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Background: Research on stem cells has become one of the most promising and advanced scientific topics. Nevertheless, there is a lack of this type of research in the field of forensic diagnostics. Age estimation is one of the main worked-on issues in forensic practice and research. Still, there is a need to explore new complementary reliable methods. This study aimed to detect the possibility of age estimation via age-associated alteration of RIF-1 (Replication timing regulatory factor 1), TCL1A (T-cell leukemia/lymphoma-1A), and TERT (Telomerase reverse transcriptase) gene expression in rats bone marrow stem cells. Methods: Isolation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from rats were undertaken at different ages; 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks old. RNA extraction was performed then total RNA was reverse transcribed to cDNA to detect the quantitative expression of RIF-1, TLC1A, and TERT by using the qRT-PCR then immunoblotting. Results: There were statistically significant increases in RIF1 and TCL1A mRNA and protein expression and a decrease in TERT mRNA and protein expression with age. Conclusion: Our results showed that the mRNA and protein expression of RIF-1, TCL1A, and TERT in bone marrow cells of rats could be useful indicators for age estimation in forensic practice.

Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of arthrocentesis followed by intraarticular injection of adipose derived stem cells versus hyaluronic acid in treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and reversing the ongoing degenerative cascade. Evaluation was based on clinical radiographic and biochemical findings.Materials and Methods: The study included thirty patients suffering from TMJ/OA. Clinical criteria and Computerized Tomography (CT scan) confirmed the diagnosis. Patients were divided into two equal groups; both groups underwent arthrocentesis pursued by hyaluronic acid injection for Group I, and chondrogenic differentiated adipose derived stem cells for Group II. Synovial fluid samples were collected preoperative and at the end of the study (18 months) to assess the TGFβ1 concentration. Clinical data (maximal mouth opening, lateral, protrusive movements, pain and joint sounds) were collected at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. CT scans were repeated at 18 months.Results: Group I showed initial improvement within clinical parameters but failed to sustain these results till the end of the study, no marked radiographic changes were noted. However, the TGF β1concentration showed significant decrease. Group II showed significant improvement within all parameters, Radiographic findings manifested remodeling of degenerative findings and TGFβ1 concentration was significantly decreased.Conclusion: Adipose derived stem cell is an effective therapeutic treatment for TMJ/OA. It subsided all related clinical dysfunction and abates the ongoing degenerative cycle.

Introduction: In the field of medicine, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with their distinctive characteristics represent an interesting new cancer therapy. Cancer is a serious disease, despite the recent advances in its treatment; there are still some cases that are resistant to the current therapy.Aim of the work: This study aimed at examining the characteristics of 2 forms of silver nanomaterial (Ag NPs 1 and Ag NPs 2) and investigating their effect on breast cancer (MCF7) and liver cancer (HEP-G2) as well as on human normal melanocytes cell lines (HBF4).Materials and methods: It was found that both samples of nanoparticles have negative surface charge and their mean sizes were 9.02 nm and 24.6 nm respectively. Both Ag NPs 1 and Ag NPs 2 had a dose- dependent cytotoxicity on MCF7 and HEP-G2 with negligible effect on normal cell line (HBF4) measured by MTT assay.Results: Inhibitory Concentration 50 of Ag NPs1 and Ag NPs2 were 20.06 and 16.03 nmol/ml respectively. The resultant cell death was via apoptosis as illustrated by the inverted light microscopy. RT-PCR assessment revealed significant upregulation in Caspase 3 gene expression in the malignant cell lines exposed to each silver nanomaterials and remarkable downregulation VEGF and upregulation in TNF-α in either cancer cell line exposed to Ag NPs2 only. Meanwhile, the change in these cellular markers was minimal in normal human melanocyte cell line.Conclusion: This study indicates that silver nanoparticles can be used as anticancer agent with minimal effect on normal tissues. The cell viability depends not only on the size of Ag NPs but also their shape, surface charge and degree of repulsion between particles and aggregation.

The current experiment was carried out in the Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Shoubra El-Kheima, Qualubia governorate, during the oriental hornet active season extended from September 1st until end of December, 2015, to estimate the daily counts of the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis L.) as well as its population dynamics during its active season. The experimental apiary was contained twenty four honeybee colonies, each contented seven frames covered with adult bees and four frames of brood. The wasp’s traps were used for capturing the wasps during the day. The data indicated that, the total numbers of wasps caught in September were 204, 394 and 114 wasps/trap in the three periods, respectively. There were significant differences between all the tested periods where the highest population of wasps caught was during the noon period (12pm – 3pm) followed by the morning period (9am – 12pm), while the afternoon and evening period (3pm – 9am of next day) recorded the lowest population of wasps caught in the traps, the same trend was recorded in October and November months. It also summarized that, the average means of wasps captured for tested months were 8.79, 21.99, 13.42 and 1.10 wasps/trap for September, October, November and December 2015, respectively. The highest population of oriental hornet captured by the traps was recorded during October month, followed by November and September; meanwhile the population captured during December was the lowest, with significant deference between them. For daily count, the mean average numbers of wasps captured by the traps were 10.20, 17.55 and 6.22 wasps/trap for the three periods (9am – 12pm, 12pm – 3pm and 3pm – 9am of next day), respectively. The highest numbers of wasps captured by the traps were recorded during the noon period (12pm – 3pm) followed by morning period (9am – 12pm), meanwhile the afternoon and evening period (3pm – 9am of next day) recorded the lowest numbers of wasps captured by the traps, with significant deference between all the tested period. Overall the highest numbers of oriental hornet captured by wasp’s traps were recorded in October month during the noon period, 12pm – 3pm and averaged (33.15 wasps/trap), followed by November month during the same period 12pm – 3pm (20.50 wasps/trap).

Background: Among the most common oral cancers is oral squamous cell carcinoma which has high rates of mortality. 5-flurouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of head and neck cancers. However, its use has many limitations due to its well- known side effects. Thus, in the current study we aimed to investigate the chemosensitivity of squamous cell carcinoma cells to 5-FU and/or mesenchymal stem cells-derived microvesicles via H&E histopathological examination, in addition to detection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclin D1 (CD1) genes’ expression through quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Material & Methods: Human squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCC152) was treated by 5-FU or Microvesicles or their combination for 24 and 48 hours. Histopathological examination through H&E stain as well as quantitative RT-PCR analysis, for gene expression of VEGF and CD1, were performed. Finally, statistical analysis of the obtained data and correlation between VEGF and CD1 genes’ expression among different groups were performed. Results: Regarding the histopathological results, the combination group, as compared to 5-FU or microvesicles treated groups, showed the most obvious improvement where numerous apoptotic bodies were observed at 24hrs, being markedly increased at 48hrs of culture, while viable cells were rarely seen. Concerning the qRT-PCR results, the combination group showed significant decrease in genes’ expression of both VEGF and CD1 than the 5-FU or microvesicles treated groups. Furthermore, correlation between VEGF and CD1 genes’ expression revealed a very good positive correlation.Conclusions: it was concluded that the combined use of microvesicles and 5-FU resulted in enhanced chemosensitivity of squamous cell carcinoma cells more than the use of either 5-FU or microvesicle alone. In addition, down regulation of VEGF gene expression was associated with decreased CD1 gene expression.

Background: Helminth infections, particularly S.mansoni, are known to induce a protective role against various forms of autoimmune diseases, including type 1diabetes (TID). The observed S.mansoni significant inhibition or delay of diabetes development in non-obese diabetic mice (NOD), appeared to be due to a modulation of the diabetes-associated th1response towards protective th2 responses through IL-10 production. Objective: To study the effect of S. mansoni SEA on the immune response in induced TIDmouse moduel. Material and Methods: In this study, 90 male Swiss Albino mice of 6 weeks old, weighing between 90 and 100g were divided into 5 groups; control group (I): Streptozontocin (STZ)-treated group (II); soluble egg antigen (SEA)-immunized group (III); (STZ+SEA) group (IV); (SEA+STZ) group (V). Mice were subjected to measurement of blood glucose levels at two and four weeks by colorimetric method, and measurement of IL-10 by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathological examination of pancreatic sections of the five groups investigated signs suggesting presence or absence of pancreatic inflammation. Results: Significant lowering of blood glucose level occurred at 2-weeks in groups III and V compared to group II and at 4-weeks in groups III, IV and V compared to group II, and in group V compared to group IV. Significant higher IL-10 level occurred at 2-weeks in groups IV and V compared to group II, and in groups IV and V compared to group III and in group V compared to group IV. In 4-weeks, significant increase in IL-10 level occurred in groups II, IV, V compared to group I, and in group V compared to group IV. No significant difference between groups III and I was recorded. Histopathological changes of pancreatic sections of groups I and III showed normal architecture of pancreatic cells; While groups II and IV coinciding with STZ treatment showed vacuolation and necrosis of islets of Langerhans at 2-weeks the inflammation subsided in group IV. In group V there was dilation of blood vessels with inflammatory cells at both weeks. Conclusion: S.mansoni derived SEA proved to be protective against TID leading to improvement of blood sugar control and indicating the protective role of S.mansoni infection.

Background: MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that function through post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by a process termed RNA interference (RNAi), and that also have to prominence as critical regulators in a wide array of mechanisms of cell physiology. Aim of the work: The study will attempt to evaluate the expression of several microRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) at 12 hours after the first injection of pegylated interferon in comparison with healthy controls. Patients and methods: forty patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (CHCV), their age ranged between (20-56) years, selected from the National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute were included in this study, after 12 hours of the first interferon injection, and twenty healthy individuals were included to serve as controls. All the patients and controls were subjected to the following history, clinical examination, abdominal ultrasonography and collection of samples for routine laboratory investigations. CBCs and Taqman quantitative RT-PCR for MicroRNAs expression analysis of miR- 128a, miR 196a, miR- 196b, miR 296. Results: Our study revealed that the microRNAs had a higher levels of expression in cases of CHCV infection. Conclusion: Ourstudy concluded thatthere’s a highly significant increase in expression levels of IFN-induced microRNAs were observed in patients of microRNAs-128a, 196a, 196b, 296. Recommendations: The future use of miR inhibitors or mimics and / or siRNAs might be useful for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies aimed at the recovering of protective innate responses in HCV infections.

The inflammatory phase of wound healing affects the wound repair as down regulation or upregulation result in delayed healing or scar formation. The dexamethasone is the drug of choiceas anti inflammatory, anti edematous and anti emetic in different oral and periodontal surgeriesto control post operative pain and edema, however the down regulation of inflammatory phasemay affect the wound healing. Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs), as a part of cell therapy, andexosomes (Exo.) , as a part of cell free therapy, revealed promising results in wound healing inpreclinical and clinical studies.Materials and Methods: 5o rats were involved in this study. The standardized oral woundwas done by scalpel in left cheek then the animals were randomly assigned to 4 groups includinggelatin sponge group, dexamethasone group, Exo. group and ADSCs group. The animals weresacrificed at 2,5 and 10 days of healing. The specimens were evaluated histologically (H&E) stainsand inflammatory cells were counted and statistically compared.Results: regarding inflammatory cell counting, the dexamethasone revealed least inflammatoryinfiltration followed by Exo.group then ADSCs group and finally, gelatin sponge group. All groupsshowed signs of healing, However the Exo. group followed by ADSCs showed more condensedcollagen formation and increased epithelial thickness than dexamethasone and gelatin spongegroups.Conclusion: Exo. and ADSCs may accelerate the oral wound healing and overcome thedelayed healing that may limit the use of dexamethasone administration as anti inflammatory drug,especially in medically comprised patients as diabetic patients.

therapeutic effects. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are a novel approach with promising therapeutic potential for curing human diseases.Aim of the work: To evaluate the effect of pomegranate and BMSCs on experimentally induced gastric ulcer in adult male rats.Materials and Methods: Sixty adult male rats were divided into four groups. Group I kept as the control group. Group II (Gastric ulcer), rats received 100% ethanol orally by gastric tube. Group (III) subdivided into 3 subgroups. Subgroup IIIa included rats with gastric ulcer that treated with pomegranate only. Subgroup IIIb, rats with gastric ulcer treated with BMSCs alone. Subgroup IIIc; gastric ulcer rats treated with a combination of pomegranate and BMSCs. Group IV included the untreated gastric ulcer rats. Fundus of stomach specimens were prepared and examined using histological and immunohistochemical techniques.Results: Groups II and IV showed various changes as deep erosion, marked damage of most of the cells. The presence of the inflammatory cells in gastric mucosa were supported by a significant increase of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) expression and collagen fibers depositions (P

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate synergistic osteogenic potential of human dental pulp mesenchymalstem cells (hDMSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in enhancement of bone regeneration in anterior maxillary bone defects.Patients and methods: Eighteen patients (10 males and 8 females), were selected and divided equally into three groups. Group I included patients (4 male and 2 female ) having anterior maxillary cyst and impacted or supernumerary teeth in another place indicated for surgical removal for production of mesenchymal dental pulp stem cells, group II and III included patients (3 male and 3 female in each) having anterior maxillary cyst. The cyst was enucleated and the space left were filled by hDMSCs with PRP in group I. in group II the cavity was filled by PRP only. In group III the cystic cavity left with no filling material and considered as control group. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was performed preoperatively, one month and six months postoperatively for comparison of bone density intra group and inter groups. Results: Comparison of bone density between the three groups at one month post-operative period showed that group II recorded highest and significant bone density. At six months post-operative period the three groups showed significant increase in bone density However group I (hDMSCs with PRP) showed highest mean increase in bone density. Conclusions: hDMSCs can provide an osteogenic cell source for new bone formation and the PRP improves and retains their differentiation capacity due to possible synergisticosteogenic potential between PRP and stem cells.

Background: Stem cells are unspecialized and immature cells that have the potential to develop into many different cell lineages via differentiation in a suitable culture media. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), which reside within the perivascular space periodontium, possess characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and are a promising tool for periodontium regeneration.Purpose: This study aimed to isolate and characterize periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) from albino rat, Identification of surface markers expression utilizing flow cytometric analysis (FACS) and assessment of the osteogenic differentiation capability of these cells.Material and methods: PDLSCs were collected from the root surfaces of mandibular 1st molars from 6 adult male albino rats. Collected samples were enzymatically treated and centrifuged to allow cells release. Cells were cultured for fourteen days. After reaching confluence, the isolated cells were characterized by flow cytometry using CD73, CD133 and C-Kit. The cells were induced for osteogenic differentiation by placing them in osteogenic culture media. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by Alizarin Red stain and by Molecular assessment for Bone sialoprotein (BSP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) genes expression by real time PCR (q RT-PCR). Results: The results showed successful isolation of stem cells from periodontal ligament. PLSCs were identified as mesenchymal stem cells by expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers through FACS. PDLSCs showed positive expression to CD73 marker and negative expression to hematopoietic markers CD133 and C-kit. Our results showed successful differentiation of PDLSCs into osteogenic lineage. The formed mineralized matrix stained by alizarin red and was more advanced at 21 days after osteoblastic differentiation. Real Time PCR (q RT-PCR) for quantitative expression of BSP and ALP showed significant increase in the expression of BSP and ALP from day 14 to day 21 in differentiated PDLSCs.Conclusion: According to the obtained results, we conclude that PDLSCs could be successively isolated from periodontal ligament tissues. Isolated PDLSCs possess an osteogenic potential and show differentiation into osteogenic lineage when cultured in suitable osteogenic medium.

Objective: The aim of the present study is to isolate and characterize human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs).Surface markers expression utilizing surface markers for flow cytometry. The odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs was assessed.Material and methods: dental pulp tissuses were collected from impacted third molars. samples were treated with collagenase before centrifugation to allow release of the cells. Cells were cultured in complete culture medium for 12-14 days. After reaching confluence, the isolated cells were characterized by flow cytometry using CD105 and CD45. The cells were induced for odontogenic differentiation by placing the cells in odontogenic induction media for 14 days. Odontogenic differentiation was evaluated by Alizarin Red stain and by the expressions of dentine sialo phospho protein (DSPP), dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, which were assessed by RT-PCR.Results: The results showed that successful isolation of stem cells from human dental pulp was achieved. Cells were successfully sub-cultured and expanded up to the third passage. A flow cytometric analysis was done after stem cells isolation. Isolated DPSCs were identified by positive expression of CD105 and negative expression of hematopoietic marker C. The results showed that differentiatiationed odontoblastic like cells from DPSCs induced by odontogenic medium were stained by Alizarin Red at days 7 and 14. RT-PCR results indicated that all cultured cells efficiently differentiate into dentin forming cells and expressed specific DSPP, DMP1 and ALP genes at days 7 and 14.Conclusion: DPSCs can be a possible source of stable differentiated odontoblastic cells. Their ability of inducing hard tissue formation offer an alternative method to save teeth with compromised structural integrity.

Background: Corneal alkali burns are common ophthalmic emergencies which may lead to permanent visual impairment. In spite of great advances made in the treatment of these cases, the structural and functional restoration of corneal alkali burns remains challenging. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have been demonstrated to enhance corneal healing. However the problem remains in finding a suitable vehicle to deliver BM-MSCs to the site of injury.Objectives: To evaluate the therapeutic potential of BM-MSCs loaded on two biological vehicles (amniotic membrane versus platelet-rich plasma gel) in corneal alkali burns.Materials & Methods: Fifty rats were randomly divided into five equal groups. Group I (control group), group II (corneal ulcer group) and group III (recovery group). Group IV rats with corneal ulcers were treated with amniotic membrane loaded with BM-MSCs while in the group V the rats with corneal ulcers were treated with platelet-rich plasma cells loaded with BM-MSCs. The corneal specimens were processed for the light microscope, transmission electron microscope examination, and RT qPCR assay for VEGF and iNOS.Results: Group II showed epithelial separation and denudation with disorganized stroma and disrupted Descemet’s membrane and endothelium. Group III showed residual epithelial separation and vacuolation with neovascularization of the disorganized stroma. Group IV showed thinning of corneal epithelium with inflammatory infiltration of the stroma. Group V corneas revealed restoration of corneal epithelial thickness, organized stroma and continuous Descemet’s membrane. Also, there was an upregulation of iNOS & VEGF gene expression in groups II and III which was downregulated in group IV and V.Conclusions: The combination of BM-MSCs with PRP gel was a promising treatment for corneal alkali burns and may be applicable for other types of corneal disorders.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis with ozonated water versus ringer lactate in treatment of anterior disc displacement without reduction (closed lock) and to evaluate the effect of both procedures on the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the joint space.Patients and methods: Forty patients with bilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group I performed arthrocentesis using ozonated water while group II underwent the same procedure using sodium ringer lactate. Clinical evaluation of the patients was done preoperative, immediately ostoperative, at 1 week and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The pain was assessed using visual analog scales. Maximal mouth opening (MMO) was recorded at each follow-up visit. Synovial fluid sample was collected to detect the level of IL-6, preoperative, immediately postoperative and at six months postoperativeResults: Both groups showed improvement in clinical parameters. Concerning maximal mouth opening, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups pre-operatively, after 1 week as well as after 1 month. After 3 months and 6 months, Group I showed statistically significant higher mean MMO than Group II. the pain score assessment showed no statistical significant difference between the two groups pre-operatively. Through all other periods, Group I showed statistically significantly lower mean VAS scores than Group II. The interleukin-6 levels showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups pre-operatively. Immediately post-operative as well as after 6 months, Group I showed statistically significantly lower mean IL-6 level than Group II.Conclusion: Arthrocentesis using ozonated water proved to have superior results in treatment of TMJ anterior disc displacement without reduction. Interleukin-6 level in the TMJ synovial fluid has direct correlation with the dysfunction symptoms.

Objectives: this study was to assess the effect of adipose derived stem cells on bone regeneration of mandibular defects of rabbits.Material and methods: Twenty four adult male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups. Group A (control group) in which surgically created critical size mandibular defects were created and left to heal without grafting. Group B (test/stem group) from which adipose tissue was withdrawn and stem cells were processed and then seeded on the gel-foam scaffold to be grafted in the surgically created critical size mandibular defects. The treatment outcome was evaluated at 2, 4, 8 weeks postoperatively both radiographically and histologically. Mineralization ratio was statistically analyzed.Results: histologic and radiographic evaluation revealed significant (p ≤0.05) enhancement of bone regeneration at test group (A) as compared to control group (B). Conclusion: the use Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells proved to be effective for enhancing bone regeneration in mandibular critical-size bone defects.

To evaluate the clinical utility of serum levels of N-terminal pro C-type natruretic pep-tide (NT-pro CNP) in patients with hepatitis C related chronic liver disease (CLD), in prospective to disease complications and progression. This study included 66 hepatitis C-related CLD patients with and without ascites and 15 healthy individuals (control group). Serum NT-pro CNP was measured by ELISA. A stepwise progressive increase in NT-pro CNP levels was recorded through controls, patients without ascites and patients with ascites (p0.05). In addition, patients with hematemesis or encephalopathy had more than its double values than those without (p0.01). Moreover, a significant difference was observed in the marker levels among esophageal varcies stages 1, 2, 3 (H=13.679, p=0.001), with highest levels in grade 3. NT-pro CNP correlated positively with alpha fetoprotein (rs =0.455, p=0.008) with no significant correlation neither with MELD nor Child scores (p0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed the overall performance of the marker in discriminating CLD patients collectively from controls, the optimum cut-off level was 85 ng/L (AUC= 0. 803, sensitivity 84.8%specificity 53.3%). An increased level of NT-pro CNP is a promising non-invasive marker of hepatitis C related CLD complications and disease progression.

Introduction We aimed to find out an association between hepcidin and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients treated with pegylated interferon-α/ribavirin (PEG-IFN-α/RBV) with vitamin D supplements. Patients and methods Seventy-three chronic HCV patients who were enrolled in the study received the standard of care therapy consisting of PEG-IFN/RBV+vitamin D3. All patients were subjected to vitamin D and hepcidin level assessment and HCV RNA detection using quantitative reverse transcription PCR for 48 weeks of treatment. Results We classified our patients retrograde into responders and nonresponders to PEG-IFN-α2b+RBV therapy. Among responders, the mean level of vitamin D after therapy was 65.48 versus 9.30 ng/ml among nonresponders. Among responders, serum hepcidin, serum ferritin, and hepcidin/ferritin ratio were significantly elevated (P Conclusion In naive patients infected with HCV genotype 4, treatment with interferon α2b and ribavirin and vitamin D3 significantly increased the rate of viral response. No correlation was found between hepcidin expression, hepcidin serum level, and vitamin D level before start of therapy.