Coenzyme Q10 ameliorates trimethyltin chloride neurotoxicity in experimental model of injury in dentate gyrus of hippocampus: A histopathological and behavioral study

Background: Coenzyme Q10 has antioxidative and free radical scavenging effects. CoQ10 supplementation is known to have neuroprotective effects in some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson�s disease and Huntington�s disease. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate both histopathologic and behavioral whether Coenzyme Q10 is protective against trimethyltin chloride (TMT) induced hippocampal damage. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study. Thirty-six Balb/c mice were divided into four groups, as follows: 1) control group; 2) sham group of mice that received a 100 ±L intraperitoneal injection (IP) of sesame oil; 3) TMT group of mice that received a single 2.5 mg/kg/day IP injection of TMT; and 4) TMT + CoQ10 group of mice that received a 10 mg/kg IP injection of CoQ10. Body weight and Morris water maze (MWM) responses were investigated. In addition, the dentate gyrus neurons of the hippocampus were evaluated histopathologically by light and electron microscopes. Results: This study revealed that the body weight scale was found to be significantly higher in the CoQ10 group (21.39 ± 2.70), compared to the TMT group (19.39±2.74) (P < 0.05). In the TMT group, the animals showed body a weight loss that was significantly lower than that of the control group (22.33 ± 3.06) (P < 0.05). Our results showed that CoQ10 provided protection against MWM deficits. Furthermore, TMT impaired the ability of mice to locate the hidden platform, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Microscopic studies showed that TMT caused histopathological changes in the dentate gyrus and increased the number of necrotic neurons (476±78.51), compared to the control group (208±40.84) (P < 0.001). But, CoQ10 significantly attenuated (31 9±60.08) the density of necrotic neurons compared to TMT (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that Coenzyme Q10 diminished neuronal necrosis and improved learning memory. Part of its beneficial effect is due to its potential to discount oxidative stress. © 2016, Kowsar Medical Publishing Company. All rights reserved

The effects of poly L-lactic acid nanofiber scaffold on mouse spermatogonial stem cell culture

Introduction: A 3D-nanofiber scaffold acts in a similar way to the extracellular matrix (ECM)/basement membrane that enhances the proliferation and self-renewal of stem cells. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of a poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofiber scaffold on frozen-thawed neonate mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and testis tissues. Methods: The isolated spermatogonial cells were divided into six culture groups: (1) fresh spermatogonial cells, (2) fresh spermatogonial cells seeded onto PLLA, (3) frozen-thawed spermatogonial cells, (4) frozen-thawed spermatogonial cells seeded onto PLLA, (5) spermatogonial cells obtained from frozen-thawed testis tissue, and (6) spermatogonial cells obtained from frozen-thawed testis tissue seeded onto PLLA. Spermatogonial cells and testis fragments were cryopreserved and cultured for 3 weeks. Cluster assay was performed during the culture. The presence of spermatogonial cells in the culture was determined by a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for spermatogonial markers (Oct4, GFRα-1, PLZF, Mvh(VASA), Itgα6, and Itgβ1), as well as the ultrastructural study of cell clusters and SSCs transplantation to a recipient azoospermic mouse. The significance of the data was analyzed using the repeated measures and analysis of variance. Results: The findings indicated that the spermatogonial cells seeded on PLLA significantly increased in vitro spermatogonial cell cluster formations in comparison with the control groups (culture of SSCs not seeded on PLLA) (P�0.001). The viability rate for the frozen cells after thawing was 63.00 ± 3.56. This number decreased significantly (40.00 ± 0.82) in spermatogonial cells obtained from the frozen-thawed testis tissue. Both groups, however, showed in vitro cluster formation. Although the expression of spermatogonial markers was maintained after 3 weeks of culture, there was a significant downregulation for some spermatogonial genes in the experimental groups compared with those of the control groups. Furthermore, transplantation assay and transmission electron microscopy studies suggested the presence of SSCs among the cultured cells. Conclusion: Although PLLA can increase the in vitro cluster formation of neonate fresh and frozen-thawed spermatogonial cells, it may also cause them to differentiate during cultivation. The study therefore has implications for SSCs proliferation and germ cell differentiation in vitro. © 2013 Eslahi et al

In vitro cytotoxicity of folate-silica-gold nanorods on mouse acute lymphoblastic leukemia and spermatogonial cells

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity of gold nanorods (GNRs) on the viability of spermatogonial cells (SSCs) and mouse acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells (EL4s). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, SSCs were isolated from the neonate mice, following enzymatic digestion and differential plating. GNRs were synthesized, then modified by silica and finally conjugated with folic acid to form F-Si-GNRs. Different doses of F-Si-GNRs (25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 140 μM) were used on SSCs and EL4s. MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) proliferation assay was performed to examine the GNRs toxicity. Flow cytometry was used to confirm the identity of the EL4s and SSCs. Also, the identity and functionality of SSCs were determined by the expression of specific spermatogonial genes and transplantation into recipient testes. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using an annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) kit. Results: Flow cytometry showed that SSCs and EL4s were positive for Plzf and H-2kb, respectively. The viability percentage of SSCs and EL4s that were treated with 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 140 μM of F-Si-GNRs was 65.33 ± 3.51, 60 ± 3.6, 51.33 ± 3.51, 49 ± 3, 30.66 ± 2.08 and 16.33 ± 2.51 for SSCs and 57.66 ± 0.57, 54.66 ± 1.5, 39.66 ± 1.52, 12.33 ± 2.51, 10 ± 1 and 5.66 ± 1.15 for EL4s respectively. The results of the MTT assay indicated that 100 μM is the optimal dose to reach the highest and lowest level of cell death in EL4s and in SSCs, respectively. Conclusion: Cell death increased with increasing concentrations of F-Si-GNRs. Following utilization of F-Si-GNRs, there was a significant difference in the extent of apoptosis between cancer cells and SSCs. © 2019 Royan Institute (ACECR). All rights reserved

Static magnetic field halves cryoinjuries of vitrified mouse COCs, improves their functions and modulates pluripotency of derived blastocysts

This study was performed with the aim of evaluating the influence of static magnetic field (SMF) of 60 mT on mouse Cumulus Oocytes Complexes (COCs) vitrification. The COCs were vitrified in the presence (VitSMF+) and absence of SMF (VitSMF�). Along with these groups, non-vitrified or fresh COCS, which exposed (nVitSMF+) and non-exposed (nVitSMF�) to magnetic field, were also considered. Survival and viability rates and mitochondrial activity as well as ultrastructure of oocytes were examined by trypan blue Staining (TBS), Annexin-PI Staining, JC1 staining and transition electron microscopy, respectively. Following in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo development, gene expression was carried out through qRT-PCR at blastocyst (BL) stage. The survival rate in VitSMF+ and VitSMF� decreased meaningfully in comparison with nVitSMF� (P &lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference between SMF+ and SMF� groups. The mitochondrial activity in VitSMF� was significantly reduced compared to the nVitSMF� group (P &lt; 0.05), however its value in VitSMF+ returned to the control level. Ultrastructural study demonstrated that SMF could protect the COCs from cryoinjuries and reduced damaged features in ooplasm of the vitrified oocytes. There was no significant difference in fertilization rate. Although, BL formation was the highest rate in the VitSMF+ group, it was just substantially higher than the non-vitrified groups (P &lt; 0.05). The significant changes of Oct4, Cdx2 and Nanog genes expression due to vitrification (VitSMF�) or SMF (nVitSMF+) treatments (P &lt; 0.05) as compared to control (nVitSMF�), returned to the natural level after using SMF in vitrified derived blastocysts (VitSMF+). Totally based on the results, it is clear that static magnetic field improves mitochondrial potential activity and ultrastructure of mouse vitrified COCs. In addition, SMF enhances the embryo cleavage rate to blastocyst stage and modulates pluripotency in blastocyst embryos derived from vitrified COCs. © 2021 Elsevier Inc

Static magnetic field halves cryoinjuries of vitrified mouse COCs, improves their functions and modulates pluripotency of derived blastocysts

This study was performed with the aim of evaluating the influence of static magnetic field (SMF) of 60 mT on mouse Cumulus Oocytes Complexes (COCs) vitrification. The COCs were vitrified in the presence (VitSMF+) and absence of SMF (VitSMF�). Along with these groups, non-vitrified or fresh COCS, which exposed (nVitSMF+) and non-exposed (nVitSMF�) to magnetic field, were also considered. Survival and viability rates and mitochondrial activity as well as ultrastructure of oocytes were examined by trypan blue Staining (TBS), Annexin-PI Staining, JC1 staining and transition electron microscopy, respectively. Following in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo development, gene expression was carried out through qRT-PCR at blastocyst (BL) stage. The survival rate in VitSMF+ and VitSMF� decreased meaningfully in comparison with nVitSMF� (P &lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference between SMF+ and SMF� groups. The mitochondrial activity in VitSMF� was significantly reduced compared to the nVitSMF� group (P &lt; 0.05), however its value in VitSMF+ returned to the control level. Ultrastructural study demonstrated that SMF could protect the COCs from cryoinjuries and reduced damaged features in ooplasm of the vitrified oocytes. There was no significant difference in fertilization rate. Although, BL formation was the highest rate in the VitSMF+ group, it was just substantially higher than the non-vitrified groups (P &lt; 0.05). The significant changes of Oct4, Cdx2 and Nanog genes expression due to vitrification (VitSMF�) or SMF (nVitSMF+) treatments (P &lt; 0.05) as compared to control (nVitSMF�), returned to the natural level after using SMF in vitrified derived blastocysts (VitSMF+). Totally based on the results, it is clear that static magnetic field improves mitochondrial potential activity and ultrastructure of mouse vitrified COCs. In addition, SMF enhances the embryo cleavage rate to blastocyst stage and modulates pluripotency in blastocyst embryos derived from vitrified COCs. © 2021 Elsevier Inc

Radio-sensitivity enhancement in HT29 cells through magnetic hyperthermia in combination with targeted nano-carrier of 5-Flourouracil

Normal tissue complication and development of radioresistance in cancer cells are known as the main challenges of ionizing radiation treatment. In the current study, we intended to induce selective radiosensitization in HT29 cancer cells by developing folic acid modified magnetic triblock copolymer nanoparticles as carrier of 5-Flourouracil (5-FU) which was further used in combination with hyperthermia. The aforementioned nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by differential scanning calorimetric analysis (DSC), UV�visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta sizer, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These nanoparticles were also assessed to determine drug loading capacity (DLC ) and drug release profile. The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles was evaluated on two different cell lines: HUVEC and HT29. Furthermore, radiosensitivity induction of the nanoparticles with and without exposure of alternative magnetic field was investigated. MTT-based cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that the therapeutic ratio was enhanced in response to using 5-FU-loaded nanoparticles as compared to 5-FU. Various characterizations including gene expression study, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Annexin V/PI staining, and clonogenic assay revealed that ionizing radiation in combination with hyperthermia in the presence of the synthesized nanoparticles led to maximal anti-cancer effects as compared to other single (P < 0.001) and combined treatments (P < 0.01). Our results suggested that combined treatment based on using folic acid modified magnetic copolymer nanoparticle as carrier of 5-FU accompanied with hyperthermia could be proposed as an efficient approach to enhance radiation effects in cancer cells. © 2021 Elsevier B.V

Transplanting p75-suppressed bone marrow stromal cells promotes functional behavior in a rat model of spinal cord injury

Background: Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) have been successfully employed for movement deficit recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI) rat models. One of the unsettled problems in cell transplantation is the relative high proportion of cell death, specifically after neural differentiation. According to our previous studies, p75 receptor, known as the death receptor, is only expressed in BMSC in a time window of 6-12 hours following neural induction. Moreover, we have recently reported a decreased level of apoptosis in p75-suppressed BMSC in vitro. Therefore, our objective in this research was to explore the functional effects of transplanting p75:siRNA expressing BMSC in SCI rats. Methods: Laminectomy was performed at L1 vertebra level to expose spinal cord for contusion using weight-drop method. PBS-treated SCI rats (group one) were used as negative controls, in which cavitations were observed 10 weeks after SCI. pRNA-U6.1/Hygro- (group two, as a mock) and pRNA-U6.1/Hygrop75 shRNA- (group three) transfected BMSC were labeled with a fluorescent dye, CM-DiI, and grafted into the lesion site 7 days after surgery. The Basso-Beattie-Bresnehan locomotor rating scale was performed weekly for 10 weeks. Results: There was a significant difference (P�0.05) between all groups of treated rats regarding functional recovery. Specifically, the discrepancy among p75 siRNA and mock-transfected BMSC was statistically significant. P75 siRNA BMSC also revealed a higher level of in vivo survival compared to the mock BMSC. Conclusion: Our data suggest that genetically modified BMSC that express p75:siRNA could be a more suitable source of cells for treatment of SCI

The effects of poly L-lactic acid nanofiber scaffold on mouse spermatogonial stem cell culture

Neda Eslahi,1,2,* Mahmoud Reza Hadjighassem,1,3 Mohammad Taghi Joghataei,1,2 Tooba Mirzapour,4 Mehrdad Bakhtiyari,1,2 Malak Shakeri,5 Vahid Pirhajati,1,2 Peymaneh Shirinbayan,6,* Morteza Koruji1,21Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Neurosciences, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 4Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran; 5Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; 6Pediatric Neuro-Rehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran*These authors contributed equally to this articleIntroduction: A 3D-nanofiber scaffold acts in a similar way to the extracellular matrix (ECM)/basement membrane that enhances the proliferation and self-renewal of stem cells. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of a poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofiber scaffold on frozen-thawed neonate mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and testis tissues.Methods: The isolated spermatogonial cells were divided into six culture groups: (1) fresh spermatogonial cells, (2) fresh spermatogonial cells seeded onto PLLA, (3) frozen-thawed spermatogonial cells, (4) frozen-thawed spermatogonial cells seeded onto PLLA, (5) spermatogonial cells obtained from frozen-thawed testis tissue, and (6) spermatogonial cells obtained from frozen-thawed testis tissue seeded onto PLLA. Spermatogonial cells and testis fragments were cryopreserved and cultured for 3 weeks. Cluster assay was performed during the culture. The presence of spermatogonial cells in the culture was determined by a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for spermatogonial markers (Oct4, GFR&alpha;-1, PLZF, Mvh(VASA), Itg&alpha;6, and Itg&beta;1), as well as the ultrastructural study of cell clusters and SSCs transplantation to a recipient azoospermic mouse. The significance of the data was analyzed using the repeated measures and analysis of variance.Results: The findings indicated that the spermatogonial cells seeded on PLLA significantly increased in vitro spermatogonial cell cluster formations in comparison with the control groups (culture of SSCs not seeded on PLLA) (P&le;0.001). The viability rate for the frozen cells after thawing was 63.00% &plusmn; 3.56%. This number decreased significantly (40.00% &plusmn; 0.82%) in spermatogonial cells obtained from the frozen-thawed testis tissue. Both groups, however, showed in vitro cluster formation. Although the expression of spermatogonial markers was maintained after 3 weeks of culture, there was a significant downregulation for some spermatogonial genes in the experimental groups compared with those of the control groups. Furthermore, transplantation assay and transmission electron microscopy studies suggested the presence of SSCs among the cultured cells.Conclusion: Although PLLA can increase the in vitro cluster formation of neonate fresh and frozen-thawed spermatogonial cells, it may also cause them to differentiate during cultivation. The study therefore has implications for SSCs proliferation and germ cell differentiation in vitro.Keywords: PLLA nanofibers, tissue cryopreservation, testi

Intranasal delivery of SDF-1α-preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal cells improves remyelination in the cuprizone-induced mouse model of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to disability in middle-aged individuals. High rates of apoptosis and inappropriate homing are limitations for the application of stem cells in cell therapy. Preconditioning of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α), also called C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12), is an approach for improving the functional features of the cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of intranasal delivery of SDF-1α preconditioned BMSCs in the cuprizone-induced chronically demyelinated mice model. BMSCs were isolated, cultured, and preconditioned with SDF-1α. Then, intranasal delivery of the preconditioned cells was performed in the C57BL/6 mice receiving cuprizone for 12 weeks. Animals were killed at 30 days after cell delivery. SDF-1α preconditioning increased C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) expression on the surface of BMSCs, improved survival of the cells, and decreased their apoptosis in vitro. SDF-1α preconditioning also improved CXCL12 level within the brain, and enhanced spatial learning and memory (assessed by Morris water maze MWM), and myelination (assessed by Luxol fast blue LFB and transmission electron microscopy TEM). In addition, preconditioning of BMSCs with SDF-1α reduced the protein expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule (Iba-1) and increased the expressions of oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor-2 (Olig-2) and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), evaluated by immunofluorescence. The results showed the efficacy of intranasal delivery of SDF-1α-preconditioned BMSCs for improving remyelination in the cuprizone model of MS. © 2019 International Federation for Cell Biolog

Co-transplantation of Schwann and bone marrow stromal cells promotes locomotor recovery in the rat contusion model of spinal cord injury

Objective: Previous studies have shown that transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) into the contused spinal cord improves functional recovery and that administration of Schwann cells (SCs) after spinal cord injury (SCI) facilitates axonal regeneration. Although the efficacy of these treatments have been proven, when used individually, their resulting number of regenerated axons is small and locomotor recovery is modest; therefore, we decided to research whether co-transplantation of these cells can improve the outcome. Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (n=56), each weighting 250-300 grams were used. BMSCs and SCs were cultured and prelabeled with BrdU and 1,1� dioctadecyl 3,3,3�,3� tetramethylindocarbocyanin perchlorate respectively. Contusion model of SCI was performed at the T8-9 level using NYU device (New York University device). The rats were divided into seven groups, each consisting of 8 animals. These groups included: a control group, three experimental groups and three sham groups. In the control group, only a laminectomy was performed. The three experiment groups were the BMSC, SC and co-transplant groups, and 7 days after injury, they received intraspinal BMSCs, SCs and the combination of BMSCs & SCs respectively. The sham groups received serum in the same manner. Locomotion in the groups was assessed using the basso, beatie and bresnahan (BBB) test at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days after SCI. Results: More significant improvement was observed in the BBB scores of the co-transplant group (p<0.05) in comparison with BMSC and SC groups. Conclusion: This study shows that co-transplantation of BMSCs and SCs may provide a powerful therapy for SCI and become required for the development of combinatory treatment strategies in the future