Association of Fibroblast Growth Factor (Fgf-21) as a Screening Biomarker for Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplesia

Purpose: To investigate whether or not fibroblast growth factor (FGF-21) can be used as a screening biomarker in chronic progressive external ophthalmoplesia (CPEO) patients.Methods: FGF-21 concentration was measured in the serum of 24 patients with CEPO phenotype and 24 control samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and determined the deletion of mitochondrial genome by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: FGF-21 concentration in 50 % of CPEO patients showed notable differences from that in control subjects. FGF-21 concentration ratio in patient group, 2 disorder control groups (mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial) and normal group, respectively, was 294.87 } 42.10 (p < 0.0001), 761.78} 75.07 (p < 0.0001), 124.26 } 12.27 (p = 0.1203), 69.27 } 10.09 (p = 0.2195). A statistically significant inverse correlation between FGF-21 concentration and age onset was found, with a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the age group . 19 years (mean FGF-21  concentration, 460.36 pg/mL) and for the age group . 51years (mean concentration FGF-21, 57.87 pg/mL. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference between FGF-21 concentration and age in the mid-age group (20 . 50 years) .Conclusion: These findings indicate that FGF-21 concentration significantly increases in CPEO patients like in other mitochondrial disorders and this factor can be used as a biomarker in primary diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders. In this regard, FGF-21 assay is only valid in teenagers and the >50 years age group who show acute symptoms.Keywords: Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplesia, Fibroblast growth factor-21, Mitochondrial disorders, Ophthalmoplesia, Biomarke

In Vitro Spermatogenesis by Three-dimensional Culture of Spermatogonial Stem Cells on Decellularized Testicular Matrix

Background: In the males, Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSCs) contribute to the production of sex cells and fertility. In vitro SSCs culture can operate as an effective strategy for studies on spermatogenesis and male infertility treatment. Cell culture in a three-dimensional (3D) substrate, relative to a two-dimensional substrate (2D), creates better conditions for cell interaction and is closer to in vivo conditions. In the present study, in order to create a 3D matrix substrate, decellularized testicular matrix (DTM) was used to engender optimal conditions for SSCs culture and differentiation. Materials and Methods: After, testicular cells enzymatic extraction from testes of brain-dead donors, the SSCs were proliferated in a specific culture medium for four weeks, and after confirming the identity of the colonies derived from the growth of these cells, they were cultured on a layer of DTM as well as in 2D condition with a differentiated culture medium. In the Sixth week since the initiation of the differentiation culture, the expression of pre meiotic (OCT4 & PLZF), meiotic (SCP3 & BOULE) and post meiotic (CREM & Protamine-2) genes were measured in both groups. Results: The results indicated that the expression of pre meiotic, meiotic and post meiotic genes was significantly higher in the cells cultured on DTM (P <= 0.001). Conclusion: SSCs culture in DTM with the creation of ECM and similar conditions with in vivo can be regarded as a way of demonstrating spermatogenesis in vitro, which can be adopted as a treatment modality for male infertility. Keywords Author Keywords:Spermatogonial Stem Cells; Decellularization; Testicular Matrix; Proliferation; Diffetentiatio

Platinum Nanoparticles in Biomedicine: Preparation, Anti-Cancer Activity, and Drug Delivery Vehicles

Cancer is the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, excluding infectious disease. Because of their lack of specificity in chemotherapy agents are used for cancer treatment, these agents have severe systemic side effects, and gradually lose their therapeutic effects because most cancers become multidrug resistant. Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) are relatively new agents that are being tested in cancer therapy. This review covers the various methods for the preparation and physicochemical characterization of PtNPs. PtNPs have been shown to possess some intrinsic anticancer activity, probably due to their antioxidant action, which slows tumor growth. Targeting ligands can be attached to functionalized metal PtNPs to improve their tumor targeting ability. PtNPs-based therapeutic systems can enable the controlled release of drugs, to improve the efficiency and reduce the side effects of cancer therapy. Pt-based materials play a key role in clinical research. Thus, the diagnostic and medical industries are exploring the possibility of using PtNPs as a next-generation anticancer therapeutic agent. Although, biologically prepared nanomaterials exhibit high efficacy with low concentrations, several factors still need to be considered for clinical use of PtNPs such as the source of raw materials, stability, solubility, the method of production, biodistribution, accumulation, controlled release, cell-specific targeting, and toxicological issues to human beings. The development of PtNPs as an anticancer agent is one of the most valuable approaches for cancer treatment. The future of PtNPs in biomedical applications holds great promise, especially in the area of disease diagnosis, early detection, cellular and deep tissue imaging, drug/gene delivery, as well as multifunctional therapeutics