Effect of folate-targeted Erlotinib loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles on tumor size and survival rate in a rat model of glioblastoma.

The aim of this study was to prepare folate-targeted Erlotinib loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles (FA-ERL-HSA NPs) and investigate in vitro cytotoxic and apoptotic effects using cell lines (U87MG and C6 cells) and an in vivo rat bearing C6 glioma model. The mean size of the FA-ERL-HSA NPs prepared using a desolvation method was 135 nm. In vitro MTT assays demonstrated that FA-ERL-HSA NPs had an IC value of 52.

Microfluidics for detection of exosomes and microRNAs in cancer: State of the art.

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles with sizes ranging from 30-150 nanometers that contain proteins, lipids, mRNAs, microRNAs, and double-stranded DNA derived from the cells of origin. Exosomes can be taken up by target cells, acting as a means of cell-to-cell communication. The discovery of these vesicles in body fluids and their participation in cell communication has led to major breakthroughs in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of several conditions (e.

Effect of Paclitaxel/etoposide co-loaded polymeric nanoparticles on tumor size and survival rate in a rat model of glioblastoma.

The aim of this work is to co-load paclitaxel (PTX) and etoposide (ETP) in methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (mPEG-PLGA NPs) to overcome pharmacokinetics and physiological limitations and enhance therapeutic efficacy for treating intracranial glioblastoma. Both drugs were loaded into mPEG-PLGA NPs by a nano-precipitation method. The resultant NPs demonstrated an enhanced cytotoxic effect indicated by lower IC values and augmented cell apoptosis to U87 and C6 glioma cell lines compared to both free drugs.

Effects of multiple injections on the efficacy and cytotoxicity of folate-targeted magnetite nanoparticles as theranostic agents for MRI detection and magnetic hyperthermia therapy of tumor cells.

Folate-targeted iron oxide nanoparticles (FA@FeO NPs) were prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal method and then used as cancer theranostic agents by combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT). Crystal structure, morphology, magnetic properties, surface functional group, and heating efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, TEM, VSM, FTIR, and hyperthermia analyses. The results indicated that the crystal structure, magnetic properties, and heating efficacy of the magnetite nanoparticles were improved by hydrothermal treatment.

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Modification of Epileptiform Burst Discharges in a Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Model.

Introduction: Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a pleiotropic cytokine with potent anti-inflammatory property, which has been considered as an essential risk factor in the inflammatory process of Ischemic Stroke (IS), by involving in the pathophysiological progression of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and lipid metabolisms. -509C/T TGF-β1 gene polymorphism has been found to be associated with the risk of IS. The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide a relatively comprehensive account of the relation between -509C/T gene polymorphisms of TGF-β1 and susceptibility to IS.

cAMP-Epac Pathway Stimulation Modulate Connexin-43 and MicroRNA-21 Expression in Glioma Cells.

Introduction: Malignant astrocytic gliomas are the most common and lethal brain malignancies due to their refractory to the current therapies. Nowadays, molecular targeted therapy has attracted great attention in treatment of glioma. Connexin 43 (Cx43) and micro ribonucleic acid-21(miR-21) are among molecules that are involved in glioma development and progression.

Fluoxetin upregulates connexin 43 expression in astrocyte.

Introduction: Recent studies have shown that astrocytes play major roles in normal and disease condition of the central nervous system including multiple sclerosis (MS). Molecular target therapy studies in MS have revealed that connexin-43 (Cx43) and Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) contents of astrocytes undergo expression alteration. Fluoxetine had some effects in MS patients unrelated to its known antidepressant effects.

BDNF modifies hippocampal KCC2 and NKCC1 expression in a temporal lobe epilepsy model.

Excitatory GABA actions, induced by altered expression of chloride transporters (KCC2/NKCC1), can contribute to seizure generation in temporal lobe epilepsy. In the present study, we evaluated whether BDNF administration can affect KCC2/NKCC1 expression, ictogenesis and behavioral alterations in this paradigm. Status epilepticus was induced in male rats with pilocarpine, followed by a treatment of either a single high dose or multiple injections of BDNF during the latent phase of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Selective β2 adrenergic agonist increases Cx43 and miR-451 expression via cAMP-Epac.

It has been demonstrated that connexin 43 (Cx43) and microRNAs have significant roles in glioma. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is suggested to be a regulator of connexins and microRNAs. However, it remains elusive whether cAMP and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac2), have a regulatory effect on Cx43 and microRNA-451 (miR-451) in astrocytoma cells.

The effects of poly L-lactic acid nanofiber scaffold on mouse spermatogonial stem cell culture.

Introduction: A 3D-nanofiber scaffold acts in a similar way to the extracellular matrix (ECM)/basement membrane that enhances the proliferation and self-renewal of stem cells. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of a poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofiber scaffold on frozen-thawed neonate mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and testis tissues.

Methods: The isolated spermatogonial cells were divided into six culture groups: (1) fresh spermatogonial cells, (2) fresh spermatogonial cells seeded onto PLLA, (3) frozen-thawed spermatogonial cells, (4) frozen-thawed spermatogonial cells seeded onto PLLA, (5) spermatogonial cells obtained from frozen-thawed testis tissue, and (6) spermatogonial cells obtained from frozen-thawed testis tissue seeded onto PLLA.

Bumetanide reduces seizure frequency in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Alterations in the balance of K-Na-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC1) and Na-Cl cotransporter (KCC2) activity may cause depolarizing effect of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), and contribute to epileptogenesis in human temporal lobe epilepsy. NKCC1 facilitates accumulation of chloride inside neurons and favors depolarizing responses to GABA. In the current pilot study we provide the first documented look at efficacy of bumetanide, a specific NKCC1 antagonist, on reduction of seizure frequency in adult patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Freud-2/CC2D1B mediates dual repression of the serotonin-1A receptor gene.

The serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) receptor functions as a pre-synaptic autoreceptor in serotonin neurons that regulates their activity, and is also widely expressed on non-serotonergic neurons as a post-synaptic heteroreceptor to mediate serotonin action. The 5-HT1A receptor gene is strongly repressed by a dual repressor element (DRE), which is recognized by two proteins: Freud-1/CC2D1A and another unknown protein. Here we identify mouse Freud-2/CC2D1B as the second repressor of the 5-HT1A-DRE.

Human Freud-2/CC2D1B: a novel repressor of postsynaptic serotonin-1A receptor expression.

Background: Altered expression of serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) receptors, both presynaptic in the raphe nuclei and post-synaptic in limbic and cortical target areas, has been implicated in mood disorders such as major depression and anxiety. Within the 5-HT1A receptor gene, a powerful dual repressor element (DRE) is regulated by two protein complexes: Freud-1/CC2D1A and a second, unknown repressor. Here we identify human Freud-2/CC2D1B, a Freud-1 homologue, as the second repressor.