Effects of 5-fluorouracil, thymoquinone, and mammary stem cells' exosomes on in vitro cultured breast cancer cells

Background

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolic agent used for treating slowly growing solid tumors like breast and ovarian carcinoma. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main biologically active constituent of Nigella sativa, it has been found to demonstrate anticancerous effects in several preclinical studies, and this is because TQ possesses multitarget nature. Stem cells-derived exosomes are in the spotlight of research and are promising tissue regenerative and anticancer cell-derived nanovesicles.

Aim

Herein, we studied the antineoplastic effects of Exosomes derived from mammary stem cells (MaSCs-Exo) on breast cancer cells, alone or combined with TQ when compared to a breast cancer chemotherapeutic agent; 5-FU.

Methods

Our approach included performing viability test and measuring the expression of pro-apoptotic gene (Bax), anti-apoptotic gene (BCL-2) and angiogenic gene (VEGF) on Human MCF-7 cells (breast adenocarcinoma cells), the MCF-7 cells were cultured and incubated with medium containing 5-FU (25 μg/ml), TQ (200 μg/ml), MaSCs-Exo (100 μg protein equivalent), a combination of TQ (200 μg/ml) and MaSCs-Exo (100 μg).

Results

Our obtained results show that TQ and MaSCs-Exo each can effectively inhibit breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) proliferation and growth. Also, the results show that the combination of TQ and MaSCs-Exo had higher cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells than TQ or 5-FU, alone.

Conclusion

The present study shows a promising anticancer potential of exosomes isolated from mammary stem cells; this effect was potentiated by adding TQ with MaSCs-derived exosomes.

Histological and immunohistochemical investigations of ovarian interstitial glands during non-breeding season in camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The aim of this was to investigate the histology and immunohistochemistry of interstitial glands during non-breeding season in camel ovaries. A total of 21 mature, non-pregnant and apparently healthy camels aged between 8 and 12 years were slaughtered. The ovaries were removed within 15 min, cleaned from adipose tissue, weighted and examined grossly. The histological preparation was made, and then, the blocks were cut at 3-5 microns thickness and stained by H&E for histological examinations. Moreover, some sections were stained with Sudan Black for lipid detection. Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded ovarian tissues was performed to detect the localization of S-100, vimentin, progesterone receptors (PR) and oestrogen receptors (ER). Immunoreactive signals were detected using UltraVision Detection System. The results revealed that the interstitial glands were located in the cortical region and they were arranged in various arrangements either single, in couple or in groups rich in lipid droplet. All interstitial gland arrangements were enclosed by connective tissue capsules containing fibroblasts and collagenous fibres separated them from the surrounding ovarian structures. Both interstitial glands and their surrounding CT were penetrated by several blood vessels. There was a strong immunoreactive signal for S-100 in the nuclei of interstitial cells, and no signals were detected either in cells of the interstitial glands or their connective tissue with PR. We could conclude that the interstitial gland is distinct in ovary of camel and further studies are needed to elucidate its rule in steroid synthesis.

Association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms with classical risk factors in development of premature coronary artery disease

Genetic polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) affects the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and associated with premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). We aimed to explore the association between Glu298Asp polymorphism of the eNOS gene and premature CAD in Egyptians, and the possible interaction between this polymorphism and other risk factors. The study population consisted of 116 patients with PCAD, and 119 controls. Glu298Asp polymorphism (rs1799983) of the eNOS gene was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We found that the TT genotype of the eNOS gene increased the risk of PCAD by 2.6. Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDLc, HDLc and TT genotype of the eNOS gene were independent risk factors for the development of PCAD. We conclude that, the TT genotype of Glu298Asp polymorphism of eNOS gene is an independent risk factor of PCAD in Egyptians. The association of smoking, obesity, dyslipidemia and/or metabolic syndrome with the TT genotype increased the risk of the development of PCAD.

Polymer complexes. LIII. Supramolecular coordination modes and structural of novel sulphadrug complexes

Novel polymer complexes of copper(II), palladium(II), platinum(II) and cadmium(II) containing homopolymer [4-acrylamido benzene sulphonyl guanidine; (HL)] and various anions (SO₄²⁻, CH₃COO⁻, NO₃⁻, Br⁻ or Cl⁻) have been designed and carried out. Their structures were investigated by elemental analyses, spectral (IR, UV-vis, ¹H NMR and ESR) and magnetic moments. The modes of interactions between the ligand and the metals were discussed, where oxygen (of O=S=O group) and nitrogen atom [of imino nitrogen (NH/N) of the guanidine group] are involved in chelation. The homopolymer shows two types of coordination behaviour. In mononuclear polymer complexes 4 and 6-10, it acts as a neutral bidentate ligand chelated through the NH and O atoms, whereas in the polymer complexes 1-3, 5 and 11, monobasic bidentate ligand is coordinated through the -N and -O atoms. The poly-chelates are of 1:1/1:2 (metal-homopolymer) stoichiometry and exhibit four coordination. On the basis of electronic spectral data and magnetic susceptibility measurement square planar geometry has been proposed. The ESR spectral data provided information about their structure on the basis Hamiltonian parameters and degree of covalency. From the electron paramagnetic resonance and spectral data, the orbital reduction factors were calculated.