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Objective(s): Bone tissue engineering is considered a new method in the treatment of bone defects and can be an effective alternative to surgery and bone grafting. The use of adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) on synthetic polymer scaffolds is one of the new approaches in bone tissue engineering. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of laminin coating on biocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation of ADMSCs seeded on polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. Materials and Methods: The morphology of the electrospun scaffold was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were determined by MTT assay. The adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential of the cells was evaluated. The osteogenic differentiation of ADMSCs cultured on the PCL scaffold coated with laminin was assessed by evaluating the level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, intracellular calcium content, and expression of bone-specific genes. Results: The results showed that the ADMSCs cultured on PCL/laminin showed enhanced osteogenic differentiation compared to those cultured on non-coated PCL or control medium (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that laminin enhances the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of PCL nanofiber scaffolds; and by modifying the surface of the scaffold, improves the differentiation of ADMSCs into osteogenic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone remodeling is not able to repair the major injuries caused by trauma, cancer, etc. Bone tissue engineering is aimed to provide implants for bone repair or replacement. To approach such a purpose, polymeric scaffolds along with stem cells are used to fabricate a supportive matrix mimicking in vivo microenvironment. Here, we developed an in vivo-like matrix based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and fibrin to enhance the differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells into osteo-like cells (AD-MSCs). PCL scaffold was fabricated by electrospinning and coated with fibrin. AD-MSCs were cultured and differentiate on PCL and PCL/fibrin. The viability of cultured cells in comparison with tissue culture plate (TCPS) was evaluated by MTT assay on days 1, 2, and 3 of differentiation. The differentiation was compared to TCPS on days 7, 14, and 21 of differentiation. To evaluate the differentiation efficiency, calcium content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and expression of RUNX-2, Collagene-I, Osteocalcin, and Osteonectin were assessed in differentiated cells. A slight increase in cell viability was observed in the TCPS group on day 3 of differentiation. Higher calcium content and ALP activity were observed in PCL and PCL/fibrin groups, respectively. The expression of osteogenic genes was higher in the PCL/fibrin group on days 7, 14, and 21 of differentiation. It seems PCL acts synergistically with fibrin to make an in vivo-like microenvironment and enhanced the differentiation of AD-MSCs into osteo-like cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are various types of bioactivities that have been reported for Heracleum persicum species, such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and cytotoxicity properties. In the current study, the bio‐accessibility of H. persicum bioactive compounds was improved by purifying its phenolic‐enriched fractions (PEF) and encapsulating them into nanoliposomes to analyze its cytotoxic impacts on mice testicular tissue and their fertility status. Nano liposomal H. persicum PEF (NL‐HPEF) was prepared by ultrasound‐based encapsulation of HPEF and L‐agranular lecithin mixture. The size, morphology, and stability of NL‐HPEF were characterized by dynamic light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and zeta potential analysis. The 18 white male Balb/c mice (20–25 g) at 3 treatment groups were provided to study the NL‐HPPF cytotoxicity by measuring the mice liver enzyme including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALP and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), testis lipid peroxidation, and testicular tissue destruction levels. Moreover, the mice's fertility was evaluated by studying the Adam3, Prm1, Spata19, and Tnp2 gene expression in the testicular tissues. The obtained results manifested that the synthesized NL‐HPEF was stable (193.7 nm) and exhibited a notable cytotoxic impact on the mice's liver (ALT and AST enhancement levels) and testicular tissues. Moreover, their increasing treatment doses impaired the male mice's fertility by decreasing the sperm count, viability, and motility. In addition, fertility suppression was verified by decreasing serum testosterone and downregulating the Adam3, Prm1, Spata19, and Tnp2 gene expression in their testicular tissues. The male mice's fertility was significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed by increasing treatment doses of NL‐HPEF. Hence, the NL‐HPEF could be considered a promising alternative to replace the male chemical contraceptives drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoid compounds play an effective role in cancer suppression and today nanocarriers play an important role in improving the physicochemical properties and transmission of these compounds. In this study, polyethylene glycol‐modified albumin nanoparticles were synthesized by desolvation method; after loading of naringenin (NRG), folic acid (FA) binding to the surface of nanoparticles was performed (BSA–PEG–FA–NG–NPs). The extent of NRG trapping and FA binding was assessed indirectly using UV absorption methods. The physicochemical properties of BSA–PEG–FA–NG–NPs were investigated by DLS, SEM electron microscopy, and FTIR methods, after which their effects were evaluated on the apoptosis mechanism via MTT, flow cytometry, and qPCR methods. The BSA–PEG–FA–NG–NPs with spherical morphology had dimensions of 205 nm with zeta‐potential of 20.61 mV and dispersion index of 0.36. The NRG encapsulation was 84% and the FA binding was 75%. Anticancer effects of BSA–PEG–FA–NG–NPs were confirmed based on inhibiting breast cancer cells (IC50: 922 µg/ml), cell cycle arrest (SubG1 phase), and induction of apoptosis (upregulation of Caspase 3, 8, and 9). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased inflammation and oxidative stress are the main causes of many common diseases of old age. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of combined training on inflammatory and oxidative markers and the general-social health of overweight older male adults. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 40 overweight older male adults with an age range of 60 - 75 years were purposefully selected and randomly divided into two training and control groups. The training program included aerobic, resistance, and balance training for eight weeks and three days a week. Study variables were measured 48 hours before and after the intervention. The statistical analysis of the data was done by two-way repeated measure analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: After eight weeks of combined training, levels of TNF-α(P ≤ 0.01), hs-CRP (P ≤ 0.03), and MDA (P ≤ 0.01), the mass of fat (P ≤ 0.04) decreased, while the level of superoxide dismutase (P ≤ 0.01) and the score of social health (P ≤ 0.01) increased significantly. Conclusions: It seems that combined training in the elderly is a suitable option for modulating and regulating inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers and improving general social health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]