Comparison of Three Types of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Bone Marrow, Adipose Tissue, and Umbilical Cord-Derived) as Potential Sources for Inner Ear Regeneration

In this review, we compared the potential of mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue and umbilical cord as suitable sources for regeneration of inner ear hair cells and auditory neurons. Our intensive literature search indicates that stem cells in some of adult mammalian tissues, such as bone marrow, can generate new cells under physiological and pathological conditions. Among various types of stem cells, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells are one of the most promising candidates for cell replacement therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells have been reported to invade the damaged area, contribute to the structural reorganization of the damaged cochlea and improve incomplete hearing recovery. We suggest that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells would be more beneficial than other mesenchymal stem cells

Exosomes and their Role in Cancer Development, Diagnosis and Therapy

Exosomes have important role in tumor cell communication with their environment and are involved in pathogenesis, development, progression, and metastasis of cancer. In this letter we aimed to illustrate the exosome roles in cancer development, diagnosis and treatment

Association between cholestryl ester transfer protein D442G polymorphism on serum lipid levels and CETP activity in hypercholesterolemic patients

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is considered a major risk factor for pancreatitis, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene polymorphisms are known to be associated with changes in lipid levels. We investigated the association between a polymorphism in the CETP gene (D442G) with plasma lipid levels and CETP activity in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Methods: This case/control study that be done in Hamadan university of medical sciences (from October 2008 to September 2009), included 102 patients with hypercholesterolemia and 200 healthy individuals. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphisms were used to determine genotypic distribution and allelic frequencies of polymorphisms. The plasma CETP activity was measured by a kit in a fluorescence spectrometer. Lipid concentrations were measured by routine biochemical and enzymatic assays. Results: Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity was significantly higher in the cases than the controls (P0.05). Plasma HDL-C, LDL-C and TC were higher in both groups with GG and DG genotypes than with DD genotype, whereas serum CETP activity was lower in GG genotype compared with other genotypes (GD or DD), (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that D442G polymorphism of CETP gene was associated with changes in lipid profile and plasma CETP activity in the selected population and it might have a role in contributing to a genetic risk for developing coronary artery disease

The effect of salusin-β on expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is one of the predominant causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several studies indicated the significant pathophysiological role of salusin-β in atherosclerosis. Cytokines are involved in all stages of atherosclerosis. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of salusin-β on interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 18 (IL-18) (as inflammatory cytokines) and interleukin 1Ra (IL-1Ra) (as anti-inflammatory cytokines) levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).METHODS: The HUVECs were cultured in HUVEC completed medium and treated with different doses of salusin-β for 6 and 12 hours. For the investigation of nuclear factor ƙβ (NF-ƙβ) signaling pathway involvement, cells were treated in the presence or absence of Bay 11-7082 (as NF-ƙβ inhibitor). The mRNA expression and protein level of cytokines were measured by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, respectively.RESULTS: Salusin-β increased mRNA expression and protein level of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-18. This protein decreased mRNA and protein level of IL-1Ra in HUVECs. NF-ƙβ signaling pathway was involved in the up-regulatory effect of salusin-β on mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The down-regulatory effect of salusin-β on IL-1Ra expression could not be influenced by Bay 11-7082 pre-treatment.CONCLUSION: It seems that salusin-β may participate in a cascade pathway in vascular inflammation. Our findings suggested that salusin-β has potential use as a therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.</div