Exosomal non-coding RNAs: Emerging therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is an LDL-driven and inflammatory disorder of the sub-endothelial space. Available data have proposed that various factors could affect atherosclerosis pathogenesis, including inflammation, oxidation of LDL particles, endothelial dysfunction, foam cell formation, proliferation, and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In addition, other research indicated that the crosstalk among atherosclerosis-induced cells is a crucial factor in modulating atherosclerosis. Extracellular vesicles arenanoparticleswith sizes ranging from 30 to 150 nm, playing an important role in various pathophysiological situations. Exosomes, asa form of extracellular vesicles, could affect the crosstalk between sub-endothelial cells. They can transport bioactive components like proteins, lipids, RNA, and DNA. As an important cargo in exosomes, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs could modulate cellular functions by regulating the transcription, epigenetic alteration, and translation. The current work aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of exosomal ncRNA as well as their potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in atherosclerosis.

Comparison of the Effect of Adipocyte-derived Stem Cells and Curcumin Nanoliposomes with Phenytoin on Open Cutaneous Wound Healing in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Reducing the healing time of wounds can decrease the patient's immobility time and their medical costs, leading a faster return of the patients to daily work. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to compare the effect of adipose-derived stem cells and curcumin- containing liposomal nanoparticles with phenytoin on wound healing. METHODS: After anesthesia of the rats, open skin ulcers were made by a bistoury blade. Subsequently, stem cells were removed from the adipose tissue of the upper border of the epididymis. The originality of stem cells was then confirmed by the flow cytometry. The fusion method was used to prepare the liposome; and also, nanoliposomal particles were confirmed by using the DLS microscope. The percentage of recovery and the cell count was measured with IMAGEJ. The expression of genes was assessed by PCR. The number of fibroblasts was counted by immunohistochemistry techniques. The amount of collagen was determined by Tri-chromosome staining, and the number of capillaries was enumerated by H & E staining. RESULTS: The expression of the TGF-β1 gene, vascular number, wound healing rate and the number of fibroblasts increased significantly in adipose tissue-derived stem cells and curcumin nanoliposome groups (p<0.05); the wound surface was also decreased significantly (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of our research, adipose tissue-derived stem cells and curcumin nanoliposomes can heal wounds efficiently.

Evaluation of skeletal age based on Greulich-Pyle method in Tehran.

Although bone age plays a special role in determining the child's age, there are some variations in skeletal growth of different people. The aim of this study was to compare the bone age with chronological age of children aged 2-18 years old in order to recognize whether Greulich-Pyle (GP) method could be reliable for Iranian children? The standard radiograph of Left hand was taken in 40 healthy subjects, then the bone age was determined according to GP. Mean ±â€¯SD bone ages were delayed 1.12 ±â€¯0.65, 0.82 ±â€¯1.34 and 0.10 ±â€¯0.51 years than the mean chronological ages in 2.99-5.99, 10-13.99 and 14-17.99 age group, respectively; and advanced -0.33 ±â€¯3.12 years in the 6-9.99 age group. In BMI levels <18.5, 18.5-24.9, 25-29.9 and ≥30, Mean ±â€¯SD bone ages in males were delayed 2.25 ±â€¯0.21, 0.14 ±â€¯0.55, 0.87 ±â€¯0.41 and 4.05 ±â€¯0.70 years than the mean chronological ages, respectively. In BMI range of 18.5-24.9 and BMI ≥ 30, Mean ±â€¯SD bone age in females was delayed 0.50 ±â€¯0.49 and 0.45 ±â€¯0.63 years than the mean chronological ages, respectively. For BMI < 18.5, Mean ±â€¯SD bone age in females were advanced -0.40 ±â€¯2.69 years than mean chronological ages. Considering these differences, Iranian boys may have a different pattern of bone growth from GP standards.