Cytotoxicity Assessment of Copper Nanoparticles (40nm) on the Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Viability

Abstract Background: Copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) induced angiogenesis, has been adapted to respond the most important challenging in wound healing. But due to the toxicity of nanoparticles, the nontoxic concentrations is important. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration and size of copper nanoparticles for investigating the effect of its cytotoxicity on the endothelial cell. Materials and Methods: In this study, we exposed Cu NPs (40nm) with concentrations of 1, 10, 100 μM and 1 ,10 mM to endothelial cells and evaluate its viability effect after 24, 48 and 72 hours, according to the MTS) Methy Thiazol Tetrazolium (assay. Its optical density was determined using an ELISA reader and then was recorded. Results: The findings demonstrated that Cu NPs was significantly (p<0.05) cytotoxic in concentration higher than 100 μM and cell viability was significantly increased following 48 and 72 hours in all concentrations, so that, the most difference was seen in 100 µM concentration. The IC50 values of Cu NPs at incubation time 24, 48 and 72 hours were 31.44, 36.67 and 29.38 μM. Conclusion: The results showed that different concentration of Cu NPs in the 48 and 72 hours didn’t cause any cytotoxicity effect, but it stimulated endothelial cell proliferation. Therefore, Cu NPs with dose and time dependent effect has been increased endothelial cell proliferation

Endothelin-1 level in scleroderma patients with and without fingertip pitting ulcer

Introduction:Scleroderma is a systemic disorder with unknown etiology most notably characterized by skin thickening and internal organ involvement. Endothelin-1 plays an important role in skin fibrosis. This study aimed to compare endothelin-1 level in scleroderma patients with and without fingertip pitting ulcer.Material and Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 95 patients with scleroderma who were referred to the Rheumatology Clinic in Shariati hospital, Tehran, during 2005-2006. A questionnaire was completed and then the level of endothelin-1was measured by taking 5 ml of venous blood sample. The data were analyzed using SPSS software and statistical tests. Results:The results indicated a significant association between endothelin-1 level and fingertip pitting ulcer, number of scars and simultaneous fingertip scars and pitting ulcers on the tips of fingers or toes. There was no significant relationship between age and the level of endothelin-1. Conclusion:These data indicated that the Endothelin-1 plasma level in scleroderma patients with pitting ulcer was higher than patients without pitting ulcer. Hence, increased plasma level of endothelin-1 might be effective in vascular damage, fibrosis and skin thickness

Systemic Infusion of Autologous Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Feasibility and Safety

Using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is regarded as a new therapeutic approach for improving fibrotic diseases. The aim of this study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of systemic infusion of autologous adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with expected peritoneal fibrosis. Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective, open-label, non-randomized, placebo-free, phase I clinical trial. Case group consisted of nine eligible renal failure patients with more than two years of history of being on PD. Autologous AD-MSCs were obtained through lipoaspiration and expanded under good manufacturing practice conditions. Patients received 1.2 ± 0.1×106 cell/kg of AD-MSCs via cubital vein and then were followed for six months at time points of baseline, and then 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 24 weeks after infusion. Clinical, biochemical and peritoneal equilibration test (PET) were performed to assess the safety and probable change in peritoneal solute transport parameters. Results: No serious adverse events and no catheter-related complications were found in the participants. 14 minor reported adverse events were self-limited or subsided after supportive treatment. One patient developed an episode of peritonitis and another patient experienced exit site infection, which did not appear to be related to the procedure. A significant decrease in the rate of solute transport across peritoneal membrane was detected by PET (D/P cr=0.77 vs. 0.73, P=0.02). Conclusion: This study, for the first time, showed the feasibility and safety of AD-MSCs in PD patients and the potentials for positive changes in solute transport. Further studies with larger samples, longer follow-up, and randomized blind control groups to elucidate the most effective route, frequency and dose of MSCs administration, are necessary (Registration Number: IRCT2015052415841N2)