The effect of Trolox on the rabbit anal sphincterotomy repair

INTRODUCTION

Fecal incontinence (FI) is caused by external anal sphincter injury. Vitamin E is a potential strategy for anal sphincter muscle repair via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and protective properties against myocyte loss. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the water-soluble form of vitamin E efficacy in repairing anal sphincter muscle defects in rabbits.

METHODS

Twenty-one male rabbits were equally assigned to the intact (without any intervention), control (sphincterotomy), and Trolox (sphincterotomy + Trolox administration) groups. Ninety days after sphincterotomy, the resting and squeeze pressures were evaluated by manometry, and the number of motor units in the sphincterotomy site was calculated by electromyography. Also, the amount of muscle and collagen in the injury site was investigated by Mallory's trichrome staining.

RESULTS

Ninety days after the intervention, the resting and squeeze pressures in the intact and Trolox groups were significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.001). Moreover, the total collagen percentage of the sphincterotomy site was significantly lower in the Trolox group than in the control group (P = 0.002), and the total muscle percentage was significantly higher in the Trolox group compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Also, the motor unit number was higher in the Trolox group than in the control group (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Trolox administration in the rabbit sphincterotomy model can decrease the amount of collagen and increase muscle, leading to improved anal sphincter electromyography and manometry results. Therefore, Trolox is a potential treatment strategy for FI.

Comparison of Three Different Methods of Transfection for the Production of Recombinant Adenovirus Expressing Human Carcinoembryonic Antigen Gene

Adenoviral vectors (AdVs) are widely used as a gene delivery vehicle and vaccine design due to their genetic stability, transfer capacity of large genes, production at high titers, and remarkable efficacy of transduction. One of the most important applications of AdVs is in cancer immunotherapy. Tumor-associated antigens are overexpressed in cancer cells; however, they cannot induce immune responses sufficiently. Therefore, the immune system must be stimulated against these antigens to kill the cancer cells. This study described the construction steps of a recombinant AdV expressing human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene. Furthermore, in order to achieve a high titer of the virus, an efficient transfection was required. Three various transfection reagents were compared to achieve the best method of transfection. Carcinoembryonic antigen was cloned into the pAdV and transfected into the A293 cells using three different reagents, including polyethylenimine (PEI), calcium phosphate, and DMRIE-C. The PEI had the highest transfection efficiency, which was selected for the transfection of the recombinant plasmid. It has low toxicity for cells and is suitable for large-scale transfection. The virus produced in this study can be applied as a vaccine in cancer immunotherapy for stimulating the immune system against CEA-expressing tumors.

Effects of Hair Follicle Stem Cells Coupled With Polycaprolactone Scaffold on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Diabetic Male Rats

INTRODUCTION

Chronic wounds are debilitating complications of diabetes mellitus. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of the hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) by polycaprolactone scaffold on the healing of incisional cutaneous wounds on streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

METHODS

The wound model was obtained by a biopsy punch of the skin of the animals' back. The animals were randomly divided into five groups as follows: (1) Sham (nondiabetic, not treated), (2) Control (diabetic, not treated), (3) Scaffold (diabetic, treated with polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold), (4) HFSCs (diabetic, treated with HFSCs), and (5) Scaffold + HFSCs (diabetic, treated with combination of Scaffold and HFSCs). The wounds were photographed in the course of the treatment and their healing rate was assessed. The samples were collected from the wound sites 7, 14, and 28 d after their development. Angiogenesis was surveyed by examining messenger RNA expression and the protein synthesis levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1/cluster of differentiation 31. The histological changes were investigated using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. Furthermore, the wound breaking strength was measured on the 28th day by tensiometry.

RESULTS

The application of the VEGFR2 as a substrate promotes the expression of CD31 in HFSCs and Scaffold + HFSCs groups compared to controls (P < 0.0001). HFSCs and scaffold also rescue the diabetes-induced dysfunction as assessed based on the parameters, such as viability, proliferation, colony formation, cellular adhesion, and chemotactic migration. HFSCs augment the levels of VEGFR2 and promote the restoration of the wound healing in diabetic groups. Furthermore, the maximum biomechanical stress significantly increased in the experimental diabetic groups (Scaffold: 1.38 ± 0.09, HFSCs: 2.13 ± 0.8, Scaffold + HFSCs: 2.38 ± 0.11) compared to the diabetes control group (1.16 ± 0.12). Using of HFSCs and scaffold on diabetic wounds leads to an accelerated wound closure, notably.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, the current data showed that HFSCs and scaffold form excellent biomaterial in the treatment of diabetic wounds.

Distribution of cardiovascular disease risk according to SCORE2 and potential need for cholesterol and blood pressure lowering therapy in apparently healthy middle-aged individuals

Background

The 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) prevention guidelines recommend the Systemic Coronary Risk Estimation 2 algorithm (SCORE2) to estimate the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events to guide pharmacological treatment for primary prevention in apparently healthy individuals aged 40–69 years.

Purpose

To assess the distribution of CVD risk according to SCORE2 and the proportion of individuals who could be eligible for pharmacological treatment of blood cholesterol and blood pressure in an apparently healthy middle-aged population in Sweden.

Methods

We used data from the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study (SCAPIS) which used population registers to randomly recruit individuals aged 50–64 years at six Swedish study sites. Information was collected from the study participants through clinical examinations, national registries, and questionnaires. We excluded individuals with previously known atherosclerotic CVD, diabetes mellitus, or chronic kidney disease with eGFR &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The SCORE2 algorithm designed for countries with moderate baseline CVD risk was used to categorize study participants' 10-year CVD risk as low-moderate (&lt;5% risk); high (5-&lt;10% risk); and very-high (≥10% risk). The proportions of the population who could be eligible, according to the 2021 ESC prevention guidelines, for pharmacological treatment of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) were assessed. Treatment thresholds for LDL-C according to SCORE2 risk were ≥1.8 mmol/L (high risk) and ≥1.4 mmol/L (very-high risk). Treatment threshold for hypertension was defined as a blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg regardless of CVD risk.

Results

SCAPIS included 30,082 individuals. After exclusion criteria were applied 26,877 individuals remained (median age 57.2 years; 52.8% women). The median 10-year risk of CVD according to SCORE2 was 5.0 (interquartile range 3.0, 7.0) %. In total, 47.5% were classified as low-moderate risk, 45.9% as high risk, and 6.6% as very-high risk, with men having higher risk than women (figure). Almost all of those with high and very-high risk had LDL-C levels above the treatment thresholds. As such, according to the guidelines, lipid-lowering treatment should be considered (high risk) or was generally recommended (very-high risk) in 51.7% of the total population (Figure 1). The proportion of individuals with blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg was 21.9%. The self-reported use of lipid-lowering therapy among low-moderate, high risk, and very-high risk individuals was 3.1%, 6.9%, and 6.3%, respectively. The use of blood pressure lowering therapy was 13.1% for those with blood pressure &lt;140/80 mmHg and 29.2% for those ≥140/90 mmHg.

Conclusions

In this population-based study of nearly 27,000 apparently healthy middle-aged individuals in Sweden, around half of the individuals could be eligible for LDL-C-lowering therapy and around one in five could be eligible for antihypertensive therapy according to the 2021 ESC prevention guidelines.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): SCAPIS funding: The Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation and Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

Combined application of chondroitinase ABC and photobiomodulation with low-intensity laser on the anal sphincter repair in rabbit

Background

Photobiomodulation with low-intensity laser (LIL) and chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) can repair damaged muscle tissue, so the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of co-administration of these two factors on anal sphincter repair in rabbits.

Methods

Male rabbits were studied in 5 groups (n = 7): Control (intact), sphincterotomy, laser, ChABC and laser + ChABC. 90 days after intervention were evaluated resting and maximum squeeze pressures, number of motor units, collagen amount, markers of muscle regeneration and angiogenesis.

Results

Resting pressure in the Laser + ChABC group was higher than the sphincterotomy, laser and ChABC groups (p < 0.0001). Maximum squeeze pressure in the all study groups was higher than sphincterotomy group (p < 0.0001). In the laser + ChABC and ChABC groups, motor unit numbers were more than the sphincterotomy group (p < 0.0001). Collagen content was significantly decreased in the laser (p < 0.0001) and laser + ChABC groups. ACTA1 (p = 0.001) and MHC (p < 0.0001) gene expression in the Laser + ChABC group were more than the laser or ChABC alone. VEGFA (p = 0.009) and Ki67 mRNA expression (p = 0.01) in the Laser + ChABC group were more than the laser group, But vimentin mRNA expression (p < 0.0001) was less than the laser group.

Conclusion

Co-administration of ChABCs and photobiomodulation with LIL appears to improve the tissue structure and function of the anal sphincter in rabbits more than when used alone.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-021-02047-2.

Hair follicle stem cells promote cutaneous wound healing through the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis: an animal model

OBJECTIVE

An appropriate source of adult stem cells for therapeutic use is stem cells deriving from the hair follicle bulge. Following injury, ischaemic tissues produce a variety of cytokines and growth factors that are essential for tissue repair. This study sought to investigate the temporal effects of hair follicle bulge stem cells (HFSCs) on cutaneous wound healing in rats using the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis.

METHOD

HFSCs obtained from rat vibrissa, labeled with DiI and then special markers, were detected using flow cytometry. The animals were divided into five groups: control (non-treated, n=18), sham (PBS, n=18), AMD (treated with AMD3100, n=18), HFSC + AMD (treated with HFSCs + AMD3100, n=18) and HFSC (treated with HFSCs, n=18). A full-thickness excisional wound model was created and DiI-labeled HFSCs were injected around the wound bed. Wound healing was recorded with digital photographs. The animals were sacrificed 3, 7 and 14 days after the surgery and were used for histological (H&E, Masson's trichrome staining) and molecular (ELISA and q-PCR) assays.

RESULTS

The flow cytometry results demonstrated that HFSCs were CD34-positive, nestin-positive, but Kr15-negative. The morphological analysis of the HFSC-treated wounds showed accelerated wound closure. The histological analysis of the photomicrographs exhibited more re-epithelialisation and dermal structural regeneration in the HFSC-treated wounds compared with the control group. In the HFSC + AMD group, the histological parameters improved on the same days, but showed a significant decrease compared with the HFSC group in all the days assayed. In the AMD group, there was a significant reduction in the noted parameters. qRT-PCR and ELISA showed a high expression level of SDF-1α, CXCR4 and VEGFR-2 in the HFSC-treated wounded skin tissue, but the expression of CXCR4 and VEGFR-2 showed a significant reduction in the HFSC + AMD group compared with the HFSC group.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of this study, HFSC transplantation affects wound closure parameters and the expression of SDF-1α and CXCR4. As the SDF-1α expression level increases in the injured area, the HFSCs contribute to wound repair through the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis. This result is extremely valuable because it raises the possibility of wounds healed by isolating autologous HFSCs from the patient.

Intra-arterial transplantation of neural stem cells improve functional recovery after transient ischemic stroke in adult rats

OBJECTIVES

The neural stem cell transplantation has been proposed as alternative therapy to promote functional recovery after various neurological disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intra-arterial transplantation of adult neural stem cells on improving local brain ischemia injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 32 male Wistar rats were used. Ischemia was induced using a middle cerebral artery obstruction with monofilament nylon suture. Neural stem cells were isolated from subventricular zone of the rat brain. 24 hours after local ischemia, the cells were labeled with DiI and transplanted intra-articularly. Evaluation of neurological movement deficits was performed using a neurological deficit score. The transplanted neural stem cells differentiation into neurons and astrocytes was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The results indicated that lesion volumes in the ischemic control, PBS and the treatment groups were 31.5, 29.8 and 14.7 % respectively. Our results also showed that the number of eosinophilic neurons and also neurological impairment in the treatment group was significantly reduced compared to the control and PBS groups.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that intra-arterial transplantation of neural stem cells 24 hours after ischemia, led to a decrease in the volume of brain ischemic lesion and improved neurological outcomes (Fig. 7, Ref. 23).

Combination of laser and human adipose-derived stem cells in repair of rabbit anal sphincter injury: a new therapeutic approach

Background

Anal sphincter injury leads to fecal incontinence. Based on the regenerative capability of laser and human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs), this study was designed to assess the effects of co-application of these therapies on anal sphincter recovery after injury.

Design

Male rabbits were assigned to equal groups (n = 7) including control, sphincterotomy, sphincterotomy treated with laser (660 nm, 90 s, immediately after sphincterotomy, daily, 14 days), hADSCs (2 × 10⁶ hADSCs injected into injured area of the sphincter immediately after sphincterotomy), and laser + hADSCs. Ninety days after sphincterotomy, manometry and electromyography were performed, sphincter collagen content was evaluated, and Ki67, myosin heavy chain (MHC), skeletal muscle alpha-actin (ACTA1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and vimentin mRNA gene expression were assessed.

Results

The laser + hADSCs group had a higher resting pressure compared with the sphincterotomy (p < 0.0001), laser (p < 0.0001), and hADSCs (p = 0.04) groups. Maximum squeeze pressure was improved in all treated animals compared with the sphincterotomized animals (p < 0.0001), without a significant difference between treatments (p > 0.05). In the laser + hADSCs group, motor unit numbers were higher than those in the laser group (p < 0.0001) but did not differ from the hADSCs group (p = 0.075). Sphincterotomy increased collagen content, but the muscle content (p = 0.36) and collagen content (p = 0.37) were not significantly different between the laser + hADSCs and control groups. Laser + hADSCs increased ACTA1 (p = 0.001) and MHC (p < 0.0001) gene expression compared with laser or hADSCs alone and was associated with increased VEGFA (p = 0.009) and Ki67 mRNA expression (p = 0.01) and decreased vimentin mRNA expression (p < 0.0001) compared with laser.

Conclusion

The combination of laser and hADSCs appears more effective than either treatment alone for promoting myogenesis, angiogenesis, and functional recovery after anal sphincterotomy.

Nanocomposite scaffold seeded with mesenchymal stem cells for bone repair

The mechanical property of bone tissue scaffolds is one of the most important aspects in bone tissue engineering that has remained problematic. In our previous study, we fabricated a three-dimensional scaffold from nano-hydroxyapatite/gelatin (nHA/Gel) and investigated its efficiency in promoting bone regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, the effect of adding silicon carbide (SiC) on the mechanical and biological behaviors of the nHA/Gel/SiC and bone regeneration in vivo were determined. nHA and SiC were synthesized and characterized by the X-ray diffraction pattern and transmission electron microscope image. Layer solvent casting, freeze drying, and lamination techniques were applied to prepare these scaffolds. Then, the biocompatibility and cell adhesion behavior of the synthesized nHA/Gel/SiC scaffolds were investigated. For in vivo studies, rats were categorized into three groups: blank defect, blank scaffold, and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBM-MSCs)/scaffold. After 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-injury, the rats were sacrificed and the calvaria were harvested. Sections with a thickness of 5 µm thickness were prepared and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's Trichrome, and immunohistochemistry was performed. Our results showed that SiC effectively increased the mechanical properties of the nHA/Gel/SiC scaffold. No significant differences were observed in biocompatibility, cell adhesion, and cytotoxicity of the nHA/Gel/SiC in comparison with the nHA/Gel nanocomposite. Based on histological and immunohistochemical studies, both osteogenesis and collagenization were significantly higher in the rBM-MSCs/scaffold group, quantitatively and qualitatively. The present study strongly suggests the potential of SiC as an alternative strategy to improve the mechanical and biological properties of bone tissue engineering scaffolds, and shows that the pre-seeded nHA/Gel/SiC scaffold with rBM-MSCs improves osteogenesis in the engineered bone implant.

Effects of Hair Follicle Stem Cells on Partial-Thickness Burn Wound Healing and Tensile Strength

Background:

The recent improvements in wound healing have led to new strategies in regenerative medicine. Burn wound healing is an important issue in skin regeneration and has multiple indications for stem cell therapy. HFSCs are a highly promising source of stem cells for healing use, as these cells are accessible, active and pluripotent adult stem cells.

Methods:

HFSCs of the rat whisker were isolated, cultured, and labeled with DiI. Flow cytometry method was used to detect special markers of HFSCs. Deep partial-thickness burn wound was created, and labeled HFSCs were injected around the wound bed. Wound closure was recorded via digital photographs. The inflicted rats were sacrificed at 3, 7, or 14 days post burn and used for subsequent histological and tensiometry analysis.

Results:

Our results indicated that HFSCs were positive for Nestin and CD34 markers, but negative for Kr15. Morphological and histological photographs revealed that wound closure rate was accelerated in stem cell-treated group compared with other groups. In addition, faster re-epithelialization and collagen deposition were observed. The immunohistochemical analysis suggested that CD31 expression and vascular density enhanced in the stem cell-treated group. Further, tissue tensile strength increased in HFSCs-treated rats in comparison to the control group.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrates that HFSCs could accelerate burn wound healing as well as tensile strength in rats.

In vitro induction effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on differentiation of hair follicle stem cell into keratinocyte

Background

Stem cells are characterized by self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. The bulge hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are able to convert to epithelial components. The active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)₂D₃, plays important roles in this differentiation process. In the present study has found that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ induces the HFSCs differentiation into keratinocyte.

Methods

HFSCs are isolated from rat whiskers and cultivated in DMEM medium. To isolate bulge stem cell population, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry using K15, CD34 and nestin biomarkers were performed. In order to accelerate the HFSCs differentiation into keratinocyte, HFSCs were treated with 10⁻¹² M, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ every 48 h for a week.

Results

Immunocytochemistry results showed that bulge stem cells are nestin and CD34 positive but K15 negative before differentiation. Subsequently flow cytometry results, showed that the expression of nestin, CD34 and K15 were 70.96%, 93.03% and 6.88% respectively. After differentiation, the immunocytochemical and flow cytometry results indicated that differentiated cells have positive reaction to K15 with 68.94% expression level.

Conclusion

It was concluded that 10⁻¹² M, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ could induce the HFSCs differentiation into keratinocytes.

The combined application of human adipose derived stem cells and Chondroitinase ABC in treatment of a spinal cord injury model

BACKGROUND

Although stem cell therapy has become a major focus as a new option for management of spinal cord injury (SCI), its effectiveness should be promoted. In this study, we investigated the effects of co-administrating human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) and Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) in a rat model of spinal cord injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

hADSCs derived from superficial layer of abdominal adipose tissue were used to treat a contusion-induced SCI. Animals were randomly allocated to five equal groups including sham (only laminectomy), SCI (SCI+vehicle injection), hADSCs (1×10⁶ hADSCs/10μl intra-spinal injection), ChABC (10μl of 100U/ml ChABC intra-spinal injection injection), and hADSCs+ChABC. Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan tests were used to evaluate locomotor function. 8weeks after treatment, cavity size, myelination, cell differentiation (neuron and astrocyte), and chondroitin sulfate amount were analyzed.

RESULTS

hADSC transplanted animals, ChABC injected animals (P<0.001), and hADSC+ChABC treated rats (P<0.001) displayed significant motor improvement compared to SCI group. Combination therapy of hADSCs and ChABC led to greater locomotor recovery compared to using hADSCs (P<0.001) or ChABC (P<0.01) alone. Spinal cords in the combined and single therapy groups had cavities filled with myelinated areas and less chondroitin sulfate content in comparison with the control group (P<0.001). hADSCs expressed GFAP, B III tubulin and Map2.

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy with ChABC and hADSCs exhibits more significant functional recovery than single therapy using either. This result may be applicable in selection of the best therapeutic strategy for SCI.

Neuroprotective Role of Trolox in Hippocampus after Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Mouse

Abstract. Cerebral ischemia is worldwide the third largest cause of mortality and disability in old people, and oxidative stress plays a considerable role in this process. In this study, for the fi rst time, we evaluated the effects of Trolox as an antioxidative agent in ischemia induced by reperfusion. Twenty-four Syrian male mice were randomly divided into the 3 groups. Both common carotid arteries of Syrian mice were ligated bilaterally for 20 min, blood fl ow was restored and Trolox (50 mg/kg) was immediately injected after induced ischemia. Shuttle box results showed an improvement in memory in the Trolox group compared to the ischemia group, however, these improvements were not signifi cant. Histopathological results showed a signifi cant increase in the number of healthy cells in the hippocampal CA1 region in the Trolox group compared to the ischemia group (p < 0.001). Also, caspase-3, as an apoptosis marker, was signifi cantly decreased in the Trolox group compared to the ischemia group (p < 0.01). Ultimately, as an anti-apoptotic factor, c-JUN was increased statistically in the Trolox group compared to the ischemia group (p < 0.01). Our study showed that after cerebral ischemia reperfusion, Trolox prescription increased anti-apoptotic proteins and decreased proapoptotic proteins thus protects neurons of the hippocampus and caused improvement of memory. Ultimately, these results would suggest some important treatment strategies after cerebral ischemia reperfusion.

Efficacy of Crocus sativus L. on reduction of cadmium-induced toxicity on spermatogenesis in adult rats

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal element, which probably cause infertility by impairment in spermatogenesis. The present work aimed (i) to study the toxic effect of cadmium on spermatogenesis in rat, as well as (ii) the protective effect of Crocus sativus L. on cadmium-intoxicated rats. Cadmium chloride was administered intraperitoneally during 16 days at intervals of 48 h between subsequent treatments. Crocus sativus L. was pre-treated in both of control and cadmium-injected rats. Animals were sacrificed on day 17 after the first treatment. The left cauda epididymis was removed and immediately immersed into Hank's balanced salt solution for the evaluation of sperm count and viability, and left testis was fixed in 10% formalin for histological evaluation. Following contamination with cadmium, a decrease was observed in the number and viability of cauda epididymis sperm, which were increased by Crocus sativus L. pre-treatment (P < 0.05). In addition, cadmium decreased both cell proliferation and Johnsen Scores in the seminiferous tubules, which were reversed by Crocus sativus pre-treatment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, cadmium-induced decrease in the amount of free serum testosterone as well as an increase in lipid peroxidation activity in the testicular tissue was reversed by Crocus sativus L. (P < 0.05). These findings may support the concept that Crocus sativus L. can improve the cadmium toxicity on spermatogenesis.

Bulge Hair Follicle Stem Cells Accelerate Cutaneous Wound Healing in Rats

OBJECTIVE

Skin wound healing is a serious clinical problem especially after surgery and severe injury of the skin. Cell therapy is an innovative technique that can be applied to wound healing. One appropriate source of stem cells for therapeutic use is stem cells from the adult bulge of hair follicles. This study examined the effects of adult bulge hair follicle stem cells (HFSC) in wound healing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hair follicle stem cells were obtained from rat vibrissa and labeled with DiI (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA), then special markers were detected using flow cytometry. A full-thickness excisional wound model was created and DiI-labeled HFSC were injected around the wound bed. Wound healing was recorded with digital photographs. Animals were sacrificed at 3, 7, or 14 days after surgery, and were used for the following histological analyses.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry analysis showed that HFSC were CD34 positive and nestin positive, but K15 negative. Morphological analysis of HFSC-treated wounds exhibited accelerated wound closure. Histological analysis of hematoxylin and eosin stained and Masson's trichrome-stained photomicrographs showed significantly more re-epithelialization and dermal structural regeneration in HFSC-treated wounds than in the control group. Immunohistochemical analysis of CD31 protein-positive cells showed angiogenesis was also more significant in HFSC-treated wounds than in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Hair follicle stem cells accelerate skin wound healing. Isolating HFSC from a small skin biopsy could repair less-extensive full-thickness skin wounds by autologous stem cells and overcome major challenges regarding the use of stem cells in clinical application, while avoiding immune rejection and ethical concerns.

The role of biodegradable engineered random polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffolds seeded with nestin-positive hair follicle stem cells for tissue engineering

Background:

Tissue engineering is a new approach to reconstruction and/or regeneration of lost or damaged tissue. The purpose of this study was to fabricate the polycaprolactone (PCL) random nanofiber scaffold as well as evaluation of the cell viability, adhesion, and proliferation of rat nestin-positive hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in the graft material using electrospun PCL nanofiber scaffold in regeneration medicine.

Materials and Methods:

The bulge HFSCs was isolated from rat whiskers and cultivated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/F12. To evaluate the biological nature of the bulge stem cells, flow cytometry using nestin, CD34 and K15 antibodies was performed. Electrospinning was used for the production of PCL nanofiber scaffolds. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for HFSCs attachment, infiltration, and morphology, 3-(4, 5-di-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for cell viability and cytotoxicity, tensile strength of the scaffolds mesh, and histology analysis were used.

Results:

Flow cytometry showed that HFSCs were nestin and CD34 positive but K15 negative. The results of the MTT assay showed cell viability and cell proliferation of the HFSCs on PCL nanofiber scaffolds. SEM microscopy photographs indicated that HFSCs are attached and spread on PCL nanofiber scaffolds. Furthermore, tensile strength of the scaffolds mesh was measured.

Conclusion:

The results of this study revealed that modified PCL nanofiber scaffolds are suitable for HFSCs seeding, attachment, and proliferation. Furthermore, HFSCs are attached and proliferated on PCL nanofiber scaffolds.

Saffron improves epididymal sperm parameters in rats exposed to cadmium

Background:

Cadmium (Cd) is known to cause various disorders in the testis. The general population may be exposed to Cd through ingestion of food and drinking water, inhalation of particulates from ambient air, tobacco smoke and ingestion of contaminated soil and dust. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is widely used as a food flavour, and has well known medicinal effects.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of saffron on the results of semen parameters (sperm concentration, motility and viability in cauda of epididymis) in rats exposed to cadmium.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty Wistar male rats were divided into four groups. Cadmium chloride (1 mg/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally during 16 days at intervals of 48 hours between subsequent treatments. Crocus sativus L. (100 mg/kg b.w., IP) was pretreated in both control and cadmium-injected rats. Both control and cadmium-injected rats were pretreated with Crocus sativus L. (100 mg/kg b.w., IP). The animals were killed and their sperm count, motility, and vitality were evaluated.

Results:

Sperm parameters did not differ significantly between control and sham groups. Following contamination with cadmium, sperm count, motility and vitality were significantly decreased in comparison to control group (P < 0.05). In pretreated (saffron) group, the sperm parameters improved significantly in comparison with cadmium group (P ≤ 0.05). A significant decrease in sperm motility was observed in Cd-treated rats compared to the control rats. However, no significant changes were recorded by comparison of the control and saffron treated groups except for the sperm motility parameter.

Conclusions:

Saffron, as an antioxidant, is positively effective on sperm parameters in rats exposed with cadmium.

Cadmium toxicity in spermatogenesis and protective effects of L-carnitine in adult male rats

In this study, the effects of cadmium toxicity and the protective effects of L-carnitine on spermatogenesis in Sprague-Dawley rat were evaluated. Animals were subdivided into five groups. Cadmium chloride (1-mg/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally during 16 days at intervals of 48 h between subsequent treatments. L-carnitine (500 mg/kg b.w., IP) was pretreated in both of control and cadmium-injected rats. Animals were killed on day 17 after the first treatment. The left cauda epididymis was removed and immediately immersed into Hank's balanced salt solution for evaluation of sperm count and viability. Following contamination with cadmium, a decrease in the number and viability of cauda epididymis sperm, the number of cell proliferation, and Johnsen Scores in the seminiferous tubules was observed. Consequently, L-carnitine treatment caused an increase in the number and viability of cauda epididymis sperm, the number of cell proliferation, and Johnsen Scores in the cadmium-induced group.