Chitosan, polyethylene oxide/polycaprolactone electrospun core/shell nanofibrous mat containing rosuvastatin as a novel drug delivery system for enhancing human mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis

Introduction: Due to the potential positive effects of rosuvastatin (RSV) on human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) osteogenesis and new bone regeneration, it is crucial to develop a suitable carrier that can effectively control the release profile of RSV. The primary objective of this study was to introduce a novel drug delivery system based on core/shell nanofibrous structures, enabling a sustained release of RSV.Methods: To achieve this, coaxial electrospinning was employed to fabricate chitosan (CS)+polyethylene oxide (PEO)/polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous mats, wherein RSV was incorporated within the core of nanofibers. By optimizing the relevant parameters of the electrospinning process, the mats’ surface was further modified using plasma treatment. The fibers’ shape, structure, and thermal stability were characterized. The wettability, and degradation properties of the fabricated mats were also examined. In vitro studies were conducted to examine the release behavior of RSV. Additionally, the capability of MSCs to survive and differentiate into osteocytes when cultured on nanofibers containing RSV was evaluated.Results: Results demonstrated the successful fabrication of CS + PEO + RSV/PCL core/shell mats with a core diameter of approximately 370 nm and a shell thickness of around 70 nm under optimized conditions. Plasma treatment was found to enhance the wettability and drug-release behavior of the mats. The nanofibrous structure, serving as a carrier for RSV, exhibited increased proliferation of MSCs and enhanced osteogenic differentiation.Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that CS + PEO + RSV/PCL core/shell nanofibrous structure can be utilized as a sustained-release platform for RSV over an extended period, making it a promising candidate for guided bone regeneration

Association of 757 C/T polymorphismin PRODH gene with Schizophrenia in Iranian population

Evidence is emerging for the association of polymorphisms in PRODH gene and increased risk of schizophrenia. In this project, peripheral blood sampling was obtained from 175 schizophrenia patients that their diseases were confirmed by psychiatrists. 185 healthy individuals were considered as control group. The related tests were administered on the basis of PCR-RFLP. In the continuation, statistical analysis was made on the basis of obtained genotypes from two groups of healthy and patient groups using SPSS16.0 software. The administration of this project aims at investigating the hypothesis that proline dehydrogenase gene, as one of the most important genes involved in schizophrenia incidence which is proved in various populations [outside Iran], may also be involved in incidence of schizophrenia in Iran. This study has analyzed one single nucleotide polymorphism in the PRODH gene, including 757C/T in the incidence of this disease in the given statistical population. According to our results, SNP 757 C/T may be effective in incidence of the disease since P value was < 0.01. Ultimately, our results suggest that outbreak of mutation in PRODH gene in our population can be one of causes of increasing risk of Schizophrenia in this population