Synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4-PEG-LAC-chitosan-PEI nanoparticle as a survivin siRNA delivery system

The limited effectiveness of the conventional methods for cancer treatment makes the researchers to find novel safe and effective therapeutic strategies. One of these strategies is to use small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). A major challenge here is the siRNA delivery into the cells. The purpose of this study was to design and prepare a biocompatible, biodegradable, and safe nanosized particle for siRNA delivery into human breast cancer MCF-7 and leukemia K562 cells. Chemically synthesized magnetic nanoparticles containing polyethyleneglycol-lactate polymer (PEG-LAC), chitosan, and polyethyleneimine (PEI) were successfully prepared and used as a gene delivery vehicle. The nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential. The Fe3O4-PEG-LAC-chitosan-PEI nanoparticle showed efficient and stable survivin siRNA loading in gel retardation assay. The cytotoxicity of the prepared nanoparticle was studied using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay and was compared with that of mitoxantrone (MTX) in combination with the prepared siRNA delivery system to evaluate the possible synergic effect of MTX and survivin siRNA. The nanoparticles with and without noncomplementary siRNA showed low toxicity against both cell lines; however, a twofold decrease was observed in cell survival percent after MTX addition to MCF-7 cells treated with either nanoparticle itself or complexed with noncomplementary siRNA. While survivin siRNA nanoplex caused threefold decrease in the cell survival percent, its combination with MTX did not result in a significant increase in the cytotoxic effect. Therefore, Fe3O4-PEG-LAC-chitosan-PEI nanoparticle should be considered as a potential carrier for enhanced survivin siRNA delivery into MCF-7 and K562 cells.

Facile, novel and efficient synthesis of new pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine products from condensation of pyrazole-5-amine derivatives and activated carbonyl groups

A novel, simple and efficient route for the synthesis of new fused pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines is described.

Seroepidemiology and clinical features of hepatitis delta among HBsAg carriers: a study from Hepatitis Clinic of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B is a significant health problem and more than 350 million individuals are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) globally. About 5% of these individuals are coinfected with hepatitis D virus (HDV). HBV-HDV coinfection increases the rate of fulminant hepatitis, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of HDV in individuals positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) who were referred to Tehran Blood Transfusion Hepatitis Clinic from 2011 to 2012.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HBsAg-positive individuals attending this clinic were tested for anti-HDAg antibodies (anti-HDAbs). All samples positive for anti-HDAb were also tested for detection of HDV RNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics and potential risk factors for acquisition of HDV was filled for each individual.

RESULTS

Among 1038 individuals, HBsAg was detected in 660 (63.6%) cases following blood donation and in 378 (36.4%) cases following blood testing. In this study, 23 [2.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3-3.2%] patients were HDV-seropositive. In HDV-seropositive patients, 14 (60.9%, 95% CI = 39.1-78.3%) were positive for HDV RNA. HDV-seropositive cases were more likely to have evidence of severe forms of hepatitis than the group of individuals without anti-HDAb (P < 0.01). Familial history of hepatitis D infection was more observed in HDV-seropositive patients than in individuals negative for anti-HDAb (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The seroprevalence of HDV in HBsAg-positive individuals in this study was about 2% which seems to be lower than the global prevalence of HDV.

Expression of interleukin-15 and inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscles of STZ-induced diabetic rats: effect of resistance exercise training

Skeletal muscle atrophy is associated with type-1 diabetes. Skeletal muscle is the source of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that can mediate muscle hypertrophy and atrophy, while resistance exercise can modulate both muscle mass and muscle cytokine expression. This study determined the effects of a 5-week resistance exercise training regimen on the expression of muscle cytokines in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, with special emphasis on interleukin-15 (IL-15), a muscle-derived cytokine proposed to be involved in muscle hypertrophy or responses to stress. Induction of diabetes reduced muscle weight in both the fast flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and slow soleus muscles, while resistance training preserved FHL muscle weight in diabetic rats. IL-15 protein content was increased by training in both FHL and soleus muscles, as well as serum, in normal and diabetic rats. With regard to proinflammatory cytokines, muscle IL-6 levels were increased in diabetic rats, while training decreased muscle IL-6 levels in diabetic rats; training had no effect on FHL muscle IL-6 levels in healthy rats. Also, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-1β levels were increased by diabetes, but not changed by training. In conclusion, we found that in diabetic rats, resistance training increased muscle and serum IL-15 levels, decreased muscle IL-6 levels, and preserved FHL muscle mass.

Human catalase gene polymorphism (CAT C-262T) and risk of male infertility

Infertility is the failure of a couple to engender after endeavouring at least one full year of unprotected intercourse. It has been reported that reactive oxygen species contributed to pathogenesis of various disease. To inactivate ROS cells biosynthesise several antioxidant enzymes, one of them is catalase which contributes H2 O2 to H2 O and O2 . This study set out to delineate the association of catalase C-262T polymorphism with idiopathic male infertility. The study included 195 men with idiopathic infertility and 190 healthy volunteers. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. Genotype and allele frequencies were determined in patients and controls using allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR). The prevalence of genotype frequencies of the CAT CC/CT/TT was 31.79%, 65.12% and 3.07%, respectively, in infertile subjects, as against 24.73%, 55.26% and 20%, respectively, in healthy volunteers. Statistical analysis has emerged significant difference from the comparison of either genotype (P < 0.05). Taking into accounts of results, the catalase C-262T polymorphism indicates that CAT-262T/T genotype confers less susceptibility to male infertility. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are required for further evaluation and confirmation of our finding.

Comparison of effects of age and sex on serum protein electrophoretic pattern in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Semnan, Iran

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of age and sex on the concentration of total serum protein measured by the biuret method and protein fractions determined using cellulose acetate electrophoresis in apparently healthy camels (Camelus dromedarius). Blood samples were collected from 21 camels (12 males and 9 females). The camels were further divided into two groups: 12 young camels at the age of 3 months to 2 years and 9 adult camels at the age of 3-15 years. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of serum proteins identified five protein fractions in adult camels as young camels, these five protein fractions include albumin, a1 and a2, ß and ?-globulins. In adult camels, serum levels (g/l) of total protein, albumin, a1-globulins, a2-globulins, ß-globulins and ?-globulins were 80.9±3.10, 42.9±3.10, 1.3±0.22, 2.2±0.30, 11.8±0.30 and 22.6±0.20, respectively. However, in young camels, these levels (g/l) were 66.8±2.90, 40.2±2.40, 1.0±0.14, 2.6±0.30, 10.6±0.80 and 12.3±1.20, respectively. The albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio was 2.08±0.28 in adult camels and 3.77±0.53 in young ones. The mean serum concentrations of total protein and ?-globulins were significantly (P<0.05) higher and the A/G ratio was significantly lower in adult camels compared to young camels. The mean concentrations of ?-globulins were significantly higher and the A/G ratio was significantly (P<0.05) lower in females compared to male camels. The results of the present study indicate a significant effect of age and sex on the concentrations of some of the serum protein fractions in dromedary camels.

Effect of Gold Nanoparticle on Percentage Depth Dose Enhancement On Megavoltage Energy in MAGICA Polymer Gel Dosimeter

BACKGROUND

Radiation-sensitive polymer gels are among the most promising three-dimensional dose verification tools and tissue-like phantom developed to date.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is an investigating of percentage depth dose enhancement within the gel medium with used of conformal distribution gold nanoparticle as contrast agents by high atomic number material.

METHODS

In this work the normoxic polymer gel dosimeter MAGICA tissue-equivalence was first theoretically verified using MCNPX Monte Carlo code and experimentally by percentage depth dose curves within the gel medium. Then gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of 50nm diameter with different concentrations of 0.1mM, 0.2mM, and 0.4mM were embedded in MAGICA gel and irradiated by 18MV photon beam.

RESULTS

Experimental results have shown dose increase of 10%, 2% and 4%   in 0.1mM, 0.2mM and 0.4mM concentrations, respectively. Simulation results had good agreement in the optimum concentration of 0.1mM. The largest error between experimental and simulation results was equal to 9.28% stood for 0.4mM concentration.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the optimum concentration of gold nanoparticles to achieve maximum absorbed dose in both experimental and simulation was 0.1 mM and so it can be used for clinical studies.

The preventive oral supplementation of a selenium nanoparticle-enriched probiotic increases the immune response and lifespan of 4T1 breast cancer bearing mice

The immunomodulatory effects of lactic acid bacteria have been demonstrated previously. In this study, a Lactobacillus plantarum strain was selected and enriched with selenium nanoparticles for use as a new immunomodulating agent in a breast cancer murine model. 30 female inbred BALB/c mice were equally divided into a test group and a control group. For 2 weeks prior to tumor induction, each mouse received a daily oral administration of 2.5×108 CFU/ml of L. plantarum enriched with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), and then 1×106 4T1 cells were injected subcutaneously. After tumor induction, daily SeNP administration was repeated for 3 cycles of 7 days on/3 days off. Immunological parameters such as levels of cytokines, NK cell activity, tumor growth, and mouse survival were evaluated. The production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 in spleen cell cultures was increased in test mice administered SeNP-enriched L. plantarum. The test mice also showed significant increases in NK cell activity. The tumor volumes of treated mice were decreased and their survival rate notably increased when compared to mice that received L. plantarum alone or control mice. Administration of SeNP-enriched L. plantarum can induce an efficient immune response through the elevation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 levels and increased NK cell activity. Therefore, this treatment may result in better cancer prognosis.

Vertical strabismus cases and their surgical outcome in Yazd, Islamic Republic of Iran

Early diagnosis and management of strabismus is needed to avoid complications such as amblyopia. In this retrospective cohort study we reviewed the profile and surgical outcome of vertical strabismus patients attending a clinic in Yazd city in the Islamic Republic of Iran. From the medical files of 265 patients, 19.2% were found to have pure vertical deviation and 80.8% had combined horizontal and vertical strabismus. Congenital causes were recorded for 83.0% of cases and 24.9% had a family history of strabismus. Hypertropia (91.7%) was more common than hypotropia (8.3%). There was a statistically significant relationship between age at onset and vertical strabismus. Female patients had a higher rate of congenital vertical strabismus than did male patients. There was no significant association between surgery outcomes and sex or age of onset of strabismus. Early diagnosis and management in affected families and screening ofpatientswith strabismus family history is needed.

Energy deposition of multi-MeV protons in compressed targets of fast-ignition inertial confinement fusion

The energy loss and penetration of multi-megelectronvolt protons into a uniform deuterium-tritium (DT) plasma has been calculated. The effects of nuclear elastic scattering and Coulomb interactions are treated from a unified point of view. In general, multiple scattering enhances the proton linear-energy transfer along the initial proton direction, thus the energy deposition increases near the end of its range. The net effect of multiple scattering is to reduce the penetration from 1.20 to 1.02 g cm-2 for 12 MeV protons in a ρ=500 g cm-3 plasma at T=5 keV. These results should have relevance to proton fast ignition, specifically to energy deposition calculations that critically assess quantitative ignition requirements.

Antimicrobial evaluation of some novel derivatives of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-one

The antimicrobial activity of thirty six novel dihydropyrimidine derivatives was evaluated against common pathogenic bacteria. Significant antimicrobial activity (MIC=32, 64 μg/ml) was observed. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as Gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus as Gram-positive bacteria were determined to be the most susceptible pathogens in this study. The highest inhibitory activity was observed against Gram-negative microorganisms. The widest spectrum of antibacterial activity was exerted by C6 and C22. Most of the compounds had remarkable antifungal activity (MIC=32 μg/ml).

HIV-1 Gag p24-Nef fusion peptide induces cellular and humoral immune response in a mouse model

Many Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) candidate vaccines have been tested in clinical trials, but none was sufficiently effective in the prevention of HIV infection. A HIV vaccine should induce humoral as well as cell-mediated response, the latter including the cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocyte (CTL) response. In this study, we immunized BALB/c mice with a purified fusion peptide Gag p24-Nef and evaluated immune responses. As for the cellular responses, the adjuvanted fusion peptide induced lymphocyte proliferation, CTL response, and cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-4 in the Th1 pattern. Humoral immune response to the adjuvanted fusion peptide included an increase in IgG antibodies of more IgG2a than IgG1 subtype. These results indicate that the employed HIV-1 peptide construct can elicit both cellular and humoral immune responses in mice. Further studies aimed at memory T cells and other aspects of immune responses are needed before a comprehensive assessment of this candidate vaccine could be provided.

KEYWORDS

epitopes; fusion peptide; HIV-1 p24-Nef; immune response.

Assessment of coagulation state and its related factors in thalassemia intermedia patients referred to thalassemia research center at Booali Sina Hospital Sari/IR Iran in 2007

A high incidence of thromboembolic events have been reported among thalassemia intermedia patients especially in splenectomized patients. This study has been conducted to evaluate the coagulation state of patients referred to thalassemia research center at Booali Sina Teaching Hospital, Sari, Iran. This descriptive-cross sectional study was performed in 2007. Sixty thalassemia intermedia patients aged older than 10 years were enrolled. After recording demographic and therapeutic data of the participants, the plasma levels of Coagulant factors were measured. Obtained Data were analyzed using SPSS 13 software and t-test and chi-square tests. Of 60 studied patients, 62% were female. The mean age of the patients was 26.6 +/- 9.3 years. ASA tablet were used in 53.3%. None of the patients have experienced thromboembolic events. Decrease in protein C has been observed in 60%. Antithrombin III was decreased in 42% and protein S declined in 10% of the patients. Mutation in factor V leiden was seen in 3%. Splenectomy performed in 53.3% and there was no significant relation between low level of protein C and protein S, antithrombin III and presence of factor V Leiden with splenectomy (p > 0.05). Regarding to the high incidence of low levels of protein C, protein S and antithrombin III among thalassemia intermedia patients, there is an increased risk of thromboembolic events in the patients.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of some 2-amino-4-aryl-3-cyano-7-(dimethylamino)-4H-chromenes

A series of 2-amino-4-aryl-3-cyano-7- (dimethylamino)-4H-chromenes was synthesized by condensation of 3- (dimethylamino) phenol, an aromatic aldehyde and malonitrile in ethanol containing piperidine. The assignments of the structure of all synthesized compounds were based on spectral data (IR, Mass and(1)H NMR). The cytotoxic activities of the synthesized compounds against six human tumor cell lines were determined by MTT assay. Several compounds showed significant cytotoxic activity.