conclusion: In summary, our results suggest a DOX-loaded graphene oxide carrier as a potential platform for targeting cancer cells.

Synergistic effect of chitosan-alginate composite hydrogel enriched with ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol under hypoxic conditions on the behavior of mesenchymal stem cells for wound healing.

BACKGROUND: In regenerative medicine, especially skin tissue engineering, the focus is on enhancing the quality of wound healing. Also, several constructs with different regeneration potentials have been used for skin tissue engineering. In this study, the regenerative properties of chitosan-alginate composite hydrogels in skin wound healing under normoxic and hypoxic conditions were investigated in vitro. METHODS: The ionic gelation method was used to prepare chitosan/alginate (CA) hydrogel containing CA microparticles and bioactive agents [ascorbic acid (AA) and α-tocopherol (TP)]. After preparing composite hydrogels loaded with AA and TP, the physicochemical properties such as porosity, pore size, swelling, weight loss, wettability, drug release, and functional groups were analyzed. Also, the hemo-biocompatibility of composite hydrogels was evaluated by a hemolysis test. Then, the rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) were seeded onto the hydrogels after characterization by flow cytometry. The survival rate was analyzed using MTT assay test. The hydrogels were also investigated by DAPI and H&E staining to monitor cell proliferation and viability. To induce hypoxia, the cells were exposed to CoCl2. To evaluate the regenerative potential of rMSCs cultured on CA/AA/TP hydrogels under hypoxic conditions, the expression of the main genes involved in the healing of skin wounds, including HIF-1α, VEGF-A, and TGF-ß1, was investigated by real-time PCR. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the prepared composite hydrogels were highly porous, with interconnected pores that ranged in sizes from 20 to 188 µm. The evaluation of weight loss showed that the prepared hydrogels have the ability to biodegrade according to the goals of wound healing. The reduction percentage of CA/AA/TP mass in 21 days was reported as 21.09 ± 0.52%. Also, based on wettability and hemolysis tests of the CA/AA/TP, hydrophilicity (θ = 55.6° and 53.7°) and hemocompatibility with a hemolysis ratio of 1.36 ± 0.19 were evident for them. Besides, MTT assay, DAPI, and H&E staining also showed that the prepared hydrogels provide a suitable substrate for cell growth and proliferation. Finally, based on real-time PCR, increased expression levels of VEGF and TGF-ß1 were observed in rMSCs in hypoxic conditions cultured on the prepared hydrogels. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study provides evidence that 3D CA/AA/TP composite hydrogels seeded by rMSCs in hypoxic conditions have great potential to improve wound healing.

Targeted gene delivery to the brain using CDX-modified chitosan nanoparticles.

Introduction: Blood-brain barrier with strictly controlled activity participates in a coordinated transfer of bioactive molecules from the blood to the brain. Among different delivery approaches, gene delivery is touted as a promising strategy for the treatment of several nervous system disorders. The transfer of exogenous genetic elements is limited by the paucity of suitable carriers. As a correlate, designing high-efficiency biocarriers for gene delivery is challenging. This study aimed to deliver pEGFP-N1 plasmid into the brain parenchyma using CDX-modified chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs). Methods: Herein, we attached CDX, a 16 amino acids peptide, to the CS polymer using bifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG) formulated with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP), by ionic gelation method. Developed NPs and their nanocomplexes with pEGFP-N1 (CS-PEG-CDX/pEGFP) were characterized using DLS, NMR, FTIR, and TEM analyses. For in vitro assays, a rat C6 glioma cell line was used for cell internalization efficiency. The biodistribution and brain localization of nanocomplexes were studied in a mouse model after intraperitoneal injection using in vivo imaging and fluorescent microscopy. Results: Our results showed that CS-PEG-CDX/pEGFP NPs were uptaken by glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo imaging revealed successful entry into the brain parenchyma indicated with the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter protein. However, the biodistribution of developed NPs was also evident in other organs especially the spleen, liver, heart, and kidneys. Conclusion: Based on our results, CS-PEG-CDX NPs can provide a safe and effective nanocarrier for brain gene delivery into the central nervous system (CNS).

Co-exposure to Toluene and Noise Made Synergistic and Antagonistic Effects on Some Neurotoxic Parameters in New Zealand White Rabbits.

Introduction: Numerous physical and chemical agents can induce destructive effects on the brain tissue. Noise and toluene, which are some of these harmful agents, have significant adverse effects on the brain tissue. This work aimed to investigate the neurotoxic changes induced by co-exposure to toluene and noise. Methods: A total of 24 male white New Zealand rabbits were randomly segregated into four groups, including toluene exposure, noise exposure, co-exposure to noise and toluene, and control. This in vivo study tested the neurotoxic effects of exposure to 1000 ppm toluene and 100 dB noise during two weeks (8 h/day). The serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor-α (BDNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values in the brain tissue were measured. Moreover, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was utilized for brain pathological analysis. Results: Exposure to noise increased TAC values in the cerebral cortex. Co-exposure to toluene and noise increased the serum levels of BDNF-α. Nevertheless, exposure to noise decreased the levels of BDNF-α in serum. On the other hand, histopathological examinations using H&E staining exhibited that different signs of inflammation, such as lymphocyte infiltration, pyknosis, vacuolization, and chromatolysis were induced by exposure to noise and toluene in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and frontal section in the brain tissue. In addition, simultaneous exposure to toluene and noise induced antagonistic and synergistic changes in some neurotoxic parameters. Conclusion: Exposure to noise and toluene, which caused inflammation in the brain tissue cells, could be a noticeable risk factor for the neurological system. Highlights: Exposure to noise increased total antioxidant capacity.Exposure to toluene decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor-α.Exposure to noise decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor-α.Co-exposure to noise and toluene increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor-α.Noise and toluene induced some histopathological effects on the brain tissue. Plain Language Summary: The brain tissue can be adversely affected by various agents, including noise and toluene. This study aimed to examine the effects of simultaneous exposure to noise and toluene on the nervous system. Twenty-four healthy male white New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control, noise, toluene, and simultaneous exposure to noise and toluene. The study involved a two-week in-vivo experiment, subjecting the rabbits to 100 dB noise and 1000 ppm toluene for eight hours per day. This study showed that exposure to noise and toluene changed different parameters relating to the neurological system. Furthermore, noise and toluene induced some adverse effects on the brain tissue. This study suggested that exposure to noise and toluene can lead to harmful effects on the brain tissue, posing a significant risk to the neurological system.

Improvement of spinal cord injury symptoms by targeting the Bax/Bcl2 pathway and modulating TNF-α/IL-10 using Platelet-Rich Plasma exosomes loaded with dexamethasone.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that results in impaired sensory and motor function due to the limited self-regenerative ability of the spinal cord. To address this issue, combination therapy has been proposed as an effective treatment strategy for SCI regeneration. In this study, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)-derived exosomes loaded with dexamethasone were utilized in a mouse model of SCI compression. PRP-derived exosomes loaded with dexamethasone (Dex) were prepared using ultracentrifugation and sonication methods and were administered to the mice via intravenous injection. Following a four-week duration, behavioral assessments were administered to assess functional recuperation, and diverse metrics encompassing the expression of genes associated with apoptosis and antiapoptosis, serum cytokine concentrations and tissue sampling were subjected to thorough examination. The results of this study demonstrated that mice treated with PRP-derived exosomes loaded with Dex (ExoDex) exhibited altered levels of TNF-α and IL-10, along with decreased Bax and increased Bcl2 expression in comparison to the model group. Furthermore, intravenously injected ExoDex reduced the size of the lesion site, lymphocyte infiltration, vacuolation, cavity size and tissue disorganization while also improving locomotor recovery. We propose that the utilization of exosome-loaded Dex therapy holds potential as a promising and clinically relevant approach for injured spinal cord repair. However, further extensive research is warranted in this domain to validate and substantiate the outcomes presented in this study.

Nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice of professional athletes in an Iranian population (a cross-sectional study).

BACKGROUND: Proper nutrition is vital in promoting community health, yet insufficient knowledge and improper dietary practices can lead to deficiencies and diseases. Professional athletes depend on optimal nutrition for their performance and recovery, but a lack of understanding can impede their potential. The nutritional status of athletes impacts their overall health and sports performance. Inadequate sports nutrition knowledge may result in suboptimal practices, reducing strength, power, endurance, and immunity. Additionally, disordered attitudes can lead to dietary imbalances and an increased risk of injury. This study, conducted in Qazvin, Iran, examined athletes' nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices. By addressing these factors, there is potential to enhance dietary behaviors and ultimately improve athletes' performance. METHODS: The study employed a descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional design to investigate the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of professional athletes in Qazvin, Iran. A total of 320 purposefully selected professional athletes (68.13% male, 31.87% female) from various sports fields participated in the research. The data collection tool consisted of demographic questions and a KAP questionnaire, including 27 nutritional knowledge questions, 16 nutritional attitude questions, and 14 nutritional performance questions. The quota sampling method was used to estimate sample sizes. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS v.26 using one sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: The results showed that nutritional knowledge (the mean value was 79.594 ± 7.015 - the optimal knowledge level = 84) and attitude (the mean value was 23.347 ± 5.300 - the optimal attitude level = 26) for athletes are low, but their nutritional practice (the mean value was 21.788 ± 3.450 - the optimal performance level = 24) was moderate. Also, professional athletes' nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice were lower than normal (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were among knowledge, attitude, and practice (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice among the subjects of different age groups, genders, and sports types (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice of professional Iranian athletes in Qazvin province were low; therefore, the implementation of more theoretical and applied nutrition education, such as using knowledge assessment tools and interventions, irrespective of their age, sport's field, and gender, is compelling.

STA-21, a small molecule STAT3 inhibitor, ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by altering Th-17/Treg balance.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have demonstrated the role of T helper (Th) 17 and T regulatory (reg) cells and pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines related to these cells in the pathogenesis of MS and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). STAT3 is one of the downstream signaling proteins of IL-23, IL-6, and IL-21 that are required for Th17 cells differentiation. STA-21 is a STAT3 inhibitor that functions by inhibiting STAT3 dimerization and binding to DNA impairing the expression of STAT3 target genes including, RORγt, IL-21 and IL-23R that are also required for Th17 cell differentiation. AIM: In this study, we evaluated the effect of STA-21 on EAE Model and investigated how this small molecule can change Th17/Treg balance leading to amelioration of disease. METHODS: After EAE induction and treatment with STA-21, its effects were assessed. Major assays were H&E and LFB staining, Flow cytometric analysis, Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and ELISA. RESULTS: STA-21 ameliorated the EAE severity and decreased the EAE inflammation and demyelination. It also decreased STAT3 phosphorylation, the proportion of Th17 cells and the protein level of IL-17. In contrast, the balance of Tregs and the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 increased in STA-21-treated mice. Moreover, STA-21 significantly decreased the expression of Th17 related transcription factors, RORɣt and IL-23R while FOXP3 expression associated with Treg differentiation was increased. CONCLUSION: This study showed that STA-21 has therapeutic effects in EAE by reducing inflammation and shifting inflammatory immune responses to anti-inflammatory and can be used as a suitable treatment strategy for the treatment of EAE. The effectiveness of inhibiting or strengthening the functional cells of the immune system by these small molecules in terms of easy to access, simple construction and inexpensive expansion make them as a suitable tool for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.