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Enzymatic factors including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) are among the most important protective antioxidant systems in human semen. This study was conducted to investigate the association between the activity of the mentioned enzymes in semen and also the association between SOD2 rs4880, GPX1 rs1050450, and CAT rs1001179 polymorphisms with male infertility, which was followed by a bioinformatics approach. In a case-control study, 223 infertile men and 154 healthy fertile men were included in the study. After extracting genomic DNA from semen samples, the genotype of rs1001179, rs1050450, and rs4880 polymorphisms was determined using the PCR-RFLP. Next, the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPX enzymes were also measured in semen. Bioinformatics software was used to investigate the effect of polymorphisms on the function of genes. Data analysis indicated that rs1001179 polymorphisms were not associated with male infertility. But our data revealed that the rs1050450 polymorphism is associated with a reduced risk of male infertility as well as asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. In addition, rs4880 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of male infertility as well as teratozoospermia. Further analysis showed that the activity of the CAT enzyme in the infertile group is significantly higher than in the fertile group, but the activity of GPX and SOD enzymes in the infertile group is significantly lower than in the fertile group. Bioinformatic analysis showed that rs1001179 polymorphism affects the transcription factors binding site upstream of the gene, while rs1050450 and rs4880 polymorphisms had an essential role in protein structure and function. On the other hand, rs1050450 (T allele) was exposed to a reduced risk of male infertility and may be a protective factor. And SOD2 rs4880 (C allele) is associated with an increased risk of male infertility and it is considered a risk factor for male infertility. To reach accurate results, we recommend that the study of SOD2 rs4880 and GPX1 rs1050450 polymorphism effects in the different populations with a larger sample size and meta-analysis are needed.

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is the most common tumor-associated antigen (TAA) and its activity is upregulated in more than 90% of cancers. Therefore, its targeting could be used in cancer immunotherapy. In continuing with our previous study, we evaluated hTERT derived peptides conjugated to KLH in mice breast cancer models. To induce tumors in Balb/C mice, about 5 × 105 mice breast cancer 4T1 cell were washed and suspended in 100 μl sterile PBS and subcutaneously (s.c) injected to 4th mammary fat pat of 6-8 weeks old mice. Thereafter, tumor size measurements were taken two times a week. About 100 ug KLH conjugated peptides accompanied by Incomplete Freund′s adjuvant (IFA) were injected s.c on days 10th and 20th after cancer cells inoculation. In spite of their significantly lower immunogenicity and affinities on mice HLA compared to human (approximately 5-30 times), these peptides inhibited tumor growth as well as being able to increase the overall survival of vaccinated Balb/C mice compare untreated group.

Collagens are the most abundant proteins in the extra cellular matrix/ECM of human tissues that are encoded by different genes. There are single nucleotide polymorphisms/SNPs which are considered as the most useful biomarkers for some disease diagnosis or prognosis. The aim of this study is screening and identifying the functional missense SNPs of human ECM-collagens and investigating their correlation with human abnormalities. All of the missense SNPs were retrieved from the NCBI SNP database and screened for a global frequency of more than 0.1. Seventy missense SNPs that met the screening criteria were characterized for functional and stability impact using six and three protein analysis tools, respectively. Next, HOPE and geneMANIA analysis tools were used to show the effect of SNPs on three-dimensional structure (3D) and physical interaction of proteins. Results showed that 13 missense SNPs (rs2070739, rs28381984, rs13424243, rs1800517, rs73868680, rs12488457, rs1353613, rs59021909, rs9830253, rs2228547, rs3753841, rs2855430, and rs970547), which are in nine different collagen genes, affect the structure and function of different collagen proteins. Among these polymorphisms, COL4A3-rs13424243 and COL6A6-rs59021909 were predicted as the most effective ones. On the other hand, designed mutated and native 3D of rs13424243 variant illustrated that it can disturb the protein motifs. Also, geneMANIA predicted that COL4A3 and COL6A6 are interacting with some proteins including: DDR1, COL6A1, COL11A2 and so on. Based on our findings, ECM-collagens functional SNPs are important and may be considered as a risk factor or molecular marker for human disorders in the future studies.

Background Cellular vascularization processes including proliferation, migration, and tube formation are selectively the purpose of current angiogenic inhibitors. In this study, we investigated the impact of Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA) on the cellular vascularization processes events. Methods and Results Different concentrations of UDA were treated on various normal (HUVEC, MCF-10A and HDF from human and L-929 from mouse) and cancer (A431 and U87 from human and 4T1 from mouse) cell lines at different times. The MTT, cell migration assay, differentiation of endothelial cells, and expression of VEGF-A/VEGF-R2 and integrin α2 were evaluated. The MTT results demonstrated that UDA was non-toxic on normal cells whereas this lectin was able to prevent the growth of neoplastic cells. The migratory capacity of HUVECs and U87 Glioblastoma cells was inhibited by UDA in wound repair model. This lectin was a preventive agent for HUVECs-induced vessel sprouting in Collagen-cytodex matrix. Also, down-regulation of the VEGF-integrin cross-talk in HUVECs under the UDA treatment confirmed the anti-angiogenic activity of this molecule. Conclusions Based on our findings, UDA may have an effect on the proliferation of cancer cells and vascularization events with minimal toxicity on normal cells through binding glyco-conjugates which bear GlcNAc/Man oligomer like EGFR. This is a blue clue for the angiogenesis-related therapeutic importance of UDA.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently the most important etiological agent of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with millions of infections and deaths in the last 2 years worldwide. Several reasons and parameters are responsible for the difficult management of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients; the first is virus behavioral factors such as high transmission rate, and the different molecular and cellular mechanisms of pathogenesis remain a matter of controversy, which is another factor. Summary: In the present review, we attempted to explain about features of SARS-COV-2, particularly focusing on the various aspects of pathogenesis and treatment strategies. Key Messages: We note evidence for the understanding of the precise molecular and cellular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, which can help design the appropriate drug or vaccine. Additionally, and importantly, we reported the updated issues associated with the history and development of treatment strategies such as, drugs, vaccines, and other medications that have been approved or under consideration in clinics and markets worldwide.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible inflammatory enzyme, which produces prostanoids from arachidonic acid. COX-2 overexpression and over-activity can cause inflammation, tumorigenesis, and angiogenesis. Prostanoids are the main reason for the inflammation, and increase of mitogenesis by COX-2. So, any change such as mutations that can lead to COX-2 over-activity could ignite the tumor situations with increase of prostanoids production is one of its ways. The aim of this study was to check the effect of 166 missense mutations of COX-2 on protein features that can affect the COX-2 activity such as protein stability, fluctuation, 2D structure, and its binding affinity with the substrate by in silico methods, network modeling, and docking calculations, by which 44 of them shown to be deleterious. Among them, the S124I and S474F mutations can increase the stability of the protein. 11.36% of deleterious nsSNPs were part of the substrate-binding region among which the M508T, H337R, and V511G have the potential to affect the protein by 2D structure alteration. V511G can improve binding affinity and H337R showed a small decrease in the deformation overall energy that can represent a decrease in the stability of COX-2. Also, L517S showed a significant decrease in the binding power of COX-2/substrate but based on the anisotropic network modeling this mutation has a dual effect on COX-2 stability. These nsSNPs/mutations have the potential causing an increase or decrease of tumorigenesis because increasing of COX-2 stability and its binding affinity can lead to altering its activity.

BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) main product is Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) which cause mitogenesis and inflammation. COX-2 is the product of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) gene expression. COX-2 dysregulation can cause angiogenesis, differentiation, and promotion of cancer and its suppression related to control of the tumor's size, number, and cell shape. This study focused on the association of COX-2 expression with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) among Iranian patients on mRNA level and in the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) colon and rectum RNAseq dataset, and its relation with pathological features. METHODS: PTGS2 expression was assayed by quantitative-PCR method from 90 tissue samples collected from 45 participants. The control samples come from the non-tumor area of the same patients. The data analyzed based on ΔΔCq. The PTGS2-RNAseq data extracted and analyzed by UCSC Xena browser, and its association assessed the occurrence of CRC and invasive-features. RESULTS: PTGS2 showed very significant over-expression in tumor tissues (p< 0.0001) with an N-fold expression of 2.25. But, there was not any significant association between PTGS2 and CRC invasive-pathological features such as Lymphatic, vascular and perineural invasion, the Grades of cancer, and Pathologic-M in both parts of this study. CONCLUSION: The increase in PTGS2 is related to the occurrence of CRC among patient samples. But in both part of this study, PTGS2 is not an invasive factor, and it does not affect the cell differentiation of tumors and metastasis. Based on the high N-fold for patient samples, it can be a strong candidate as a CRC initiator biomarker.

Recent studies have demonstrated that making the sorts of oxygen reactive, such as nitric oxide, can cause oxidative lipid damage, protein damage, and damage to the DNA of cells. Sperm DNA damage effect on the reduction of sperm mobility and damage of acrosome membrane lead to the inability of sperm to fertilize the oocyte. Increasing expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene is seen in various diseases such as cardiovascular and infertility diseases. This study aimed to assess the association between eNOS gene single nucleotide polymorphism/SNP (rs2070744, T786C) and risk of male infertility and the quality of sperm parameters in an Iranian population. In this case-control study, 100 infertile men were enrolled as a patient group. Control groups consisted of 100 fertile men. T786C genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results showed that T786C SNP, contained frequent genotype TC (p = 0.000; OR = 0.000; 95% CI = 0.000-0.015), TC + CC genotypes (p = 0.000; OR = 0.000; 95% CI = 0.000-0.015), and C allele (p = 0.000; OR = 0.00; 95% CI = 0.000-0.007), revealed a significant with male infertility. Based on the findings of this study suggested that although T786C SNP could not be applied as an appropriate genetic risk factor for male infertility, it probably may be considered a protective marker for other researchers. However, more comprehensive studies in different populations are required to confirm our data.

Many studies in the field of cold plasma and its application in medicine and biology have been done recently. Some of them reported that cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) discharge accelerates blood clotting because factor VIII (FVIII) is a plasma glycoprotein that may play a role in the coagulation cascade. In this study, we aim to assess the effect of APPJ discharge on factor VIII antigen (FVIII:Ag) in healthy and hemophilic patients. Therefore, the variations of FVIII:Ag in healthy plasma samples and hemophilic plasma samples at the times of 0, 4, 8 and 16 s treatment with APPJ were measured by ELISA technique. Additionally, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test was used to check the blood coagulation rate at different treatment times. Our findings showed that the amount of FVIII:Ag in healthy samples was high to low in seconds 4 > 8 > 16 > 0. The APTT results showed that APPJ increases the blood clot formation, but in hemophilic plasma samples, APPJ reduces the clot formation speed and FVIII:Ag concentration. Accordingly, the APPJ discharge elicited a slight increase in FVIII:Ag concentration in short-term treatment, which could be involved in blood coagulation. Moreover, the effects of APPJ discharge on other coagulation factors need further studies.

The Great Gerbil, Rhombomys opimus, is widely distributed in degraded and fragmented desert and semi-desert habitats of the Iranian Plateau. Recent habitat fragmentation from overgrazing by livesto...

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible inflammatory enzyme, which produces prostanoids from arachidonic acid. COX-2 overexpression and over-activity can cause inflammation, tumorigenesis, and angiogenesis. Prostanoids are the main reason for the inflammation, and increase of mitogenesis by COX-2. So, any change such as mutations that can lead to COX-2 over-activity could ignite the tumor situations with increase of prostanoids production is one of its ways. The aim of this study was to check the effect of 166 missense mutations of COX-2 on protein features that can affect the COX-2 activity such as protein stability, fluctuation, 2D structure, and its binding affinity with the substrate by in silico methods, network modeling, and docking calculations, by which 44 of them shown to be deleterious. Among them, the S124I and S474F mutations can increase the stability of the protein. 11.36% of deleterious nsSNPs were part of the substrate-binding region among which the M508T, H337R, and V511G have the potential to affect the protein by 2D structure alteration. V511G can improve binding affinity and H337R showed a small decrease in the deformation overall energy that can represent a decrease in the stability of COX-2. Also, L517S showed a significant decrease in the binding power of COX-2/substrate but based on the anisotropic network modeling this mutation has a dual effect on COX-2 stability. These nsSNPs/mutations have the potential causing an increase or decrease of tumorigenesis because increasing of COX-2 stability and its binding affinity can lead to altering its activity.

The current study aimed to assess the association between collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP: rs2070739; CT; G1405S) and mandibular skeletal malocclusions in the population of Mazandaran (North Iran).During 13 months, 102 control samples, 81 samples with skeletal Class III malocclusion contributed by mandibular prognathism and 82 samples with skeletal Class II malocclusion contributed by mandibular retrognathism were screened. Cephalometric analysis was performed to determine the type of abnormalities. COL2A1-G1405S genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The HOPE tool was used to investigate the effect of COL2A1-G1405S on the three-dimensional structure of protein.Results showed that there is no significant correlation between genotypes and alleles related to COL2A1-G1405S and mandibular prognathism (CT genotype: p-value= 0.210; T allele: p-value= 0.222). On the other hand, an association was observed between COL2A1-G1405S and mandibular retrognathism (CT genotype: p-value= 0.008; T allele: p-value= 0.011). The outputs of the HOPE tool also showed that COL2A1-G1405S can disrupt the NC1 domain of the protein.Here, we provide evidence that COL2A1-G1405S polymorphism may have positive correlation with the risk of skeletal Class II malocclusion contributed by mandibular retrognathism in the population of Mazandaran. Given that the COL2A1-G1405S occurs in NC1 domain, it is possible that this domain plays an important role in signaling pathways related to ossification. So, we suggest that the study of COL2A1 SNPs can help researchers understand the significant role of this collagen in mandibular skeletal malocclusions.

The cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) is one of the effective tools with medical applications that its positive effects have been reported by various researchers, including sterilization of liquid and solid surfaces, treatment of chronic wounds, treatment of cancer tumors, and blood clots. This study investigated the effects of APPJ discharge on the two species of Earthworms (Aporrectodea trapezoides and Eisenia fetida). The APPJ discharge for different time durations, zero as a blank, 5, 10, 20, and 30 seconds, on these two species. Then some of these effects on the worms, including regeneration ability to miss segments, Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase activity (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), cell death, total proteins, and protein profile in the coelomic fluid were investigated. Results showed levels of TAC and CAT increased after plasma treatment. In addition, a significant change was not observed in MDA levels and cell death. In summary, it can be concluded that APPJ exposure up to 40 seconds didn’t inhibit effects on the TAC levels of the earthworms and the defense system was able to fight oxidative stress and by increasing the expression of some proteins APPJ lead to better regeneration.

Dioxins (eg, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin/TCDD), as environmental endocrine disruptors and toxic carcinogens, can affect male reproductive health. The influence of dioxins is mediated via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway and its repressor (AhRR). In this study, we investigated the association of AhRR-c.565C>G transversion polymorphism with male infertility. In a hospital-based case-control study, 221 semen samples (111 infertile and 110 healthy controls) based on World Health Organization guidelines were collected from in vitro fertilization centers of Babol, Iran. The AhRR-c.565C>G (rs2292596) polymorphism was genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The difference in the allele frequency of AhRR-c.565C>G transversion polymorphism did not reach a significant level. The genotype frequency was statistically significantly different between fertile and infertile men. We found that polymorphism rs2292596 (Pro185Ala) was statistically significantly associated with the risk of male infertility. In addition, the statistical difference became more significant when the frequency was compared between the Pro/Pro genotype and the Pro/Ala plus Ala/Ala genotype. The 185 Pro wild-type alleles of AhRR may be associated with the risk of male infertility. The proallele also may diminish inhibition of AhR-mediated signaling of exposure to environmental pollutants.

Progressive abnormality and loss of axons and neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) cause neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Protein misfolding and its collection are the most important pathological features of NDs. Astrocytes are the most plentiful cells in the mammalian CNS (about 20–40% of the human brain) and have several central functions in the maintenance of the health and correct function of the CNS. Astrocytes have an essential role in the preservation of brain homeostasis, and it is not surprising that these multifunctional cells have been implicated in the onset and progression of several NDs. Thus, they become an exciting target for the study of NDs. Over almost 15 years, it was revealed that curcumin has several therapeutic effects in a wide variety of diseases’ treatment. Curcumin is a valuable ingredient present in turmeric spice and has several essential roles, including those which are anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, thrombosuppressive, cardioprotective, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, chemopreventive, chemotherapeutic, and anti-infectious. Furthermore, curcumin can suppress inflammation; promote angiogenesis; and treat diabetes, pulmonary problems, and neurological dysfunction. Here, we review the effects of curcumin on astrocytes in NDs, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple scleroses, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In the current study, a decellularized ovary scaffold was used for the encapsulation and development of preantral follicles. Maturation and the expression of the related genes were evaluated and compared against in vivo conditions. Mature rat ovaries were decellularized and decellularization was confirmed using hematoxylin/eosin and Hoechst stains. Collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) preservation and the extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture were evaluated by Masson���s trichrome staining, Alcian blue staining, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Raman confocal microscopy and DNA quantification were performed to show DNA and cell debris depletion and ECM retention. Preantral follicles of mice were cultured for 12 days in the decellularized (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) conditions. Finally, the survival rate, antrum formation rate and diameters of follicles, levels of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), and expression of the ZP2, Gdf9, Bmp6, and Bmp15 genes were evaluated in the 2D and 3D culture systems. On day 13 of culture, oocyte maturation was induced by hCG. Although histochemical tests showed partial retention of ECM, Raman confocal microscopy showed some extent of ECM washing out along with the depletion of DNA and cell debris. However, SEM showed the preservation of the ovarian ECM���s ultrastructure. The survival rate of follicles was similar, but the antrum formation rate, concentrations of E2 and P4, and oocyte maturation rate were significantly higher in 3D compared with 2D. The level of ZP2, Gdf9, Bmp6, and Bmp15 gene expression in follicles matured in 2D, 3D, and in vivo was statistically similar. In all matured follicles, their gene expression levels significantly declined relative to preantral follicles. Ovarian follicles that matured in the decellularized ovaries demonstrated the same follicular growth and maturation gene expression levels as those that grew in the natural ovary. This is consistent with using the decellularized ovary as a scaffold suitable for ovarian reconstruction. GAG: glycosaminoglycan; ECM: extracellular matrix; 2D: two-dimensional; E2: estradiol; P4: progesterone; BMP15: bone morphogenetic protein 15; GDF9: growth differentiation factor 9; ZP2: zona pellucida 2; Gdf9: growth/differentiation factor-9; Bmp6: bone morphogenetic protein 6; Bmp15: bone morphogenetic protein 15.

The angiogenesis process is a pivotal cellular process involved in both developmental and pathological circumstances. In this study we investigated effect of Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA), as an unusual phyto-lectin from the chitin-binding protein family, on the angiogenesis of chicken embryos. The UDA was extracted from plant rhizomes and purified by affinity chromatography column. The activity of this lectin was assayed by hemagglutination test on the human RBCs. Anti-angiogenic effect of UDA on the extra-embryonic layer of the chick egg was studied in the different concentrations. Our results showed that the minimum concentration of UDA for agglutination were 48.00 and 15.00 µg mL

The Great Gerbil, Rhombomys opimus, is widely distributed in degraded and fragmented desert and semi-desert habitats of the Iranian Plateau. Recent habitat fragmentation from overgrazing by livestock and a government-sponsored rodent control programme threaten to isolate populations and increase their susceptibility to inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. We examined genetic data of the Great Gerbil in a region where they are data deficient to understand how distance, geography, and anthropogenic factors influence genetic population structure and genetic diversity at the landscape level. We extracted genomic DNA from 109 blood samples collected from nine populations across the Iran’s landscape and amplified four microsatellite loci to examine levels of genetic diversity and genetic population structure. Our analysis revealed two genetic clusters (K=2) that corresponded to R. opimus sodalis in the north slope of the Alborz Mountains (AM) and Kopet-Dagh Mountains (KDM) and R. opimus sargadensis in the south slope of AM and KDM. However, the observed genetic population structure could not be fully explained by north and south slopes of AM and KDM. Genetic variation was low to relatively high (FST ranged from 0.015 to 0.167) and was significant among some populations. We did not find a correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance, which indicates that the geographical distance was not an influential factor in genetic differentiation of the species in Iran. Genetic diversity within the populations studied appears to be the result of a complex mixture of limited local dispersal, social structure favoring female philopatry, and common ancestral frequencies.

Populus caspica Bornm. (section Leuce and subsection Albida), one of the most endangered endemic tree species in the Hyrcanian Forest in Iran, has numerous morphological characteristics that are closely similar to Populus alba; to clarify their taxonomic relatedness and genetic differentiation and thus inform conservation strategies, we used the noncoding regions of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA; trnL-F and trnH-psbA) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Leaf samples were collected from six populations across northern Iran. cpDNA and ITS fragments were amplified by universal primers using the PCR technique and directed sequencing. The results showed that P. caspica is genetically differentiated from P. alba, and two ITS variants were detected within some P. caspica individuals. Conflicts between topologies from ITS and plastid genomes were observed. High differentiation of P. caspica from the other Populus species shown in this study confirmed the diverging taxonomic status of this endangered species. We recommend in situ conservation measures (e.g., protected areas) for at least several populations of this species, especially in the plain regions of the Hyrcanian forest.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Mitochondria play a crucial role in energy metabolism for the survival and motility of sperm during fertilization. The aim of this study was to determine the association of large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletions with abnormal sperm motility and morphology in asthenoteratozoospermic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this case-control study, 41 semen samples were collected from 18 normozoospermic healthy men and 23 asthenoteratozoospermic patients, according to the WHO guidelines. The swim-up technique was used for separation of spermatozoa on the basis of their motility. Long-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for screening of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) large-scale deletions, and primer shift PCR was used for confirmation of deletions. RESULTS The mean sperm motility, normal morphology, and progressive motility in asthenoteratozoospermic patients were significantly lower than in the normozoospermic group (P

A magnetically separable Fe3 O4 @CdS type-II core-shell nanohybrid (NH) photocatalyst, with excellent antibacterial properties and photocatalytic activity, was synthesized and characterized by means of structural, elemental, and morphological analyses. Steady-state and time-resolved emission and absorption spectroscopy were also exploited to realize the location of charge-carrier wave functions in the NHs. The antibacterial activity of NHs was then evaluated against Escherichia coli (1.4×108 CFU mL-1 ; CFU=colony forming units) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (1.2×108 CFU mL-1 ) as model strains of Gram-negative and -positive microbes. Compared with CdS and Fe3 O4 , the as-synthesized Fe3 O4 @CdS composite exhibited highly improved bactericidal activity and recyclability. Concentration values of 5.0 and 4.0 mg mL-1 were required for Fe3 O4 @CdS NHs to inhibit the growth of E. coli and S. saprophyticus, respectively. The contribution of OH. radicals to photocatalysis at the Fe3 O4 @CdS surface was also considered. Moreover, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyl assay protocols have been exploited to monitor levels of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins in cells. Additionally, the photocatalytic activity of Fe3 O4 @CdS NHs was monitored for the degradation of xylenol orange dye. Compared with CdS and Fe3 O4 , as-synthesized Fe3 O4 @CdS displayed superior performances in the photodegradation of xylenol orange. Possible mechanisms involved in the degradation of xylenol orange are also discussed.

Here, we combined the benefits of reverse type-I core/shell quantum dots (CSQDs) and co-catalysts to improve both the performance and durability of reverse type-I CSQDs in photocatalytic antibacterial applications. For this purpose, co-catalysts of Ag and PdS were loaded on the surface of ZnS/CdS CSQDs to facilitate the spatial separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes in the as-synthesized CSQDs. Time-resolved and steady-state emission spectroscopy in the presence and absence of quenchers (electron quenching: NO3− and hole quenching: 4-methoxyphenol) was exploited to map out the distribution of the electron/hole wave functions in Ag-PdS/ZnS/CdS nanohybrids. The antibacterial activities of the as-synthesized samples were also studied using broth tube dilution and paper disc diffusion approaches against S. saprophyticus and E. coli as model strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative microbes. The as-synthesized Ag-PdS/ZnS/CdS nanohybrid showed enhanced efficiencies in the photodecomposition of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms compared to ZnS/CdS, ZnS and CdS. The roles of O2˙− and OH˙ in the bactericidal action of Ag-PdS/ZnS/CdS were investigated through chemiluminescence and fluorescence approaches, respectively. Finally, the simultaneous effects of radical species on lipid peroxidation and on the proteome were investigated.

Aim: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a decisive role in the regulation of tumor progression by manipulating tumor oncogenesis, angiogenesis, and immune functions within tumor microenvironments. Tumor progression is frequently associated with a phenotypic switch from M1 to M2 in TAM. Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in TAM lead to tumor-induced immunosuppression. STAT3 is usually constitutively activated in a variety of malignancies. Consequently, STAT3 has emerged as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. Materials and Methods: In this study, J774A.1 cell line which is an M2 macrophage and overexpress STAT3 was cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium supplemented by fetal bovine serum. Then, the STAT3 silencing was evaluated by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using oligofectamine containing STAT3 short interfering RNA (siRNA). Oligofectamine containing STAT3 siRNA and control siRNA were added at a final concentration of 100 nM siRNA. The untransfected cells were considered as control group. Results: The semi-quantitative RT-PCR studies showed that J774A.1 cells express a high level of STAT3. Incubation of J774A.1 cells with oligofectamine containing STAT3 siRNA knockdown the STAT3 expression significantly both in 48 and 72 h study; however, the effect was more pronounced in 72 h study. Conclusion: The expression of STAT3 in J774A.1 cells confirmed that these cells are M2 macrophage. Moreover, silencing of STAT3 by siRNA delivery using oligofectamine delivery suggests that siRNA delivery using vehicles like nanoliposome could be a useful therapeutic agent in M2 macrophage therapy and its switch to M1 macrophages. This approach could be considered as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of all cancers.