Immunohistochemical and molecular evaluation of TUSC2 expression in breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

Tumor suppressor candidate 2 has shown to be deleted in lung, colon, and bladder cancer types. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the expression of TUSC2 in breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of thirty patients with breast cancer were included in the study. Normal and tumor tissue samples from fresh mastectomy materials were stored at -80 C until the number of cases was completed for gene expression analysis. Histopathological examination was carried out with routine hematoxylin & eosin method. TUSC2 staining was performed for immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

The tumors of thirteen patients were Luminal A, fourteen patients were Luminal B, one patient was cerbB2(+), and tumors of two patients were triple-negative. Ki67 proliferation index was less than 14% in fifteen cases and tumor size was less than 2 cm in seven cases. Lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis were present in thirteen cases. Statistically, TUSC2 expression significantly decreased or was lost in breast tumor tissues compared to normal tissues (p < 0.0001). TUSC2 expression decreased as the Ki67 proliferation index increased (p = 0.0003), and TUSC2 expression decreased as tumor size increased (p = 0.0483). The loss or decrease in the TUSC2 expression was significant as the tumor grade increased (p = 0.3740). Gene expression analysis correlated with immunohistochemistry results.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study demonstrated a decrease or loss of TUSC2 expression in breast cancer tissue compared to normal tissue. A correlation was found between TUSC2 expression and Ki67 proliferation index and tumor size.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Dental Pulpa Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes Loaded Mucoadhesive Hydrogel on Mice with Dental Nickel Hypersensitivity

In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) exosomes loaded to mucoadhesive hydrogel is investigated in a dental nickel hypersensitivity murine model. After culture of dental pulp MSCs in the third passage MSCs are loaded to a mucoadhesive hydrogel based on chitosan, cross-linked with genipin and modified with catechol groups. A dental nickel hypersensitivity model is created by administering NiCl2 and 10 µg mL-1 lipopolysaccharide to 4-6 week-old Balb-c mice by intradermal injection. In mice treated with dental pulp MSC exosomes and exosomes in hydrogel, interferron gamma (IFN-γ) secreting CD4+T lymphocyte ratios significantly increase compared to the untreated group (p < 0.05). IFN-γ and interleukin 10 (IL-10) expression in buccal mucosa tissue sections and IFN-γ secreting CD4+T lymphocyte ratios are found to be significantly higher in mice treated with dental pulpa MSCs (DPMSCs) exosomes and DPMSCs exosomes in hydrogel compared to the untreated group (p < 0.05). According to flow cytometry results, IL-4 secreting CD4+T lymphocytes are found to be significantly decreased in DPMSCs exosomes group compared to dental nickel hypersensitivity group (p < 0.05). Administration of DPMSCs exosomes with mucoadhesive hydrogel may be an alternative to current medication in the treatment of dental nickel hypersensitivity.

Targeting Breast Cancer with N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine: Integrating Machine Learning and Cellular Assays for Promising Results

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a common cancer with high mortality rates. Early diagnosis is crucial for reducing the prognosis and mortality rates. Therefore, the development of alternative treatment options is necessary.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (D-GlcNAc) on breast cancer using a machine learning method. The findings were further confirmed through assays on breast cancer cell lines.

METHODS

MCF-7 and 4T1 cell lines (ATCC) were cultured in the presence and absence of varying concentrations of D-GlcNAc (0.5 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, and 4 mM) for 72 hours. A xenograft mouse model for breast cancer was established by injecting 4T1 cells into mammary glands. D-GlcNAc (2 mM) was administered intraperitoneally to mice daily for 28 days, and histopathological effects were evaluated at pre-tumoral and post-tumoral stages.

RESULTS

Treatment with 2 mM and 4 mM D-GlcNAc significantly decreased cell proliferation rates in MCF-7 and 4T1 cell lines and increased Fas expression. The number of apoptotic cells was significantly higher than untreated cell cultures (p < 0.01 - p < 0.0001). D-GlcNAc administration also considerably reduced tumour size, mitosis, and angiogenesis in the post-treatment group compared to the control breast cancer group (p < 0.01 - p < 0.0001). Additionally, molecular docking/dynamic analysis revealed a high binding affinity of D-GlcNAc to the marker protein HER2, which is involved in tumour progression and cell signalling.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated the positive effect of D-GlcNAc administration on breast cancer cells, leading to increased apoptosis and Fas expression in the malignant phenotype. The binding affinity of D-GlcNAc to HER2 suggests a potential mechanism of action. These findings contribute to understanding D-GlcNAc as a potential anti-tumour agent for breast cancer treatment.

Comparison of innate lymphoid cells from tissue and blood in chronic tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy

OBJECT

Recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy are two common diseases in children for which tonsillectomy is the definitive solution. The underlying causes of both diseases are not fully known. The aim of this study was to identify the predominant innate lymphoid cells in both diseases of the palatine tonsils, which are known to play an important role in the immune system.

METHODS

Children who underwent tonsillectomy were divided into two groups as recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy according to the indication for surgery. The proportions of innate lymphoid cell (ILC) groups and IFN-gamma, IL-10 and IL-17 secreting T lymphocyte cells were determined in tonsil and blood samples obtained during surgery. Local and peripheral immune responses were evaluated. Innate immune responses and acquired immune responses were compared.

RESULTS

The results of our study showed that the proportions of the innate lymphoid cell 1 group (ILC1) were similar in tonsil tissue in patients with recurrent tonsillitis and tonsil hypertrophy, with no statistically significant difference. It was observed that the innate lymphoid cell 2 group (ILC2) was the predominant group in tonsil hypertrophy, the innate lymphoid cell 3 group (ILC3) was the predominant innate lymphoid cell group in recurrent tonsillitis, and the proportion of IL-17 secreting T lymphocytes in blood and tonsillar mononuclear cells was higher in recurrent tonsillitis patients than in tonsil hypertrophy patients.

CONCLUSION

With the results obtained, the predominant innate lymphoid cells in the pathogenesis of both diseases were identified and local and peripheral responses were compared. These findings may be a guide for possible medical treatments for both diseases in the future.

Mesenchymal stem cells differentiate to retinal ganglion-like cells in rat glaucoma model induced by polystyrene microspheres

AIM

The study aimed to evaluate the differentiation ability of intravitreally injected rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBM-MSCs) to retinal ganglion-like cells in a polystyrene microsphere induced rat glaucoma model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The glaucoma rat model was generated via intracameral injection of 7 microliter polystyrene microspheres. Green fluorescence protein-labeled (GFP) rBM-MSCs were transplanted intravitreally at or after induction of ocular hypertension (OHT), depending on the groups. By the end of the fourth week, flat-mount retinal dissection was performed, and labeled against Brn3a, CD90, GFAP, CD11b, Vimentin, and localization of GFP positive rBM-MSCs was used for evaluation through immunofluorescence staining and to count differentiated retinal cells by flow cytometry. From 34 male Wistar albino rats, 56 eyes were investigated.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry revealed significantly increased CD90 and Brn3a positive cells in glaucoma induced and with rBM-MSC injected groups compared to control(P = 0.006 and P = 0.003 respectively), sham-operated (P = 0.007 and P < 0.001 respectively), and only rBM-MSCs injected groups (P = 0.002 and P = 0.009 respectively). Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed differentiation of GFP labeled stem cells to various retinal cells, including ganglion-like cells. rBM-MSCs were observable in ganglion cells, inner and outer nuclear retinal layers in rBM-MSCs injected eyes.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreally transplanted rBM-MSCs differentiated into retinal cells, including ganglion-like cells, which successfully created a glaucoma model damaged with polystyrene microspheres. Promisingly, MSCs may have a role in neuro-protection and neuro-regeneration treatment of glaucoma in the future.

Dental follicle mesenchymal stem cells ameliorated glandular dysfunction in Sjögren's syndrome murine model

OBJECTIVE

Dental mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potential for use in tissue regeneration in inflammatory diseases due to their rapid proliferating, multilineage differentiation, and strong anti-inflammatory features. In the present study, immunoregulatory and glandular tissue regeneration effects of the dental follicle (DF)MSCs in Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) were investigated.

METHODS

Dental follicle (DF) tissues were obtained from healthy individuals during tooth extraction, tissues were digested enzymatically and DFMSCs were cultured until the third passage. DFMSCs were labeled with Quantum dot 655 for cell tracking analysis. The induction of the SS mouse model was performed by the injection of Ro60-273-289 peptide intraperitoneally. DFMSCs were injected intraperitoneally, or into submandibular, or lacrimal glands. Splenocytes were analyzed for intracellular cytokine (IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10) secretion in T helper cells, lymphocyte proliferation, and B lymphocyte subsets. Histologic analysis was done for submandibular and lacrimal glands with hematoxylin-eosin staining for morphologic examination.

RESULTS

The systemic injection of DFMSCs significantly reduced intracellular IFN-γ and IL-17 secreting CD4+ T cells in splenocytes (p<0.05), and decreased inflammatory cell deposits and fibrosis in the glandular tissues. DFMSCs differentiated to glandular epithelial cells in submandibular and lacrimal injections with a significant reduction in lymphocytic foci. The results showed that few amounts of DFMSCs were deposited in glandular tissues when applied intraperitoneally, while high amounts of DFMSCs were located in glandular tissues and differentiated to glandular epithelial cells when applied locally in SS murine model.

CONCLUSION

DFMSCs have the potential for the regulation of Th1, Th17, and Treg balance in SS, and ameliorate glandular dysfunction. DFMSCs can be a beneficial therapeutic application for SS.

Immunoregulatory effects of dental mesenchymal stem cells on T and B lymphocyte responses in primary Sjögren's syndrome

Background: In this article, the authors investigate the modulatory effects of dental mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on lymphocyte responses in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), which is an autoimmune disease resulting from keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia. Methods: Mononuclear cells isolated from pSS patients cultured with or without dental MSCs and analyzed for lymphocyte responses via flow cytometry. Results: Dental-follicle (DF)- and dental-pulp (DP)-MSCs downregulated CD4⁺ T lymphocyte proliferation by increasing Fas-ligand expression on T lymphocytes and FoxP3 expressing Tregs, and decreasing intracellular IFN-γ and IL-17 secretion in pSS patients. DF-MSCs decreased the plasma B cell ratio in the favor of naive B cell population in pSS patients' mononuclear cells. Conclusion: DF- and DP-MSCs can be the new cellular therapeutic candidates for the regulation of immune responses in pSS.

Synovial fluid niche promoted differentiation of dental follicle mesenchymal stem cells toward chondrogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to investigate the differentiation potential of dental follicle mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the synovial fluid (SF) niche of early-onset or end-stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Patients and methods

Between May 2020 and January 2021, six patients (1 male, 5 females; mean age: 57.5±11.2 years; range, 49 to 65 years) who were diagnosed with RA with the indication of SF aspiration were included in the study. The third passage dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) were cocultured with fresh SF samples of end-stage or early-onset RA patients in micromass culture system for 21 days. SF samples were analyzed for secreted cytokines. Chondrogenic markers (CD49e, CD49f) were analyzed in DFSCs, gene expression analysis was performed for the expressions of Col I, Col II, Aggrecan and Sox-9, and histochemical analysis was performed by staining three-dimensional pellets with anti-collagen II antibody. The neutralization assay was performed with anti-interleukin (IL)-6, anti-interferon-gamma (IFN-g), and anti-IL-1beta(b).

Results

The high levels of IL-1b and IL-6 were observed in end-stage RA patients’ SF samples compared to the early-onset patients (p<0.05). The CD49e and CD49f expressions in DFSCs were significantly higher in the SF samples of end-stage RA patients (p<0.05). Also, the Col II, Sox-9 and Aggrecan messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions increased in the DFSCs, when cultured with end-stage RA patients’ SF samples (p<0.01). Collagen-II expression in histochemical analysis of micromass pellets was higher in the DFSCs cultured with end-stage RA patients’ SF samples. The neutralization of IL-6 significantly decreased the CD49e and CD49f expressions (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The high levels of IL-6 in SF niche of end-stage RA patients were found to differentiate DFSCs toward chondrogenesis. Based on these findings, DFSCs can be used as a new cell-based treatment in RA patients for the cartilage damage.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Regulates T helper and B Lymphocyte Responses Substantially in Drug-Naive Primary Sjögren?s Syndrome Patients? Mononuclear Cells

A correlation between vitamin D deficiency and primary Sjögren?s Syndrome (pSS) has already been described. The limited data have been reported regarding the pathological relevance of vitamin D in pSS. In this study, the modulatory effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitaminD3 on T and B lymphocytes of pSS patients was investigated. PBMC were isolated from pSS patients? venous blood samples and cultured in the presence and absence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitaminD3 (10mM) for 5 days. Lymphocyte proliferation, intracellular IFN-? and IL-17 expressions in CD4+T cells, naïve, memory and total B lymphocytes, and cytokine secretions in culture supernatants were analyzed via flow cytometry. 1,25-dihydroxyvitaminD3 significantly decreased CD4+T and B lymphocyte proliferative responses in drug-naïve (p<0.005) and treated pSS patients (p<0.05) compared to PBMC cultures alone. 1,25-dihydroxyvitaminD3 significantly decreased IFN-? and IL-17 secreting CD4+T cells in both drug naïve and treated subjects by increasing CD4+CD25+FoxP3+Treg cell frequency. Plasma B lymphocytes significantly reduced and total memory B lymphocytes notably increased in the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitaminD3 in pSS patients? mononuclear cell cultures (p<0.05). IFN-? and IL-17 cytokine levels in culture supernatants significantly reduced and IL-10 levels significantly enhanced in drug naïve pSS patients? PBMC cultures with 1,25-dihydroxyvitaminD3 (p<0.05). 1,25-dihydroxyvitaminD3 regulated immune responses substantially in drug-naïve pSS patients.

Acute Effect of Repeated Sprint and Aerobic Endurance Training on Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells and Cytokine Levels

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the acute effect of repeated sprints and aerobic endurance training on Foxp3+ T regulatory cells and cytokines. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 16 sprinters and 16 long distance runners. Each subject was divided into his/her own branch as sprinting and distance training. Within the scope of the study, the height, body weight, sporting age, Foxp3+ T regulatory cells and cytokine values of subjects were recorded. Immunity subparameters were compared in venous blood samples taken before and after training. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the values before and after training with level of statistical significance accepted as p<0.05. Results: A statistically significant change was not observed for Foxp3+ T regulatory cells before and after training in sprinter (p=0.47) and distance runners (p=0.52). Sprinters had increased IL-2 (p=0.00), IL-4 (p=0.00), IL-10 (p=0.02), IL-17 (p=0.000) and TNF-α (p=0.000), decreased IL-6 (p=0.000) and unchanged IFN-γ levels (p=0.81). Distance runners had increased IL-4 (p=0.000), IL-10 (p=0.000), IL-17 levels (p<0.00), decreased TNF-α (p=0.00), IL-2 (p=0.05) and unchanged IFN-γ (p=0.15) and IL-6 (p=0.15). Conclusion: Immune system is affected by the intensity and type of exercise. It can be said that anaerobic exercises like sprinting with high intensity supress the immune system more severely.

Asthma immunotherapy and treatment approaches with mesenchymal stem cells

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways where exaggerated T helper 2 immune responses and inflammatory mediators play a role. Current asthma treatment options can effectively suppress symptoms and control the inflammatory process; however, cannot modulate the dysregulated immune response. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is one of the effective treatments capable of disease modification. Injecting allergens under the skin in allergen-specific immunotherapy can reduce asthma and improve the sensitivity of the lungs, however, has a risk of severe reactions. Mesenchymal stem cells have immunoregulatory activity with their soluble mediators and contact dependent manner. In this review, we focus on the current treatment strategies with mesenchymal stem cells in asthma as a new therapeutic tool and compare those with immunotherapy.

Immunomodulatory and Tissue-preserving Effects of Human Dental Follicle Stem Cells in a Rat Cecal Ligation and Perforation Sepsis Model

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells may be used for the treatment of sepsis. Dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) are easily accessible but have not been studied in vivo or in clinical trials in sepsis models.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aim to elucidate DFSC effects on host immunological functions in a rat cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) sepsis model.

METHODS

Adult male rats were categorized into group 1 (sham procedure SP), group 2 (SP + 1 × 10⁶ DFSCs administered 0 h after SP), group 3 (CLP + saline), group 4 (CLP + 1 × 10⁶ DFSCs administered 0 h after CLP), and group 5 (CLP + 1 × 10⁶ DFSCs administered 4 h after CLP). Green fluorescent protein-labeled cells were used for imaging. Histopathological examination of ileal tissues was performed.

RESULTS

A significant increase in the percentage of CD4+/CD25+/Foxp3+ Treg cells in groups 4 and 5 occurred compared with that in group 3. No significant changes in CD3+/CD4+ helper T-cells and CD3+/CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells were observed. Treatment with DFSCs at 4 h significantly decreased the level of TNF-α compared with that in group 3. No significant changes in IL-10 levels and lymphocyte proliferation suppression were observed. During histopathological examination, no high scoring (Chiu scores: 3 or 4) rats were observed in the curative treatment group (group 5).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with DFSC after 4 h of sepsis induction downregulates tissue inflammatory responses by decreasing TNF-α levels and increasing Treg cell ratio. This also has a protective effect on intestinal tissues during sepsis.

IFN-γ stimulation of dental follicle mesenchymal stem cells modulates immune response of CD4+ T lymphocytes in Der p1+ asthmatic patients in vitro

BACKGROUND

House dust mite (Dermataphagoides pteronyssinus) is a widespread risk factor in the development of asthma. CD4⁺ T lymphocytes have an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma by polarizing to Th2 cells.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the immunoregulatory effects of dental follicle mesenchymal stem cells with and without IFN-γ stimulation on peripheral blood mononuclear cells of house dust mite sensitive asthmatic patients, and compared those with Dexamethasone as a systemic steroid.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PBMC of asthmatic patients and healthy individuals separately cultured with or without DF-MSCs in the presence and absence of IFN-γ or Der p1 or Dexamethasone for 72h. CD4⁺ T proliferation, cell viability, CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ Treg cell frequency and cytokine profiles of PBMC were evaluated via flow cytometry.

RESULTS

DF-MSCs suppressed proliferation of CD4⁺ T lymphocytes (p_CDmix<0.01, p_Derp1<0.01, p_IFN<0.005) by increasing the number of FoxP3 expressing CD4⁺CD25⁺ T regulatory cells (p_CDmix<0.005, p_Derp1<0.01, p_IFN<0.001) and suppressed lymphocyte apoptosis (p_CDmix<0.05, p_Derp1<0.05, p_IFN<0.05), while Dexamethasone increased the apoptosis and decreased Treg cell frequency in asthmatic patients. IFN-γ stimulation increased the suppressive effect of DF-MSCs and also enhanced the frequency of FoxP3 expressing CD4⁺CD25⁺ T regulatory cells. The cytokine levels were regulated by DF-MSCs by reducing IL-4 cytokine levels (p_CDmix<0.01, p_Derp1<0.05, p_IFN<0.05) and upregulating IFN-γ levels (p_CDmix<0.01, p_Derp1<0.05, p_IFN<0.005) in asthmatic patients.

CONCLUSION

IFN-γ stimulated DF-MSCs were found to have a high modulatory effect on CD4⁺ T cell responses, while Dexamethasone had an apoptotic effect on CD4⁺ T cells in asthmatic patients. DF-MSCs may be a new cell-based therapy option for allergic diseases including asthma.

Intranasal ovalbumin immunotherapy with mycobacterial adjuvant promotes regulatory T cell accumulation in lung tissues

Allergen-specific immunotherapy to induce T regulatory cells in the periphery has been used to treat allergic diseases. Mycobacteria can be used as an adjuvant for inducing T regulatory cells. However, it is unclear whether intranasal immunotherapy in combination with Mycobacteria adjuvant induces regulatory T cell differentiation and attenuates allergic responses in vivo. To investigate the role of intranasal ovalbumin (OVA) treatment alone and in combination with Mycobacteria vaccae, proportions of FoxP3⁺ regulatory T cells and anti-inflammatory responses were evaluated in a murine model of asthma that was established in three groups of bicistronic Foxp3^EGFP reporter BALB/c mice. Before establishment of the asthma model, two groups of mice received intranasal OVA immunotherapy and one also received simultaneous s.c. M. vaccae. Expression of CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3^+EGFP+ T cells in the lung and spleen was analyzed by flow cytometry and the cytokine profiles of allergen-stimulated lung and spleen lymphocytes assessed. The intranasal OVA immunotherapy group showed greater expression of CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3^+EGFP+ T cells in the spleen whereas in the group that also received M. vaccae such greater expression was demonstrated in the lung. Additionally, the proportion of IL-10 and IFN-γ-secreting splenocytes was greater in the intranasal OVA + M. vaccae group. CD25 neutralization decreased CD4⁺ Foxp3⁺ cells more than other groups. In parallel with this finding, production of IL-10 and IFN-γ was down-regulated. Mucosal administration of OVA antigen results in a greater proportion of CD4⁺ Foxp3⁺ T cells in the spleen. IL-10 and IFN-γ induced by intranasal OVA immunotherapy and M. vaccae administration is down-regulated after CD25 neutralization.

Dental follicle mesenchymal stem cells down-regulate Th2-mediated immune response in asthmatic patients mononuclear cells

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in which inflammatory responses have the polarisation of CD4⁺ T cells to Th2 cells. Dental follicle mesenchymal stem cells (DFSCs) have strong anti-inflammatory properties comparable to other mesenchymal stem cells.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the immunomodulatory effects of DFSCs on CD4⁺ T helper cell responses of asthmatic patients and compared the results with those obtained with asthmatic subjects on immunotherapy and with healthy individuals.

METHOD

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from immunotherapy naïve asthmatics, asthmatics on subcutaneous Der p1 immunotherapy and from healthy individuals. PBMC were pre-conditioned with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAbs, Der p1 or IFN-γ in the presence and absence of DFSCs and analysed for T cell viability and proliferation, CD4⁺ CD25⁺ FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cell frequencies, cytokine expression, and GATA3, T bet and FoxP3 expressions. Neutralisation of TGF-β and blockade of IDO and PGE2 pathways were performed to determine suppressive signalling pathways of DFSCs.

RESULTS

Dental follicle mesenchymal stem cells suppressed proliferative responses of CD4⁺ T lymphocytes and increased the frequency of Treg cells. DFSCs decreased effector and effector memory CD4⁺ T cell phenotypes in favour of naïve T cell markers. DFSCs decreased IL-4 and GATA3 expression and increased IFN-γ, T-bet and IL-10 expression in asthmatics. Costimulatory molecules were suppressed in monocytes with DFSCs in the cocultures. DFSCs down-regulated inflammatory responses via IDO and TGF-β pathways in asthmatic patients.

CONCLUSION

Dental follicle mesenchymal stem cells suppressed allergen-induced Th2-cell polarisation in favour of Th1 responses and attenuated antigen-presenting cell co-stimulatory activities. These studies suggest that DFSC-based cell therapy may provide pro-tolerogenic immunomodulation relevant to allergic diseases such as asthma.

Effects of Ankaferd BloodStopper on dermal healing in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND/AIM

Diabetes mellitus inhibits wound-induced angiogenesis, impairs the wound healing process, and leads to the development of chronic wounds. Ankaferd BloodStopper (ABS) is a new and promising local haemostatic agent. Although the mechanism of ABS-mediated haemostasis is well established, little is known about the associated histological and biochemical tissue reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this new-generation local haemostatic agent on short-term soft-tissue healing in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 24 Wistar albino rats used in this study were divided into STZ-treated (STZ, n = 12) and nontreated groups (control, n = 12). Four days prior to surgery, rats in the STZ group were subcutaneously administered 60 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally, while rats in the control group were administered 1 mL saline/kg. An incision was made in the dorsal dermal tissue of all rats, and either ABS or no haemostatic agent (NHAA) was applied to the wound before suturing. All of the rats were euthanised on postoperative day 4. Blood and skin samples were evaluated biochemically and histologically.

RESULTS

The results showed that STZ treatment impaired soft-tissue healing, assessed by measuring glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels. Moreover, while good histological results were obtained in the control group treated with ABS, there were fewer benefits in the STZ-treated group.

CONCLUSION

ABS's benefits in the control group seemed to lose their effectiveness under STZ medication.

Rasmussen encephalitis in childhood

Six patients admitted to the Department of Pediatric Neurology at Hacettepe University Children's Hospital between 1992 and 1997 with a clinical diagnosis of Rasmussen encephalitis received surgical treatment for their intractable epilepsy. MRI, SPECT and WADA tests were performed in patients with an epileptic focus demonstrated on routine or long-term video EEG monitoring. Viral studies using the PCR methodology were performed in cases with histopathological evidence of Rasmussen encephalitis. The ages of these patients ranged between 7 and 16 years, and the mean age at onset of seizures was 7.1+/-2.2 years. In four patients seizures presented as epilepsia partialis continua and were refractory to anticonvulsive drug therapy. In three cases intravenous immunoglobulin therapy yielded temporary and partial improvement in seizure control. The mean presurgical follow-up duration was 2.04+1.74 years, and early surgical intervention for epilepsy was performed in one case. The surgical approach selected for the treatment of epilepsy was resective surgery with electrocorticography. The mean postoperative follow-up duration was 32.3+17.2 months. Seizures were fully controlled in one patient, in whom surgery was performed 3 months after the seizures first started. Early surgical intervention may provide histopathological evidence for diagnosis as well as effective seizure control.

Long-term follow-up of indirect hyperbilirubinemia in full-term Turkish infants

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective follow-up study was performed to evaluate the suitability of the recently reported exchange transfusion limits (serum indirect bilirubin level of 428-496 mumol/1, 25-29 mg/dl) for Turkey.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study groups totalled 102 children, 8-13 years of age, who had been born at term with birthweights greater than 3000 g and had been treated for indirect hyperbilirubinemia during their newborn period; the control group consisted of 27 children of the same age-group without indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Children were grouped according to their maximum serum and bilirubin levels and direct Coomb's test results. Physical and neurological examinations, visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children--Revised for Turkish Children were performed.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the groups with regard to mean visual and brainstem auditory evoked potential latencies. Children whose direct Coomb's tests were positive had significantly lower IQ scores and more prominent neurological abnormalities (p < 0.05). IQ scores and prominent neurological abnormalities did not differ among the other groups. Nine children had prominent neurological abnormalities associated with abnormal brainstem auditory evoked potentials. An important risk factor was the duration that the infant's serum indirect bilirubin level remained greater than 342 mumol/l (20 mg/dl).

CONCLUSION

The current limit of 342 mumol/l should continue to be used for infants whose direct Coomb's tests are positive in our country. Until better criteria for exchange transfusion other than the indirect bilirubin level are established, the current limits should also still be followed for infants whose direct Coomb's tests are negative in Turkey, where regular neonatal follow-up examinations are not satisfactory.