Evaluation of normal tissue complications in breast cancer re-irradiation: a meta-analysis study

BACKGROUND

In recent years, evidence has accumulated that a second method of conserving the breast from cancer with re-irradiation as part of treatment may be feasible and safe. Many oncologists are skeptical of breast re-irradiation due to concerns about late complications, so access to quantitative data on the prevalence of breast re-irradiation complications is very important. In this meta-analysis, we determine the prevalence of complications in normal tissue after breast re-irradiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was done to recognize qualified studies using EMBASE, MEDLINE, PUBMED, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Collaboration Library electronic databases from 2000 to 2023. In total, ten primary studies were applied in this meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of complications of disorders, skin fibrosis, and chest pain. Heterogeneity was investigated using the I2 index and the meta-regression to evaluate variables suspected of causing heterogeneity. Statistical analysis and synthesis were performed using Stata 17.

RESULTS

The average dose received by patients who underwent radiation therapy in two stages was 100.32 Gy, and in these patients, the prevalence of skin fibrosis and disorders was 47% (95% CI 71-22%; I2 = 96.76%, P < 0.001) and the prevalence of chest pain was 35% (95% CI 68-8%; I2 = 98.13%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is little clinical information about the incidence of complications in breast re-irradiation therapy. This meta-analysis presents the prevalence of complications after breast re-irradiation to help radiation oncologists and physicists make better decisions.

Machine and deep learning algorithms for classifying different types of dementia: A literature review

The cognitive impairment known as dementia affects millions of individuals throughout the globe. The use of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms has shown great promise as a means of early identification and treatment of dementia. Dementias such as Alzheimer's Dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia are all discussed in this article, along with a literature review on using ML algorithms in their diagnosis. Different ML algorithms, such as support vector machines, artificial neural networks, decision trees, and random forests, are compared and contrasted, along with their benefits and drawbacks. As discussed in this article, accurate ML models may be achieved by carefully considering feature selection and data preparation. We also discuss how ML algorithms can predict disease progression and patient responses to therapy. However, overreliance on ML and DL technologies should be avoided without further proof. It's important to note that these technologies are meant to assist in diagnosis but should not be used as the sole criteria for a final diagnosis. The research implies that ML algorithms may help increase the precision with which dementia is diagnosed, especially in its early stages. The efficacy of ML and DL algorithms in clinical contexts must be verified, and ethical issues around the use of personal data must be addressed, but this requires more study.

Selenium mitigates methotrexate-induced testicular injury: Insights from male NMRI mice model

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Chemotherapy, particularly with methotrexate (MTX), often elicits testicular toxicity, leading to impaired spermatogenesis and hormone imbalances. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of selenium (Se) against MTX-induced testicular injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male mice were divided into control, MTX, Se, and MTX + Se groups. Histopathological examination involved the preparation of testicular tissue sections using the Johnsen's tubular biopsy score (JTBS) for spermatogenesis evaluation. Biochemical tests included the assessment of testosterone, malondialdehyde (MDA), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to analyze the expression of caspase 3 (casp3), tumor protein 53 (p53), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), and Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) genes. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < .05).

RESULTS

Histopathological analysis revealed significant testicular damage in the MTX group, with decreased spermatogenesis and Leydig cell count, while Se administration mitigated these effects, preserving the structural integrity of the reproductive epithelium. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that MTX led to elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced testosterone, LH, and FSH levels, suggesting oxidative stress and Leydig cell dysfunction. Gene expression analysis indicated that MTX upregulated proapoptotic genes (casp3, p53, and bax) while downregulating the antiapoptotic Bcl2 gene. In contrast, Se treatment reversed these trends, highlighting its potential antiapoptotic properties.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore the potential of Se as a therapeutic agent to mitigate the reproductive toxicity associated with MTX-induced testicular injury. Se exerts protective effects by regulating oxidative stress, preserving hormone balance, and modulating apoptotic pathways. These results suggest that Se supplementation could be a promising strategy to alleviate chemotherapy-induced testicular damage and preserve male fertility.

Brain targeting based nanocarriers loaded with resveratrol in Alzheimer's disease: A review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the chief neurological difficulties in the aged population, identified through dementia, memory disturbance, and reduced cognitive abilities. β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques aggregations, generation of reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial dysfunction are among the major signs of AD. Regarding the urgent need for the development of novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, researchers have recently perused the function of natural phytobioactive combinations, such as resveratrol (RES), in vivo and in vitro (animal models of AD). Investigations have shown the neuroprotective action of RES. This compound can be encapsulated by several methods (e.g. polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), solid lipid nanoparticles, Micelles, and liposomes). This antioxidant compound, however, barely crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB), thereby limiting its bioavailability and stability at the target sites in the brain. Thanks to nanotechnology, the efficiency of AD therapy can be improved by encapsulating the drugs in a NP with a controlled size (1-100 nm). This article addressed the use of RES, as a Phytobioactive compound, to decrease the oxidative stress. Encapsulation of this compound in the form of nanocarriers to treat neurological diseases to improve BBB crossing is also discussed.

A metabolism targeting three-pronged attack significantly attenuates breast cancer stem cell related markers toward therapeutic application

Tumor metabolism has provided researchers with a promising window to cancer therapy. The metabolic pathways adopted by cancer cells are different from those of normal cells. Thus, metabolism can be considered a linchpin in targeted cancer therapy. Glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and mitochondria represent three critical metabolic spots with important roles in cancer cell survival and proliferation. In the present study, we aimed to target these pathways using three different inhibitors: 2-deoxyglucose, 6-aminonicotinamide, and doxycycline, separately and in combination. Accordingly, cell viability, lactate production, cell cycle profile, apoptotic profile, and expression of surface and molecular markers of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines were investigated under adherent and sphere conditions. Our results from our set conditions indicated various inhibitory effects of these compounds on the breast cancer cell lines. Based on this all-around attack, the combination of drugs demonstrated the most effective inhibitory action compared to separate usage. This study suggests the combined application of these drugs in future investigations and more experimental settings in order to introduce this therapeutic strategy as an efficient anti-cancer treatment.

Overview of biological effects of melatonin on testis: A review

Infertility is a major global health issue and male factors account for half of all infertility cases. One of the causes of male infertility is the loss of spermatogonial stem cells, which may occur because of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or genetic defects. In numerous animal species, the evidence suggests the pineal gland and melatonin secretion in their reproductive activities are involved. Recently, considerable attention has pointed to the usage of melatonin in the treatment of diseases. Melatonin is associated with the regulation of circadian and seasonal rhythmic functions, immune system functions, retinal physiology, spermatogenesis and inhibition of tumour growth in different species. Several studies demonstrated that melatonin acts as an anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant agent. Melatonin can also protect testicles and spermatogonia against oxidative damage, chemotherapy drugs, environmental radiation, toxic substances, hyperthermia, ischemia/reperfusion, diabetes-induced testicular damage, metal-induced testicular toxicity, improve sperm quality and it affects the testosterone secretion pathway by affecting Leydig cells. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the biological effects of melatonin as a natural antioxidant on testicles and their disorders.

A Real-World Industrial Application of Particle Swarm Optimization: Baghouse Designing

Due to the high ability and flexibility of meta-heuristic algorithms (MAs), they can widely be used in many applications to solve different problems. Recently, real-world engineering applications of these optimization algorithms have attracted researchers’ attention. This paper applies particle swarm optimization (PSO) as an effective population-based MAs to design the baghouse (BH). BH filters are among the most commonly used devices in air pollution control systems in mining and food manufacturers and power plants. Designing the BH depends on several parameters such as its capacity or airflow (Nm3/h), air-to-cloth ratio ([Formula: see text]), cam velocity, and installation limitations. Generally, industrial designers select the number and length of bags and their arrangement based on the experimental observations to meet the parameters mentioned above. The minimum cost or total weight of equipment is utilized for proposing a competitive price for suppliers. In this paper, a PSO algorithm is used to minimize the total cost by finding the best possible design (the number, length, and arrangement of bags). In addition, a real example of installed BH in a pelletizing plant is given and compared with PSO results to investigate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The results suggest that PSO can find a better design with minimum total cost than an installed BH filter, and therefore, PSO is applicable to industrial designers.

Effect of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on the Expression of Developmental and Apoptosis Genes of Testicular Tissue in 6-Day-Old NMRI Mice Fetuses

Cerium oxide (CeO₂) has potential applications in medicine and various consumer products. This study investigated the effect of CeO₂ on the expression of genes associated with apoptosis and testicular development in mouse embryos. The experimental groups of pregnant mice were injected intraperitoneally with CeO₂ at a concentration of 10 mg/kg on days 7 and 14 of pregnancy. Six days after birth, the testicles of neonatal male mice were collected for mRNA expression determination using real-time PCR, protein expression analysis by immunohistochemistry, and apoptotic cell population determination using the TUNEL assay. The results showed that the mRNA expression of the Bax, Caspase-3, and Gsk3-β genes, unlike the Bcl2 gene, decreased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. The expression ratio of Bax/Bcl2 in the experimental group was lower than in the control group. A similar trend was observed in the population of apoptotic cells. In the experimental group, the expression levels of, Gata4, Sox8, and Rad54 at both the mRNA and protein levels increased significantly compared to the control group. Based on the results of this study, CeO₂ at a concentration of 10 mg/kg, in addition to producing anti-apoptotic effects on the testicular cells of neonatal mice, can increase the expression of genes involved in testicular development and performance. The current experimental study proved the protective effects of 10 mg/kg CeO₂ in developmental and apoptosis genes of testicular tissue in 6-day-old NMRI mice fetuses; however, more experiments are required to evaluate the possible side effects and interactions.

Effects of zinc on expression of apoptosis-related genes in freezing thawing damage of adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stromal cells

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of zinc supplementation on freezing thawing damage in adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) of mice through studying cellular viability and gene expression profile of apoptosis. Slow freezing method was conducted and the samples were treated with zinc doses 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 µM. Viability was increased in groups of 2.5, 10 and 25 µM zinc in comparison to the control group. Gene expression study showed that in the group of 2.5 µM zinc, Fas, Bax and Caspase3 had down regulation. Up regulation of Bcl2 was observed in the groups of 10 and 25 µM zinc. P53 did not have a protecting regulation in the groups of study. The present study showed that doses 2.5-25 µM of zinc had a rather safe toxicity, increased cellular viability, and ameliorated expression of apoptosis-related genes in both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.

The therapeutic effect of cerium oxide nanoparticle on ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rat testis

Testicular torsion is a dangerous urogenital disorder which is caused by twisting of spermatic cord, and unless immediate treatments happen at a proper time, oxidative stress, occurred during ischaemia reperfusion, finally leads to irreversible disintegration of testicular tissue. One of the first preventive lines is to administrate antioxidant factors. In the present study, we investigate the therapeutic effect of cerium oxide nanoparticle on the injury. We divided 45 rats into nine groups, subjected eight groups to testicular torsion-detorsion, injected different doses of cerium oxide nanoparticle into the peritoneum of six groups and analysed all the groups regarding spermatogenetic indices including sperm count, sperm viability and Johnson mean. Our results showed that cerium oxide nanoparticle can alleviate oxidative stress in testis, and this alleviation promotes the reproductive indices as the concentration of cerium oxide nanoparticles increases. The catalase-mimetic and superoxide dismutase-mimetic activities of cerium oxide nanoparticle are the most probable theories to explain the antioxidant effect of the nanoparticle.

D-limonene in diabetic rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multi-factorial condition associated with oxidative stress. Limonene, as a plant-derived antioxidant, can be used for treating DM. Objectives: An investigation on antioxidant effects in diabetic rats exposed to D-limonene. Materials and Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were categorized into six groups as follows: control (healthy rats), diabetic control (untreated diabetic rats), sham glibenclamide, diabetic glibenclamide, sham limonene, and finally diabetic limonene. Alloxan (100 mg/dL) was infused intraperitoneally to induce type 1 diabetes in rats. Rats in certain groups were given limonene (100 mg/dL) and glibenclamide (10 mg/dL) orally for 8 weeks. Subsequently, animals were killed, and their kidneys were removed. Serum levels of biochemical factors (including serum creatinine, urea, and glucose) were determined, and factors such as nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured in kidney tissue homogenate. The gene expression and enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the kidney were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and spectrophotometry, respectively. Results: Limonene treatment significantly decreased serum glucose, creatinine, and urea. Additionally, MDA, MPO, and NO significantly decreased while GSH increased after treatment with limonene. Real-time RT-PCR showed significant elevation (P<0.05) in mRNA levels of GPx, CAT, and SOD in the limonene-treated compared with the diabetic control group. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that limonene as an herbal antioxidant had better effects on antioxidant markers compared to glibenclamide in rat models of diabetes.

Pre-Implantation Effects of Progesterone Administration on Ovarian Angiogenesis after Ovarian Stimulation: A Histological, Hormonal, and Molecular Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Progesterone (P4) is known to directly affect ovarian tissue angiogenesis. The present study was designed to show how P4 affects ovarian angiogenesis in hormonal, histological, and molecular levels.

METHODS

Fifteen adult female NMRI mice were divided into three groups: Control Group; Case Group I (ovarian stimulation alone); and Case Group II (ovarian stimulation followed by P4 administration). Blood and ovarian tissue samples were assessed for hormonal, histological, and molecular alterations. Gene expression for ovarian vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) was analyzed using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Ovarian hormone levels were increased in the case groups compared with the control group (p<0.05). Quantitative corpus luteum parameters were increased in the case groups compared with the control group (p<0.05). Quantitative ovarian vascular parameters were significantly different in the case groups compared with the control group. Gene expression analyses shows that the mice in Case Group I had higher levels of ovarian VEGF expression than the mice in the control group (p<0.05). No significant difference in gene expression was observed for HIF-1ɑ.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with P4 after ovarian stimulation enhanced ovarian angiogenesis by increasing hormone levels and causing significant structural changes.

Quercetin postconditioning attenuates gastrocnemius muscle ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Quercetin, an antioxidant derived from plants, can play a beneficial role in the protection of various tissues against ischemia-reperfusion injuries (IRI). The purpose of the present research was to investigate the protective effects of quercetin on gastrocnemius muscle ischemia-reperfusion. A total of 80 adult male Wistar rats (weights: 250-300 g) were divided into ten groups (n = 8 per group). We used silk 6.0 surgical thread to create a knit to occlude the femoral artery and vein for 3 hr. The treated groups, which comprised half of each experimental group, received intraperitoneal injections of 150 mg/kg quercetin after the ischemia. Blood flow was subsequently reestablished in the reperfusion phase. The rats were kept in reperfusion for 3, 7, 14, or 28 days after which they were killed with high doses of anesthetic drugs, and the gastrocnemius muscles were removed and fixed. Tissue processing, hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) levels. A comparison between treated and untreated ischemic sites showed that on the third day of reperfusion, the severity of edema and NF-κB level decreased significantly; on the 7th day of reperfusion, the severity of edema and the levels of TNF-α and NF-κB decreased significantly; and on the 14th day of reperfusion, all of the parameters showed significant decreases. On the 28th day of reperfusion, there were significantly decreased levels of TNF-α and NF-κB, and decreased mast cell infiltration when compared with the untreated groups. According to the results, administration of quercetin after ischemia could significantly prevent gastrocnemius muscle IRI.

The Effect of Cerium Oxide During Pregnancy on the Development of the Testicular Tissue of Newborn NMRI Mice

Cerium(IV) oxide is widely used as a catalyst in all aspects of human life and human beings are exposed to these materials. The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of CeO₂ during pregnancy on alterations in the testis tissue and blood biochemical parameters in newborn mice. Pregnant NMRI mice were divided randomly into five groups (n = 6 for each group) including one control group and 4 treatment groups. Injection of CeO₂ solution was administered intraperitoneally at the doses of 10, 25, 80, and 250 mg/kg.bw, respectively, on GD 7 and GD 14. At the end of treatment period, the testicular histological and biochemical parameters of 2- and 6-day-old newborns were analyzed, as well as the biochemical parameters in serum samples of 15-day-old newborns. The number of spermatogonia, Sertoli, and Leydig cells in the testis of the 2-day-old newborn and spermatogonia and Leydig cells in the testis of the 6-day-old newborns in the 250 mg/kg.bw CeO₂ treatment group was significantly reduced compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Testis MDA of the 2- and 6-day-old newborns in the treated group receiving 250 mg/kg.bw of CeO₂ was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between serum MDA and TAC levels between the treated groups with different doses of CeO₂ compared with the control group. Therefore, CeO₂ given to dams during pregnancy may affect the testicular tissue and blood biochemical parameters in neonates and may be dose-dependent.

Comparison of Lecturing and Multimedia-Based Learning on the Knowledge and Remembrance of Breast Cancer Topics in Midwifery Students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2016

Background and Purpose: One of the most important principles of training is the appropriate teaching method. The method used plays a key role in the process of teaching and learning and affects the students’ learning while knowledge of these methods and choosing the best of them lead to improvement in education. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two lecturebased and multimedia-based training methods on learning, knowledge and remembrance of breast cancer topics in students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2016. Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 42 midwifery students were assigned to two groups for training (25 students in multimedia-based method and 18 in lecture-based method). The students’ knowledge was measured using 20 multiple-choice questions designed by the researcher in three stages: pre-test, post-test and test-retest (2 months after the intervention). Then, the data were analyzed using SPSS, 19, at a significance level of 95%. Findings: There was no significant difference between the students’ mean age and their mean score in the course of women’s diseases in the two groups. No difference was observed in the mean scores in the two groups (p>0.05) before the intervention, but after the intervention the level of students’ knowledge in both groups increased (p=0.000). In the post-test stage, there was a significant difference between the scores in the multimedia-based and lecture-based groups (p=0.000). Results: The results indicated the effectiveness of multimedia knowledge and breast training method so that this method showed a more lasting knowledge after two months of training. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(4) 2020 p.710-716

Effect of selenium on freezing-thawing damage of mice spermatogonial stem cell: a model to preserve fertility in childhood cancers

Background

During treatment of childhood cancers, fertility of boys may be affected. Therefore, freezing spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) is recommended. However, freezing-thawing process may cause damage to SSCs. This study was conducted to evaluate protective effects of selenium on freezing-thawing damage of mice SSCs using investigation of cell viability and investigation of apoptosis related genes expression including Fas, Caspase3, Bcl2, Bax and P53.

Methods

SSCs were extracted from 80 6-day-old mice. The SSCs were divided into four groups: cryopreservation along with selenium (low and high dose), vitrification along with selenium (low and high dose), cryopreservation control, and vitrification control. Trypan blue staining and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) were used to investigate cell viability and gene expression, respectively.

Result

Comparison of cell viability in the experimental groups did not show a significant association. Expression of Fas and Caspase3 was significantly lower in cryopreservation group with low-dose selenium. Expression of Bcl2 was significantly lower in cryopreservation group with high-dose selenium. Expression of Bax and Caspase3 was significantly lower in vitrification group with low-dose selenium, and expression of P53 was significantly upper. Expression of Bax and Fas was significantly lower in vitrification group with high-dose selenium, and expression of P53 was significantly upper (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Selenium had dose dependent effect on apoptosis related genes profile. The only evident effect was the effect of low-dose selenium in cryopreservation on inhibition of apoptosis via extrinsic pathway.

Calendula officinalis stimulate proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts via expression of growth factors TGFβ1 and bFGF

Background

TGF-β has an important role in the process of wound healing and scar formation. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Calendula officinalis on the expression of TGFβ1 and bFGF in the mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (MEFs).

Methods

Calendula officinalis extract was purchased and different substances defined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. MEFs were prepared and after incubating for 15 min, cell viability analyzed. TGF β 1 and bFGF gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. TGFβ1 and bFGF protein expression analyzed by ELISA. The statistical analysis of data was done by using SPSS software. Differences were considered significant at (P < 0.05).

Results

The results of the MTT test showed that the concentrations of 5 μg/ml and10 μg/ml were more suitable for cell proliferation. There was an increase in TGF β 1 gene expression in the MEFs. Expression of TGF β 1 gene remains the same after 24 h. Gene expression of bFGF showed a similar pattern with TGF β 1 expression for both solvents. Analysis of TGFβ1 protein expression showed an increase in TGFβ1 gene expression in the MEFs. Protein expression of bFGF in the MEFs increased at different concentrations at 12 and 24 h after treatment (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively).

Conclusion

Calendula officinalis stimulates proliferation of MEFs. Calendula via increased expression of growth factors (TGFβ1 and bFGF) at the first 12 h and a decrease of these factors at 24 h after treatment may ameliorate function of the MEFs in the during wound healing.

Encapsulation of Satureja khuzistanica extract in alginate hydrogel accelerate wound healing in adult male rats

BACKGROUND

Finding the best dressing for a specific wound had continued from the past to present. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of encapsulated extract of Satureja khuzistanica in hydrogel alginate at wound healing.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Wistar rats with a puncture wound in the back of the neck skin were divided randomly into four groups including a control group, Satureja khuzistanica-treated group, hydrogel alginate-treated group, and Satureja khuzistanica encapsulated in hydrogel alginate-treated group. Rats were treated for 22 days. The skin samples were taken on 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 22nd days after treatment for light microscopy. Results were analyzed in accordance with Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman test (for histopathology analysis) by using SPSS v.22 software.

RESULTS

Macroscopically evaluations and measurement of wound size showed increased wound healing process in the treated groups. The complete improvement was created on the 14th day. The wound site was not observed on the 22nd day. But the wound site was observed on the 22nd day in the control group. Also, comparison of the percentage of wound healing between the treated and control groups on 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 22nd days showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). Comparison of the H&E stained sections in the studied groups showed that treated groups were effective on wound healing in comparison with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Encapsulated extract of Satureja khuzistanica in hydrogel alginate may accelerate wound improvement and increase the rate of wound healing without scar formation.

The Effect of Caffeic Acid on Spermatogonial Stem Cell-type A Cryopreservation

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatment methods can lead to male infertility .in this regard, cryopreservation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) and cell-to-person transplantation after the course of treatment to resolve the problem of infertility is a good one. The cryopreservation of SSC is an important process as it can help on the return of spermatogenesis. However, during this process, the stem cells often become damaged which degrades their value for experiments and treatments. Caffeic acid (CA) is an antioxidant that has been shown to increase the viability of cells under stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CA has on spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) cryopreservation.

METHODS

Spermatogonial stem cells isolated from the testes of Balb/c mice pups were cultured in laminincoated dishes, purified using CD90.1 microbeads, then cryopreserved in vitrification media supplemented with 10 µM CA either through a slow or rapid freezing process. After thawing, cell viability was evaluated. Expression of Bax, Fas, Bcl-2 and P53 genes was determined by real-time PCR. Gel electrophoresis was used to confirm the results of the real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The viability of the SSCs that were rapidly frozen and treated with CA was observed to be significantly reduced compared to the control group (p < 0.003). The viability SSCs that received CA and underwent the slow freezing treatment was significantly reduced compared to controls (p < 0.002). The expression levels of BAX, BCL-2, and Fas in the rapid freeze-thaw group didn't significantly change. However, the levels of P53 expression were shown to increase. In the group of SSCs that underwent the slow freezing process, the BAX gene expression levels increased, while the levels of BCL-2 gene expression decreased. No significant changes in the level of Fas and P53 expression were detected. When comparing the groups that received CA treatment, SSCs that were rapidly frozen showed an up-regulation of Fas and P53 expression and a down-regulation of Bcl-2 and Bax expression.

CONCLUSION

Caffeic acid may protect intact SCCs during the cryopreservation process through stimulating the induction of apoptosis in injured SSCs. Supplementing the vitrification media with CA has a superior effect on the preservation of SSCs.