Comparative Analysis of Apigenin-3 Acetate versus Apigenin and Methyl-Prednisolone in Inhibiting Proliferation and Gene Expression of Th1 Cells in Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: In spite of the advances in therapeutic modalities, morbidity, due to multiple sclerosis (MS), still remains high.Therefore, a large body of research is endeavouring to discover or develop novel therapies with improved efficacy fortreating MS patients. In the present study, we examined the immunomodulatory effects of apigenin (Api) on peripheralblood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from MS patients. We also developed an acetylated form of Api (apigenin-3-acetate) to improve In its blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Additionally, we compared its anti-inflammatoryproperties to original Api and methyl-prednisolone-acetate (a standard therapy), as a potential option in treating MSpatients.Materials and Methods: The current study was an experimental-interventional research. The half maximal inhibitoryconcentration (IC50) values for apigenin-3-acetate, apigenin, and methyl-prednisolone-acetate were determined inhealthy volunteers’ PBMCs (n=3). Gene expressions of T-box transcription factor (TBX21 or T-bet) and IFN-γ, as wellas proliferation of T cells isolated from MS patients’ PBMCs (n=5), were examined in co-cultures of apigenin-3-acetate,Api and methyl-prednisolone-acetate after 48 hours of treatment, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerasechain reaction (qRT-PCR).Results: Our findings showed that apigenin-3-acetate, apigenin, and methyl-prednisolone-acetate at concentrations of80, 80, and 2.5 M could inhibit Th1 cell proliferation after 48 hours (P=0.001, P=0.036, and P=0.047, respectively); theyalso inhibited T-bet (P=0.015, P=0.019, and P=0.022) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) gene expressions (P=0.0001).Conclusion: Our findings suggested that Api may have anti-inflammatory properties, possibly by inhibiting proliferationof IFN-producing Th1 cells. Moreover, comparative immunomodulatory effects were found for the acetylated version ofapigenin-3-acetate versus Api and methyl-prednisolone-acetate

Red cell antigens: Structure and function

Landsteiner and his colleagues demonstrated that human beings could be classified into four groups depending on the presence of one (A) or another (B) or both (AB) or none (O) of the antigens on their red cells. The number of the blood group antigens up to 1984 was 410. In the next 20 years, there were 16 systems with 144 antigens and quite a collection of antigens waiting to be assigned to systems, pending the discovery of new information about their relationship to the established systems. The importance of most blood group antigens had been recognized by immunological complications of blood transfusion or pregnancies; their molecular structure and function however remained undefined for many decades. Recent advances in molecular genetics and cellular biochemistry resulted in an abundance of new information in this field of research. In this review, we try to give some examples of advances made in the field of ‘structure and function of the red cell surface molecules.

In silico and in vitro studies of cytotoxic activity of different peptides derived from vesicular stomatitis virus G protein

Objective(s):This study aims at exploring cytotoxic activity of different peptides derived from VSVG protein against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines and human embryonic kidney normal cell (HEK 293).    Materials and Methods: The ANTICP web server was used to predict anticancer peptides. The cytotoxic activity of peptides with high score (P26, P7) and low score (P19) was examined by MTT and DNA fragmentation assays. Results: The results obtained from ANTICP web serverdemonstrated that 4 out of 48 peptides (P26, P7, P10, and P16) had anticancer activity. P26 and P7 peptides of these 4 peptides were detected to have high cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells with CC50 values of 98,280 µg/ml and MDA-MB231 cells with CC50 100,550 µg/ml, respectively. In addition, the results showedthat amino acid residues of these 4 peptides were located near fusion domain. Conclusion: The results confirmed that P26 and P7 peptides might induce membrane damage and initiate apoptosis. The present study suggested that P26 and P7 peptides could be appropriate candidates for further studies as cytotoxic agents and modifications in the residue at positions 70-280 might potentially produce a more efficient VSVG protein in gene therapy