Hearing loss among patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS): A systematic review and meta-analysis

Exosome application in treatment and diagnosis of B-cell disorders: leukemias, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis rheumatoid

Exosomes, known as a type of extracellular vesicles (EVs), are lipid particles comprising heterogeneous contents such as nucleic acids, proteins, and DNA. These bi-layered particles are naturally released into the extracellular periphery by a variety of cells such as neoplastic cells. Given that exosomes have unique properties, they can be used as vectors and carriers of biological and medicinal particles like drugs for delivering to the desired areas. The proteins and RNAs being encompassed by the circulating exosomes in B-cell malignancies are deemed as the promising sources for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic agents. Exosomes can also provide a "snapshot" view of the tumor and metastatic landscape at any particular time. Further, clinical research has shown that exosomes are produced by immune cells such as dendritic cells can stimulate the immune system, so these exosomes can be used in antitumor vaccines. Despite the great potential of exosomes in the fields of diagnostic and treatment, further studies are in need for these purposes to reach a convergence notion. This review highlights the applications of exosomes in multiple immune-related diseases, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis rheumatoid, as well as explaining sundry aspects of exosome therapy and the function of exosomes in diagnosing diseases.

Quercetin as a JAK-STAT inhibitor: a potential role in solid tumors and neurodegenerative diseases

The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway is involved in many immunological processes, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses. Some of these processes can contribute to cancer progression and neurodegeneration. Owing to the complexity of this pathway and its potential crosstalk with alternative pathways, monotherapy as targeted therapy has usually limited long-term efficacy. Currently, the majority of JAK-STAT-targeting drugs are still at preclinical stages. Meanwhile, a variety of plant polyphenols, especially quercetin, exert their inhibitory effects on the JAK-STAT pathway through known and unknown mechanisms. Quercetin has shown prominent inhibitory effects on the JAK-STAT pathway in terms of anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity, as well as control of neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses the pharmacological effects of quercetin on the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in solid tumors and neurodegenerative diseases.