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This study compared the prophylactic effects from vaccines based on dendritic cells (DCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by pulsing the cells in-vitro with p5 peptide. The different test groups of mice were injected with free peptide or with peptide pulsed with DCs or PBMCs. Two weeks after the last booster dose, immunological tests were performed on splenocyte suspensions from three mice in each group and the remaining mice (5/each group) were evaluated for tumor growth and survival time. The levels of IFN-[gamma], granzyme B, and IL-10 were detected in T cells. Additionally, [GAMMA]FN-[gamma] and perforin as well as mRNA levels of some genes associated with immune responses were assessed after challenging the splenocytes with TUBO cells. A significant increase was observed in frequency of CD4+ IFN-[[gamma].sup.+],CD[8.sup.+] LFN-[[gamma].sup.+],and CD[8.sup.+] granzyme [B.sup.+] T cells, and the perforin of supernatants from mice in the DC and PBMC treatment groups. Significant expression levels of Fas ligand (FasL)and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) were observed in the DC and PBMC groups. These responses led to smaller tumors and longer survival time in our mouse model of breast cancer. The efficacy of the PBMC-based vaccine in improving the protective immune response makes it a simpler and less expensive candidate vaccine compared with DC-based vaccines. Key words: peripheral blood mononuclear cells, dendritic cells, peptide vaccine, breast cancer, active immunity. Cette etude visait a comparer les effets prophylactiques de vaccins a base de cellules dendritiques (CD) et de cellules mononucleaires du sang peripherique (PBMC) en les stimulant in vitro avec le peptide p5. Les differents groupes de souris ont recu des injections de peptide libre ou de peptide incube avec les CD ou les PBMC. Deux semaines apres la derniere dose de rappel, des tests immunologiques ont ete effectues sur des suspensions de splenocytes de trois souris de chaque groupe, et les souris restantes (5/chaque groupe) ont ete evaluees pour la croissance de la tumeur et le temps de survie. L'IFN-[gamma],la granzyme B et l'IL-10 ont ete detectes dans les cellules T. En outre, l'IFN-[gamma] et la perforine ainsi que les niveaux d'ARNm de certains genes associes a la reponse immunitaire ont ete evalues apres une provocation des splenocytes avec les cellules TUBO. Une augmentation significative a ete observee dans la frequence des cellules T CD4+ LFN-[[gamma].sup.+],CD[8.sup.+] IFN-[[gamma].sup.+] et CD8+ granzyme B+, et de perforine dans les surnageants des groupes CD et PBMC. Une expression significative de FasL (Fas ligand)et de Foxp3 (forkhead box P3) a ete observee dans les groupes CD et PBMC. Ces reponses ont conduit a une reduction de la taille des tumeurs et a un allongement de la duree de survie dans le modele tumoral chez la souris. L'efficacite de ce vaccin a base de PBMC pour ameliorer la reponse immunitaire protectrice en fait un candidat vaccin plus simple et moins cher queles vaccins a basedeCD. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: cellules mononucleaires du sang peripherique, cellules dendritiques, vaccin peptidique, cancer du sein, immunite active., Introduction There have been rapid advancements in synthesized therapeutic vaccines for cancer, and they are considered one of the main treatments for cancer after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy [...]

BackgroundNanoparticles have wide range of application while there are some reports regarding their probable effects on male reproductive system and spermatozoa.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (70nm) on acrosome of rat spermatozoa and number of spermatogenic cells.Materials and methodsIn this experimental study, in experimental group, 32 male wistar rats (8 rats/group) received oral feeding AgNPs every 12 hr in one spermatogenesis period (48 days) by means of gavages in 25, 50 , 100 and 200 mg/kg concentration (experimental groups 1-4, respectively). The control group (8 rats) was treated on schedule with distilled water. Spermatozoa were stained by triple staining protocol for acrosome reaction. Histological evaluation on testis sections was performed using tissue processing and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining.ResultsThere was significant difference between the control group and the experimental group 1 for acrosome reaction (11.00±0.00 and 24.25±3.68, respectively, p=0.01). There was only significant reduction in spermatogonia cells in experimental group 4. Experimental groups 2, 3 and 4 showed a significant reduction in the number of primary spermatocytes and spermatids as well as spermatozoa. But there were no significant differences between different groups for Sertoli cell number and seminiferous tubule diameter.ConclusionIt seems that Ag NPs have acute and significant effects on spermatogenesis and number of spermatogenic cells and also on acrosome reaction in sperm cells. More experimental investigations are necessary to elucidate better conclusion regarding the safety of nanoparticles on male reproduction system.

Background: Despite of long-lasting efforts, in more than 50% of cases, the etiology of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) remains unknown. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has an essential role in the reproductive process, such as modulating inflammatory responses. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the LIF gene expression as well as serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and occurrence of RSA in infertile women with a history of RSA. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the relative gene expression levels of LIF, concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-17 were measured in peripheral blood and serum of women with a history of RSA (N=40) compared with non-pregnant and fertile women as the control group (N=40) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Results: The mean age of patients and controls was 30.1 ± 4.28 and 30.03 ± 4.23, respectively. Patients had a history of at least 2 and at most 6 abortions. The mRNA levels of LIF were significantly lower in the women with RSA in comparison with the healthy participant (P=0.003). Regarding cytokine levels, no significant difference was seen between the two groups (P≥0.05). There was no correlation - between the LIF mRNA levels and TNF-α and IL-17 serum concentrations. The U-Mann-Whitney test and the Pearson correlation coefficient were applied to comparison variables between groups as well as a correlation between LIF mRNA and cytokine levels in serum. Conclusion: Despite a significant reduction in the LIF gene mRNA level in patients with RSA, it was not associated with increases in inflammatory cytokines. Dysfunction in the production of LIF protein may be involved in the onset of RSA disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: In recent years, smoking water pipes or hookah has increased among adolescents in most countries. Although there is evidence in support of the negative effects of this type of smoking on human health, such as the increased risk of lung disease, little is known about the potential effects of hookah smoking on the male reproductive system, especially on the molecular aspects of sperm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined sperm DNA fragmentation index, protamine 1 and 2 (PRM1 and PRM2) genes expression, and oxidant status in normozoospermic hookah smokers in comparison with non-smoker controls. RESULTS: Our results showed significantly higher rates of DNA fragmentation, protamine deficiency, and abnormal chromatin condensation in the spermatozoa of hookah smokers (P < .0001). Also, protamine gene expression showed a remarkable decrease in hookah smokers (1.55 ± 2.54 and 0.33 ± 0.54) compared to the controls (3.49 ± 5.41 and 1.22 ± 1.96), although the reduction was not statistically significant (P= .155 and P = .066, respectively). Moreover, a significantly higher level of semen MDA was observed in the case group compared to the controls (0.39 ± 1.04 vs 0.15 ± 0.21; P = .013). CONCLUSION: According to our study, although hookah smoking does not have a significant effect on sperm parameters, it may have deleterious effects on DNA integrity, oxidative status, and nuclear protein levels of spermatozoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): This study aims to evaluate the in vivo anticancer activity of arginine-reduced graphene (Gr-Arg) and ginsenoside Rh2-containing arginine-reduced graphene (Gr-Arg-Rh2). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two mice with breast cancer were divided into four groups and treated every three days for 32 days: Group 1, PBS, Group 2, Rh2, Group 3, Gr-Arg, and Group 4, Gr-Arg-Rh2. The tumor size and weight, gene expression (IL10, INF-γ, TGFß, and FOXP3), and pathological properties of the tumor and normal tissues were assessed. Results: Results showed a significant decrease in TGFß expression for all drug treatment groups compared with the controls (P=0.04). There was no significant difference among the groups regarding IL10 and FOXP3 gene expression profiles (P>0.05). Gr-Arg-Rh2 significantly inhibited tumor growth (size and weight) compared with Rh2 and control groups. The highest survival rate and the highest percentage of tumor necrosis (87.5%) belonged to the Gr-Arg-Rh2 group. Lungs showed metastasis in the control group. No metastasis was observed in the Gr-Arg-Rh2 group. Gr-Arg-Rh2 showed partial degeneration of hepatocytes and acute cell infiltration in the portal spaces and around the central vein. The Gr-Arg group experienced a moderate infiltration of acute cells into the port spaces and around the central vein. The Rh2 group also showed a mild infiltration of acute and chronic cells in portal spaces. Conclusion: Based on the results, Gr-Arg-Rh2 can reduce tumor size, weight, and growth, TGF-ß gene expression, and increase tumor necrosis and survival time in mice with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amygdalin is a potential therapeutically target in cancer. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of amygdalin in the mice model of breast cancer. We assessed the percentage of CD4, CD8 T lymphocyte, intracellular IFN-γ, and Granzyme B in spleen cells of tumorized mice treated with 50 and 150 mg/kg of amygdalin (AG50 and AG150), and determined the expression of caspase 3 and p53, tumor size, and survival rate of Balb/c mice in tumor tissue after amygdalin administration. No significant difference was observed in the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the three study groups. However, a significantly increased level of granzyme B in CD8+ T cells, as well as a significant decrease in the level of IL-10 in CD4+ T cells was detected in the AG50 group compared to the AG150. There was no significant difference in the expression of caspase 3 and P53 between the two groups. A significant change was seen in tumor size and survival rate of AG50 and AG150 groups compared to the controls. Our findings indicate that the antitumor effect of amygdalin in vivo was probably due to stimulating the effective immune response, and not the apoptotic genes induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the expression of genes associated with the fertilisation potential and embryo development, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and acrosome reaction in male partners of infertile couples with different sperm parameters compared to fertile men. First, male partners of infertile couples with abnormal (N = 25) and normal sperm parameters (N = 25), and fertile men (N = 10) were included in experimental groups I, II, and controls respectively. The mRNA levels of the Annexin A2 (ANXA2), Sperm protein 17 (SP17), Plasma serine protease inhibitor (SERPINA5), and Peroxiredoxin‐2 (PRDX2) genes and SDF were evaluated. To evaluate the maturity of the sperm and oxidative stress, the acrosome reaction, the lipid peroxidation, and total antioxidant were measured. As result, SP17 showed a significantly lower expression in both experimental groups. SERPINA5 was significantly down‐regulated in experimental group I that was aligned with the low rate of acrosome reaction. Significant overexpression of PRDX2 was found between experimental group II and controls. Significant higher rates of SDF were seen in both experimental groups compared to the controls. Finally, our data suggest that differentially gene expression of SP17 is a potential diagnostic biomarker in infertile men either with normal or abnormal sperm parameters. SDF is one of the causes of male infertility, independent of the sperm parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]