Diagnostic potential of new linear epitopes derived from the N-terminal domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Glycoprotein S.

Background And Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a new linear epitope from the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein in the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Materials And Methods: Serum samples from patients were confirmed to have COVID-19 by means of RT-PCR. The linear epitope sequence of the NTD was amplified by RT-PCR, inserted into an expression vector, and produced in (DE3) pLysS.

Therapeutic implications of obeticholic acid, a farnesoid X receptor agonist, in the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis, a serious consequence of chronic liver disease, is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and impaired liver function. Obeticholic acid (OCA) is an agonist of the farnesoid X receptors (FXRs) that modulates multiple pathways, including bile acid and lipid metabolism, intestinal microbiome balance, and inflammatory responses. Recently, OCA has been investigated as a treatment for liver fibrosis.

Recent developments in peptide vaccines against Glioblastoma, a review and update.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent invasive CNS tumor, with a high incidence rate and a high likelihood of recurrence in most patients. Despite available treatments, recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) exhibits growing resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which necessitates the development of newer methods of treatment. Peptide vaccines, a type of cancer immunotherapy, have recently attracted attention as a potentially practical therapeutic approach because they target tumor-associated or tumor-specific antigens to generate an effective immune response against cancer cells.

Preventing MSC aging and enhancing immunomodulation: Novel strategies for cell-based therapies.

The efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) mediated regenerative therapies has been hindered by the senescence of them during long period cultures. Aged MSCs exhibit altered morphology, decreased stemmas, changed intercellular communication, and poor differentiation ability. Besides in physiological condition, upon transplantation of senescent MSCs, they are capable of activating both the innate and adaptive immune systems, playing a crucial role in preserving tissue homeostasis.

An update on the effect of metals on stemness properties of mesenchymal stem cells.

The metal-based devices may corrode, degrade, or release metal ions and fragments after being implanted in the body, exhibiting their own consequences on hosting organs/tissues. The biocompatibility of metal implants has been investigated in various studies using a number of cell types. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are more relevant cells than others for evaluating the cytocompatibility of metal-based orthopedic implants because they are essential cells for bone regeneration and a promising cell population in regenerative medicine.

Recent advances on modeling retinal disease: Towards efficient gene/drug therapy.

Advanced modeling biotechnologies are required to understand retinal diseases and develop effective treatments based on the patient's genetic background, lifestyle, and environment. In this work, recent advances in different types of study models that are used in the retinal disease area of research will be explored. The retinal models to be covered are: in vivo systems (human and animal), in vitro organisms (cell lines, primary cells, patient-derived stem cells, microfluidics, organoids, and spheroids), ex vivo models (explant cultures and retinal tissue preparations), and in silico models (computational and mathematical).

Current nano drug delivery systems for targeting head and neck squamous cell carcinoma microenvironment: a narrative review.

The treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a significant hurdle in clinical oncology, primarily due to the tumor's intricate and immune-suppressing environment, its diverse genetic and observable characteristics, and its tendency to spread locally and to distant sites, further complicated by the development of drug insensitivity. Standard treatment approaches frequently fall short in effectively managing these complex features. This article provides a critical assessment of the developing area of sophisticated drug delivery methods (DDSs) aimed at improving treatment results in HNSCC.

The AhR/P38 MAPK pathway mediates kynurenine-induced cardiomyocyte damage: The dual role of resveratrol in apoptosis and autophagy.

Chronic kidney disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, partly due to uremic toxins, such as Kynurenine (KYN). While KYN contributes to tissue damage, its role in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy remains unclear. Resveratrol (RSV) can protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, whereas its specific effects on KYN-induced cardiomyopathy are less understood.

Isolation and Preliminary Characterization of a Novel scFv against : an Experimental and Computational Analysis.

Background: Since the initial outbreak, the virus has continued to circulate and mutate, resulting in the emergence of new viral sublineages. Due to the lack of effective protection and therapeutic measures against these new variants, the virus is able to further evolve and diversify. This study aimed to screen a phage antibody library to identify monoclonal antibodies in single-chain variable fragment (scFv) format that target the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of different strains.

Co-delivery of hsa-miR-34a and 3-methyl adenine by a self-assembled cellulose-based nanocarrier for enhanced anti-tumor effects in HCC.

The simultaneous delivery of oligonucleotides and small molecules has garnered significant interest in cancer therapy. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment is hindered by limited efficacy and significant side effects. Homo sapiens microRNA-34a (hsa-miR-34a) has tumor suppressor properties and like small molecule 3-methyl adenine (3MA) can inhibit autophagy.

Metastatic melanoma: An integrated analysis to identify critical regulators associated with prognosis, pathogenesis and targeted therapies.

Metastatic melanoma causes a high rate of mortality. We conducted an integrated analysis to identify critical regulators associated with the prognosis, pathogenesis, and targeted therapies of metastatic-melanoma. A microarray dataset, GSE15605, including 12 metastatic-melanoma and sixteen normal skin (NS) samples, were obtained from the GEO database.

Design and in silico analysis of a novel peptide-based multiepitope vaccine against glioblastoma multiforme by targeting tumor-associated macrophage.

CD204 is a distinct indicator for tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in glioma. Evidence indicates that CD204-positive TAMs are involved in the aggressive behavior of various types of cancers. This study was conducted to develop a new and effective peptide-based vaccine for GBM, specifically targeting CD204.

Innovative approaches to tissue engineering: Utilizing decellularized extracellular matrix hydrogels for mesenchymal stem cell transport.

In recent years, the realm of tissue regeneration experienced significant advancements, leading to the development of innovative therapeutic agents. The systemic delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) emerged as a promising strategy for promoting tissue regeneration. However, this approach is hindered by hurdles such as poor cell survival, limited cell propagation, and inadequate cell integration.

Autophagy-based therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: from standard treatments to combination therapy, oncolytic virotherapy, and targeted nanomedicines.

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been identified as a significant cause of mortality worldwide. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms of autophagy in the pathogenesis of the disease, with the aim of developing novel therapeutic agents. Targeting autophagy with conventional therapies in invasive HCC has opened up new opportunities for treatment.

Deciphering the multifaceted role of microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Integrating literature review and bioinformatics analysis for therapeutic insights.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of HCC pathogenesis, influencing key processes such as self-renewal, angiogenesis, glycolysis, autophagy, and metastasis. This article integrates findings from a comprehensive literature review and bioinformatics analysis to elucidate the role of miRNAs in HCC.

Harnessing HEK293 cell-derived exosomes for hsa-miR-365a-3p delivery: Potential application in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent form of liver malignancy, and curing it is very challenging. Restoring tumor suppressor microRNAs could trigger the initiation of cellular anticancer mechanisms. Exosomes are nanosized biocarriers capable of fusing with cell membranes and delivering their cargo.

Development of a Composite Hydrogel Containing Statistically Optimized PDGF-Loaded Polymeric Nanospheres for Skin Regeneration: In Vitro Evaluation and Stem Cell Differentiation Studies.

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is a polypeptide growth factor generated by platelet granules faced to cytokines. It plays a role in forming and remodeling various tissue types, including epithelial tissue, through interaction with cell-surface receptors on most mesenchymal origin cells. However, it breaks down quickly in biological fluids, emphasizing the importance of preserving them from biodegradation.

Hyaluronic Acid-Targeted Niosomes for Effective Breast Cancer Chemostarvation Therapy.

Chemotherapy is widely used for cancer therapy; however, its efficacy is limited due to poor targeting specificity and severe side effects. Currently, the next generations of delivery systems with multitasking potential have attracted significant attention for cancer therapy. This study reports on the design and synthesis of a multifunctional nanoplatform based on niosomes (NIO) coloaded with paclitaxel (PTX), a chemotherapeutic drug commonly used to treat breast cancer, and sodium oxamate (SO), a glycolytic inhibitor to enhance the cytotoxicity of anticancer drug, along with quantum dots (QD) as bioimaging agents, and hyaluronic acid (HA) coating for active targeting.

Development of nano-liposomal human growth hormone as a topical formulation for preventing uvb-induced skin damage.

Due to its involvement in skin maintenance and repair, topical administration of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is an interesting strategy for therapeutic purposes. We have formulated and characterized a topical rhGH-loaded liposomal formulation (rhGH-Lip) and evaluated its safety, biological activity, and preventive role against UVB-induced skin damage. The rhGH-Lip had an average size and zeta potential of 63 nm and -33 mV, respectively, with 70 % encapsulation efficiency.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of cell adhesion and long-term proliferation of stem cells cultured on silibinin co-embedded PLGA/Collagen electrospun composite nanofibers.

The present research aims to evaluate the efficacy of Silibinin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Sil@MSNs) immobilized into polylactic-co-glycolic acid/Collagen (PLGA/Col) nanofibers on the in vitro proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and cellular senescence. Here, the fabricated electrospun PLGA/Col composite scaffolds were coated with Sil@MSNs and their physicochemical properties were examined by FTIR, FE-SEM, and TGA. The growth, viability and proliferation of ASCs were investigated using various biological assays including PicoGreen, MTT, and RT-PCR after 21 days.

An update on the secretory functions of brown, white, and beige adipose tissue: Towards therapeutic applications.

Adipose tissue, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), and beige adipose tissue, is vital in modulating whole-body energy metabolism. While WAT primarily stores energy, BAT dissipates energy as heat for thermoregulation. Beige adipose tissue is a hybrid form of adipose tissue that shares characteristics with WAT and BAT.

A Systematic Review of Stem Cell Differentiation into Keratinocytes for Regenerative Applications.

To improve wound healing or treatment of other skin diseases, and provide model cells for skin biology studies, in vitro differentiation of stem cells into keratinocyte-like cells (KLCs) is very desirable in regenerative medicine. This study examined the most recent advancements in in vitro differentiation of stem cells into KLCs, the effect of biofactors, procedures, and preparation for upcoming clinical cases. A range of stem cells with different origins could be differentiated into KLCs under appropriate conditions.

Uncovering key molecular mechanisms in the early and late-stage of papillary thyroid carcinoma using association rule mining algorithm.

Objective: Thyroid Cancer (TC) is the most frequent endocrine malignancy neoplasm. It is the sixth cause of cancer in women worldwide. The treatment process could be expedited by identifying the controlling molecular mechanisms at the early and late stages, which can contribute to the acceleration of treatment schemes and the improvement of patient survival outcomes.

Obeticholic acid-loaded exosomes attenuate liver fibrosis through dual targeting of the FXR signaling pathway and ECM remodeling.

End-stage of liver fibrosis as a precancerous state could lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma which liver transplantation is the only effective treatment. Previous studies have indicated that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, such as obeticholic acid (OCA) protect against hepatic injuries. However, free OCA administration results in side effects in clinical trials that could be alleviated by applying bio carriers such as MSC-derived exosomes (Exo) with the potential to mimic the biological regenerative effect of their parent cells, as proposed in this study.