Connection between Telomerase Activity in PBMC and Markers of Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a constellation of metabolic derangements associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress and is widely regarded as an inflammatory condition, accompanied by an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The present study tried to investigate the implications of telomerase activity with inflammation and impaired endothelial function in patients with metabolic syndrome. Telomerase activity in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), TNF-α, IL-6 and ADMA were monitored in 39 patients with MS and 20 age and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Telomerase activity in PBMC, TNF-α, IL-6 and ADMA were all significantly elevated in patients with MS compared to healthy volunteers. PBMC telomerase was negatively correlated with HDL and positively correlated with ADMA, while no association between TNF-α and IL-6 was observed. IL-6 was increasing with increasing systolic pressure both in the patients with MS and in the healthy volunteers, while smoking and diabetes were positively correlated with IL-6 only in the patients' group. In conclusion, in patients with MS characterised by a strong dyslipidemic profile and low diabetes prevalence, significant telomerase activity was detected in circulating PBMC, along with elevated markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. These findings suggest a prolonged activity of inflammatory cells in the studied state of this metabolic disorder that could represent a contributory pathway in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

Apelin-13 serum levels in type 2 diabetic obese women: possible relations with microRNAs-107 and 375

Objective: Apelin, an adipocytokine, is up-regulated by insulin and suppresses pancreatic insulin secretion. One of the key microRNAs in insulin resistance caused by obesity, is microRNA-107. MicroRNA-375 is expressed in the pancreatic islet cells. We aimed to explore apelin-13 and microRNA-107 and 375 in obese women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and Methods: Fifty obese women with newly diagnosed T2D and 50 non-diabetic obese women, as controls, were selected. Quantitative PCR and ELISA were used to measure the expression of microRNA-107 and 375 and Apelin-13 concentration, respectively. The role of apelin-13 was investigated in an in vitro model. Apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: Apelin-13 levels in diabetics were significantly more than controls (p = 0.012). The expressions of microRNA-107 and 375 of diabetic group were increased, in comparison to the control group. There was no correlation between apelin-13 and microRNA-107 and 375 in diabetic and control groups. Significant correlations between apelin-13 and serotonin (p <0.001) and estimated average glucose (p <0.02) and insulin (p <0.03) were only observed in the diabetic group. Conclusion: Serum levels of apelin-13 and circulating microRNA-107 and 375 could be used as biomarkers for diabetes, particularly in obese subjects. However, more study is needed in this field

Preparation and in-vitro evaluation of pH-responsive cationic cyclodextrin coated magnetic nanoparticles for delivery of methotrexate to the Saos-2 bone cancer cells

Osteosarcoma, as a common malignant neoplasm in children and adolescents, still remains a challenge for conventional therapeutic regimens. In the meantime advent of innovative and revolutionary techniques such as drug delivery systems and smart nano-biomaterials seems promising in tackling these complications. In this study, we designed a smart nano-system consisting of a magnetic inner core and polymeric outer shell with cationic moieties for targeted delivery and enhanced uptake of methotrexate anticancer agent for Saos-2 cell line. The designed nano-formulation was characterized and its drug loading capacity and drug release profile were studied as well that about 60 of methotrexate was released in the first 12 h. The efficacy of the nano-formulation in killing cancer cells was assessed using MTT, cellular uptake, and uptake flow-cytometry. Our in-vitro results confirmed the prepared nano-system has a potential for delivery of anticancer drugs against the Saos-2 cell line and suggests more investigations such as in-vivo tests to be implemented. © 2020 Elsevier B.V