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The nonspecific nature of cancer drug delivery often results in substantial toxic side effects during treatments for breast cancer. To mitigate these negative outcomes, our approach involves loading methotrexate (MTX) within carbon quantum dots (CQDs) synthesized from folic acid, which are then enveloped in exosomal membranes obtained from breast cancer cells (Ex@MTX-CQDs). Analysis utilizing nanoparticle tracking techniques has demonstrated that these Ex@MTX-CQDs maintain the physical and biochemical properties of their exosomal precursors. The release profile of MTX indicated a restricted release percentage (less than 10%) under normal physiological conditions, which is contrasted by a more consistent release rate (approximately 65%) when emulating the conditions found within tumor tissues. The toxicological assessments have confirmed that the presence of exosomes combined with leftover folic acid significantly improves the delivery efficacy of MTX directly to the cancerous cells through the binding to folate and heparan sulfate proteoglycan receptors. This process results in increased disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequently triggers apoptosis, ultimately leading to the destruction of cancerous cells. Our research could potentially contribute to the further innovation and application of nanocarriers derived from biological sources for the targeted treatment of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study examined the levels of VitD, VitD binding protein (DBP), and free VitD in leiomyomas patients and their association with the quantity, dimensions, and site of fibroid growths. Additionally, we evaluated the potentiality of employing these factors as a biomarker tool for the diagnosis and assessment of uterine fibroid progression. Methods: This study involved the participation of 55 women with leiomyomas and 50 healthy women. We utilized commercial ELISA kits to measure the levels of total VitD and DBP in their serum. Additionally, we calculated the levels of free VitD and the ratio of VitD to DBP. Moreover, we determined the number, size, and location of the leiomyomas in the patients. Results: There were no significant differences in the levels of total VitD between the groups. However, patients had significantly lower levels of free VitD and higher levels of DBP compared to the control group. The size of the largest leiomyomas showed a negative relationship with free VitD and a positive relationship with DBP. Receiver operating characteristic analyses, showed that the cut‐off value for free VitD was 4.47 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 74.4%. The cut‐off value for DBP was 256.2 μg/mL, with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 70.3%. Conclusions: Free VitD and DBP potentially contribute to the development of leiomyomas and are linked to the size of these tumors. The measurement of serum levels of these factors could serve as additional biomarkers for the diagnosis of leiomyomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a primary endocrinological disorder in women of reproductive age that is characterized by androgen excess and ovulatory irregularities. This syndrome is associated with adipose tissue dysfunction, an elevated risk of insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Adipocyte dysfunction affects the secretion of adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, adipose tissue is not an exclusive source of adipokines as it can also be produced locally by reproductive tissues. Although adipokines have been recognized in the development of PCOS, the role of oncostatin M (OSM), a multifaceted adipokine, remains unclear. Current evidence suggests that this cytokine is associated with key aspects of the syndrome, including obesity, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and inflammation. However, the data are often contradictory, likely due to variations in study designs, methodologies, and species differences. By investigating the link between OSM and PCOS-associated issues, this review identified the potential role of this adipokine in PCOS pathogenesis. This underscores the need for further research to clarify its predominant effects and assess its relevance as a therapeutic target.