Micronuclei Assessment of The Radioprotective Effects of Melatonin and Vitamin C in Human Lymphocytes

Objective: Critical macromolecules such as DNA maybe damaged by free radicals that are generated from the interaction of ionizing radiation with biological systems. Melatonin and vitamin C have been shown to be direct free radical scavengers. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo/in vitro radioprotective effects of melatonin and vitamin C separately and combined against genotoxicity induced by 6 MV x-ray irradiation in human cultured blood lymphocytes. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, fifteen volunteers were divided into three groups of melatonin, vitamin C and melatonin plus vitamin C treatment. Peripheral blood samples were collected from each group before, and 1, 2 and 3 hours after melatonin and vitamin C administration (separately and combined). The blood samples were then irradiated with 200 cGy of 6 MV x-ray. In order to characterize chromosomal aberrations, the lymphocyte samples were cultured with mitogenic stimulus on cytokinesisblocked binucleated cells. Results: The samples collected 1hour after melatonin and vitamin C (separately and combined) ingestion exhibited a significant decrease in the incidence of micronuclei compared with their control group (P<0.05). The maximum synergic protection and reduction in frequency of micronuclei (57%) was observed 1 hour after vitamin C and melatonin administration combined. Conclusion: We conclude that simultaneous administration of melatonin and vitamin C as radioprotector substances before irradiation may reduce genotoxicity caused by x-ray irradiation

Multifunctional Plant Virus Nanoparticles for Targeting Breast Cancer Tumors

Breast cancer treatment using plant-virus-based nanoparticles (PVNPs) has achieved considerable success in preclinical studies. PVNP-based breast cancer therapies include non-targeted and targeted nanoplatforms for delivery of anticancer therapeutic chemo and immune agents and cancer vaccines for activation of local and systemic antitumor immunity. Interestingly, PVNP platforms combined with other tumor immunotherapeutic options and other modalities of oncotherapy can improve tumor efficacy treatment. These applications can be achieved by encapsulation of a wide range of active ingredients and conjugating ligands for targeting immune and tumor cells. This review presents the current breast cancer treatments based on PVNP platforms

A review on the effect of nanocomposite scaffolds reinforced with magnetic nanoparticles in osteogenesis and healing of bone injuries

Abstract Many problems related to disorders and defects of bone tissue caused by aging, diseases, and injuries have been solved by the multidisciplinary research field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Numerous sciences, especially nanotechnology, along with tissue engineering, have greatly contributed to the repair and regeneration of tissues. Various studies have shown that the presence of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the structure of composite scaffolds increases their healing effect on bone defects. In addition, the induction of osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the presence of these nanoparticles has been investigated and confirmed by various studies. Therefore, in the present article, the types of MNPs, their special properties, and their application in the healing of damaged bone tissue have been reviewed. Also, the molecular effects of MNPs on cell behavior, especially in osteogenesis, have been discussed. Finally, the present article includes the potential applications of MNP-containing nanocomposite scaffolds in bone lesions and injuries. In summary, this review article highlights nanocomposite scaffolds containing MNPs as a solution for treating bone defects in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Oncolytic virus delivery modulated immune responses toward cancer therapy: Challenges and perspectives

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) harness the hallmarks of tumor cells and cancer-related immune responses for the lysis of malignant cells, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and exertion of vaccine-like activities. However, efficient clinical exploitation of these potent therapeutic modules requires their systematic administration, especially against metastatic and solid tumors. Therefore, developing methods for shielding a virus from the neutralizing environment of the bloodstream while departing toward tumor sites is a must. This paper reports the latest advancements in the employment of chemical and biological compounds aimed at safe and efficient delivery of OVs to target tissues or tumor deposits within the host

Green synthesis of MnO2 NPs using Arabic gum: assessing its potential antiviral activity against influenza A/H1N1

Abstract Background The antiviral properties of metal nanoparticles against various viruses, including those resistant to drugs, are currently a subject of intensive research. Recently, the green synthesis of nanoparticles and their anti-viral function have attracted a lot of attention. Previous studies have shown promising results in the use of Arabic gum for the green synthesis of nanoparticles with strong antiviral properties. In this study we aimed to investigate the antiviral effects of MnO2 nanoparticles (MnO2-NPs) synthesized using Arabic gum, particularly against the influenza virus. Methods Arabic gum was used as a natural polymer to extract and synthesize MnO2-NPs using a green chemistry approach. The synthesized MnO2-NPs were characterized using SEM and TEM. To evaluate virus titration, cytotoxicity, and antiviral activity, TCID50, MTT, and Hemagglutination assay (HA) were performed, respectively. Molecular docking studies were also performed to investigate the potential antiviral activity of the synthesized MnO2-NPs against the influenza virus. The molecular docking was carried out using AutoDock Vina software followed by an analysis with VMD software to investigate the interaction between Arabic gum and the hemagglutinin protein. Results Simultaneous combination treatment with the green-synthesized MnO2-NPs resulted in a 3.5 log HA decrement and 69.7% cellular protection, which demonstrated the most significant difference in cellular protection compared to the virus control group (p-value < 0.01). The docking results showed that binding affinities were between − 3.3 and − 5.8 kcal/mole relating with the interaction between target with MnO2 and beta-D-galactopyranuronic acid, respectively. Conclusion The results of the study indicated that the MnO2-NPs synthesized with Arabic gum had significant antiviral effects against the influenza virus, highlighting their potential as a natural and effective treatment for inhibition of respiratory infections

Typing and Evaluation of the Genetic Relatedness of Listeria monocytogenes Strains Isolated from Food Samples by the Multiple-Locus Variable number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA)

Background and Aim:Listeria monocytogenes cause listeriosis and fatal infections in humans. The aim of this study was typing and evaluation of the genetic relatedness of L. monocytogenes strains from food samples using MLVA technique. Materials and Methods: 317 food samples were collected from 2009 to 2013 in Tehran,Iran. After final diagnosis of L. monocytogenes DNA was extracted to perform of MLVA technique, and also PCR products were analyzed by Gene Tools software. The number of tandem repeats was determined by using special equation for each selected locus. Also typing of strains was done. Results: 24 samples of 317 food samples were positive for L. monocytogenes using standard laboratory techniques. A total 13 different types were determined by MLVA technique that type 2 and type 3 were the most abundant types by 6 and 4 strains, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study showed the presence of L. monocytogenes in dairy products and meat samples, therefore all people, especially pregnant women should observe health tips when using these products. The results of typing showed that L. monocytogenes strains from different sources can have the same origin. MLVA technique is easy with high accuracy and this method can be used in typing and evaluation of the genetic relatedness of L. monocytogenes for determination the source of contamination