Autophagy genes and signaling pathways in endometrial decidualization and pregnancy complications.

Autophagy is a process that occurs in almost all eukaryotic cells and this process is controlled by several molecular processes. Its biological roles include the provision of energy, the maintenance of cell homeostasis, and the promotion of aberrant cell death. The importance of autophagy in pregnancy is gradually becoming recognized. In literature, it has been indicated that autophagy has three different effects on the onset and maintenance of pregnancy: embryo (embryonic development), feto-maternal immune crosstalk, and maternal (decidualization). In humans, proper decidualization is a major predictor of pregnancy accomplishment and it can be influenced by different factors. This review highlights the genes, pathways, regulation, and function of autophagy in endometrial decidualization and other involved factors in this process.

The role of neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in stages, outcomes and pregnancy complications.

Neutrophils are the main components of innate immunity to eliminate infectious pathogens. Neutrophils play a role in several stages of the reproductive cycle, and their presence in the female reproductive system is highly regulated, so their function may change during pregnancy. Emerging evidence suggests that neutrophils are important at all stages of pregnancy, from implantation, placentation, and connective tissue regeneration to birth, as well as birth itself. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are defined as extracellular strands of unfolded DNA together with histone complexes and neutrophil granule proteins. NET formation is a new mechanism of these cells for their defense function. These strands containing DNA and antimicrobial peptides were initially recognized as one of the defense mechanisms of neutrophils, but later it was explained that they are involved in a variety of non-infectious diseases. Since the source of inflammation and tissue damage is the irregular activity of neutrophils, it is not surprising that NETosis are associated with a number of inflammatory conditions and diseases. The overexpression of NET components or non-principled NET clearance is associated with the risk of production and activation of autoantibodies, which results in participation in autoinflammatory and autoimmune disorders (SLE, RA), fibrosis, sepsis and other disorders such as vascular diseases, for example, thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Recent published articles have shown the role of neutrophils and extracellular traps (NETs) in pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related diseases. The aim of this study was to identify and investigate the role of neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the stages of pregnancy, as well as the complications caused by these cells.

White-brown adipose tissue interplay in polycystic ovary syndrome: Therapeutic avenues.

This study highlights the therapeutic potential of activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) for managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent endocrine disorder associated with metabolic and reproductive abnormalities. BAT plays a crucial role in regulating energy expenditure and systemic insulin sensitivity, making it an attractive target for the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases. Recent research suggests that impaired BAT function and mass may contribute to the link between metabolic disturbances and reproductive issues in PCOS. Additionally, abnormal white adipose tissue (WAT) can exacerbate these conditions by releasing adipokines and nonesterified fatty acids. In this review, we explored the impact of WAT changes on BAT function in PCOS and discussed the potential of BAT activation as a therapeutic strategy to improve PCOS symptoms. We propose that BAT activation holds promise for managing PCOS; however, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and to develop clinically feasible methods for BAT activation.

T Lymphocyte Characteristic Changes Under Serum Cytokine Deviations and Prognostic Factors of COVID-19 in Pregnant Women.

Physiological changes during pregnancy make the individuals more susceptible to severe respiratory diseases. Hence, pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are likely at a higher risk. We investigated the effects of COVID-19 on T cell response and serum cytokine profile in pregnant patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of women with COVID-19 were collected during the first trimester of pregnancy, and the percentage of total lymphocytes, as well as CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, was assessed using flow cytometry. The expression of the programmed death-1 (PD-1) marker for exhausted T cells was evaluated. Additionally, the serum samples were provided to evaluate the levels of antiviral and proinflammatory cytokines, as well as laboratory serological tests. Pregnant women with COVID-19 presented lymphopenia with diminished CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. Besides, high expression levels of the PD-1 gene and protein were observed on PBMCs and T cells, respectively, when compared with normal pregnant individuals. Moreover, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and IL-2 receptor were notably enhanced, while IFN-I α/ß values were significantly decreased in the patients when compared with controls. Furthermore, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension were directly correlated with the disease although serum albumin and vitamin D3 levels adversely affected the viral infection. Our study showed extreme lymphopenia and poor T cell response while elevated values of serum inflammatory cytokines in infected pregnant women. Moreover, a hypertension background or metabolic changes, including hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and vitamin D3 or albumin deficiency, might be promising prognostic factors in pregnant women with COVID-19.

The association of Treg and Th17 cells development factors and anti-TPO autoantibodies in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.

OBJECTIVES: Thyroid autoimmunity is considered as the most prevalent autoimmune condition in women in fertility age. There are different clinical evidences indicating the association between thyroid autoimmunity and increased risk of RPL. This study aimed to analyze the association of Tregs and Th17 cells development factors and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies in RPL patients. Healthy controls (n = 36), TPO + controls (n = 25) and TPO + RPL (n = 32) participated in this study. After blood sampling, the frequency of Th17 and Tregs was evaluated using flow cytometry. Real-time PCR and ELISA was used to assess the status of Tregs and Th17 related transcription factors and cytokines in mRNA and protein level, respectively. RESULTS: TPO + RPL group showed a higher Th17 frequency compared to healthy controls and TPO + controls groups (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.04, respectively). Additionally, mRNA expression levels of RORγT and IL-17 were significantly higher in TPO + RPL compared to healthy controls and TPO + controls groups. In contrast, Foxp3 and TGFß expression was lower in TPO + RPL. ELISA findings also indicated a significantly higher IL-17 and lower TGFß secretion in TPO + RPL compared to healthy controls and TPO + controls. Thyroid autoimmunity should intensely be controlled specially in patients with RPL history.

ctDNA as a novel and promising approach for cancer diagnosis: a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and treat HCC patients promptly. As a novel discovery, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used to analyze the tumor type and the cancer location. Additionally, ctDNA assists the cancer stage determination, which enables medical professionals to provide patients with the most appropriate treatment. This review will discuss the HCC-related mutated genes diagnosed by ctDNA. In addition, we will introduce the different and the most appropriate ctDNA diagnosis approaches based on the facilities.

The role of exosomes in cancer biology by shedding light on their lipid contents.

Exosomes are extracellular bilayer membrane nanovesicles released by cells after the fusion of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) with the plasma membrane. One of the interesting features of exosomes is their ability to carry and transfer various molecules, including lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and therapeutic cargoes among cells. As intercellular signaling organelles, exosomes participate in various signaling processes such as tumor growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell physiology such as cell-to-cell communication. Moreover, these particles are considered good vehicles to shuttle vaccines and drugs for therapeutic applications regarding cancers and tumor cells. These bioactive vesicles are also rich in various lipid molecules such as cholesterol, sphingomyelin (SM), glycosphingolipids, and phosphatidylserine (PS). These lipids play an important role in the formation, release, and function of the exosomes and interestingly, some lipids are used as biomarkers in cancer diagnosis. This review aimed to focus on exosomes lipid content and their role in cancer biology.

Treatment with Exosomes Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A New Window of Healing Science in Regenerative Medicine.

Many studies have been conducted on the potential applications of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) over recent years due to their growing importance in reconstructive medicine. Exosomes are considered cargos capable of transporting proteins, peptides, lipids, mRNAs, and growth factors. MSCs-derived exosomes are also involved in the prevention or treatment of a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, skin disorders, lung diseases, osteoarthritis, damaged tissue repair, and other diseases. This review attempted to summarize the importance of employing MSCs in reconstructive medicine by gathering and evaluating information from current literature. The role of MSCs and the potential applications of MSCs-derived exosomes have also been discussed.

The effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids on health outcomes in women with breast cancer: A systematic review.

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on the health outcomes of women with breast cancer in electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) for interventional studies. The risk of bias and the quality of the included articles were assessed by Cochrane Collaboration Handbook guidance. The statistical analyses were not conducted because of the heterogeneity of the included studies. Of 3676 identified articles, 11 articles were included in this study. The majority of the included studies were not of high quality. Median progression time and overall survival significantly improved. Additionally, surgical site healing complications and infection rates decreased. There was a significant decrease in perceived stress, sleep disturbance, depression, pain, joint stiffness, and fatigue throughout the intervention. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids consumption significantly increased the total serum omega-3, EPA, and DHA, and decreased the omega-6: omega-3 ratio, total leukocytes, lymphocytes, leptin, and CRP, accordingly. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in only two studies without clinically relevant adverse events. Omega-3 fatty acids may cause improvement in physical, mental, and some inflammatory and metabolic indices during treatment or posttreatment course of breast cancer patients. Due to the possibility of free radical formation, omega-3 FAs supplementation and consumption must be done very carefully.

SARS-CoV2 infection induce miR-155 expression and skewed Th17/Treg balance by changing SOCS1 level: A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: One of the regulators in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV2) infection is miRNAs. In COVID-19 patients, immunological responses to SARS-CoV2 infection may be impacted by miR-155, a miRNA associated to inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 50 confirmed COVID-19 patients /Healthy Controls (HCs) was isolated by Ficoll. The frequency of T helper 17 and regulatory T cells was analyzed by flowcytometry. The RNA was extracted from each sample and after synthesis of c-DNA, the relative expression of miR-155, suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS-1), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), and Fork Head Box Protein 3 (FoxP3) was evaluated by real-time PCR. The protein level of STAT3, FoxP3 and RORγT in the isolated PBMCs measured by western blotting. The serum level of IL-10, TGF-ß, IL-17 and IL21 was assessed by ELISA method. RESULTS: The population of Th17 cells showed a significant rise, whereas Treg cells reduced in COVID-19 cases. The master transcription factor of Treg (FoxP3) and Th17 (RORγT) relative expression showed the same pattern as flowcytometry. STAT3 level of expression at RNA and protein level increased in COVID-19 cases. FOXP3 and SOCS-1 proteins were down-regulated. The relative expression of miR-155, up-regulated in PBMC of COVID-19 patients and revealed a negative correlation with SOCS-1. The serum cytokine profile showed a reduction in TGF-ß, on the other hand an increase was seen in IL-17, IL-21 and IL-10 in COVID-19 cases toward control group. CONCLUSION: Based on the studies conducted in this field, it can be suggested that Th17/Treg in covid-19 patients can be affected by miR-155 and it can be considered a valuable diagnostic and prognostic factor in this disease.

The effect of lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) in modulating immune responses in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

In order to prevent miscarriage in RPL patients, the goal of this study was to determine how well lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) works in modifying immunological responses produced by cells, cytokines, transcription factors, and microRNAs. 200 RPL patients and 200 healthy controls were included in the study. Using flow cytometry, it was possible to compare the frequency of cells before and after lymphocyte treatment. Real-time PCR was used to assess the gene expression levels of transcription factors, cytokines, and microRNAs. ELISA method was used to evaluate the level of secretion of cytokines in the serum. Primary evaluation of the immune profile between healthy controls and RPL cases showed a higher frequency of Th17, NK, B cells and a lower frequency of Treg cells in RPL cases. Also, pro-inflammatory cytokines showed increased expression at mRNA and protein levels in the RPL group in comparison with the control group. Whereas, anti-inflammatory cytokines showed decreased expression in RPL patients. Decreased and increased frequency of Th17 and Treg lymphocytes observed in RPL cases following LIT, respectively. The same results obtained for RORγt and FoxP3 mRNA expression as transcription factor of Th17 and Treg cells, respectively. NK cell cytotoxicity decreased after LIT in RPL patients. miR-326a and miR-155 expression after LIT reduced, but miR-146a and miR-10a expression increased in RPL instances. LIT in RPL cases causes to elevation and modulation of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our data showed that lymphocyte therapy can be proposed as an effective therapeutic agent in RPL patients with immunological background by a modulating inflammatory condition.

Comparative evaluation of autologous platelet-rich plasma and platelet lysate in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet lysate (PL) are nowadays promising candidates in the treatment of articular cartilage lesions. We aimed to compare PRP and PL injection effectiveness in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A total of fifty women with KOA were included in the study. Patients were treated with intra-articular injections of PRP and PL. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the comparison of VAS, WOMAC, and ROM scores. The concentration levels of growth factors and cytokines were measured by ELISA. All patients showed significant improvements in pain and function following treatment of KOA with PL and PRP compared to baseline. Moreover, PL's concentration of growth factors was significantly higher than PRP. A significant increase was also observed in all of the aforementioned mediators in both PRP and PL products compared to control. These results can introduce PL as a promising and alternative option for KOA therapy in the future.

Application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in neurodegenerative disorders: History, findings, and prospective challenges.

Over the past few decades, the application of mesenchymal stem cells has captured the attention of researchers and practitioners worldwide. These cells can be obtained from practically every tissue in the body and are used to treat a broad variety of conditions, most notably neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Studies are still being conducted, and the results of these studies have led to the identification of several different molecular pathways involved in the neuroglial speciation process. These molecular systems are closely regulated and interconnected due to the coordinated efforts of many components that make up the machinery responsible for cell signaling. Within the scope of this study, we compared and contrasted the numerous mesenchymal cell sources and their cellular features. These many sources of mesenchymal cells included adipocyte cells, fetal umbilical cord tissue, and bone marrow. In addition, we investigated whether these cells can potentially treat and modify neurodegenerative illnesses.

Understanding and targeting anoikis in metastasis for cancer therapies.

The development of effective treatments for cancers requires investigations for a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of the basic cellular mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis. One of those driving mechanisms is anoikis, a special type of apoptosis, which is induced by losing anchorage from the extracellular matrix (ECM). In other words, resisting death in detached cells (cells without ECM) forms an anoikis-resistant phenotype. Since the anoikis-resistance state compensates for the initial steps of cancer metastasis, this review aimed to discuss mechanisms of gaining anoikis/anoikis resistance phenotype in tumor cells. Finally, we highlighted the significance of anoikis in malignancies so as to provide clear insight into cancer diagnosis and therapy development.

Free Fatty Acids from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Serum Remodel Mesenchymal Stem Cell Lipids, Hindering Differentiation into Primordial Germ Cells.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) adversely affects the essential characteristics of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs). Given that T2DM is associated with an altered serum free fatty acid (FFA) profile, we examined whether diabetic serum FFAs influence the viability, differentiation, and fatty acid composition of the major lipid fractions of human AdMSCs in vitro. Serum FFAs were isolated from 7 diabetic and 10 healthy nondiabetic female individuals. AdMSCs were cultured and differentiated into primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) in the presence of either diabetic or nondiabetic FFAs. Cell viability was assessed using trypan blue staining. Cell differentiation was evaluated by measuring the PGCLC transcriptional markers Blimp1 and Stella. Lipid fractionation and fatty acid quantification were performed using thin-layer chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography, respectively. Both diabetic and nondiabetic FFAs significantly reduced the viability of PGCLCs. The gene expression of both differentiation markers was significantly lower in cells exposed to diabetic FFAs than in those treated with nondiabetic FFAs. Saturated fatty acids were significantly increased and linoleic acid was significantly decreased in the cellular phospholipid fraction after exposure to diabetic FFAs. In contrast, monounsaturated fatty acids were reduced and linoleic acid was elevated in the cellular triglyceride fraction in response to diabetic FFAs. Such an altered serum FFA profile in patients with T2DM reduces the proliferation and differentiation potential of AdMSCs, presumably due to the aberrant distribution of fatty acids into cell phospholipids and triglycerides.

RNA interference: Promising approach for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Today, cancer is one of the main health-related challenges, and in the meantime, breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers among women, with an alarming number of incidences and deaths every year. For this reason, the discovery of novel and more effective approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of the disease are very important. In this regard, scientists are looking for diagnostic molecules to achieve the above-mentioned goals with higher accuracy and specificity. RNA interference (RNAi) is a posttranslational regulatory process mediated by microRNA intervention and small interfering RNAs. After transcription and edition, these two noncoding RNAs are integrated and activated with the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and AGO2 to connect the target mRNA by their complementary sequence and suppress their translation, thus reducing the expression of their target genes. These two RNAi categories show different patterns in different BC types and stages compared to healthy cells, and hence, these molecules have high diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic potentials. This article aims to review the RNAi pathway and diagnostic and therapeutic potentials with a special focus on BC.

The impact of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) extract on activation of endosomal toll like receptors and their downstream signaling pathways.

OBJECTIVES: From the ancient, medicinal benefits of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) have been implicated for respiratory and digestive diseases despite the effects of Hyssop on viral infections have not been mechanistically investigated. In this study, we examined whether the Hyssop extract activated anti-viral innate immunity, as a sentinel for immune system, through activation of endosomal TLRs recognizing nucleic acids and their downstream signaling. The Hyssop herb extracts was prepared and co-cultured with healthy individual's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). After viability assay, gene expression levels of TLR3,7,8,9, as well as MyD88 and NF-κB, were evaluated in treated PBMCs using Real-time PCR. Next, the secretion level of immune related cytokines was quantified via ELISA. RESULTS: Post 24 h, 40 µg/ml of the extract significantly inhibited the viability of less than 50% of cells compared to the control and had a maximum effect on cellular function. The Hyssop-treated PBMCs demonstrated an elevated expression of endosomal TLRs genes, as well as MyD88 and NF-κB. Moreover, the release of INF-α and ß notably enhanced in cell culture supernatant, while the content of inflammatory cytokines remarkably diminished (P < 0.05). The Hyssop extract was capable of inducing antiviral innate immune responses so can be promising in antiviral drug strategies.

Anti-thyroid antibodies and underlying generalized immunologic aberrations in patients with reproductive failures.

The link between autoimmune thyroid diseases and reproductive failures, including implantation failure and pregnancy loss, has been attracted a great deal of attention in the last two decades. In this regard, a considerable progress has been achieved in understanding the etiopathogenesis of the adverse pregnancy consequences related to the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies, however, the exact action mechanisms of these antibodies are not fully comprehended. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAbs), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAbs) and TSH receptor antibodies (TRAbs) are the anti-thyroid antibodies which are present in autoimmune thyroid disorder (AITD) patients, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In this condition, the thyroid hormones production, which are essential for normal implantation and pregnancy, are disrupted, and compromise the embryo or fetus development. In addition, a hypothesis suggests that there is underlying generalized immune abnormalities behind the presence of these antibodies. On the other hand, similar immunologic aberrations have been observed in thyroid autoimmunity and reproductive complications, which are postulated to be the proper answer for the scientists who seek for the pathophysiology behind the presence of these antibodies. Elevated inflammatory responses and decreased immunoregulatory actions, seem to be the main interfering pathologic factors in maternal tolerance toward fetus. In addition, cross reactivity of these antibodies with antigenic determinants of egg, embryo and placenta is another suggested mechanism, causing implantation and pregnancy complications. The ability of anti-thyroid antibodies in passing through the placental barrier and affecting the fetal thyroid gland, makes them more threatening for maintenance of a pregnancy.

Strategies for Mammalian Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation into Primordial Germ Cell-Like Cells: A Review.

Primordial germ cells develop into oocytes and sperm cells. These cells are useful resources in reproductive biology and regenerative medicine. The mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been examined for in vitro production of primordial germ cell-like cells. This study aimed to summarize the existing protocols for MSCs differentiation into primordial germ cell-like cells (PGLCs). In the limited identified studies, various models of mesenchymal stem cells, including those derived from adipose tissue, bone marrow, and Wharton's jelly, have been successfully differentiated into primordial germ cell-like cells. Although the protocols of specification induction are basically very similar, they have been adjusted to the mesenchymal cell type and the species of origin. The availability of MSCs has made it possible to customize conditions for their differentiation into primordial germ cell-like cells in several models, including humans. Refining germ cell-related signaling pathways during induced differentiation of MSCs will help define extension to the protocols for primordial germ cell-like cells production.