Evaluation of Three Methods for the Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomised Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of Gluma and high-power 980-nm diode laser, alone or in combination, in the treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity.

METHODS

A total of 20 patients (5 men and 15 women), aged 25 to 60 years, who met the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in this study. A total of 60 teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups: G1, 980 nm diode laser (in 2 sessions within a 1-week interval); G2, Gluma (in 2 sessions within a 1-week interval); G3, 980 nm diode laser plus Gluma; and G4: control. Thermal (cold spray) and air blast (air syringe of dental unit) stimuli were used to evaluate cervical dentin hypersensitivity in the patients. Their pain response was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment (baseline), in the first treatment session (15 minutes after treatment), in the second treatment session (after 1 week), and in 2-week, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up sessions. The obtained data were analysed using non-parametric tests, including Kruskal-Wallis test, Friedman test, Mann-Whitney test, and Wilcoxon test, in SPSS Version 22 at a significance level of P < .05.

RESULTS

Based on the results, there was a significant difference in the average VAS scores for cold and air blast stimuli between the 4 groups 1 month after the intervention (P < .05). Meanwhile, the laser group had the lowest VAS score for cold and air stimuli. On the contrary, no significant difference was found between the 4 groups 3 months after the intervention (P ˃ .05).

CONCLUSION

The present results showed that 980-nm diode laser alone was more effective than the other 2 intervention methods for 1 month.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20120901010703N5).

A comparison of four decontamination procedures in Reusing healing abutments: An in vitro study

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the effect of four decontamination methods on the level of residual contaminants in the re-usage of dental healing abutments.

Materials and methods

In this experimental study, 50 used healing abutments were divided into five groups of ten as follows: 1. Control group: healing abutments were submerged in the ultrasonic device then autoclaved at 121 °C for 15 min; 2. Hypochlorite group: Same procedure as the control group, but the healing abutments were additionally immersed in 3 % hypochlorite for 20 min; 3. Chlorhexidine group: Same procedure as the control group, but the healing abutments were additionally treated with 12 % chlorhexidine; 4. Air polishing group: Same procedure as the control group, but the healing abutments were subjected to air polishing; 5. Hydrogen peroxide group: Same procedure as the control group, but the healing abutments were additionally exposed to 3 % hydrogen peroxide. Then, all healing abutments were stained with a protein-specific stain, Phloxine B. Five photographs were taken of each healing abutment, with four capturing the body (shank)and one capturing the top. All images were analysed, to measure the stained (contaminated) areas of each sample. The obtained data were analysed using statistical software (significance set at p < 0.05).

Results

The one-way ANOVA test indicated that the average percentage of contamination residues on the occlusal surface did not show a significant difference among the five groups: control: 5.5 ± 2.8, sodium hypochlorite: 4.9 ± 2.5, Chlorhexidine: 5.3 ± 2.5, air polisher: 3.1 ± 1.8 and Hydrogen peroxide: 4.8 ± 3.1. (p = 0.26). The average percentage of residual contamination on the body surfaces (shank part) was significantly lower in the air polisher (1.7 ± 1.1) and sodium hypochlorite (2.4 ± 1.1) groups compared to the other three groups (Control: 6.1 ± 2.3, Hydrogen peroxide: 4.6 ± 0.7, Chlorhexidine: 5.4 ± 2.4) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that the use of sodium hypochlorite and air polishing, alongside autoclaving and ultrasonic cleaning, effectively reduced residual contamination on the body surfaces of healing abutments.

Effects of Propolis-Based Herbal Toothpaste on Dentine Hypersensitivity

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of a propolis-based herbal toothpaste with 5% sodium fluoride varnishin obstructing human dentinal tubules; Scanning electron microscopy was utilised to obtain quantitative and qulitative data on tubular obstruction.

METHODS

Thirty-nine extracted human premolar teeth were collected. The cementum layer was removed using a water-cooled diamond bur and the smear layer using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 17%. Then, the samples were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 13 each), as follows: group 1: dentin discs exposed to the propolis-based herbal toothpaste (Herbex); group 2: dentin discs exposed to 5% sodium fluoride varnish; and group 3: control. Then, all discs were observed and imaged in 4 non-overlapping fields by an electron microscope at 2000× magnification. The topography and number of open, closed, and semi-closed tubules were counted in all images. The data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Friedman test. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS statistic 22.0 software, with a significance level of α = 0.05.

RESULTS

In pairwise comparisons of the groups considering the percentage of open, closed, and semi-closed tubules, the difference was not statistically significant between the 5% sodium fluoride varnish and propolis groups in the closed and semi-closed tubules, but it was statistically significant with the control group. Additionally, the percentage of open tubules in the propolis-based herbal toothpaste group was significantly lower than in the 5% sodium fluoride varnish and control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both propolis-based herbal toothpaste and 5% sodium fluoride varnish is effective in blocking human dentin tubules to various extents.

Protective role of alpha-lipoic acid against rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury in rats

Objectives

Rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition, occurs when myoglobin is released from damaged muscle cells, leading to acute kidney injury (AKI). Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), an organosulfur compound known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, was examined in this study for its potential impact on rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI in rats.

Materials and Methods

Six groups of rats were included in the study, with each group consisting of six rats (n=6): Control, rhabdomyolysis, rhabdomyolysis treated with different doses of ALA (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), and ALA alone (20 mg/kg) groups. Rhabdomyolysis was induced by intramuscular injection of glycerol on the first day of the experiment, while ALA was administered intraperitoneally for four consecutive days. Renal function parameters, oxidative stress markers, and histological changes in the kidneys were evaluated. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) proteins.

Results

A significant increase in serum urea, creatinine, renal malondialdehyde, NGAl, and TNF-α protein levels was observed in glycerol-injected rats. In addition, a significant decrease in glutathione was recorded. Compared to the rhabdomyolysis group, treatment with ALA recovered kidney histological and biochemical abnormalities.

Conclusion

Results suggest that rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Treatment with ALA improved kidney histological abnormalities and reduced oxidative stress markers in rats. Therefore, ALA may have a potential protective effect against rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI.

Renoprotective effect of thymoquinone against rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury in the rat model

Objectives

Rhabdomyolysis leads to the release of myoglobin, sarcoplasmic proteins, and electrolytes into the blood circulation causing acute kidney injury (AKI). Thymoquinone, a natural compound found in Nigella sativa seeds, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This investigation assessed the renoprotective effect of thymoquinone on rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI in rats.

Materials and Methods

Male Wistar rats were categorized into six groups (n = 6): 1. Control: (normal saline), 2. Glycerol (50 ml/kg, single dose, IM), 3-5: Glycerol + thymoquinone (1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, 4 days, IP), 6. Thymoquinone (5 mg/kg). On day 5, serum and kidney tissue were isolated and the amounts of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), renal malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH.), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and pathological changes were evaluated.

Results

Glycerol increased creatinine, BUN, MDA, TNF-α, and NGAL levels. It decreased GSH amounts and caused renal tubular necrosis, glomerular atrophy, and myoglobin cast in kidney tissue. Co-administration of glycerol and thymoquinone reduced creatinine, BUN, histopathological alterations, and MDA levels, and enhanced GSH amounts. Administration of glycerol and thymoquinone (5 mg/kg) had no significant effect on TNF-α amount but decreased NGAL protein levels. The administration of thymoquinone (5 mg/kg) alone did not display a significant difference from the control group.

Conclusion

Rhabdomyolysis from glycerol injection in rats can cause kidney damage. Thymoquinone may attenuate renal dysfunction and oxidative stress. However, the TNF-α level was not significantly affected. Further studies are needed to explore the potential therapeutic effects of thymoquinone in managing AKI.

Multiorgan MRI findings after hospitalisation with COVID-19 in the UK (C-MORE): a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The multiorgan impact of moderate to severe coronavirus infections in the post-acute phase is still poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the excess burden of multiorgan abnormalities after hospitalisation with COVID-19, evaluate their determinants, and explore associations with patient-related outcome measures.

METHODS

In a prospective, UK-wide, multicentre MRI follow-up study (C-MORE), adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital following COVID-19 who were included in Tier 2 of the Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) and contemporary controls with no evidence of previous COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibody negative) underwent multiorgan MRI (lungs, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys) with quantitative and qualitative assessment of images and clinical adjudication when relevant. Individuals with end-stage renal failure or contraindications to MRI were excluded. Participants also underwent detailed recording of symptoms, and physiological and biochemical tests. The primary outcome was the excess burden of multiorgan abnormalities (two or more organs) relative to controls, with further adjustments for potential confounders. The C-MORE study is ongoing and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04510025.

FINDINGS

Of 2710 participants in Tier 2 of PHOSP-COVID, 531 were recruited across 13 UK-wide C-MORE sites. After exclusions, 259 C-MORE patients (mean age 57 years [SD 12]; 158 [61%] male and 101 [39%] female) who were discharged from hospital with PCR-confirmed or clinically diagnosed COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and Nov 1, 2021, and 52 non-COVID-19 controls from the community (mean age 49 years [SD 14]; 30 [58%] male and 22 [42%] female) were included in the analysis. Patients were assessed at a median of 5·0 months (IQR 4·2-6·3) after hospital discharge. Compared with non-COVID-19 controls, patients were older, living with more obesity, and had more comorbidities. Multiorgan abnormalities on MRI were more frequent in patients than in controls (157 [61%] of 259 vs 14 [27%] of 52; p<0·0001) and independently associated with COVID-19 status (odds ratio [OR] 2·9 [95% CI 1·5-5·8]; padjusted=0·0023) after adjusting for relevant confounders. Compared with controls, patients were more likely to have MRI evidence of lung abnormalities (p=0·0001; parenchymal abnormalities), brain abnormalities (p<0·0001; more white matter hyperintensities and regional brain volume reduction), and kidney abnormalities (p=0·014; lower medullary T1 and loss of corticomedullary differentiation), whereas cardiac and liver MRI abnormalities were similar between patients and controls. Patients with multiorgan abnormalities were older (difference in mean age 7 years [95% CI 4-10]; mean age of 59·8 years [SD 11·7] with multiorgan abnormalities vs mean age of 52·8 years [11·9] without multiorgan abnormalities; p<0·0001), more likely to have three or more comorbidities (OR 2·47 [1·32-4·82]; padjusted=0·0059), and more likely to have a more severe acute infection (acute CRP >5mg/L, OR 3·55 [1·23-11·88]; padjusted=0·025) than those without multiorgan abnormalities. Presence of lung MRI abnormalities was associated with a two-fold higher risk of chest tightness, and multiorgan MRI abnormalities were associated with severe and very severe persistent physical and mental health impairment (PHOSP-COVID symptom clusters) after hospitalisation.

INTERPRETATION

After hospitalisation for COVID-19, people are at risk of multiorgan abnormalities in the medium term. Our findings emphasise the need for proactive multidisciplinary care pathways, with the potential for imaging to guide surveillance frequency and therapeutic stratification.

FUNDING

UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.

Structure of PD1 and its mechanism in the treatment of autoimmune diseases

PD-1 and CTLA-4 can play an important role in addressing the issue of autoimmune diseases. PD-1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on T, B, and Dentric cells. This molecule functions as a checkpoint in T cell proliferation. Ligation of PD-1 with its ligands inhibits the production of IL-2, IL-7, IL-10, and IL-12 as well as other cytokines by macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T cells, which can suppress cell proliferation and inflammation. Today, scientists attempt to protect against autoimmune diseases by PD-1 inhibitory signals. In this review, we discuss the structure, expression, and signaling pathway of PD-1. In addition, we discuss the importance of PD-1 in regulating several autoimmune diseases, reflecting how manipulating this molecule can be an effective method in the immunotherapy of some autoimmune diseases.

STA-21, a small molecule STAT3 inhibitor, ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by altering Th-17/Treg balance

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have demonstrated the role of T helper (Th) 17 and T regulatory (reg) cells and pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines related to these cells in the pathogenesis of MS and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). STAT3 is one of the downstream signaling proteins of IL-23, IL-6, and IL-21 that are required for Th17 cells differentiation. STA-21 is a STAT3 inhibitor that functions by inhibiting STAT3 dimerization and binding to DNA impairing the expression of STAT3 target genes including, RORγt, IL-21 and IL-23R that are also required for Th17 cell differentiation.

AIM

In this study, we evaluated the effect of STA-21 on EAE Model and investigated how this small molecule can change Th17/Treg balance leading to amelioration of disease.

METHODS

After EAE induction and treatment with STA-21, its effects were assessed. Major assays were H&E and LFB staining, Flow cytometric analysis, Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and ELISA.

RESULTS

STA-21 ameliorated the EAE severity and decreased the EAE inflammation and demyelination. It also decreased STAT3 phosphorylation, the proportion of Th17 cells and the protein level of IL-17. In contrast, the balance of Tregs and the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 increased in STA-21-treated mice. Moreover, STA-21 significantly decreased the expression of Th17 related transcription factors, RORɣt and IL-23R while FOXP3 expression associated with Treg differentiation was increased.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that STA-21 has therapeutic effects in EAE by reducing inflammation and shifting inflammatory immune responses to anti-inflammatory and can be used as a suitable treatment strategy for the treatment of EAE. The effectiveness of inhibiting or strengthening the functional cells of the immune system by these small molecules in terms of easy to access, simple construction and inexpensive expansion make them as a suitable tool for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Clinical characteristics with inflammation profiling of long COVID and association with 1-year recovery following hospitalisation in the UK: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

No effective pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions exist for patients with long COVID. We aimed to describe recovery 1 year after hospital discharge for COVID-19, identify factors associated with patient-perceived recovery, and identify potential therapeutic targets by describing the underlying inflammatory profiles of the previously described recovery clusters at 5 months after hospital discharge.

METHODS

The Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study recruiting adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital with COVID-19 across the UK. Recovery was assessed using patient-reported outcome measures, physical performance, and organ function at 5 months and 1 year after hospital discharge, and stratified by both patient-perceived recovery and recovery cluster. Hierarchical logistic regression modelling was performed for patient-perceived recovery at 1 year. Cluster analysis was done using the clustering large applications k-medoids approach using clinical outcomes at 5 months. Inflammatory protein profiling was analysed from plasma at the 5-month visit. This study is registered on the ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN10980107, and recruitment is ongoing.

FINDINGS

2320 participants discharged from hospital between March 7, 2020, and April 18, 2021, were assessed at 5 months after discharge and 807 (32·7%) participants completed both the 5-month and 1-year visits. 279 (35·6%) of these 807 patients were women and 505 (64·4%) were men, with a mean age of 58·7 (SD 12·5) years, and 224 (27·8%) had received invasive mechanical ventilation (WHO class 7-9). The proportion of patients reporting full recovery was unchanged between 5 months (501 [25·5%] of 1965) and 1 year (232 [28·9%] of 804). Factors associated with being less likely to report full recovery at 1 year were female sex (odds ratio 0·68 [95% CI 0·46-0·99]), obesity (0·50 [0·34-0·74]) and invasive mechanical ventilation (0·42 [0·23-0·76]). Cluster analysis (n=1636) corroborated the previously reported four clusters: very severe, severe, moderate with cognitive impairment, and mild, relating to the severity of physical health, mental health, and cognitive impairment at 5 months. We found increased inflammatory mediators of tissue damage and repair in both the very severe and the moderate with cognitive impairment clusters compared with the mild cluster, including IL-6 concentration, which was increased in both comparisons (n=626 participants). We found a substantial deficit in median EQ-5D-5L utility index from before COVID-19 (retrospective assessment; 0·88 [IQR 0·74-1·00]), at 5 months (0·74 [0·64-0·88]) to 1 year (0·75 [0·62-0·88]), with minimal improvements across all outcome measures at 1 year after discharge in the whole cohort and within each of the four clusters.

INTERPRETATION

The sequelae of a hospital admission with COVID-19 were substantial 1 year after discharge across a range of health domains, with the minority in our cohort feeling fully recovered. Patient-perceived health-related quality of life was reduced at 1 year compared with before hospital admission. Systematic inflammation and obesity are potential treatable traits that warrant further investigation in clinical trials.

FUNDING

UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.

Comprehensive comparison of theranostic nanoparticles in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most frequently happening cancer and the most typical cancer death among females. Despite the crucial progress in breast cancer therapy by using Chemotherapeutic agents, most anti-tumor drugs are insufficient to destroy exactly the breast cancer cells. The noble method of drug delivery using nanoparticles presents a great promise in treating breast cancer most sufficiently and with the least harm to the patient. Nanoparticles, with their spectacular characteristics, help overcome problems of this kind. Unique features of nanoparticles such as biocompatibility, bioavailability, biodegradability, sustained release, and, most importantly, site-specific targeting enables the Chemotherapeutic agents loaded in nanocarriers to differentiate between healthy tissue and cancer cells, leading to low toxicity and fewer side effects. This review focuses on evaluating and comprehending nanoparticles utilized in breast cancer treatment, including the most recent data related to the drugs they can carry. Also, this review covers all information related to each nanocarrier, such as their significant characteristics, subtypes, advantages, disadvantages, and chemical modification methods with recently published studies. This article discusses over 21 nanoparticles used in breast cancer treatment with possible chemical ligands such as monoclonal antibodies and chemotherapeutic agents binding to these carriers. These different nanoparticles and the unique features of each nanocarrier give the researchers all the data and insight to develop and use the brand-new drug delivery system.

High-Frequency TiO2 Nanotube-Adapted Microwave Coplanar Waveguide Resonator for High-Sensitivity Ultraviolet Detection

Ultraviolet (UV) sensors are a key component in growing applications such as water quality treatment and environmental monitoring, with considerable interest in their miniaturization and enhanced operation. This work presents a passive gold coplanar waveguide split ring resonator integrated with anodic self-organized TiO₂ nanotube (TNT) membranes with a thickness of 20 μm to provide real-time UV detection. The resonator operated as a one-port device to capture the reflection coefficient (S₁₁) signal, with a center frequency of 16 GHz and a notch amplitude of -88 dB. It was experimentally analyzed for its UV sensing capability in the range of 36.5-463 μW/cm². The high-frequency resonator was improved through design choices including the addition of a tapered input transmission line, wire bonding for practical device design, and an interdigitated capacitive ring gap. The high frequency also helped mitigate noise due to water vapor or environmental contaminants. S₁₁ amplitude variation was found through both experiments and modeling to follow a linear trend with UV illumination intensity. The resonator exhibited over 45 ± 2 dB shift in the resonant amplitude under the highest UV illumination conditions, with a sensitivity of 0.084 dB/μW cm^-2 and the potential to sense UV intensity as low as 2.7 μW/cm². The presented device enabled a repeatable and accurate microwave response under UV illumination with very high sensitivity, entirely through the use of passive circuit elements.

Consequences for Norway from a hypothetical accident at the Sellafield reprocessing plant: Atmospheric transport of radionuclides

The potential consequences for Norway should a nuclear accident at the Sellafield nuclear site occur, have been of concern for Norwegian authorities for several decades. Meteorological data from a 33-year period and the dispersion model 'SNAP' were used to evaluate meteorological conditions for which atmospheric transport of radionuclides from Sellafield to Norway would lead to the most severe impacts. The worst-case meteorological scenario for Norway, was found on 25^th June 1989 for a low elevation (0-800 m) release and on 29^th June 2001 for a higher elevation (800-1600 m) release. In both cases the western part of Norway was most affected. In general, the probability for depositions (>10 Bq/m² of ¹³⁷Cs) increased about 40% during the autumn and winter compared to the spring and summer months. An influence of climate change on the depositions was analysed, but not verified. Results from a number of simulations were also compared to identify how factors such as radioactive particle characteristics and initial release conditions could affect the predicted radionuclide deposition. The impact on predicted total depositions as well as hot-spot depositions by varying particle density and size as well as release elevation in worst-case scenario simulations amounted to about 40%-50%.

Under hypoxic conditions, MSCs affect the expression and methylation level of survival-related genes in ALL independent of apoptosis pathways in vitro

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most prominent cells in the bone marrow. MSCs can affect acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) cells under hypoxic conditions. With this aim, we used MOLT-4 cells as simulators of ALL cells cocultured with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) under hypoxic conditions in vitro. Then, mRNA and protein expression of the MAT2A, PDK1, and HK2 genes were evaluated by real-time PCR and Western blot which was also followed by apoptosis measurement by a flow-cytometric method. Next, the methylation status of the target genes was investigated by MS-qPCR. Additionally, candidate gene expressions were examined after treatment with rapamycin using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. We found that the mRNA expression of the candidate genes was augmented under the hypoxic condition in which MAT2A was upregulated in cocultured cells compared to MOLT-4, while HK2 and PDK1 were downregulated. Moreover, we found an association between gene expression and promoter methylation levels of target genes. Besides, expressions of the candidate genes were decreased, while their methylation levels were promoted following treatment with rapamycin. Our results suggest an important role for the BMMSC in regulating the methylation of genes involved in cell survival in hypoxia conditions; however, we found no evidence to prove the MSCs' effect on directing malignant lymphoblastic cells to apoptosis.

Ruxolitinib attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) development as animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS)

AIMS

STAT3 signaling is critical for Th17 development that plays an important role in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and regulatory T cells effects of JAK1/2 and STAT3 inhibition, we assessed the JAK 1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib effects on Th17 cell/Tregs balance.

MAIN METHODS

Ruxolitinib was administered to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice via oral gavage, and its effects were assessed. The expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17A and IL-10, were analyzed by real-time PCR. The frequency of Th17 cells and Tregs were evaluated by flow cytometry.

KEY FINDING

Ruxolitinib ameliorated the EAE severity and decreased the proportion of Th17 cells and inflammatory markers levels. In contrast, the balance of Tregs and the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine were increased in ruxolitinib-treated mice. Furthermore, ruxolitinib markedly decreased the expression of Th17 related transcription factor, RORɣt, whereas FOXP3 expression associated with Treg differentiation was increased.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results show that ruxolitinib may be a promising therapeutic strategy for multiple sclerosis.

miR-193a-5p as a promising therapeutic candidate in colorectal cancer by reducing 5-FU and Oxaliplatin chemoresistance by targeting CXCR4

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) as small (19-25 nucleotides in length) non-coding RNA molecules that modify gene expression has been shown in several types of cancer. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin (Ox) are two common chemotherapeutic agents used to treat cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression levels of miR-193a-5p in CRC, and its effect on the C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4) target gene alone and in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, to determine its possible role in chemoresistance. CRC tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissue were obtained from 67 patients who had undergone surgery to determine the expression levels of miR-193a-5p and CXCR4. Subsequently, qPCR and Western blotting were performed to determine the effect of miR-193a-5p and chemotherapy drugs on CXCR4. َAlso, MTT assay, and flow cytometry was performed to determine their role in cell viability and apoptosis. Besides, the relationship between miR-193a-5p and CXCR4 with patients' clinical features was investigated. The results of the present study showed that miR-193a-5p was significantly downregulated, whereas CXCR4 was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues obtained from patients with CRC compared with the adjacent non-tumor healthy controls. In addition, the upregulation of miR-193-5p reduced the expression levels of CXCR4, particularly in combination with 5-FU and OX. Besides, using rescue experiments, the present study showed that miR-193a-5p replacement was able to suppress CXCR4-induced CRC cell proliferation by directly targeting CXCR4. Furthermore, there was a significant association between miR-193a-5p and CXCR4 with certain clinicopathological characteristics, particularly with metastasis-related features. These results suggest that miR-193a-5p serves a tumor-suppressive function in CRC and can directly target CXCR4 and decrease its mRNA and protein expression levels. Additionally, miR-193a-5p in combination with 5-FU and Ox potentiated reducing CXR4 expression, which may reveal its contribution to tumor chemoresistance. In conclusion, miR-193-5p may be applicable as a prognostic and diagnostic marker, and also serve as a therapeutic factor by reducing CXCR4 in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs.

Immunization with recombinant PlpE of ovine Mannheimia haemolytica isolate provides protection against lethal challenge in mice

BACKGROUND

Mannheimia haemolytica primarily causes pneumonia leading to heavy morbidity and mortality in domestic livestock world-wide. Recently, outer membrane lipoproteins have emerged as targets for inducing protective immunity against the Pasteurella infection.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate recombinant outer membrane lipoprotein E (PlpE) from the ovine M. haemolytica isolate, as a potential vaccine candidate.

METHODS

Recombinant PlpE was constructed using pET26 (b) expression vector in Escherichia coli. Expressed recombinant PlpE was purified and injected subcutaneously to mice. The protection index of the vaccine was evaluated by challenge of mice intraperitoneally.

RESULTS

Anti-PlpE antibody responses in the immunized mice was significantly increased in comparison with the control group which in turn, provided effective protection when challenged with strain of virulent M. haemolytica.

CONCLUSION

Recombinant PlpE from ovine M. haemolytica isolate had the potential to be used as a vaccine candidate against M. haemolytica infection in sheep flocks.

Epigenetic mechanisms shape the underlining expression regulatory mechanisms of the STAT3 in multiple sclerosis disease

Objectives

Immunological tolerance is mediated by CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T (Treg) cells. Studies have shown that thymic and peripheral generations of Treg cells depend on the CD28 signaling pathway. T helper 17 (Th17) cells are involved in the pathophysiology of various inflammatory diseases. Cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and TGF-β, regulate the reciprocal development of Th17 and Treg cells. In CD4⁺ T cells, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) play a critical role in the induction of Th17 cell differentiation and inhibition of Treg cell development.

Results

In this study, we investigated the STAT3 methylation and gene expression status in patients with MS. Our study demonstrated that the level of STAT3 methylation decreased in relapsing–remitting MS patient compared to control groups, which the decreases were statistically significant. STAT3 gene expression increased in patient group relative to healthy one, and the increases were found to be statistically significant. According to our findings, it can be suggested that DNA hypermethylation of STAT3 affects the gene expression. In addition, there is a strong and significant negative correlation between the methylation status and mRNA level of STAT3.

Innate and adaptive immune responses against coronavirus

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a member of the Coronaviridae family with positive-sense single- stranded RNA. In recent years, the CoVs have become a global problem to public health. The immune responses (innate and adaptive immunity) are essential for elimination and clearance of CoVs infections, however, uncontrolled immune responses can result in aggravating acute lung injury and significant immunopathology. Gaining profound understanding about the interaction between CoVs and the innate and adaptive immune systems could be a critical step in the field of treatment. In this review, we present an update on the host innate and adaptive immune responses against SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and newly appeared SARS-CoV-2.