Recent advances in biomimetic cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles for cancer therapy.

The emerging strategy of biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) via cellular membrane camouflage holds great promise in cancer therapy. This scholarly review explores the utilization of cellular membranes derived from diverse cellular entities; blood cells, immune cells, cancer cells, stem cells, and bacterial cells as examples of NP coatings. The camouflaging strategy endows NPs with nuanced tumor-targeting abilities such as self-recognition, homotypic targeting, and long-lasting circulation, thus also improving tumor therapy efficacy overall. The comprehensive examination encompasses a variety of cell membrane camouflaged NPs (CMCNPs), elucidating their underlying targeted therapy mechanisms and delineating diverse strategies for anti-cancer applications. Furthermore, the review systematically presents the synthesis of source materials and methodologies employed in order to construct and characterize these CMCNPs, with a specific emphasis on their use in cancer treatment.

Therapeutic Effects of Tretinoin and Caffeine-Treated Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell on Immunological Features of Ulcerative Colitis: An Animal Model Study.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. It causes irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the digestive tract. UC is distinguished clinically by abdominal and rectal pain and intestinal secretion abnormalities. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy could be the underlying treatment for UC. This study aimed to compare the results of MSC therapy with tretinoin and caffeine in an animal model. Materials and Methods: Sixty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six equal groups. Five groups were exposed to acetic acid-induced colitis, and one healthy negative control group was designed. The positive control group was UC-induced mouse model with no treatment. Besides, treatment groups were MSCs (n = 2×106) that received tretinoin and caffeine. The treatment group was given mesalazine orally. The decision to begin treatment was taken after monitoring the symptoms of the UC. Results: MSCs, tretinoin, and caffeine-treated MSCs significantly decrease inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) and inflammatory mediators (myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO)) compared with the positive control group. However, the alleviated effects of tretinoin-treated MSCs significantly were more than those of MSCs and caffeine-treated MSCs. Conclusion: MSC therapy is an effective option for UC and can prevent disease progression. The results represented a high developmental rate and simple cell application of MSC therapy in UC patients. Also, MSC therapy's ability for immunomodulation is strengthened by drugs that improve their microenvironment by binding to their receptors.

Caffeine and naloxone treated mesenchymal stem cells improve symptoms and reduce inflammation in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ulcerative colitis (UC) causes ulcers in the colon and rectum, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, and if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. The therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on experimental models of UC have been proven. Since the microenvironment around these cells is crucial in maintaining cell proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and overall function, this study aims to evaluation the role of caffeine and naloxone as a new microenvironment for MSCs in reducing inflammation and improving symptoms in an experimental model of UC. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A group of 40 outbred NMRI mice were studied and divided randomly into four equal groups (N = 10 each group). UC was induced in all groups using acetic acid. The first group (control) was treated with phosphate buffer saline (PBS), the second group with MSCs-Caffeine, the third with MSCs-Naloxone, and the fourth with Mesalazine. The disease activity index (DAI), tissue damage, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, nitric oxide (NO) levels, and the production of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α cytokines were evaluated. RESULT: Our research demonstrated that all treatments were effective in improving the symptoms and reducing inflammatory markers in mice with colitis. Among the two MSCs treatments, the MSCs-Caffeine was found to be the most potent in reducing the levels of NO, IL-1, IL-6, tissue damage (P < 0.001) and as well as TNF-α (P < 0.0001) in compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: MSCs treated with caffeine and naloxone can enhance the immunoregulatory potential of these. As a result, treated MSCs can lead to improved clinical signs and reduced inflammatory parameters in mice with UC, making this approach a useful way for controlling and treating the disease. However, additional research is needed to access the mechanism behind the stronger immune system regulatory effects of treated MSCs in UC treatment.

Effects of a combination of Mass and Dutch variant as an inactivated vaccine against variant 2 avian infectious bronchitis virus challenge.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of inactivated vaccines combining Mass and Dutch variants as vaccine boosters after H120 priming on inhibiting variant 2 viral load in the kidneys (as the target organ) and reducing fecal shedding. Ciliostasis score and antibody response were investigated as well. A total of 150 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicken were divided into six groups. All groups were vaccinated with a single dose of attenuated H120 vaccine except for two (no vaccine groups). Then, three groups received booster vaccines with inactivated polyvalent vaccines. At the 42 day of age, all groups were challenged with variant 2 viruses except for one (no vaccine group). Next, antibody response and infectious bronchitis virus viral load in kidneys and fecal shedding were evaluated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Then the ciliostasis score was investigated. In general, a vaccination program including a mass serotype attenuated vaccine (H120) as priming and polyvalent vaccines can significantly protect chickens against variant 2 infection through reducing viral load in kidneys and fecal shedding. Furthermore, the vaccination program can decrease ciliostasis in the epithelial ciliary tissue.

Prevalence of Brucella spp. in raw milk and artisanal cheese tested via real-time qPCR and culture assay.

Brucellosis is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases with worldwide distribution. Although the incidence of brucellosis varies widely in different regions, it is a major concern for public health around the world. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and quantity of Brucella spp. in sheep and goat raw milk, as well as artisanal cheeses produced in the North-west of Iran. To evaluate the intrinsic parameters that may affect the survival of Brucella spp., some of the cheese properties (e.g., pH, salt, moisture, and storage time before selling) were also assessed. A total of 572 samples consisting in 214 sheep raw milk, 92 goat raw milk, and 266 local artisanal cheese samples were collected. The artisanal cheeses were manufactured from a mixture of raw sheep and goat milk. According to the results, using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), 17.29%, 15.22%, and 22.93% of the sheep raw milk, goat raw milk, and artisanal cheese samples were found positive for Brucella spp., respectively. In comparison with culture assay, qPCR was 3.5 to 5 times (p < 0.05) more sensitive in the detection of Brucella spp. The results also revealed that the mean values of Brucella spp. load in sheep and goat raw milk and artisanal cheeses were 1.22, 1.55, and 1.43 log cell/ml or g, respectively. A positive correlation was found between Brucella load and successful detection of Brucella spp. by culture assay. Data also suggested a correlation (p < 0.01) between the load of Brucella spp. estimated by qPCR and pH value, salt content, and storage period of the cheese samples. However, Brucella spp. load did not correlate significantly with the moisture content. Based on the results, in any of the cheese samples with a pH value less than 4.5 and a storage period more than five months, no contamination with Brucella spp. was detected.

Identification of mutations in BMP15 and GDF9 genes associated with prolificacy of Markhoz goats.

The Markhoz is a local goat breed in the Kurdistan region of Iran. The mohair obtained from these animals plays an important cultural role and is used for making local clothes in the Kurdistan region. This breed is a low-fecundity local goat, and searching for genes associated with fertility of these goats is important for their breeding. Moreover, this research is complementary to prior studies of candidate genes associated with fertility. The growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are attractive candidates expressed by the oocyte and are associated with increased ovulation rate in sheep. However, there are no reports on single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with fertility of Markhoz goats. Hence, we studied these candidate genes and found two novel mutations (g.233C > A and g.755T > G) in GDF9 exon I and in BMP15 exon II, respectively. Furthermore, we investigated their association with prolificacy. These nucleotide changes are detectable with the PCR-RFLP method and can be used in the screening for highly fecund goats. Both of the mutations significantly increased litter size in heterozygote form for BMP15 and homozygote form for GDF9 in this goat breed. Homozygote females for the BMP15 mutation were not identified in the Markhoz breed, which is similar to the situation found in Belclare sheep, small-tailed Han sheep, and Jining Grey goats.

Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Peganum harmala and its main alkaloids.

Wild Syrian rue (Peganum harmala L. family Zygophyllaceae) is well-known in Iran and various parts of this plant including, its seeds, bark, and root have been used as folk medicine. Recent years of research has demonstrated different pharmacological and therapeutic effects of P. harmala and its active alkaloids, especially harmine and harmaline. Analytical studies on the chemical composition of the plant show that the most important constituents of this plant are beta-carboline alkaloids such as harmalol, harmaline, and harmine. Harmine is the most studied among these naturally occurring alkaloids. In addition to P. harmala (Syrian rue), these beta-carbolines are present in many other plants such as Banisteria caapi and are used for the treatment of different diseases. This article reviews the traditional uses and pharmacological effects of total extract and individual active alkaloids of P. harmala (Syrian rue).

Quantitative real-time PCR and culture examination of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis at farm level.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Johne's disease in ruminants and may contribute to Crohn's disease in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and quantity of MAP in cattle feces and milk in the Iranian context. In addition, we evaluated the effect of cattle age as well as farming system as risk factors contributing to MAP load. For this, a total sample of 373 consisting of 150 cattle feces (CF), 150 individual cow's milk (ICM), as well as 73 bulk-tank milk (BTM) was collected randomly and regardless of the cattle health status. The samples were assayed using F57 quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and culture method. According to the results of qPCR which was found ≈ 10 times more sensitive than culture assay, MAP was detected in 68.66% (103/150) of the CF, 12% (18/150) of the ICM and 52.05% (38/73) of the BTM samples. In contrast to the previous reports, the quantity of MAP in the BTM (2.03-5.97 log cfu/50 ml) was statistically (p<0.01) higher than the ICM (0.90-1.97 log cfu/50 ml). Data suggested a direct relation (p<0.01) between the cattle age and the quantity of MAP in the CF samples, while the relation was not statistically significant (p>0.05) for the ICM. In addition, MAP load in the BTM samples obtained from traditional farms was significantly (p<0.01) higher than that of the industrial ones, while the differences in CF and ICM was not significant (p>0.05).

Effect of in ovo ghrelin administration on serum malondialdehyde level in newly-hatched chickens.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of in ovo ghrelin administration on serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level in newly-hatched chickens. METHODS: Fertilized eggs were divided into 7 groups: group T1 as control (without injection), group T2 (in ovo injected with 50 ng/egg ghrelin on day 5), group T3 (in ovo injected with 100 ng/egg ghrelin on day 5), group T4 (in ovo injected with 50 ng/egg ghrelin on day 10), group T5 (in ovo injected with 100 ng/egg ghrelin on day 10), group T6 (in ovo injected with solvent: 1% acetic acid, without ghrelin on day 5) and group T7 (in ovo injected with solvent without ghrelin on day 10). After hatching, serum MDA concentrations were determined. RESULTS: Ghrelin administrated groups (T2, T3, T4 and T5) had lower serum MDA level in comparison with control group (T1) or solvent injected groups (T6 and T7). T2 and T3 (ghrelin injection on day 5) had significantly lower MDA concentrations (4.10 and 4.60 nmol/mL, respectively) in comparison with other groups. In T4 and T5, MDA levels were lower than T1, T6 and T7 (non-ghrelin administrated groups) (9.53 and 9.50 in comparison with 10.73, 10.03 and 10.13 nmol/mL) and were higher than T2 and T3. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that in ovo administration of ghrelin can have anti-oxidative protection and reduce serum MDA level. Ghrelin administration on day 5 of incubation is more efficient.

Review on the indigenous use and ethnopharmacology of hot and cold natures of phytomedicines in the Iranian traditional medicine

Objective: According to our best knowledge, this is the first and also a relatively comprehensive review on the cold and hot (or warm) nature of common Iranian traditional herbal medicines, based on the evidence-based and directly collected from the user and native-healers, instead of reviewing the classical texts of Iranian traditional medicine. This column resulted from a wide field study on the common Iranian traditional herbal medicine for their so-called effects of cold, hot and also balanced natures, used currently among ethno-pharmacologists, herbal-drug sellers and rural native-healers. Methods: The junior medical students were grouped into several groups for data collection. The information gathered from ethno-pharmacologists, herbal-drug sellers and rural native-healers, from different regions of Iran, especially Northwest, Southwest, Central and Northern provinces. For each repeated report of a certain indication, we added “a point” to the specification of that plant. If the number of every reported indication was, more than 5-20 times we reported that indication or pharmacological effect in our final report in this article.Results:The data recorded for every plant included: scientific name, family names, English name, Persian name, therapeutic nature (cold, hot or balanced), suggested actions and pharmacology, indication and usage, used parts/preparation, mode of administration. The plants were grouped into 25 families. Of a total 61 plants 16 were with cold (26%) and 43 were with hot nature (70%) and the rest were with balanced nature (4%). Conclusions: Almost of them have been long used as the components of the ancient receipts, hence, they may be more readily tried as suitable candidates in the future modern pharmacological investigations. Nevertheless, almost of them have been already evaluated in pharmacological laboratories, and their efficient properties have been confirmed. Considering the pharmacological properties of these plants, for finding a clear correlation of the pharmacological activities with the hot or cold nature, more detailed studies need to be conducted. Here we presented 61 plants currently used in Iranian traditional herbal medicine.

Effect of in ovo ghrelin administration on serum malondialdehyde level in newly-hatched chickens

Objective: To investigate effects of in ovo ghrelin administration on serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level in newly-hatched chickens. Methods: Fertilized eggs were divided into 7 groups: group T1 as control (without injection), group T2 (in ovo injected with 50 ng/egg ghrelin on day 5), group T3 (in ovo injected with 100 ng/egg ghrelin on day 5), group T4 (in ovo injected with 50 ng/egg ghrelin on day 10), group T5 (in ovo injected with 100 ng/egg ghrelin on day 10), group T6 (in ovo injected with solvent: 1% acetic acid, without ghrelin on day 5) and group T7 (in ovo injected with solvent without ghrelin on day 10). After hatching, serum MDA concentrations were determined. Results:Ghrelin administrated groups (T2, T3, T4 and T5) had lower serum MDA level in comparison with control group (T1) or solvent injected groups (T6 and T7). T2 and T3 (ghrelin injection on day 5) had significantly lower MDA concentrations (4.10 and 4.60 nmol/mL, respectively) in comparison with other groups. In T4 and T5, MDA levels were lower than T1, T6 and T7 (non-ghrelin administrated groups) (9.53 and 9.50 in comparison with 10.73, 10.03 and 10.13 nmol/mL) and were higher than T2 and T3. Conclusions: It can be concluded that in ovo administration of ghrelin can have anti-oxidative protection and reduce serum MDA level. Ghrelin administration on day 5 of incubation is more efficient.

Rapid virulence typing of Pasteurella multocida by multiplex PCR.

The gram-negative bacterium Pasteurella multocida constitutes a heterogeneous species associated with wide range of disease in many animals. Isolates are classified into five groups based on capsular antigen (capA, B, D, E and F). Recently, a new valuable PCR-based method was introduced to determine the epidemiological correlation between P. multocida infection and existence of virulence genes including tbpA, pfhA, toxA and hgbB. However, this method is tedious and laborious. Thus, in the current study, we designed a reliable multiplex PCR method for rapid detection of virulence genes in P. multocida. Eighty seven strains of P. multocida isolated from various clinically healthy and infected hosts were examined by uniplex PCR method for each virulence associated genes. Based on our improved and simplified multiplex PCR method, rapid detection of four virulence genes was accomplished. It is proposed that its implementation may benefit the epidemiological investigations.