Effect of Curcumin on AQP5 gene expression in HT-29 human colorectal cancer cells

Background: Colorectal carcinoma is the third most common type of cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. The aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins that play a major role in water movements through epithelial and endothelial tissues. Expression of AQP5 was induced in the early stages of colon cancer. An induction of AQP5 expression in colon cancer suggests a probable driving force roles for AQP5 in colon carcinogenesis. Curcumin, as a chemopreventive phytochemical is important to block, retard or reverse the process of carcinogenesis. Several studies have suggested that curcumin may prevent or delay the occurrence of colorectal cancer. This study aimed to examine the effect of curcumin on the inhibition of AQP5. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the HT-29 cell line was cultured in DMEM medium containing 10 % FBS and 100 U/ml penicillin and 100 mg/ml streptomycin. The effect of curcumin concentrations on the growth of cells was determined using the MTT [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] assay. Immunocytochemistry was performed to examine the effect of curcumin on the expression of AQP5. Results: Immunocytochemistry showed the decreased amount of AQP5 protein in the curcumin-treated cells. Conclusion: Curcumin inhibits the expression of AQP5 in human colorectal cancer cell line, HT-29. The inhibition of AQ5 expression may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer

The effects of Vitreous Humor on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Bone Marrow to Lens Fiber Like Cells

Introduction & Objective: The function and transparency of the lens actually diminishes with aging as a result, external intervention is necessary to amend it. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of vitreous humor on the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to lens fiber like cells. Materials & Methods: The present experimental study was conducted at Tarbiat Moallem University in 2010. Bone marrow was collected from tibias in NMRI mice and then cultured. Immuno-cytochemistery was done to confirm the mesenchymal stem cells using Oct4 antibody. Subsequently, MSCs were treated with bovine vitreous body for 7 and 21 days. The morphology of the MSCs to the lens fibers were studied using Phase Contrast Microscope. Results: During the primary culture, the cell population was heterogeneous and in the subsequent passages, the number of the spindle-shaped cells increased. Immuno-cytochemistery study confirmed the MSCs. Morphological studies showed that most cells in the experimental group were locally longer and more aligned in parallel compared to control group cells. Moreover, lens fiber like with large nuclei and multiple nucleoli was observed. Furthermore, the concentration of 25% of vitreous body had more induction effect on MSCs in comparison with the 50% concentration. Conclusion: The MSCs derived from mouse bone marrow could differentiate into lens fiber like cells by treating them with vitreous humor