Publication Date: 2023
Iranian Journal Of Basic Medical Sciences (20083874)26(8)pp. 966-971
Objective(s): Hepatic encephalopathy inducescognitivedisturbances. Patients showneuroinflammation due to accumulation of toxic substances. Frankincense has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Accordingly, we intended to evaluate the impact of frankincense on memory performance, inflammation, and the amount of hippocampal neurons in bile duct-ligated rats.Materials and Methods: The bile duct was ligated in three groups of adult male Wistar rats (BDL groups). In two of these groups, frankincense was administered (100 or 200 mg/kg; by gavage) starting from one week before surgery to 28 days after surgery. The third BDL group received saline. In the sham group, the bile duct was not ligated and the animals received saline. Twenty-eight days after surgery, spatial memory was evaluated by the Morris water maze test. Five rats from each group were sacrificed to measure the expression of the hippocampal tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-& alpha;). Three rats from each group were perfused to determine the amount of hippocampal neurons.Results: Bile duct ligation impaired memory acquisition, while frankincense amended it. Bile duct ligation significantly increased the expression of TNF-& alpha;. Frankincense reduced TNF-& alpha; in BDL rats, significantly. The number of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas was significantly lower in the BDL group and in the group that received frankincense (100 mg/kg) equated to the sham group. Frankincense (200 mg/kg) augmented the amount of neurons in the CA1 area, slightly and in the CA3 area, significantly.Conclusion: The results indicate the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of frankincense in bile duct ligation-induced hepatic encephalopathy.
Publication Date: 2024
npj Parkinson's Disease (23738057)(1)
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Since dopaminergic cell transplantation is a clinical method to treat PD, this study investigated the effects of dopaminergic cell therapy on the expression of some lncRNAs and genes related to PD. In this study, Twenty-eight rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups. The control group (Sal group) received saline injections. The Par group was a PD rat model with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection in right striatum (ST). PD animals were transplanted by undifferentiated P19 stem cells (Par-E group), and P19-derived dopaminergic cells (Par-N group). Cell transplant effects were evaluated using behavioral tests (cylinder, open field, and rotarod tests), and histological methods (H&E and Nissl staining, and immunohistochemistry). Moreover, the expression of lncRNAs MALAT1, MEG3, and SNHG1, alongside specific neuronal (synaptophysin) and dopaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase) markers was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Behavioral and histopathological examinations revealed that cell transplantation partially compensated dopaminergic cell degeneration in ST and substantia nigra (SN) of PD rats. The expression of MALAT1, SNHG1, and MEG3 was decreased in the ST of the Par group, while MEG3 and SNHG1 gene expression was increased in PBMC relative to the Sal group. In PBMC of the Par-N group, all three lncRNAs showed a reduction in their expression. Conversely, MALAT1 and SNHG1 expression was increased in ST tissue, while MEG3 gene expression was decreased compared to the Sal group. In conclusion, dopaminergic cell transplantation could change the lncRNAs expression. Furthermore, it partially improves symptoms in PD rats. © The Author(s) 2024.
Publication Date: 2022
Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (22254110)(5)
Background and aim: Medicago sativa L. is a medicinal herb first cultivated in ancient Iran. Traditionally, it has been utilized for the treatment of several disorders. The plant has been in the human diet for at least 1500 years. Although the hypoglycaemic and anti-diabetic effects of the plant have been approved in traditional medicine, further investigations are needed to support the rational use of M. sativa by humans. This project aimed to evaluate the trans-differentiation potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to pancreatic β-like cells (insulin-producing cells; IPCs) under the influence of M. sativa extract. Experimental procedure: Bone marrow MSCs isolated, characterized, and then treated by flower or leaf extract of M. sativa. Beta-cell characteristics of the differentiated cells were evaluated by several techniques, including specific staining, QPCR, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Results: The results showed that the differentiated cells were able to express some specific pancreatic genes (PDX-1, insulin1, and insulin2) and proteins (insulin receptor beta, insulin, proinsulin, and C peptide). Furthermore, ELISA analysis indicated the ability of these cells in the production and secretion of insulin, after exposure to glucose. Conclusion: Overall, both the flower and leaf extract of M. sativa had the potential of differentiation induction of MSCs into IPCs with the characteristics of pancreatic β–like cells. Therefore, M. sativa, as an herbal drug, may be beneficial for the treatment of diseases including diabetes. © 2022 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University
Publication Date: 2020
Journal of Ethnopharmacology (03788741)
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Medicinal herb Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) has been used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases, including diabetes. One of the promising therapeutic options to treat diabetes is replacing the degenerative pancreatic β cells by stem cell-derived IPCs (insulin-producing cells). Aim of the study: By the combination of cell therapy as a modern approach and traditional medicine, the current study was designed to evaluate the effects of chicory leaf extract (LE) on the differentiation potential of P19 EC cells (an embryonal carcinoma stem cell line) into IPCs. Materials and methods: The plant (voucher no. 4567) were collected and deposited in the herbarium of Shahrekord University. In vitro experiments were designed to compare the effects of various concentrations of LE on the differentiation potential of P19 EC cells. Results: The differentiated cells showed morphological characteristics of pancreatic β cells. They could also synthesized and secreted insulin when exposed to glucose. Moreover, the cells expressed specific proteins and genes of mature pancreatic β cells. Conclusions: In conclusion, LE as a natural herbal extract was efficiently able to induce the differentiation of P19 EC cells into the clusters similar to pancreatic islets with the molecular, cellular and functional characteristics of mature β cells. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.
Shirzad H.,
Esmaeili, F.,
Bakhshalizadeh S.,
Ebrahimie M.,
Ebrahimie, E. Publication Date: 2017
Molecular and Cellular Probes (08908508)
Murine P19 embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells are convenient to differentiate into all germ layer derivatives. One of the advantages of P19 cells is that the exogenous DNA can be easily inserted into them. Here, at the first part of this study, we generated stable GFP-expressing P19 cells (P19-GFP+). FACS and western-blot analysis confirmed stable expression of GFP in the cells. We previously demonstrated the efficient induction of neuronal differentiation from mouse ES and EC cells by application of a neuroprotective drug, selegiline In the second part of this study selegiline was used to induce differentiation of P19-GFP+ into stable GFP-expressing neuron-like cells. Cresyl violet staining confirmed neuronal morphology of the differentiated cells. Furthermore, real-time PCR and immunoflourescence approved the expression of neuron specific markers. P19-GFP+ cells were able to survive, migrate and integrated into host tissues when transplanted to developing chick embryo CNS. The obtained live GFP-expressing cells can be used as an abundant source of developmentally pluripotent material for transplantation studies, investigating the cellular and molecular aspects of early differentiation. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd
Ebrahimie M.,
Esmaeili, F.,
Cheraghi S.,
Houshmand F.,
Shabani, L. Publication Date: 2014
PLoS ONE (19326203)(3)
An attractive approach to replace the destroyed insulin-producing cells (IPCs) is the generation of functional β cells from stem cells. Embryonal carcinoma (EC) stem cells are pluripotent cells which can differentiate into all cell types. The present study was carried out to establish a simple nonselective inductive culture system for generation of IPCs from P19 EC cells by 1-2 weeks old mouse pancreas extract (MPE). Since, mouse pancreatic islets undergo further remodeling and maturation for 2-3 weeks after birth, we hypothesized that the mouse neonatal MPE contains essential factors to induce in vitro differentiation of pancreatic lineages. Pluripotency of P19 cells were first confirmed by expression analysis of stem cell markers, Oct3/4, Sox-2 and Nanog. In order to induce differentiation, the cells were cultured in a medium supplemented by different concentrations of MPE (50, 100, 200 and 300 μg/ml). The results showed that P19 cells could differentiate into IPCs and form dithizone-positive cell clusters. The generated P19-derived IPCs were immunoreactive to proinsulin, insulin and insulin receptor beta. The expression of pancreatic β cell genes including, PDX-1, INS1 and INS2 were also confirmed. The peak response at the 100 μg/ml MPE used for investigation of EP300 and CREB1 gene expression. When stimulated with glucose, these cells synthesized and secreted insulin. Network analysis of the key transcription factors (PDX-1, EP300, CREB1) during the generation of IPCs resulted in introduction of novel regulatory candidates such as MIR17, and VEZF1 transcription factors, as well as MORN1, DKFZp761P0212, and WAC proteins. Altogether, we demonstrated the possibility of generating IPCs from undifferentiated EC cells, with the characteristics of pancreatic β cells. The derivation of pancreatic cells from EC cells which are ES cell siblings would provide a valuable experimental tool in study of pancreatic development and function as well as rapid production of IPCs for transplantation. © 2014 Ebrahimie et al.
Publication Date: 2013
Iranian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism (16834844)(4)
Introduction: Type I diabetes mellitus results from the autoimmune destruction of the β cells in pancreatic islets. Currently, extensive research is being conducted on the generation of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) from stem cells. P19 embryonal carcinoma cells are multipotent and can differentiate into cell types of all three germ layers. In this study, the differentiation of P19 cells into IPCs by using mouse pancreas extract (MPE) was investigated. Materials and Methods: Embryoid bodies (EBs) obtained from P19 cells were cultured in medium containing 3% fetal bovine serum, supplemented by concentration of 50, 100, 200,300 μg/mL MPE for 7-14 days. Dithizone (DTZ) staining was used to detect IPCs derived from EBs in vitro. Mouse monoclonal insulin-proinsulin and monoclonal insulin receptor beta antibodies were used for immunoflourescence. Insulin content from the cells and insulin secreted by differentiated cells in response to concentrations of 5.5 and 25 mM glucose were measured using ELISA kits. Results: DTZ-positive cells showed purple-red clusters. immunoflourescence indicated expression of Beta cell markers (insulin-proinsulin and insulin receptor beta) in these cells. Increasing glucose concentration, caused more insulin to be secreted by differentiated cells. Conclusions: P19 cells can in the presence of pancreas extract differentiate to cell producing and secreting insulin cells. Differentiated cells can increase insulin secretion in response to increasing glucose medium.
Bakhshalizadeh S.,
Esmaeili, F.,
Houshmand F.,
Shirzad H.,
Saedi, Mojtaba Publication Date: 2011
In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology - Animal (10712690)(8)
Selegiline, the irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), is currently used to treat Parkinson's disease. However, the mechanism of action of selegiline is complex and cannot be explained solely by its MAO-B inhibitory action. It stimulates gene expression, as well as expression of a number of mRNAs or proteins in nerve and glial cells. Direct neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic actions of selegiline have previously been observed in vitro. Previous studies showed that selegiline can induce neuronal phenotype in cultured bone marrow stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells are developmentaly pluripotene cells which can be differentiated into all cell types under the appropriate conditions. The present study was carried out to examine the effects of selegiline on undifferentiated P19 EC cells. The results showed that selegiline treatment had a dramatic effect on neuronal morphology. It induced the differentiation of EC cells into neuron-like cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The peak response was in a dose of selegiline significantly lower than required for MAO-B inhibition. The differentiated cells were immunoreactive for neuron-specific proteins, synaptophysin, and β-III tubulin. Stem cell therapy has been considered as an ideal option for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Generation of neurons from stem cells could serve as a source for potential cell therapy. This study suggests the potential use of combined selegiline and stem cell therapy to improve deficits in neurodegenerative diseases. © 2011 The Society for In Vitro Biology.
Publication Date: 2010
In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology - Animal (10712690)(10)
RNA interference (RNAi) can induce gene silencing via two pathways: post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) and transcriptional gene silencing (TGS). The mediators of gene inactivation in both pathways are 21-bp small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) generated from longer double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). PTGS involves siRNA-mediated targeting and degradation of mRNA. However, siRNAs induce TGS via DNA methylation at the targeted promoter. Synthetic siRNAs can induce loss of gene activity comparable to long dsRNA. The limitation of this method is that the transfected synthetic siRNA works for only a few days. In this study, we tested the RNAi response to siRNA (PTGS pathway) by using a plasmid containing an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene as a target as well as a plasmid creates siRNA transcript, in a form of a hairpin, against eGFP gene. To investigate TGS pathway via RNAi, we also used a plasmid creates hairpin siRNA transcript against pgk-1 promoter. The data presented here indicated long-lasting inhibition in expression of eGFP and puromycin genes, both under the control of the murine Pgk-1 promoter. However, Southern blot analysis showed no methylation in pgk-1 promoter. © 2010 The Society for In Vitro Biology.
Publication Date: 2010
In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology - Animal (10712690)(1)
In healthy individuals, skin integrity is maintained by epidermal stem cells which self-renew and generate daughter cells that undergo terminal differentiation. Epidermal stem cells represent a promising source of stem cells, and their culture has great potential in scientific research and clinical application. However, no single method has been universally adopted for identifying and isolating epidermal stem cells. Here, we reported the isolation and characterization of putative epidermal stem cells from newborn mouse skin. The keratinocytes were separated enzymatically. Putative epidermal stem cells were selected by rapid adherence on a composite matrix made of type I collagen and fibronectin. Unattached cells were discarded after 10 min, and the attached cells were cultured in a defined culture medium. The isolated cells showed the typical epidermal stem cell morphology. Immunofluorescence indicated that the cells were strongly stained for β1 integrin family of extracellular matrix receptors. In conclusion, mouse putative epidermal stem cells were successfully isolated from newborn mouse epidermis on the basis of high rapid adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins and cultured in vitro. © 2009 The Society for In Vitro Biology.
Publication Date: 2009
Iranian Biomedical Journal (1028852X)(1)
Background: RNA interference (RNAi) is a phenomenon uses double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to specifically inhibit gene expression. The non-specific silencing caused by interferon response to dsRNA in mammalian cells limits the potential of utilizing RNAi to study gene function. Duplexes of 21-nucleotide short interfering dsRNA (siRNA) inhibit gene expression by RNAi. In some organisms, siRNA can also function as a primer converting mRNA into dsRNA that are further cleaved to produce more siRNA. This activity involves the enzyme RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). There are no known RdRP involved in RNAi in mammals. By using an RdRP from Caenorhabditis elegance named ego-1, investigators intend to enhance RNAi effect in mammalian cells. The aims of this project were: 1) to investigate the efficiency of siRNA to enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene silencing and 2) to enhance the RNAi effect. Methods: We used a vector-based siRNA to target eGFP. Also we used a vector expressing ego-1 to test for a possible amplification effect of RNAi. The expression of eGFP in the cells was detected by using fluorescent microscopy, flowcytometry and Western-blotting. Results: Transfection of the plasmid into P19 cells significantly decreased eGFP fluorescence. In addition, eGFP protein was reduced. Preliminary data suggested that the presence of ego-1 enhanced the RNAi effect. Conclusion: The results indicated that use of hairpin siRNA expression vectors for RNAi is a promising method to inhibition of gene expression in mammalian cells. Also, introducing RdRP enzyme to mammalian cells might amplify the RNAi effect in the cells.
Esmaeili, F.,
Tiraihi, Taki,
Movahedin, Mansoureh,
Mowla j., S.J. Publication Date: 2006
Rejuvenation Research (15491684)(4)
The antiaging effect of selegiline was reported by several investigators; therefore, there is a growing interest in the potential use of stern cell therapy in aging. In this investigation, selegiline was used to induce neuronal differentiation in undifferentiated pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The results show that selegiline can induce neuronal phenotype associated with neurotrophic factor expression. Morphologic and immunohistochemical techniques were used to evaluate the differentiation of the CCE cells, Cresyl violet for the morphologic study, anti-synaptophysin and antityrosine hydroxylase antibodies for characterizing the neuronal phenotype of ESCs, and RT-PCR to study the neurotrophins. The results showed that selegiline can induce dose-dependent ESC differentiation into neurons. Moreover, selegiline can induce neurotrophin expression. This study suggests the potential use of combined selegiline and stem cell therapy to improve deficits in neurodegenerative diseases in aging. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
Azizi F.,
Jalil H.,
Nasiri Z.,
Moshtaghian, J.,
Esmaeili, F. Publication Date: 2018
Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (19326254)(9)
Tissue engineering, as a novel transplantation therapy, aims to create biomaterial scaffolds resembling the extracellular matrix in order to regenerate the damaged tissues. Adding bioactive factors to the scaffold would improve cell–tissue interactions. In this study, the effect of chitosan polyvinyl alcohol nanofibres containing carbon nanotube scaffold with or without active bioglass (BG+/BG−), in combination with neonatal rat brain extract on cell viability, proliferation, and neural differentiation of P19 embryonic carcinoma stem cells was investigated. To induce differentiation, the cells were cultured in α-MEM supplemented with neonatal rat brain extract on the scaffolds. The expression of undifferentiated stem cell markers as well as neuroepithelial and neural-specific markers was evaluated and confirmed by real-time Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence procedures. Finally, the three-dimensional (3D) cultured cells were implanted into the damaged neural tubes of chick embryos, and their fates were followed in ovo. Based on the histological and immunofluorescence observations, the transplanted cells were able to survive, migrate, and penetrate into the host embryonic tissues. Gene network analysis suggested the possible involvement of neurotransmitters as a downstream target of synaptophysin and tyrosine hydroxylase. Overall, the results of this study indicated that combining the effects of 3D cell culture and natural brain tissue extract can accelerate the differentiation of P19 embryonic carcinoma cells into neuronal phenotype cells. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mansouri A.,
Esmaeili, F.,
Nejatpour A.,
Houshmand F.,
Shabani, L. Publication Date: 2016
Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (19326254)(7)
The ability of embryonal carcinoma)EC (stem cells to generate insulin-producing cells (IPCs) is still unknown. We examined the trophic effects of pancreas-conditioned medium (PCM) on in vitro production of IPCs. Initially, P19 EC cells were characterized by the expression of stem cell markers, Oct3/4, Sox-2 and Nanog. To direct differentiation, P19-derived embryoid bodies (EBs) were induced by selection of nestin-positive cells and treatment with different concentrations of PCM. Morphological studies documented the presence of islet-like cell IPCs clusters. The differentiated cells were immunoreactive for β cell-specific proteins, including insulin, proinsulin, C-peptide and insulin receptor-β. The expression of genes related to pancreatic β cell development and function (PDX-1, INS1, INS2, EP300 and CREB1) was confirmed by qPCR. During differentiation, the expression of EP300 and CREB1 increased by 2.5 and 3.1 times, respectively. In contrast, a sharp decrease in the expression of Oct3/4, Sox-2 and Nanog by 4, 1.5 and 1.5 times, respectively, was observed. The differentiated cells were functionally active, synthesizing and secreting insulin in a glucose-regulated manner. Network prediction highlighted crosstalk between PDX-1 transcription factor and INS2 ligand in IPC generation and revealed positive regulatory effects of EP300, CREB1, PPARA, EGR, KIT, GLP1R, and PKT2 on activation of PDX-1 and INS2. This is the first report of the induction of IPC differentiation from EC cells by using neonate mouse PCM. Since P19 EC cells are widely available, easily cultured without feeders and do not require special growth conditions, they would provide a valuable tool for studying pancreatic β cell differentiation and development. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rasti, M.,
Piri ardekani, H.,
Mirhendi, H.,
Mofidi, M.,
Dehghani, L.,
Azimian, V. Publication Date: 2025
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (14732165)24(4)
Background: Lipofilling is a natural, low-risk, and long-lasting method for filling, reconstructing, and improving soft tissues such as the face, with minimal discomfort for patients. Many plastic surgeons prefer autologous fat grafting in aesthetic surgery due to its availability, cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, and absence of allergic and carcinogenic concerns. Despite the advantages of autologous fat injection, one of the main drawbacks is the variable persistence of injected fat tissue. Given the significant implications of this issue in advanced countries, this study aims to investigate the survival of fat cells after freezing at different time intervals (1, 3, and 6 months). Methods: Thirty female participants were enlisted for this research, and the viability of fat cell specimens was assessed at intervals of 0, 1, 3, and 6 months post-freezing at −18°C. The evaluation of viable adipocytes was conducted using the XTT assay, a live/dead staining method using fluorescence microscopy after staining with fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI), along with histological analysis of fat tissue after freezing at the indicated time intervals. Results: The results showed that the viability of frozen fat samples decreases by 34%, 60%, and 80% after 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively, compared to non-frozen samples on Day 0. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore a rapid decline in adipocyte viability after storage at −18°C at different time intervals (1, 3, and 6 months), at which points only around 60%, 40%, and 20% of fat cells remained viable, respectively. These results suggest that current fat preservation techniques utilizing either a −18°C freezer are not sufficient for maintaining the long-term viability of adipocytes, and alternative cryopreservation methods are needed to preserve fat cells. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Toghiani, R.,
Azimian, V.,
Najafi, H.,
Mirian, M.,
Azarpira, N.,
Abolmaali, S.S.,
Varshosaz, J.,
Tamaddon, A.M. Publication Date: 2024
Stem Cell Research and Therapy (17576512)15(1)
Background: Recent advancements in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) technology have paved the way for innovative treatment options for various diseases. These stem cells play a crucial role in tissue regeneration and repair, releasing local anti-inflammatory and healing signals. However, challenges such as homing issues and tumorigenicity have led to exploring MSC-exosomes as a promising alternative. MSC-exosomes have shown therapeutic potential in conditions like renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, but low production yields hinder their clinical use. Methods: To address this limitation, we examined hypoxic preconditioning of Wharton jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) 3D-cultured in spheroids on isolated exosome yields and miR-21 expression. We then evaluated their capacity to load miR-210 into HEK-293 cells and mitigate ROS production, consequently enhancing their survival and migration under hypoxia-reoxygenation conditions. Results: MiR-210 overexpression was significantly induced by optimized culture and preconditioning conditions, which also improved the production yield of exosomes from grown MSCs. The exosomes enriched with miR-210 demonstrated a protective effect by improving survival, reducing apoptosis and ROS accumulation in damaged renal cells, and ultimately promoting cell migration. Conclusion: The present study underscores the possibility of employing advanced techniques to maximize the therapeutic attributes of exosomes produced from WJ-MSC spheroid for improved recovery outcomes in ischemia-reperfusion injuries. © The Author(s) 2024.
Rasti, M.,
Parniaei, A.H.,
Dehghani, L.,
Nasr esfahani, S.,
Mirhendi, H.,
Yazdani, V.,
Azimian, V. Publication Date: 2024
Regenerative Therapy (23523204)26pp. 281-289
Introduction: The skin plays a crucial role as a protective barrier against external factors, but disruptions to its integrity can lead to wound formation and hinder the natural healing process. Scar formation and delayed wound healing present significant challenges in skin injury treatment. While alternative approaches such as skin substitutes and tissue engineering exist, they are often limited in accessibility and cost. Exosomes have emerged as a potential solution for wound healing due to their regenerative properties. Methods: In this study, exosomes were isolated from human blood serum using a kit. The exosomes were characterized, and their effects on cell migration were assessed in vitro. Additionally, the wound healing capacity of exosomes was evaluated in vivo using a rat full-thickness wound model. Results: Our in vitro findings revealed that exosomes significantly promoted cell migration. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the injection of exosomes at different areas of the wound accelerated the wound healing process, resulting in wound closure, collagen synthesis, vessel formation, and angiogenesis in the wound area. These results suggest that exosomes have a promising therapeutic potential for expediting wound healing and minimizing scar formation. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the potential of exosomes as a novel approach for enhancing wound healing. Exosomes showed positive effects on both cell migration and wound closure in in vitro and in vivo studies, suggesting their potential use as a regenerative therapy for skin injuries. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of exosomes on wound healing and to optimize their application in clinical settings. © 2024 The Author(s)
Soleiman-dehkordi, E.,
Reisi-vanani, V.,
Hosseini, S.,
Lorigooini, Z.,
Azimian, V.,
Farzan, M.,
Khorasgani, E.M.,
Lozano, K.,
Abolhassanzadeh, Z. Publication Date: 2024
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (01418130)262
Wound infection is still an important challenge in healing of different types of skin injuries. This highlights the need for new and improved antibacterial agents with novel and different mechanisms of action. In this study, by electrospinning process Tanacetum polycephalum essential oil (EO), as a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, along with Amoxicillin (AMX) as an antibiotic are incorporated into PVA/gelatin-based nanofiber mats individually and in combination to fabricate a novel wound dressing. Briefly, we fabricated PVA/gelatin loaded by Amoxicillin as first layer for direct contact with wound surface to protects the wound from exogenous bacteria, and then built a PVA/gelatin/Tanacetum polycephalum essential oil layer on the first layer to help cleanses the wound from infection and accelerates wound closure. Finally, PVA/gelatin layer as third layer fabricated on middle layer to guarantee desirable mechanical properties. For each layer, the electrospinning parameters were adjusted to form bead-free fibers. The morphology of fabricated nanofiber scaffolds was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microscopic images demonstrated the smooth bead-free microstructures fabrication of every layer of nanofiber with a uniform fiber size of 126.888 to 136.833 nm. While, EO and AMX increased the diameter of nanofibers but there was no change in physical structure of nanofiber. The water contact angle test demonstrated hydrophilicity of nanofibers with 47.35°. Although EO and AMX had little effect on reducing hydrophilicity but nanofibers with contact angle between 51.4° until 65.4° are still hydrophilic. Multilayer nanofibers loaded by EO and AMX killed 99.99 % of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria in comparison with control and PVA/gelatin nanofiber. Also, in addition to confirming the non-toxicity of nanofibers, MTT results also showed the acceleration of cell proliferation. In vivo wound evaluation in mouse models showed that designed nanofibrous scaffolds could be an appropriate option for wound treatment due to their positive effect on angiogenesis, collagen deposition, granulation tissue formation, epithelialization, and wound closure. © 2024
Mozaffari, S.,
Morovati, H.,
Gharibi, S.,
Azimian, V.,
Mohammadi, R. Publication Date: 2024
Current Medical Mycology (24233420)10
Background and Purpose: Various attempts have been made to find potent and effective alternatives with natural origin and fewer side effects for the current antifungals. This study aimed to determine the antifungal effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract (HE) and Lyophilized Extract (LE) of Prunus amygdalus hulls on clinical isolates of Candida albicans. Moreover, their effects were compared with fluconazole. Materials and Methods: Following the preparation of botanical compounds, the toxicity, cell viability, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of phenolic compounds analyses were assayed. The broth microdilution method was applied to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of fluconazole, LEs, and HEs against clinical isolates of C. albicans. Results: According to the HPLC results, the HEs and LEs comprised the main nine components, of which chlorogenic and tannic acids were the most abundant ones. Results of the toxicity assays revealed that no dilution of the extract was toxic to the cells, and the percentage of cell viability was similar to that of the control and above 90% in all dilutions. All isolates showed susceptibility to fluconazole (MIC range: 0.12-1 μg/mL). The MIC geometric mean values of C. albicans isolates were 0.29, 11.47, and 48.50 μg/mL for fluconazole, LE, and HE, respectively. Conclusion: Due to their insignificant side effects and cost-effectiveness, these extracts can be introduced as effective antifungals. Further in vivo studies and clinical trials should support the study results. Copyright© 2024, Published by Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences on behalf of Iranian Society of Medical Mycology and Invasive Fungi Research Center.
Azimian, V.,
Gharibi, S.,
Hosseini rizi, M.,
Nekookar, A.,
Mirhendi, H.,
Rahimmalek, M.,
Szumny, A. Publication Date: 2023
Cells (20734409)12(23)
Overcoming drug resistance and specifically targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) are critical challenges in improving cancer therapy. Nowadays, the use of novel and native medicinal plants can provide new sources for further investigations for this purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of S. bachtiarica, an endemic plant with diverse medicinal applications, in suppressing and targeting cancer and cancer stem cells in glioblastoma and breast cancer. The effect of S. bachtiarica on viability, migration, invasion, and clonogenic potential of MDAMB-231 and U87-MG cells was assessed in both two- and three-dimensional cell culture models. Additionally, we evaluated its effects on the self-renewal capacity of mammospheres. The experimental outcomes indicated that S. bachtiarica decreased the viability and growth rate of cells and spheroids by inducing apoptosis and inhibited colony formation, migration, and invasion of cells and spheroids. Additionally, colony and sphere-forming ability, as well as the expression of genes associated with EMT and stemness were reduced in mammospheres treated with S. bachtiarica. In conclusion, this study provided valuable insights into the anti-cancer effects of S. bachtiarica, particularly in relation to breast CSCs. Therefore, S. bachtiarica may be a potential adjuvant for the treatment of cancer. © 2023 by the authors.
Azimian, V.,
Azimian, V.,
Nabavi, S.M.,
Karimi, S.,
Arab, L.,
Aghdami, N.,
Joghtaei, N.,
Maroufizadeh, S.,
Jarooghi, N.,
Bolurieh, T.,
Abbasi, F.,
Mardpour, S. Publication Date: 2023
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (22110356)78
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, demyelinating neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. MS is immune-mediated and leads to disability especially in young adults. Even though 18 MS therapy drugs were approved, they slightly inhibit disease progression and do not induce regeneration and repair in the nervous system. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as a new therapeutic modality in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering due to their immunomodulation and bio regenerative properties. We have designed a randomized, controlled clinical trial to assess safety and possible efficacy of MSC application in MS patients. Twenty-one MS patients were enrolled. Patients were allocated in two distinct groups: treatment group, which received systemic transplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs, and control group, which received placebo at the first injections. Patients in control group received MSCs at the second injection while the treatment group received placebo. All the patients were followed for 18 months. Follow-ups included regular visits, laboratory evaluation, and imaging analysis. Control patients received MSCs six month after treatment group. No severe immediate or late adverse events were observed in both groups after interventions. We did not find any significant differences in the rate of relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, cognitive condition, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings, or any biomarkers of cerebrospinal fluid between the two groups and in each group before and after cell infusion. Transplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells is safe and feasible. The efficacy of transplantation of these cells should be evaluated through designing randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes, different administration routes, other cell types (allogeneic adipose derived MSCs, allogeneic Wharton's jelly derived MSCs …), repeated injections, and longer follow-up periods. © 2023
Mahvash, S.,
Azimian, V.,
Taymouri, S.,
Mirian, M.,
Ramezani-aliakbari, M.,
Dousti, F.,
Rostami, M. Publication Date: 2023
Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology (17732247)87
Novel biocompatible nanocomposites (NCs) of Anderson-type manganese polyoxomolybdate (MnMo6) in chitosan imidazolium platform (MnMo6@CSIm NCs) were introduced for modulating cytotoxicity profile. The anticancer activity of optimized NCs was evaluated against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 & MDA-MB-231) and HUVEC normal cells using the MTT assay. Cellular uptake, apoptosis ratio, and cell migration inhibition were also evaluated on the MDA-MB-231 cell line. The optimized pH-responsive NCs had better anticancer activity than free MnMo6 without cytotoxicity against normal HUVEC cells. The cellular uptake was about 100%, and the apoptosis value was higher (81%) than free MnMo6. Interestingly, the MnMo6@CSIm NCs inhibited the cell migration 1.5 times better than the free MnMo6. These results are fascinating to follow more pre-clinical studies. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
Shirvanian, M.,
Azimian, V.,
Zamanzadeh, Z.,
Janghorban, M.,
Mohammadi, E.,
Ahangarzadeh, S. Publication Date: 2023
Advanced Biomedical Research (22779175)12(1)pp. 242-242
Background: Breast milk is always the best choice for infant's nutrition due to its useful compounds such as immune cells and molecules, oligosaccharides, as well as bacteria and their metabolites. We identified and characterized the isolated strain from human breast milk in this study. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 lactating mothers aged 25 to 34 years were enrolled in our study. We collected the breast milk samples in sterile microtubes. 100 μl of each sample was spread on de Man-Rogosa-Sharpe (MRS) agar plates and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 48 hr. After identifying the isolated strain, initial tests (hemolysis inactivity and L-arginine hydrolysis, catalase), the acid tolerance, bile tolerance, and antibiotics susceptibility of the isolated strain were estimated. Furthermore, the antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities of heat-killed cells) HKC) and cell-free supernatant (CFS) of the strain on the HT-29 cell line were evaluated using MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Results: The isolated strain was Gram-positive, bacilli in shape, catalase-negative, non-hemolytic, and negative for L-arginine hydrolysis. By 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the isolated strain was Lactobacillus fermentum. According to MTT assay and flow cytometry results, the HKC and CFS of the isolated strain reduced the viability of the HT-29 cells. The total apoptosis induced in HT-29 cells by HKC and CFS was 65.98% and 70.1%, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that this strain, despite the properties of probiotic bacteria, has potential antiproliferative and proapoptotic capabilities. © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
Azimian, V.,
Rafiee l., L.,
Sheikholeslam, M.,
Shariati, L.,
Vaseghi, G.,
Savoji, H.,
Javanmard, S.H. Publication Date: 2022
ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering (23739878)8(11)pp. 4648-4672
Common models used in breast cancer studies, including two-dimensional (2D) cultures and animal models, do not precisely model all aspects of breast tumors. These models do not well simulate the cell-cell and cell-stromal interactions required for normal tumor growth in the body and lake tumor like microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are novel approaches to studying breast cancer. They do not have the restrictions of these conventional models and are able to recapitulate the structural architecture, complexity, and specific function of breast tumors and provide similar in vivo responses to therapeutic regimens. These models can be a link between former traditional 2D culture and in vivo models and are necessary for further studies in cancer. This review attempts to summarize the most common 3D in vitro models used in breast cancer studies, including scaffold-free (spheroid and organoid), scaffold-based, and chip-based models, particularly focused on the basic and translational application of these 3D models in drug screening and the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer. © 2022 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.
Naghi-ganji, N.,
Saghaei, L.,
Tavakoli, F.,
Azimian, V.,
Mirian, M.,
Sirous, H.,
Rostami, M. Publication Date: 2022
Research In Pharmaceutical Sciences (17355362)17(5)pp. 572-584
Background and purpose: Histone deacetylation is one of the essential cellular pathways in the growth and spread of cancer, so the design of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors as anticancer agents is of great importance in pharmaceutical chemistry. Here, a series of indole acylhydrazone derivatives of 4-pyridone have been introduced as potential histone deacetylase inhibitors. Experimental approach: Seven indole-acylhydrazone-pyridinone derivatives were synthesized via simple, straightforward chemical procedures. The molecular docking studies were accomplished on HDAC2 compared to panobinostat. The cytotoxicity of all derivatives was studied on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines by MTT assay. Findings / Results: Molecular docking studies supported excellent fitting to the HADC2 active site with binding energies in the range of -10 Kcal/mol for all derivatives. All compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines; derivatives A, B, F, and G were the best candidates. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) values on MCF-7 were below 25 mg/mL and much lower than those obtained on the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Conclusion and implications: The derivatives showed selectivity toward the MCF-7 cell line, probably due to the higher HDAC expression in the MCF-7 cell line. In this regard, debenzylated derivatives F and G showed slightly better cytotoxicity, which should be more studied in the future. Derivatives A, B, F, and G were promising for future enzymatic studies. © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
Azimian, V.,
Azimian, V.,
Vosough, M.,
Nikfam, S.,
Torabi, S.,
Sadri, B.,
Amoli, H.A.,
Basi, A.,
Niknejadi, M.,
Hossein-khannazer, N.,
Hosseini, S.,
Mardpour, S. Publication Date: 2022
Cell Journal (Yakhteh) (22285806)24(2)pp. 62-68
Objective: Perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease (CD) are the main challenges in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Some of the fistulas are refractory to any therapeutic strategy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as a novel promising modality for the treatment of fistulizing CD. Materials and Methods: This case series clinical interventional study was conducted from 2014 to 2017 at Shariati Hospital, an IBD referral center in Tehran, Iran. Refractory adult patients with CD who had draining perianal fistulas were enrolled in this study. All patients were examined by a colorectal surgeon and the fistula imaging studies were performed by pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After autologous bone marrow (BM) aspiration and MSCs isolation, the cells were cultured and passaged under current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) conditions. Four intra-fistula injections of cells, each containing 40×106 MSCs suspended in fibrin glue, were administered by an expert surgeon every 4 weeks. Procedure safety, feasibility and closure of the perianal fistulas at week 24 were assessed. Clinical examination and MRI findings were considered as the primary end points. Results: In total, 5 patients (2 males and 3 females) were enrolled in this study. No adverse events were observed during the six-month follow-up in these patients. Both the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Perianal Disease Activity Index (PDAI) scores decreased in all patients after cell injections and one patient achieved complete remission with closure of fistulas, discontinuation of fistula discharge, and closure of the external opening. Conclusion: Local injection of MSCs combined with fibrin glue is potentially a safe and effective therapeutic approach for complex perianal fistulas in patients with CD. © 2022 Royan Institute (ACECR). All rights reserved.
