MicroRNA (miRNA) as a biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics molecules in neurodegenerative disease.

Neurodegenerative diseases that include Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and multiple sclerosis (MS) that arise due to numerous causes like protein accumulation and autoimmunity characterized by neurologic depletion which lead to incapacity in normal physiological function such as thinking and movement in these patients. Glial cells perform an important role in protective neuronal function; in the case of neuroinflammation, glial cell dysfunction can promote the development of neurodegenerative diseases. miRNA that participates in gene regulation and plays a vital role in many biological processes in the body; in the central nervous system (CNS), it can play an essential part in neural maturation and differentiation.

Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Repeated Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantations in ALS Patients by Investigating Patients' Specific Immunological and Biochemical Biomarkers.

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable disease. There are vigorous attempts to develop treatments to reduce the effects of this disease, and among these treatments is the transplantation of stem cells. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy cohort as a promising novel treatment modality by estimating some additional new parameters, such as immunological and biochemical factors.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients: A comprehensive review of disease information and future perspectives.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare deadly progressive neurological disease that primarily affects the upper and lower motor neurons with an annual incidence rate of 0.6 to 3.8 per 100,000 people.

Investigating the Safety and Efficacy of the Synthetic Drug Herbix on Immune Responses Involved in the Treatment of a Mouse Model of Herpes Simplex Virus.

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infections can cause significant harm to individuals, including blindness, congenital defects, genital herpes, and even cancer, with no definitive cure .so, finding new treatment strategies is crucial. In this study, 25 male BALB/c mice were used to conduct a mouse model of herpes by subcutaneously injecting an HSV-1 suspension (100 µL of 1×  PFU/mL).

Differentiation of Human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Germ-Like Cells; emphasis on evaluation of Germ-long non-coding RNAs.

Background: The proliferation and differentiation of stem cells into Germ-Like Cells (GLCs) is mediated by several growth factors and specific genes, of which some are related to long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). We have developed a modified differentiation process and identified a panel of GermlncRNAs related to GLCs.

Methods: Human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells were treated with 25 ng/ml Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-4 and 10 all-trans retinoic acid to differentiate them into germ-like cells.

Mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for COVID-19-induced ARDS patients: a successful phase 1, control-placebo group, clinical trial.

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the devastating complication of the new COVID-19 pandemic, directly correlated with releasing large amounts of inflammatory cytokines. Due to their immunoregulatory features, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) provide a promising approach against this disease. In this regard, this study was designed as a single-center, open-label, phase 1 clinical trial with a control group to examine the safety and explore the possible potency of three injections of umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) in mild-moderate COVID-19-induced ARDS patients.

Safety and efficacy of bone marrow derived-mesenchymal stem cells transplantation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Stem cell-based treatments have emerged as potentially effective approaches to delay the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study was designed as a single-center, prospective, and open-label study without a placebo control group to assess the safety and efficacy of concurrent intrathecal (IT) and intravenous (IV) administration of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in patients with ALS. Autologous BM-MSCs were isolated and expanded under standard conditions.

Are mesenchymal stem cells able to manage cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients? A review of recent studies.

The Covid-19 disease has recently become one of the biggest challenges globally, and there is still no specific medication. Findings showed the immune system in severe Covid-19 patients loses regulatory control of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6 production, called the "Cytokine storm" process. This process can cause injury to vital organs, including lungs, kidneys, liver, and ultimately death if not inhibited.

Is α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase the key to curing cancer? A mini-review and hypothesis.

In the constant battle against cancer cells, macrophages are of great importance. Their activation is achieved through various mechanisms such as Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP or Gc). After undergoing modifications via enzymes secreted by stimulated lymphocytes, VDBP is modified into Macrophages Activator Form/Factor (Gc-MAF).

shRNA-mediated downregulation of α-N-Acetylgalactosaminidase inhibits migration and invasion of cancer cell lines.

Objectives: Extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of many kinds of glycoproteins containing glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) moiety. The research was conducted based on the N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) degradation of ECM components by α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (Nagalase) which facilitates migration and invasion of cancer cells. This study aims to investigate the effects of Naga-shRNA downregulation on migration and invasion of cancer cell lines.

The Effects of Aqueous Extract of Alpinia Galangal on Gastric Cancer Cells (AGS) and L929 Cells in Vitro.

Background: Although the incidence of gastric cancer is declining during the last half century, this cancer still is the second morbid cancer in the world after lung cancer. The incidence of gastric cancer is 26 per 100,000 in Iran. This study evaluated the effect of Alpinia galangal on AGS cells (human gastric adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line) and L929 cells (as a standard cell line originated from mouse fibroblast cells).

Association of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphisms with generalized aggressive periodontitis in an Iranian population.

Background: Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease that occurs in the presence of bacteria, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions. It is suggested that polymorphisms in the interleukin-1 (IL1) receptor antagonist gene have an important role in the susceptibility of the host to periodontitis. This study investigates the association of a variable number of tandem repeat polymorphism in the IL1RN gene with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).

Mutations in the coding regions of the hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha in Iranian families with maturity onset diabetes of the young.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha) is a nuclear receptor involved in glucose homeostasis and is required for normal beta cell function. Mutations in the HNF4alpha gene are associated with maturity onset diabetes of the young type 1 (MODY1). The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and nature of mutations in HNF4alpha gene in Iranian patients with a clinical diagnosis of MODY and their family members.