Tamoxifen and raloxifene modulate gap junction coupling during early phases of retinoic acid-dependent neuronal differentiation of NTera2/D1 cells

Gap junctions (GJ) represent a cellular communication system known to influence neuronal differentiation and survival. To assess a putative role of this system for neural effects of tamoxifen (TAM) and raloxifene (RAL), we used the human teratocarcinoma cell line NTera2/D1, retinoic acid (RA)-dependent neuronal differentiation of which is regulated by gap junctions formed of connexin43 (Cx43). As demonstrated by Western blot analysis, concentrations above 1 µmol/l for TAM, and 0.1 µmol/l for RAL lead to a temporary time- and concentration-dependent increase in Cx43 immunoreactivity, which reached a peak for TAM after 1 day and for RAL after 2 days. Immunocytochemical stainings revealed the increase in Cx43 immunoreactivity to result from an accumulation in intracellular compartments such as the Golgi apparatus or lysosomes. In addition, TAM and RAL were able to prevent the RA-dependent decrease of Cx43 immunoreactivity in NTera2/D1 cells, normally observed during neuronal differentiation. This suggested a suppression of neuronal differentiation to result from these substances. According to this, treatment of NTera2/D1 cells with 10 µmol/l TAM or RAL during weeks 1 and 2 of a 6 weeks RA-driven differentiation schedule impaired, whereas treatment during weeks 5 and 6 did not impair, neuronal differentiation of these cells. Modulation of GJ coupling between NTera2/D1 cells by TAM and RAL seems therefore to perturb early neuronal differentiation, whereas differentiated neurons in the mature brain seem to be not affected. These effects could be of importance for actions of TAM and RAL on early embryonic steps of nervous system formation

Comparison of time-use patterns and self-efficacy in family caregivers of patients with chronic disease

Background/Aims Caregivers perform an important role but caring affects other roles they perform, resulting in poor time management and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to compare the time-use patterns and self-efficacy of caregivers of two groups of patients with chronic disease: Those with a diagnosis of mental illness and those without a diagnosis of mental illness. Methods Family caregivers of patients with a chronic disease who were aged between 20-60 years, resident in Arak, not taking care of another patient and literate were eligible to participate. The presence of mental illness was based on a psychiatrist's diagnosis at least 6 months before the study. The Mothers' Time Use Questionnaire, Sherer Self-efficacy Scale and a demographic questionnaire were used to capture data relating to time-use, self-efficacy and participant characteristics. Data were analysed using independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test to identify and compare time-use patterns and self-efficacy. Results There were no significant between-group differences in demographics or mean time-use scores in six domains (rest/sleep, leisure, housework, work/occupation, social participation and satisfaction with time management). Self-care time-use scores (time, quality, importance and enjoyment) were significantly higher for caregivers of patients with chronic disease with a diagnosis of mental illness. Patient care time-use scores were significantly higher for caregivers of patients with chronic disease without a diagnosis of mental illness. Mean self-efficacy score was significantly higher in the group caring for patients with a diagnosis of psychiatric disease. Conclusions Chronic physical illnesses may result in greater dependence on caregivers than mental illness, increasing the amount of time spent on care and reducing caregiver self-efficacy. © 2020 MA Healthcare Ltd. All rights reserved

Generation of transplantable three-dimensional hepatic-patch to improve the functionality of hepatic cells in vitro and in vivo

Cell therapy and tissue engineering (TE) are considered alternative therapeutic approaches to organ transplantation. Since cell therapy approaches achieved little success for liver failure treatment, liver TE is considered a more promising alternative. In this study, we produced a liver tissue equivalent (called "liver-derived extracellular matrix scaffold LEMS-Patch") by co-culture of human bone marrow stromal cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and a hepatoma cell line, Huh7, within an artificial three-dimensional liver-extracellular matrix scaffold. The results showed significant increase in the liver-specific gene expression and hepatic functions, in terms of albumin (ALB) and fibrinogen secretion, urea production, and cytochrome inducibility in the LEMS-Patch compared to controls. In addition, transplanted LEMS-Patch was successfully incorporated into the recipient liver of acute liver failure mice and produced human ALB. Consequently, our data demonstrated that the generated LEMS-Patch could be used as a good platform for functional improvement of hepatic cells in vitro and in vivo. © Copyright 2020, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers 2020

Comparison of Prooxidant-antioxidant Balance Method with Crocin Method for Determination of total Prooxidant-antioxidant Capacity

Objective(s)Comparison of prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) assay with crocin assay.Materials and MethodsTwenty eight serum samples were chosen, PAB and the total antioxidant capacity were measured by PABassay and crocin, respectively, and the correlation of both assays, along with their correlation with otherclinical and biochemical parameters, were determined.ResultsA significant negative correlation was established between PAB assay and crocin assay. Also a significantnegative correlation was established between PAB and uric acid and creatinine.ConclusionThe results showed that by increasing the total antioxidant capacity, which is showed by crocin, the PABshifts in favor of antioxidants, which is showed by PAB assay. Now, it could be considered that the PAB,along with other risk factors, might help in the prediction of the risk for cardiovascular events; and furtherresearch could clarify whether by application of PAB assay and appropriate interventions for correctingoxidative stress, progression of the cardiovascular disease could be reduced.Keywords: Crocin, Oxidative stress, Prooxidant-antioxidant balance assa