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Pancreatic cancer (PaC) incidence is increasing, but our current screening and diagnostic strategies are not very effective. However, screening could be helpful in the case of PaC, as recent evidence shows that the disease progresses gradually. Unfortunately, there is no ideal screening method or program for detecting PaC in its early stages. Conventional imaging techniques, such as abdominal ultrasound, CT, MRI, and EUS, have not been successful in detecting early-stage PaC. On the other hand, biomarkers may be a more effective screening tool for PaC and have greater potential for further evaluation compared to imaging. Recent studies on biomarkers and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced imaging have shown promising results in the early diagnosis of PaC. In addition to proteins, non-coding RNAs are also being studied as potential biomarkers for PaC. This review consolidates the current literature on PaC screening modalities to provide an organized framework for future studies. While conventional imaging techniques have not been effective in detecting early-stage PaC, biomarkers and AI-enhanced imaging are promising avenues of research. Further studies on the use of biomarkers, particularly non-coding RNAs, in combination with imaging modalities may improve the accuracy of PaC screening and lead to earlier detection of this deadly disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cell-surface receptor tyrosine kinase c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) is overexpressed in a wide range of solid tumors, making it an appropriate target antigen for the development of anticancer therapeutics. Various antitumor c-Met-targeting therapies (including monoclonal antibodies [mAbs] and tyrosine kinases) have been developed for the treatment of c-Met-overexpressing tumors, most of which have so far failed to enter the clinic because of their efficacy and complications. Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), a new emerging class of cancer therapeutic agents that harness the target specificity of mAbs to deliver highly potent small molecules to the tumor with the minimal damage to normal cells, could be an attractive therapeutic approach to circumvent these limitations in patients with c-Met-overexpressing tumors. Of great note, there are currently nine c-Met-targeting ADCs being examined in different phases of clinical studies as well as eight preclinical studies for treating various solid tumors. The purpose of this study is to present a broad overview of clinical- and preclinical-stage c-Met-targeting ADCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is a growing trend of replacing synthetic antioxidants with natural alternatives to prevent the oxidation of edible oils. Herein, we assessed the phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of ethanolic extracts that are obtained from Cydonia oblonga (SQ). Furthermore, we incorporated SQ at two different concentrations (1% and 2%) into cold-pressed sesame oil, storing it for 30 days under ambient conditions. We then assessed the peroxide value (PV), acid value (AV), oxidative stability using the Rancimat apparatus, and the fatty acid (FA) composition. Additionally, we performed the molecular docking analyses to explore the interaction between trans fatty acids (TFAs; C18:1 and C18:2) and key proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP). The total phenol, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of SQ were found to be 95.33 ± 5.03 mg GAE/g, 343.67 ± 16.44 mg QE/g, and 465.67 ± 5.51 mmol Fe2+/g, respectively. The presence of SQ exhibited a significant impact on reducing PV and AV when compared to the control group. Furthermore, the addition of SQ resulted in a significant increase in the induction period (IP) compared to the control. The predominant FAs in the samples were 18:2n-6, 18:1n-9, 16:0, and 18:0, respectively. The levels of TFAs in all samples at 30 days were higher than those at 0 day. TNF-α and IL-6 showed a higher binding affinity for the trans-C18:1 ligand, with a docking score of -6.81 and -5.82, respectively, compared to the trans-C18:2 ligand. In this context, SQ can be proposed as a natural antioxidant to enhance the oxidative stability of sesame oil. Additionally, the binding preferences and specific interactions of TFAs with these proinflammatory cytokines indicate their potential role in modulating inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is one of the most serious human health issues. Drug therapy is the major common way to treat cancer. There is a growing interest in using natural compounds to overcome drug resistance, adverse reactions, and target specificity of certain types of drugs that may affect several targets with fewer side effects and be beneficial against various types of cancer. In this regard, the use of herbal medicines alone or in combination with the main anticancer drugs is commonly available. Berberine (BBR), a nature‐driven phytochemical component, is a well‐known nutraceutical due to its wide variety of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and hypolipidemic. In addition, BBR exerts anticancer activities. In present article, we summarized the information available on the therapeutic effects of BBR and its mechanisms on five types of the most prevalent gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, gastric, colorectal, hepatocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amniotic membrane (AM), the innermost layer of the placenta, is an exceptionally effective biomaterial with divers applications in clinical medicine. It possesses various biological functions, including scar reduction, anti-inflammatory properties, support for epithelialization, as well as anti-microbial, anti-fibrotic and angio-modulatory effects. Furthermore, its abundant availability, cost-effectiveness, and ethical acceptability make it a compelling biomaterial in the field of medicine. Given the potential unavailability of fresh tissue when needed, the preservation of AM is crucial to ensure a readily accessible and continuous supply for clinical use. However, preserving the properties of AM presents a significant challenge. Therefore, the establishment of standardized protocols for the collection and preservation of AM is vital to ensure optimal tissue quality and enhance patient safety. Various preservation methods, such as cryopreservation, lyophilization, and air-drying, have been employed over the years. However, identifying a preservation method that effectively safeguards AM properties remains an ongoing endeavor. This article aims to review and discuss different sterilization and preservation procedures for AM, as well as their impacts on its histological, physical, and biochemical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative and more effective treatment strategies. Conventional cancer treatments often suffer from limitations such as systemic toxicity, poor pharmacokinetics, and drug resistance. Recently, there has been growing attention to utilizing natural compounds derived from various sources as possible cancer therapeutics. Natural compounds have demonstrated diverse bioactive properties, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antitumor effects, making them attractive candidates for cancer treatment. However, their limited solubility and bioavailability present challenges for effective delivery to cancer cells. To overcome these limitations, researchers have turned to nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems. Nanoparticles, with their small size and unique properties, can encapsulate therapeutic agents and offer benefits such as improved solubility, prolonged drug release, enhanced cellular uptake, and targeted delivery. Functionalizing nanoparticles with specific ligands further enhances their precision in recognizing and binding to cancer cells. Combining natural compounds with nanotechnology holds great promise in achieving efficient and safe cancer treatments by enhancing bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and selectivity toward cancer cells. This review article provides an overview of the advancements in utilizing natural substances and nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. It discusses the benefits and drawbacks of various types of nanoparticles, as well as the characteristics of natural compounds that make them appealing for cancer therapy. Additionally, current research on natural substances and nanoparticles in preclinical and clinical settings is highlighted. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives in developing natural compound‐nanoparticle‐based cancer therapies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer (CC) is a major global health problem and leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Early detection through screening programs has reduced mortality; however, screening compliance remains low. Identifying non-invasive biomarkers through proteomics for diagnosis and monitoring response to treatment could improve patient outcomes. Here we review recent proteomics studies which have uncovered biomarkers and potential drug targets for CC. Additionally, we explore into the role of cervical cancer stem cells and their potential implications in driving CC progression and therapy resistance. Although challenges remain, proteomics has the potential to revolutionize the field of cervical cancer research and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynecologic cancer is a significant cause of death in women worldwide, with cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer being among the most well-known types. The initiation and progression of gynecologic cancers involve a variety of biological functions, including angiogenesis and metastasis--given that death mostly occurs from metastatic tumors that have invaded the surrounding tissues. Therefore, understanding the molecular pathways underlying gynecologic cancer metastasis is critical for enhancing patient survival and outcomes. Recent research has revealed the contribution of numerous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) to metastasis and invasion of gynecologic cancer by affecting specific cellular pathways. This review focuses on three types of gynecologic cancer (ovarian, endometrial, and cervical) and three kinds of ncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs). We summarize the detailed role of non-coding RNAs in the different pathways and molecular interactions involved in the invasion and metastasis of these cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, there is an increasing concern regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI) worldwide since substantial morbidity is observed after it, and the long-term consequences that are not yet fully recognized. A number of cellular pathways related to the secondary injury in brain have been identified, including free radical production (owing to mitochondrial dysfunction), excitotoxicity (regulated by excitatory neurotransmitters), apoptosis, and neuroinflammatory responses (as a result of activation of the immune system and central nervous system). In this context, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) maintain a fundamental contribution to post-transcriptional regulation. It has been shown that mammalian brains express high levels of ncRNAs that are involved in several brain physiological processes. Furthermore, altered levels of ncRNA expression have been found in those with traumatic as well non-traumatic brain injuries. The current review highlights the primary molecular mechanisms participated in TBI that describes the latest and novel results about changes and role of ncRNAs in TBI in both clinical and experimental research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since late December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been rapidly spread across the globe. The early, safe, sensitive, and accurate diagnosis of viral infection is required to decrease and control contagious infection and improve public health surveillance. The diagnosis generally is made by detecting SARS‐CoV‐2‐related agents, including a range of nucleic acid detection‐based, immunoassay‐based, radiographic‐based, and biosensor‐based methods. This review presents the progress of various detection tools for diagnosing COVID‐19 and addresses the advantages and restrictions of each detection method. Given that diagnosis of a contagious various like SARS‐COV‐2 can improve patient survival rates and break the transmission chain, there is no surprise that significant efforts should be made to reduce the limitations of tests that lead to false‐negative results and to develop a substantial test for COVID‐19 diagnosis. Significance statement: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and spread worldwide quickly. The early and sensitive viral infection diagnosis is important for improve public health surveillance. The diagnosis generally is based on nucleic acid, immunoassay, radiographic, and biosensor methods. This review presents the various detection methods for detection of coronavirus disease 2019 with advantages and restrictions of each method. Among various available methods for SARS‐CoV‐2 laboratory diagnosis, real‐time polymerase chain reaction is the most widely used method; however, this method has several restrictions. So, a combined strategy harmonizing laboratory methods is crucial to guide patient care, prevention, and management of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent malignancy among primary brain tumors in adults and one of the worst 5-year survival rates (< 7%) among all human cancers. Till now, treatments that target particular cell or intracellular metabolism have not improved patients' survival. GBM recruits healthy brain cells and subverts their processes to create a microenvironment that contributes to supporting tumor progression. This microenvironment encompasses a complex network in which malignant cells interact with each other and with normal and immune cells to promote tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, immune suppression, and treatment resistance. Communication can be direct via cell-to-cell contact, mainly through adhesion molecules, tunneling nanotubes, gap junctions, or indirect by conventional paracrine signaling by cytokine, neurotransmitter, and extracellular vesicles. Understanding these communication routes could open up new avenues for the treatment of this lethal tumor. Hence, therapeutic approaches based on glioma cells' communication have recently drawn attention. This review summarizes recent findings on the crosstalk between glioblastoma cells and their tumor microenvironment, and the impact of this conversation on glioblastoma progression. We also discuss the mechanism of communication of glioma cells and their importance as therapeutic targets and diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Overall, understanding the biological mechanism of specific interactions in the tumor microenvironment may help in predicting patient prognosis and developing novel therapeutic strategies to target GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to weaken or strengthen over time, in response to changes in the activity of the neurons. It is orchestrated by a variety of genes, proteins, and external and internal factors, especially epigenetic factors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are well-acknowledged epigenetic modulators that regulate the translation and degradation of target genes in the nervous system. Increasing evidence has suggested that a number of miRNAs play important roles in modulating various aspects of synaptic plasticity. The deregulation of miRNAs could be associated with pathological alterations in synaptic plasticity, which could lead to different CNS-related diseases. Herein, we provide an update on the role of miRNAs in governing synaptic plasticity. In addition, we also summarize recent researches on the role of miRNAs in drug addiction, and their targets and mechanism of action. Understanding of the way in which miRNAs contribute to synaptic plasticity provides rational clues in establishing the novel biomarkers and new therapeutic strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of plasticity-related diseases and drug addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is grappling with an unprecedented public health crisis COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Due to the high transmission/mortality rates and socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19, its control is crucial. In the absence of specific treatment, vaccines represent the most efficient way to control and stop the pandemic. Many companies around the world are currently making efforts to develop the vaccine to combat COVID-19. This review outlines key strategies for generating SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates, along with the mechanism of action, advantages, and potential limitations of each vaccine. The use of nanomaterials and nanotechnology for COVID-19 vaccines development will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a multifaceted global health issue and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In recent years, medical science has achieved great advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Despite the numerous advantages of conventional cancer therapies, there are major drawbacks including severe side effects, toxicities, and drug resistance. Therefore, the urgency of developing new drugs with low cytotoxicity and treatment resistance is increasing. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted attention as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of various cancers, targeting tumor cells with less toxicity to normal tissues. In this review, we present the structure, biological function, and underlying mechanisms of AMPs. The recent experimental studies and clinical trials on anticancer peptides in different cancer types as well as the challenges of their clinical application have also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus, is the agent responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic and is a major public health concern nowadays. The rapid and global spread of this coronavirus leads to an increase in hospitalizations and thousands of deaths in many countries. To date, great eforts have been made worldwide for the efcient manage‑ ment of this crisis, but there is still no efective and specifc treatment for COVID-19. The primary therapies to treat the disease are antivirals, anti-infammatories and respiratory therapy. In addition, antibody therapies currently have been a many active and essential part of SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment. Ongoing trials are proposed diferent therapeutic options including various drugs, convalescent plasma therapy, monoclonal antibodies, immunoglobulin therapy, and cell therapy. The present study summarized current evidence of these therapeutic approaches to assess their efcacy and safety for COVID-19 treatment. We tried to provide comprehensive information about the available potential therapeutic approaches against COVID-19 to support researchers and physicians in any current and future progress in treating COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Traditional breast cancer treatments have challenges including inefficiency, multidrug resistance, severe side effects, and targeting non-specifically. The development of alternative treatment strategies has attracted a great deal of interest. Using the amniotic membrane has become a promising and convenient new approach for cancer therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer ability of conditioned medium extracted from the human amniotic membrane (hAM-CM) on breast cancer cells. Methods: Conditioned medium was collected after 48 h incubation of hAM in epithelial up manner. MTT, cell cycle, apoptosis, colony formation, and sphere assays were used to determine the impact of hAM-CM on breast cancer cell lines. The effects of hAM-CM on the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells were determined using scratch wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. Results: Based on the results, cell viability was significantly decreased by hAM-CM in a dose-dependent manner. The hAM-CM remarkably induced apoptosis and necrosis of cancer cells. Moreover, cell migration and invasion potential of cancer cells decreased after the hAM-CM treatment. Further, both the number of colonies and their morphologies were affected by the treatment. In the treated group, a significant decrease in the number of colonies along with an obvious change in their morphologies from holoclone shape to a dominant paracolone structure was observed. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the conditioned medium derived from the human amniotic membrane able to inhibit proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells and can be considered a natural and valuable candidate for breast cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) resulting in demyelination and axonal loss in the brain and spinal cord. The precise pathogenesis and etiology of this complex disease are still a mystery. Despite many studies that have been aimed to identify biomarkers, no protein marker has yet been approved for MS. There is urgently needed for biomarkers, which could clarify pathology, monitor disease progression, response to treatment, and prognosis in MS. Proteomics and metabolomics analysis are powerful tools to identify putative and novel candidate biomarkers. Different human compartments analysis using proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics approaches has generated new information for further clarification of MS pathology, elucidating the mechanisms of the disease, finding new targets, and monitoring treatment response. Overall, omics approaches can develop different therapeutic and diagnostic aspects of complex disorders such as multiple sclerosis, from biomarker discovery to personalized medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes are extracellular nanovesicles secreted from almost all types of normal and cancer cells. Collective evidence suggests that exosomes participate in cell-cell communication via transmitting their cargo, including nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites to recipient cells. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) play prominent roles in the regulation of molecular pathways in malignancies. Internalization of exosomes by tumor cells affects cellular pathways and several cancer hallmarks, including reprogramming of stromal cells, modulating immune responses, reconstructing extracellular matrix architecture, or even endowing tumor cells with drug features resistance. The unique biogenesis pathways of exosomes, their composition, low immunogenicity, and nontoxicity, together with their ability to target tumor cells, bring them up as an attractive vesicles for cancer therapy. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms of exosomes' participation in tumorigenesis will be critical for the next generation of cancer therapeutics. This review aims to summarize the exosomes' roles in different mechanisms underlying cancer progression for the rational design of tailored strategies against this illness. The present study also highlights the new findings on using these smart vesicles as therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers. Recent advances in exosome biology will open up new, more effective, less invasive, and more individualized clinical applications for treating cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a leading cause of death in both developed and developing countries, and because of population growth and aging, it is a growing medical burden worldwide. With robust development in medicine, the use of stem cells has opened new treatment modalities in cancer therapy. In adult stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are showing rising promise in cancer treatment due to their unique properties. Among different sources of MSCs, human amniotic fluid/membrane is an attractive and suitable reservoir. There are conflicting opinions about the role of human amniotic membrane/fluid mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCS/hAFMSCs) in cancer, as some studies demonstrating the anticancer effects of these cells and others suggesting their progressive effects on cancer. This review focuses on recent findings about the role of hAMSCs/hAFMSCs in cancer treatment and summarizes the suppressing as well as promoting effects of these cells on cancer progression and underling mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, the efficient production of chimeric mice and their survival are still challenging. Recent researches have indicated that preimplantation embryo culture media and manipulation lead to abnormal methylation of histone in the H19/Igf2 promotor region and consequently alter their gene expression pattern. This investigation was designed to evaluate the relationship between the methylation state of histone H3 and H19/Igf2 expression in mice chimeric blastocysts. Methods: Mouse 129/Sv embryonic stem cells (mESCs) expressing the green fluorescent protein (mESCs-GFP) were injected into the perivitelline space of 2.5 days post-coitis (dpc) embryos (C57BL/6) using a micromanipulator. H3K4 and H3K9 methylation, and H19 and Igf2 expression was measured by immunocytochemistry and q-PCR, respectively, in blastocysts. Results: Histone H3 trimethylation in H3K4 and H3K9 in chimeric blastocysts was significantly less and greater, respectively (p< 0.05), than in controls. H19 expression was significantly less (p< 0.05), while Igf2 expression was less, but not significantly so, in chimeric than in control blastocysts. Conclusions: Our results showed, that the alteration ofH3K4me3 and H3K9me3 methylation, change H19/Igf2 expression in chimeric blastocysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New cases of the novel coronavirus, also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), are increasing around the world. Currently, health care services are mainly focused on responding to and controlling the unique challenges of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. These changes, along with the higher susceptibility of patients with cancer to infections, have profound effects on other critical aspects of care and pose a serious challenge for the treatment of such patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to provide strategies for managing the treatment of patients with cancer to limit COVID-19-associated risks at this difficult time. The present study set out to summarize the latest research on epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of COVID-19. We also address some of the current challenges associated with the management of patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide practical guidance to clinically deal with these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), a highly and unique chaperone, presents as a double-edged sword. It plays an essential role in many physiological and pathological processes, including tumor development. The current review highlights a recent understanding of the roles of HSP90 in molecular mechanisms underlying cancer survival and progression. HSP90 and its client proteins through the regulation of oncoproteins including signaling proteins, receptors, and transcriptional factors involved in tumorigenesis. It also has potential clinical application as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for assessing cancer progression. In this way, using HSP90 to develop new anticancer therapeutic agents including HSP90 inhibitors, anti-HSP90 antibody, and HSP90-based vaccines has been promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective (s): Several methods have been proposed for repairing defects and damages, one of which is cell therapy. Bone marrow stromal cells seem to be suitable for this purpose. On the other hand, many biometric materials are used to improve and correct the defects in the body. Nanofibers are widely used in the medical industry, especially in tissue engineering, as scaffolds in wound healing and wound dressing. Chitosan/ polyethylene oxide nanofibers can be a suitable replacement for routine wound coverages. Hence, this study was conducted to present a combination of these methods. Materials and Methods: Chitosan/polyethylene oxide nanofibers and thin films of chitosan were produced and optimized by electron microscopy, on which the bone marrow stromal cells were then cultivated. Interactions between the cells and these biomaterials were investigated through viability, morphology, immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy of cells after 6 days. All data were analyzed using Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA tests in SPSS version 16. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: It seems that the high viscosity of chitosan prevents the formation of nanofibers, while chitosan/polyethylene oxide solutions with 80/20 and 90/10 ratios produce perfect, regular, bead free and non-toxic nanofibers with average diameter of 240±10 and 220±10 nm, respectively. The results of immunocytochemistry and viability showed that the cells had relatively high proliferation on the thin chitosan membranes, while the results of the electron microscopy showed that the morphology of cells was better on the nanofibers than on the thin membrane of chitosan. Conclusion: Since bone marrow stromal cells were grown well on chitosan-nanofibers, each of them alone was used in the therapeutic methods. It is better to consider a combination of two methods as the treatment method, especially in tissue engineering and cell therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main goals of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is to develop skin substitutes for treating deep dermal and full thickness wounds. In this regard, both scaffold and cell source have a fundamental role to achieve exactly the same histological and physiological analog of skin. Amnion epithelial and mesenchymal cells possess the characteristics of pluripotent stem cells which have the capability to differentiate into all three germ layers and can be obtained without any ethical concern. Amniotic cells also produce different growth factors, angio-modulatory cytokines, anti-bacterial peptides and a wide range of anti-inflammatory agents which eventually cause acceleration in wound healing. In addition, amniotic membrane matrix exhibits characteristics of an ideal scaffold and skin substitute through various types of extracellular proteins such as collagens, laminins and fibronectins which serve as an anchor for cell attachment and proliferation, a bed for cell delivery and a reservoir of drugs and growth factors involved in wound healing process. Recently, isolation of amniotic cells exosomes, surface modification and cross-linking approaches, construction of amnion based nanocomposites and impregnation of amnion with nanoparticles, construction of amnion hydrogel and micronizing process promoted its properties for tissue engineering. In this manuscript, the recent progress was reviewed which approve that amnion-derived cells and matrix have potential to be involved in skin substitutes; an enriched cell containing scaffold which has a great capability to be translated into the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urine has been in the center of attention among scientists of clinical proteomics in the past decade, because it is valuable source of proteins and peptides with a relative stable composition and easy to collect in large and repeated quantities with a noninvasive procedure. In this review, we discuss technical aspects of urinary proteomics in detail, including sample preparation, proteomic technologies, and their advantage and disadvantages. Several recent experiments are presented which applied urinary proteome for biomarker discovery in renal diseases including diabetic nephropathy, immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, lupus nephritis, membranous nephropathy, and acute kidney injury. In addition, several available databases in urinary proteomics are also briefly introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal (GI) carcinomas are a group of cancers affecting the GI tract and digestive organs, such as the gastric, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, small intestine, esophagus, colon, and rectum. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small functional non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) which are involved in regulating the expression of multiple target genes; mainly at the post-transcriptional level, via complementary binding to their 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR). Increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs have critical roles in modulating of various physiological and pathological cellular processes and regulating the occurrence and development of human malignancies. Among them, miR-145 is recognized for its anti-oncogenic properties in various cancers, including GI cancers. MiR-145 has been implicated in diverse biological processes of cancers through the regulation of target genes or signaling, including, proliferation, differentiation, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. In this review, we have summarized the role of miR-145 in selected GI cancers and also its downstream molecules and cellular processes targets, which could lead to a better understanding of the miR-145 in these cancers. In conclusion, we reveal the potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value of miR-145 in GI cancer, and hope to provide new ideas for its application as a biomarker as well as a therapeutic target for the treatment of these cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]