International Journal of Molecular and Cellular Medicine最新文献

Increased environmental ultraviolet-B (UVB) exposure stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, disrupts cellular redox balance, and contributes to skin disorders. Antioxidants inhibit autoxidation by neutralizing or suppressing free radicals. Certain nanomaterials, like cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs), function as antioxidants under specific conditions. Through their redox and catalytic properties, CNPs scavenge ROS, mitigate oxidative damage, and may help prevent skin injuries. While most research targets ionizing radiation, studies exploring CNPs under non-ionizing UVB remain limited. To address this, the study evaluates their photochemoprotective effects in UVB-exposed L929 fibroblasts. The 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), and annexin V/propidium iodide (annexin V/PI) assays were used to evaluate cell viability, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay at CNP concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μM and UVB intensities of 150-900 mJ/cm², selected based on prior physiologically relevant in vitro studies. At 600 mJ/cm² UVB, cell viability decreased by 45% (MTT assay). Treatment with 50 μM CNP significantly increased total antioxidant capacity relative to untreated controls (CUPRAC assay, p = 0.0018). CNP and UVB effects on ROS production and apoptosis were evaluated separately and in combination using DCFH-DA and annexin V/PI assays. Results show that pretreatment with CNPs before UVB radiation impedes cell apoptosis and reduces ROS, suggesting that CNPs mitigate UVB-induced oxidative damage in L929 cells by restoring oxidative balance through their redox activity and ROS-scavenging properties. These findings indicate CNP-based interventions may offer therapeutic strategies against UVB-induced skin and related disorders.

Investigations have shown that understanding the regulatory mechanisms of the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) can significantly enhance the regenerative capacity of periodontal tissues and mitigate periodontal disorders. Improving osteogenesis in dental implants is complex, requiring better bone regeneration and integration with the implant surface. ZNF710-AS1 is identified as a key regulator of osteogenic differentiation via the BMP6/Smad pathway, with the overexpression of miR-146a-5p and miR-146b-5p inhibiting ZNF710-AS1's osteogenic effects. This study explores the role of the long noncoding RNA ZNF710-AS1 in PDLSC osteogenic differentiation and clarifies its molecular mechanisms. Results indicate that ZNF710-AS1 expression positively influences osteogenic differentiation, while miR-146a-5p has a suppressive effect. ZNF710-AS1 serves as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-146a-5p, increasing BMP6 levels and activating the Smad signaling pathway. The study also highlights the role of miR-146a-5p in osteogenesis and inflammation in peri-implant tissues. Findings suggest miR-146a-5p promotes osteogenic differentiation and could be a potential biomarker for periodontal conditions. In summary, this research provided key insights into the molecular mechanisms of osteogenesis and advocates for targeting ZNF710-AS1 and miR-146a-5p to improve dental implant integration and regenerative strategies for periodontal tissues.

Improving wound care products to facilitate effective skin repair is very important. Hydrogels are promising polymer-based dressings that enhance wound healing. Vitamin E can improve skin injuries by increasing antioxidant capacity. This study aimed to construct an innovative hydrogel from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and gelatin (Gel) containing vitamin E to enhance wound healing. Five unique hydrogel formulations were constructed by combination of CMC-Gel and 25, 50, 100, and 200 µL/mL of Vitamin E. Structural characteristics of hydrogels were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Biochemical properties of hydrogels, including swelling, weight loss, pH values, and blood compatibility, were evaluated by specific methods. The cytotoxicity effects of hydrogels on the NIH-3T3 fibroblasts were determined by MTT assay. The therapeutic potential of the hydrogels was investigated using a full-thickness wound model in Wistar rats. The constructed CMC-Gel-Vit E hydrogel had a porous structure characterized by interconnected voids measuring 73.15±9.61 µm, which is favorable for promoting cell migration. The cytotoxicity results showed no toxicity effects of hydrogels with and without VitE 100 µL/mL, also a survival rate of over 120% in cells after 72 h. In vivo data showed the CMC-Gel-Vit E hydrogel (91.36±8.23%) significantly increased the percentage of wound closure and re-epithelialization compared to the control group (68.31±13.59%). The results highlight the considerable potential of the CMC-Gel-VitE hydrogel as a viable option for skin regeneration and wound healing. This hydrogel exhibits substantial promise for use in clinical and therapeutic interventions.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype defined by the lack of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and HER2 expression, resulting in limited therapeutic options. Given this challenge, this study explores caffeine, a widely consumed stimulant, as a potential anticancer agent, particularly for TNBC. Although caffeine has demonstrated stimulatory and inhibitory effects on telomerase in other cancer types, its influence on telomerase activity in TNBC remains uncharacterized. This study investigates the impact of caffeine concentrations (10, 15, and 20 mM) on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, ultrastructure, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes (BAX, BCL2, CASP8) and telomerase activity (hTERT) in MDA-MB-231 cells. Our findings showed that caffeine significantly reduces cell viability and induces early apoptosis with a dose-dependent effect. Morphological changes consistent with early apoptosis were observed, and an increased BAX/BCL2 ratio indicated the activation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Additionally, caffeine exhibited upregulation of hTERT mRNA expression, which may reflect a compensatory response to cellular stress induced by caffeine. These results underscore the multifaceted effects of caffeine on TNBC cells, highlighting its potential not only as an apoptosis inducer but also as a modulator of telomerase activity. Given its accessibility, low toxicity, and established safety profile, caffeine presents an exciting avenue for further research as a complementary or standalone therapeutic strategy for TNBC.

Oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) is a major global health issue, ranking sixth in prevalence, particularly in Asia. The diagnosis often occurs late due to inadequate early screening, resulting in a dismal five-year survival rate of around 50%. This document provides a comprehensive analysis of drug-based treatments for oral cavity carcinoma, focusing on chemotherapy, immune modulation, and novel approaches like nanoparticle therapies. Despite advancements in these methods, drug resistance remains a significant obstacle that adversely affects patient outcomes. The research highlights the critical role of long ncRNAs in the progression and treatment of OSCC. These long ncRNAs, which are over 200 nucleotides long, play essential roles in gene regulation and tumor growth, including mechanisms of drug resistance. Some long ncRNAs may promote or inhibit tumor development and influence the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs like cisplatin. Additionally, the review explores how the tumor microenvironment and immune responses interact, suggesting that inflammation may accelerate the progression of oral cancer. By synthesizing insights from extensive literature, this review clarifies the complex relationship between long ncRNAs and OSCC treatment. The study aimed to improve treatment efficacy and increase survival rates for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma by identifying potential therapeutic targets. The findings underscore the importance of integrating molecular insights into treatment strategies to combat drug resistance and enhance patient outcomes in oral cancer therapy.

Natural products recovered from marine sediment have the potential for the treatment of various diseases. Streptomyces sp., strain MN38 which was previously isolated from the Caspian Sea of Iran was at first characterized based on its 16srRNA analysis and morphological properties. Two-factor Interaction/ Minimum Run Resolution IV method was employed to evaluate the influence of various potential factors on the strain's antibacterial activity using cost-effective substrates. Twelve variables were considered effective for investigation, with an emphasis on assessing the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis via the micro-dilution method. The findings indicate that a quadratic model and a second-order polynomial equation are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level due to a low P-value (< 0.0001) in this context. As a result, A1BFe+C agar medium, incubated at 28°C for three days with a shaking speed of 200 rpm, using specific concentrations of starch (5.0 g/l), yeast extract (6.0 g/l), peptone (4.0 g/l), KBr (0.5 g/l), CaCO₃ (0.2 g/l), sea salt (15 g/l), and Fe₂(SO₄)₃ (0.003 g/l), along with an inoculum size of 3.0% v/v at a pH of 6, exhibits the enhanced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis reached up to 69 and 166 (Bu/ml). It could be concluded that the MN38 of Caspian Sea sediments was a potent source of antimicrobial agent production and the production process was significantly optimized using mathematical methods.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a major global cause of mortality, is diagnosed using cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Antibody-based assays face challenges, prompting the exploration of aptamers. This study develops an aptamer-HRP probe and ELASA for improved cTnI detection. Aptamer-based enzyme-linked aptamer assays (ELASA) were developed to detect cTnI using Tro4 and Tro6 aptamers. Molecular docking was performed via the HDOCK web server to confirm aptamer binding affinity to cTnI. Tro4 was biotinylated for use as a capture probe, while Tro6 was conjugated to HRP through sulfo-SMCC crosslinking, followed by size exclusion chromatography and purification. Direct and sandwich ELASA assays were performed using streptavidin-coated plates and clinical serum samples from AMI and non-AMI patients. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism10 and SPSS software. Molecular docking confirmed the high binding affinity of Tro4 and Tro6 aptamers to cTnI, with significant interaction energies. Direct ELASA verified aptamer binding, and optimal concentrations were determined as 10μM for Tro4 and 5μM for Tro6. A sandwich ELASA using paired aptamers achieved improved sensitivity and specificity for cTnI detection. The assay displayed a linear response between 0.1-22 ng.mL cTnI (R²=0.94), with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.10ng.mL. When tested on patient serum samples, results correlated with a commercial antibody-based ELASA kit. This study successfully developed a highly sensitive and specific sandwich ELASA for cTnI detection, utilizing the optimal aptamers Tro4 and Tro6. The results demonstrated excellent sensitivity, specificity, and potential clinical applicability, offering a promising alternative to antibody-based assays.

The capacity of Candida albicans to adhere to diverse oral substrates constitutes a pivotal preliminary phase in the formation of a pathogenic fungal biofilm. Yeast cells demonstrate a considerable ability to bind to host tissues, encompassing dental structures and mucosal surfaces, in addition to synthetic, non-biological materials such as dental appliances. Biomaterials utilized for the restoration of oral functionality are prone to biofilm formation, which can detrimentally affect oral health. Oral microorganisms can adhere to both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces; however, in vivo investigations indicate that hydrophobic surfaces tend to accumulate minimal biofilm due to differential shear forces. Rough surfaces are observed to retain more biofilm compared to their smooth counterparts. The presence of biofilms on composite materials and glass-ionomer cement types results in surface degradation, consequently fostering additional biofilm development. While the leaching of residual monomers from composites has been shown to influence biofilm proliferation in vitro, the effect in vivo appears to be less consequential, likely attributable to the dilution and continual renewal of saliva. Furthermore, research has produced inconsistent findings regarding the influence of fluoride release from glass-ionomer cement types. A comparative analysis is conducted between biomaterial-associated infections in implants and devices situated in other anatomical regions and the formation of oral biofilms. The discourse critically evaluates alterations to biomaterials aimed at diminishing biofilm formation on implants and devices, taking into account their prospective applications within dentistry. The conclusion reached is that for dental applications, antimicrobial coatings that exterminate fungi upon contact are deemed more efficacious than those that gradually release antimicrobial agents.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, especially in developing countries, with dyslipidemia being a major risk factor. This study aimed to evaluate lipid parameters and inflammatory biomarkers-E-selectin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-to understand their roles in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A case-control design was used, involving 120 participants: 60 patients diagnosed with ACS and 60 healthy controls, enrolled between January and December 2024. Blood samples were analyzed to assess lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL, using a SMART-120 chemistry analyzer. Serum levels of TNF-α and E-selectin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed significant differences in lipid profiles between ACS patients and controls, supporting the impact of dyslipidemia on ACS development. E-selectin levels were significantly elevated in ACS patients (213.26 ± 2.72 pg/mL) compared to controls (175.11 ± 2.71 pg/mL), with P < 0.0001. Similarly, TNF-α levels were higher in patients (83.20 ± 3.88 pg/mL) than controls (45.65 ± 1.79 pg/mL), also with P < 0.0001. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that E-selectin had 96% sensitivity and specificity at a cutoff of 73.44 pg/mL, while TNF-α had 93% sensitivity and 86% specificity at a cutoff of 188.65 pg/mL. Both biomarkers positively correlated with body mass index (r = 0.572, P < 0.0001).The findings suggest that TNF-α and E-selectin are potential diagnostic biomarkers for ACS and play key .

Dental caries is among the most prevalent chronic diseases. It arises from bacterial biofilm formation on tooth surfaces due to metabolic activity. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a key pathogen implicated in the development of dental caries. As bacterial resistance to conventional treatments increases, there is a growing interest in using novel compounds that possess antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. This study evaluated the effect of chitosan-arginine nanoparticles (CS-Arg NPs) and sodium fluoride (NaF) on inhibiting S. mutans' growth. After synthesizing CS-Arg NPs, their size, morphology, and chemical structure were evaluated. The broth microdilution method determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of CS-Arg NPs and NaF. The combined antibacterial and antibiofilm effect of CS-Arg NPs and NaF was assessed using the checkerboard method. The CS-Arg NPs had an average size of 269.9 nm with a zeta potential of +38.3 mV. The MIC of S. mutans for CS-Arg NPs and NaF was 312 µg/mL and 625 µg/mL, respectively, and the MBC for these NPs and NaF was 625 µg/mL and 2500 µg/mL, respectively. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of the combination of CS-Arg NPs and NaF showed an additive effect (FICI = 1). The inhibitory effect of different concentrations of CS-Arg NPs and NaF, alone or in combination, on biofilm formation in the studied strain ranged from approximately 12% to 81%. This study demonstrated that CS-Arg NPs have antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against S. mutans, and their combination with NaF can enhance these antibacterial effects. These findings suggest that CS-Arg NPs and NaF, as a novel combination, could effectively develop oral hygiene products.