Development of an injectable chitosan-based hydrogel containing nano-hydroxy-apatite and alendronate for MSC-based therapy.

Background: The combination of cells and biomaterials has become a powerful approach to regenerative medicine in recent years. Understanding the in-vitro interactions between cells and biomaterials is crucial for the success of regenerative medicine.

Aim: In this study, we developed an AD-pectin/chitosan/nano-crystalline cellulose scaffold with nano-hydroxy-apatite (n-HAP) and alendronate (ALN).

Biomarkers and optical based biosensors in cardiac disease detection: early and accurate diagnosis.

Rapid and precise detection methods for the early-stage detection of cardiovascular irregularities are crucial to stopping and reducing their development. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the world. Hence, cardiac-related biomarkers are essential for monitoring and managing of process.

Cytotoxicity of curcumin against CD44 prostate cancer cells: Roles of miR-383 and miR-708.

Objective: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) remaining in the tumor tissues after applying treatments may cause recurrence or metastasis of prostate cancer (PC). Curcumin has the promising potential to target CSCs. Here, we aim to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of curcumin on the expression of miR-383-5p and miR-708-5p and their target genes in CD44 CSCs and CD44 non-CSCs isolated from the PC3 prostate cancer cell line.

The Schiff base hydrazine copper(II) complexes induce apoptosis by P53 overexpression and prevent cell migration through protease-independent pathways.

Although chemotherapy has increased the life expectancy of cancer patients, its toxic side effects remain a major challenge. Recently, organometallic compounds, such as Schiff base copper complexes, have become promising candidates for next-generation anticancer drugs owing to their unique anticancer activities. In this study, binuclear copper(II) complex-1 and mononuclear copper(II) complex-2 were examined to analyze their anticancer mechanisms further.

The Epigenetic Reader Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) Is an Emerging Oncogene in Cancer Biology.

Epigenetic mechanisms are gene regulatory processes that control gene expression and cellular identity. Epigenetic factors include the "writers", "readers", and "erasers" of epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation. Accordingly, the nuclear protein Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) is a reader of DNA methylation with key roles in cellular identity and function.

Current and Novel Emerging Medical Therapies for Peripheral Artery Disease: A Literature Review.

Despite the improvements in endovascular techniques during the last decades, there is still an increase in the prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) with limited practical treatment, which timeline impact of any intervention for critical limb ischemia (CLI) is poor. Most common treatments are not suitable for many patients due to their underlying diseases, including aging and diabetes. On the one hand, there are limitations for current therapies due to the contraindications of some individuals, and on the other hand, there are many side effects caused by common medications, for instance, anticoagulants.

Mitoprotective effect of mesenchymal stem cells-derived conditioned medium in myocardial reperfusion injury of aged rats: role of SIRT-1/PGC-1α/NRF-2 network.

Background: The aged myocardium experiences various forms of stress that cause reduction of its tolerance to injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Developing effective cardioprotective modalities to prevent the amplification of I/R injury during aging is under focus of investigation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to regenerate infarcted myocardium mostly by producing multiple secretory factors.

STA-21, a small molecule STAT3 inhibitor, ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by altering Th-17/Treg balance.

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated the role of T helper (Th) 17 and T regulatory (reg) cells and pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines related to these cells in the pathogenesis of MS and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). STAT3 is one of the downstream signaling proteins of IL-23, IL-6, and IL-21 that are required for Th17 cells differentiation. STA-21 is a STAT3 inhibitor that functions by inhibiting STAT3 dimerization and binding to DNA impairing the expression of STAT3 target genes including, RORγt, IL-21 and IL-23R that are also required for Th17 cell differentiation.

The role of exosomes in the molecular mechanisms of metastasis: Focusing on EMT and cancer stem cells.

Exosomes are cell-derived small membrane-encapsulated vesicles that transfer biomolecules to surrounding cells. Exosomes play fundamental roles in cell-cell communications. They can also aggravate cancer progression and metastasis.

An overview on nanoparticle-based strategies to fight viral infections with a focus on COVID-19.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to COVID-19 and has become a pandemic worldwide with mortality of millions. Nanotechnology can be used to deliver antiviral medicines or other types of viral reproduction-inhibiting medications. At various steps of viral infection, nanotechnology could suggest practical solutions for usage in the fight against viral infection.

Curcumin Upregulates miR-148a to Increase the Chemosensitivity of CD44-Positive Prostate Cancer Stem Cells to Paclitaxel Through Targeting the MSK1/IRS1 axis.

Background: In men, prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death. However, paclitaxel resistance is a major challenge in advanced PC. Curcumin, a natural antioxidant, has been demonstrated to have cytotoxic effects on cancer stem cells (CSCs).

Simvastatin Induces Apoptosis in Medulloblastoma Brain Tumor Cells via Mevalonate Cascade Prenylation Substrates.

Medulloblastoma is a common pediatric brain tumor and one of the main types of solid cancers in children below the age of 10. Recently, cholesterol-lowering "statin" drugs have been highlighted for their possible anti-cancer effects. Clinically, statins are reported to have promising potential for consideration as an adjuvant therapy in different types of cancers.

Induction of Apoptosis by a Combination of 2-Deoxyglucose and Metformin in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Targeting Cancer Cell Metabolism.

Background: Both mitochondrial dysfunction and aerobic glycolysis are signs of growing aggressive cancer. If altered metabolism of cancer cell is intended, using the glycolysis inhibitor (2-deoxyglucose (2DG)) would be a viable therapeutic method. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as a metabolic sensor, could be activated with metformin and it can also launch a p53-dependent metabolic checkpoint and might inhibit cancer cell growth.

Retraction Note: Inhibition of hTERT Gene Expression by SilibininLoaded PLGA-PEG-Fe₃O₄ in T47D Breast Cancer Cell Line.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.5681/bi.2013.

Recent Advances in Cell Electrospining of Natural and Synthetic Nanofibers for Regenerative Medicine.

The progression of nanotechnology provides opportunities to manipulate synthetic and natural materials to mimic the natural structure for tissue engineering applications. The electrospinning technique applies electrostatic principle to fabricate electrospun nanofibers. Nanofiber scaffolds are precisely similar to the native extracellular matrix (ECM) and support cell proliferation, adhesion, tendency to preserve their phenotypic shape and directed growth according to the nanofiber direction.

A Biomimetic Emu Oil-Blended Electrospun Nanofibrous Mat for Maintaining Stemness of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells.

Background: Emu oil (EO) with anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and wound healing properties can be blended for preparing bioactive nanofibrous scaffold. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are promising candidates for tissue engineering, and preserving their stemness potential is vital for further therapeutic applications.

Aim: The aim of this study was to fabricate EO-blended nanofiber and investigate its effect on proliferation, survival, and stemness preservation of ADSCs.

Development of Emu oil-loaded PCL/collagen bioactive nanofibers for proliferation and stemness preservation of human adipose-derived stem cells: possible application in regenerative medicine.

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) are promising candidate in stem cell therapies, and maintaining their stemness potential is vital to achieve effective treatment. Natural-based scaffolds have been recently attracted increasing attention in nanomedicine and drug delivery. In the present study, a polymeric nanofibrous scaffold was developed based on the polycaprolactone/Collagen (PCL/Coll) containing Emu oil as a bioactive material to induce the proliferation of ASCs, while simultaneously preserving the stemness property of those cells.

Effect of quercetin on secretion and gene expression of leptin in breast cancer.

Objective: To investigate the possible inhibitory action of pure quercetin on secretion and gene expression of leptin in the T47D breast cancer cell line.

Methods: In this experimental study, T47D cells were cultured in monolayers in RPMI 1640. IC50 was determined by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay after 24 h treatment at different concentrations of quercetin.

An update on application of nanotechnology and stem cells in spinal cord injury regeneration.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that leads to sudden loss of motor and autonomic function and sensory under the level of the injury. The pathophysiological advancement of SCI is divided into two categories: primary injury and secondary injury. Due to the loss of motor, sensory, or cognitive function, a patient's quality of life is likely reduced and places a great burden on society in order to supply health care costs.

Preparation, Surface Properties, and Therapeutic Applications of Gold Nanoparticles in Biomedicine.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) due to their unique properties and manifold surface functionalities have been applied in bio-nanotechnology. The application of GNPs in recent medical and biological research is very extensive. Especially it involves applications such as detection and photothermalysis of microorganisms and cancer stem cells, biosensors; optical bio-imaging and observing of cells and these nanostructures also serve as practical platforms for therapeutic agents.

Targeting HSP90 Gene Expression with 17-DMAG Nanoparticles in Breast Cancer Cells.

Background: Dysregulation of HSP90 gene expression is known to take place in breast cancer. Here we used D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid-polyethylene glycol-17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxy geldanamycin (PLGA-PEG-17DMAG) complexes and free 17-DMAG to inhibit the expression of HSP90 gene in the T47D breast cancer cell line. The purpose was to determine whether nanoencapsulating 17DMAG improves the anti-cancer effects as compared to free 17DMAG.

New state of nanofibers in regenerative medicine.

Regenerative medicine has discovered engineered nanofiber scaffolds enhancing regeneration process. These agents have an attractive property to mimic the native environment. They are excellent agents in binding the extracellular matrix of a cell to another cell.

Dysregulated expression of Dicer in invasive ductal breast carcinoma.

Several lines of evidence suggest that the global down-regulation of the microRNAome (miRNAome) involved in pathogenesis of various malignancies. Impaired microRNAs processing pathway is one possible mechanism for global down-regulation of the miRNAome. Dicer is a key enzyme in miRNA processing pathway, and dysregulation of its expression has been suggested as a possible cause of miRNAome alterations observed in various cancers.

Comparison of inhibitory effect of 17-DMAG nanoparticles and free 17-DMAG in HSP90 gene expression in lung cancer.

Background: Up-regulation of hsp90 gene expression occurs in numerous cancers such as lung cancer. D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid-poly ethylene glycol-17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxy geldanamycin (PLGA-PEG-17DMAG) complexes and free 17-DMAG may inhibit the expression. The purpose of this study was to examine whether nanocapsulating 17DMAG improves the anti cancer effect over free 17DMAG in the A549 lung cancer cell line.