Retinoic acid as the stimulating factor for differentiation of wharton's jelly-mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells

Wharton's Jelly-Mesenchymal Stem Cells [WJ-MSCs] are pluripotent cells with differentiation capability into most cell lineages. The aim of the current work was to examine the role of Retinoic Acid [RA] in differentiation process of these cells into hepatocyte-like cells and determine the morphological and functional patterns. Human WJ-MSCs were extracted, cultured and expanded; after approximately 95% of confluence, the cells were treated with hepatogenic media containing RA. The cells were subsequently analyzed for morphological changes, glycogen storage, albumin production, and specific gene expression. WJ-MSCs expressed high levels of CD90 [93.6%] and CD105 [90.7%], but low levels of CD34 [0.3%] and CD45 [0.8%]. Albumin production had significant difference in the two groups [p

Jovarish-e Jalinus, the herbal treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease in the history of medicine

History of medicine is a treasure of interesting experiences of humankind to treat diseases. Traditional medicine is a major part of this long history. World Health Organization [WHO] encourages all countries to extend their complementary and traditional medicines and support trained practitioners in this field. This strategy can lead to finding new treatments and opening new horizons to the herbal medicine researchers. Nowadays, a movement toward the integration of traditional and complementary medicine into mainstream medicine is evident. Iranian Traditional Medicine [ITM] remedies, similar to other branches of complementary and alternative medicine, have been documented to offer the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. According to the principles of ITM, the production of abnormal "Humours" in human body can trigger a process through which a disease occurs. Heartburn is known as "Horqat" in ITM. Phlegmatic Horqat occurs due to the presence of abnormal "Phlegm" in the stomach. Phlegm creates heartburn usually after a meal and at the beginning of gastric digestion. There are several single and compound herbal treatments for Horqat in ITM. In this article, a novel treatment of GERD in Greek and Iranian traditional medicines called Jovarish-e Jalinus [Galen's digestive] has been introduced