Cell Journal最新文献

Objective: Kienböck disease is a rare condition characterized by severe pain and restricted wrist movement. Various palliative methods have been proposed as therapeutic strategies for alleviating symptoms. Mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation has been suggested as an innovative and promising approach due to its potential for inducing regeneration and immunomodulation in the necrotic tissue. This study aims to evaluate the safety of autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) transplantation after core decompression in Kienböck disease.

Materials and methods: In this phase I of an open-label clinical trial, three patients (one female and two males) with stage 2 Kienböck disease underwent autologous BM-MSCs transplantation following lunate core decompression. The patients were followed up for six months to assess safety as well as secondary clinical outcomes, including pain level, range of motion (ROM), and functional disability.

Results: Safety of BM-MSCs injection following the core decompression was evaluated by recording post-treatment complications during the six-month follow-up. No adverse events (AEs) or severe AEs (SAEs) were reported, indicating that BM-MSCs injection after core decompression is a safe intervention. All patients showed a remarkable reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) scores and "Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand" (DASH) questionnaire scores, suggesting the therapeutic potential of this intervention. Moreover, an increase in the ROM indicated that BM-MSCs transplantation can improve wrist functionality. Additionally, radiographic assessments before and after cell infusion demonstrated a reduction in lunate sclerosis after six months of follow-up.

Conclusion: The transplantation of autologous BM-MSCs following lunate core decompression seems to be a safe clinical intervention and may lead to pain relief in patients with Kienböck disease. Furthermore, this procedure may help prevent disease progression during the follow-up period (registration number: NCT02646007).

Objective: Chronic inflammation is a common feature in diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. This chronic low-grade inflammation can affect various organs, including the kidneys. Podocyte damage play a key role in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of the study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of Boeravinone B (BB) against streptozotocin (STZ) induced DN in rats and explore the underlying mechanism.

Materials and methods: In this experimental study, the rats received intraperitoneal injections of STZ (60 mg/kg) to induce DN. Various doses of BB (2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg/kg) were administered orally. Glucose levels, body weights, and organ weights (hepatic and renal) were assessed. Renal, histomorphological, antioxidant, hepatic, and cytokine levels were determined, as were the mRNA expression levels of JAK2 and STAT3. At end of the experimental study, the rats were sacrificed and their renal tissues were removed for histopathological assessment.

Results: BB treatment decreased glucose levels and increased body weights. This treatment suppressed hepatic weights, increased renal tissue weights, and also decreased renal parameters like uric acid, urea, bilirubin, creatinine (Cr) and, albumin. There was a decrease (P<0.001) in histomorphological parameters such as kidney hypertrophy index (KHI), mean glomerular volume (MGV), foot process fusion ratio (FPFR), and glomerular basement membrane thickness (GBMT) after treatment with BB. In addition, this treatment improved the levels of renal podocin, renal CD2- associated protein (CD2AP) and suppressed hepatic parameter levels. BB treatment (P<0.001) altered antioxidant parameters and cytokine levels, and suppressed mRNA expressions of JAK2, STAT3, RAGE, KIM-1, NAGL, and S100A8.

Conclusion: Administration of BB showed renal protective effects against STZ-induced DN in rats via the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions.

Objective: Bisphenols are a type of phenolic chemical frequently used in producing various consumer products. Owing to their widespread exposure, these compounds can cause multiple toxic effects in humans. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) against bisphenol S (BPS)-induced cytotoxicity in the human testicular embryonic carcinoma cell line (NT2/D1).

Materials and methods: In this experimental study, cytotoxic concentrations of ZnONPs and BPS on NT2/D1 cells were optimized using the MTT assay. Thereafter, the effects of ZnONPs (50 and 500 μM), BPS (300 and 600 μM), and pre-treatment with ZnONPs (50 μM) followed by exposure to BPS (600 μM) on the expression of SOX2 and OCT4 genes and apoptosis-related proteins (i.e. Bax and Bcl-2) were evaluated, using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting, respectively.

Results: Both BPS and ZnONPs reduced the viability of NT2/D1 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with 50 μM of ZnONPs increased mRNA levels of SOX2 and OCT4 and improved the reduction of cell viability caused by exposure to half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of BPS (P<0.001). In addition, pre-treatment with ZnONPs was able to suppress BPS-induced apoptosis, as evidenced by increased Bcl-2 (P<0.05) and decreased Bax (P<0.001) protein levels.

Conclusion: Although our findings indicate that short-term treatment with a low concentration of ZnONPs could have beneficial effects in preventing the cytotoxic effects of BPS by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and pluripotent genes in the NT2/D1 cells, further studies are recommended to confirm these results.

This study delves into Usher syndrome type 2 (USH2), an uncommon genetic disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss (HL) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), often associated with the USH2A gene. Focusing on an Iranian family exhibiting USH2 symptoms, exome-sequencing was employed for a comprehensive genome analysis in a 30-yearold patient. The investigation unveiled a novel variation (NM_206933.4: c.9389G>A; p.Trp3130*) within exon 48 of the USH2A gene, a previously unreported variant emphasizing the genetic diversity in USH2. Sanger sequencing was then utilized to assess variation segregation within the family, offering insights into the inheritance pattern. This discovery not only advances our understanding of the genetic basis of USH2 but also holds significant implications for genetic counseling, early management, and informed decision-making regarding prenatal options. By adopting an integrated approach, this study aims to empower affected families, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the disorder's complexities and ultimately improving patient outcomes and family well-being through informed decisionmaking and proactive management strategies.

The 24^th and 19^th International Congresses on Reproduction and Stem Cell Biology in the Islamic Republic of Iran brought together experts and researchers worldwide to explore the latest advancements in these fields. Different topics were discussed, including such as reproductive health, infertility treatments, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine. This report provides a summary of the congress's key findings by emphasizing pioneer research and technologies that can influence the future of reproduction and stem cell biology programs. The presence of keynote speakers such as Professor Nicolas Rivron, Mohammad Ebrahim Parsanezhad, Ashraf Moini, Abbas Aflatoonian, Hadi Shafiee, Anna Brini, Omid Camron Farokhzad, and Jeffrey Schweitzer added value to the event, which had over 1100 participants from around the world. While foreign speakers were from various countries Iranian speakers mainly came from Tabriz, Isfahan, Shiraz, Babol, and Tehran that all discussed cutting-edge science and successful disease treatments. To ensure a more comprehensive representation, it is suggested that a wider geographic distribution of national and foreign speakers should be considered in future plan.

Objective: Dysregulation of lipid and carbohydrate/fatty acid (FA) balance in Sertoli and germ cells alters the NADP+/ NADPH ratio, resulting in metabolic autophagy in testicles. Tramadol (TRA) adversely affects spermatogenesis development, and it is not reversed within short periods of time after withdrawal. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the boosting effect of different exercise training protocols (ETPs) on TRA-induced detrimental effects after withdrawal.

Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 36 mature Wistar rats were separated into control and TRAsole (administered 40 mg/kg of TRA and euthanized 60 days after TRA administration), Con-TRA (stopped TRA administration after 60 days, and continued for additional 60 days after withdrawal), TRA+low-intensity (TRA+LICT), TRA+ moderate-intensity (TRA+MICT), and TRA+high-intensity continuous (TRA+HICT) ETPs-induced groups (n=6/ group, ETPs were initiated for 60 days after stopping TRA administration). Next, the intracytoplasmic carbohydrate and lipids/FAs content, testicular lactate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, relative ratios of NADP+/NADPH, serum testosterone levels, and the Leydig cells steroidogenic activity, the mRNA levels of Beclin-1, p62, LC3-I, and Atg7 as well as the LC3-I/II+ germ and somatic cells mean distributions were analyzed.

Results: The LICT and MICT could ameliorate the TRA-induced carbohydrates/lipids, FAs imbalance, increase lactate, LDH and testosterone levels, re-balance the NADP+/NADPH ratio, and reregulate the autophagy and steroidogenic activities in the Leydig and Sertoli cells.

Conclusion: Collectively, LICT and MICT can ameliorate the TRA-induced metabolic-oxidative autophagy by rebalancing energy survey in testicles and down-regulating autophagy reactions in Sertoli cells and rebalancing it in the Leydig cells.

Among the various manifestations of oral cavity cancer, tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), is the most common form of this condition. TSCC represents a major challenge in the field of cancer treatment. The emergence of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) has opened new avenues for therapeutic intervention in TSCC. This research provides an overview of siRNA-mediated mechanisms and emphasizes their complex involvement in modulating key signaling pathways associated with TSCC progression. Relevant articles from 2004 to 2023 were conducted by using different keywords, such as "Interfering RNA " and "Small Interfering ". The search was following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. The selected studies (n=17) were subjected to perform comprehensive analysis. We concluded that the PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways, one of oncogenic signaling cascades in TSCC is notable. siRNAs and their role in targeting specific signaling pathways help us understand the molecular mechanisms underlying TSCC that may lead to the development promising therapies for TSCC. These therapies have the advantage of personalization and precision, targeted delivery, and the potential to overcome drug resistance. Therefore, the study enhances our comprehension of siRNA-based interventions' clinical potential in TSCC.

Objective: There are ethical and technical challenges in studying human germ cell development. Therefore, the aim of the study is in vitro differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), as pluripotent cells, to the germ cells which is a valuable tool for studying molecular and cellular aspects of gametogenesis and understanding causes of infertility.

Materials and methods: In this experimental study, two different complete media [Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM)+20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and embryoid bodies (EBs) medium; KOSR/HES without basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)] were used in the both of test groups using testicular cells derived conditioned medium (TCCM) and control groups spontaneously differentiated (SD). Thereby, EBs from hESCs (Yazd2; 46XY) were cultured in different conditions EB medium; EB medium and conditioned EB medium; EB medium, DMEM, and FBS without conditioning; EB medium, conditioned DMEM, and FBS medium. EBs were collected after 4, 7, and 14 days and their gene expression profiles were assessed and compared to hESCs, as day 0, using IF and relative reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results: An increase in the gametogenesis gene expression level in TCCM groups was showed in comparison with SD groups. Additionally, immunostaining of differentiated cells in all groups showed in vitro gametogenesis (IVG).

Conclusion: Our findings showed that human TCCM could be used as a natural niche for in vitro male and female germ cell development. However, further studies are needed to define the factors and metabolites within the human TCCM.

Objective: Trimethyltin (TMT) chloride is an organotin compound used in industry. It has been linked to generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory processes, and neuronal death. Carvacrol is a monoterpene phenol found in the Lamiaceae plant family, modulating inflammatory conditions and necroptosis in neural tissue. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of carvacrol in a rat model of hippocampal neuronal injury induced by TMT.

Materials and methods: In this experimental study, sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=12): group 1 receiving saline, group 2 received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a vehicle for 21 days, group 3 receiving a single dose of TMT (8 mg/kg) and groups 4 and 5 receiving carvacrol 40 and 70 mg/kg daily for 21 days after a single dose of TMT. All injections were intraperitoneal (I.P.). Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, and Bdnf gene expression and the number of pyknotic neurons in the hippocampus were quantified. Spatial memory was assessed with a radial arm maze.

Results: Statistical analysis of histological data revealed the carvacrol significantly attenuated cognitive dysfunction and the number of pyknotic neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats treated with TMT. Based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), carvacrol modulated the expression of genes involved in apoptosis (Bax and Caspase-3) and upregulated anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) genes in the hippocampal tissue.

Conclusion: These findings revealed neuroprotective effects of carvacrol which might be mediated by apoptotic and anti-apopetotic factors.

In this article published in Cell J, Vol 24, No 12, 2022, on pages 741-747, the authors found that there was some mistakes in the Table 1 and we have corrected them in the following table. The authors would like to apologize for any inconvenience.