Polyethylene Glycol -Mediated Exosome Isolation: A Method for Exosomal RNA Analysis

Background

ExoRNAs offer valuable insights into their cellular origin. ExoRNA studies were faced with challenges in obtaining sufficient amounts of high-quality RNA. Herein, we aimed to compare three traditional exosome isolation methods to introduce an appropriate strategy to extract RNA from cancer-derived exosomes for further RNA analysis.

Methods

Exosomes were isolated through ultracentrifugation, precipitation kit, and size exclusion column chromatography, and then characterized by DLS and TEM, followed by extracting total RNA. The quality and quantity of the extracted RNAs were assessed by a NanoDrop and 2.5% agarose gel electrophoresis.

Results

Extracted exosomes displayed a similar range of size and morphology. We found that PEG-precipitation method resulted in a higher RNA yield with a 260/280 ratio of 1.9. The obtained exoRNA appeared as a smear in the agarose gel, indicative of small exoRNAs.

Conclusion

We provide researchers a suitable approach to isolate exosomes based on yield and purity of exoRNA.

The effect of Bacteroides fragilis and its postbiotics on the expression of genes involved in the endocannabinoid system and intestinal epithelial integrity in Caco-2 cells

Purpose

Gut microbiota and its derivatives by constantly interacting with the host, regulate the host function. Intestinal epithelium integrity is under the control of various factors including the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Accordingly, we aimed at investigating the effect of Bacteroides fragilis and its postbiotics (i.e., heat-inactivated, cell-free supernatants (CFS) and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs)) on the expression of genes involved in ECS (cnr1, faah, pparg) and the epithelial barrier permeability (ocln, tjp1) in a Caco-2 cell line.

Methods

Caco-2 cell line was treated with live or heat-inactivated B. fragilis at MOIs of 50 and 100, or stimulated with 7% V/V CFS and B. fragilis OMVs at a dose of 50 and 100 µg/ml overnight. RT-qPCR was applied for expression analysis.

Results

Heat-inactivated B. fragilis induced cnr1, pparg, tjp1, and suppressed faah expression, while live B. fragilis had the opposite effect. OMVs increased pparg, and tjp1 expression by reducing the activity of ECS through an increase in faah and a reduction in cnr1 expression. Finally, an increase in the expression of pparg and ocln, and a reduction in the expression of cnr1 was detected in Caco-2 cells treated with CFS.

Conclusion

The live and heat-inactivated B. fragilis inversely affected cnr1, faah, pparg, and tjp1 expression in Caco-2 cells. Increased tjp1 mRNA levels by affecting the expression of ECS related genes is taken as an indication of the potential beneficial effects of B. fragilis postbiotics and making them potential candidates for improving permeability in the leaky gut syndrome.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01264-8.

Genome-Wide Expression Analysis of Root Tips in Contrasting Rice Genotypes Revealed Novel Candidate Genes for Water Stress Adaptation

Root system architecture (RSA) is an important agronomic trait with vital roles in plant productivity under water stress conditions. A deep and branched root system may help plants to avoid water stress by enabling them to acquire more water and nutrient resources. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the genetics and molecular control mechanisms of RSA is still relatively limited. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome response of root tips to water stress in two well-known genotypes of rice: IR64, a high-yielding lowland genotype, which represents a drought-susceptible and shallow-rooting genotype; and Azucena, a traditional, upland, drought-tolerant and deep-rooting genotype. We collected samples from three zones (Z) of root tip: two consecutive 5 mm sections (Z1 and Z2) and the following next 10 mm section (Z3), which mainly includes meristematic and maturation regions. Our results showed that Z1 of Azucena was enriched for genes involved in cell cycle and division and root growth and development whereas in IR64 root, responses to oxidative stress were strongly enriched. While the expansion of the lateral root system was used as a strategy by both genotypes when facing water shortage, it was more pronounced in Azucena. Our results also suggested that by enhancing meristematic cell wall thickening for insulation purposes as a means of confronting stress, the sensitive IR64 genotype may have reduced its capacity for root elongation to extract water from deeper layers of the soil. Furthermore, several members of gene families such as NAC, AP2/ERF, AUX/IAA, EXPANSIN, WRKY, and MYB emerged as main players in RSA and drought adaptation. We also found that HSP and HSF gene families participated in oxidative stress inhibition in IR64 root tip. Meta-quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis revealed that 288 differentially expressed genes were colocalized with RSA QTLs previously reported under drought and normal conditions. This finding warrants further research into their possible roles in drought adaptation. Overall, our analyses presented several major molecular differences between Azucena and IR64, which may partly explain their differential root growth responses to water stress. It appears that Azucena avoided water stress through enhancing growth and root exploration to access water, whereas IR64 might mainly rely on cell insulation to maintain water and antioxidant system to withstand stress. We identified a large number of novel RSA and drought associated candidate genes, which should encourage further exploration of their potential to enhance drought adaptation in rice.

TRIGGER FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MIGRAINE HEADACHE AMONG NORTHERN IRANIAN POPULATION

Background. Migraine is the most common neurological disorder associated with a wide range of psychiatric comorbidities. It is therefore regarded as a major global health problem due to its high prevalence. Here we investigated the factors associated with migraine among an Iranian population. Methods. This investigation included a cross-sectional study consisting of 270 migraine patients. Initially, a questionnaire was designed based on demographic information and headache characteristics. SPSS analyzed the collected data, and chi-square and logistic regression were used to evaluate the clinical data. Results. Our findings revealed that many migraine patients are experiencing multiple trigger factors, with stressful life events being the most common in both genders and migraine subtypes. The incidence of migraine was higher in women than in men. Among the trigger factors leading to the intensification of migraine attacks, stress, sleep changes, and bright lights were the most common and important causes of headache, followed by tiredness and weather change disturbance. Conclusions. Considering the contradictory reports on the effect of trigger factors on migraine, further studies are needed to be performed. Due to the significance of the socio-economic impact of migraine on patient’s quality of life, strategies for managing these factors should be effectively implemented to improve the community’s health.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) and the DNA damage response: The link between signaling pathways and cancer

At the cellular level, DNA repair mechanisms are crucial in maintaining both genomic integrity and stability. DNA damage appears to be a central culprit in tumor onset and progression. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their regulatory partners coordinate the cell cycle progression. Aberrant CDK activity has been linked to a variety of cancers through deregulation of cell-cycle control. Besides DNA damaging agents and chromosome instability (CIN), disruptions in the levels of cell cycle regulators including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) would result in unscheduled proliferation and cell division. The INK4 and Cip/Kip (CDK interacting protein/kinase inhibitor protein) family of CDKI proteins are involved in cell cycle regulation, transcription regulation, apoptosis, and cell migration. A thorough understanding of how these CDKIs regulate the DNA damage response through multiple signaling pathways may provide an opportunity to design efficient treatment strategies to inhibit carcinogenesis.

Comparison of flagellin and an oil-emulsion adjuvant in inactivated Newcastle disease vaccine in stimulation of immunogenic parameters

The present study was designed to investigate the potential application of native (N) and recombinant (truncated modified [tmFliC] and full-length [flFliC]) flagellin proteins along with inactivated Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Fifty six SPF chickens were immunized twice with PBS (control), inactivated NDV (Ag), inactivated NDV/flFliC (AgF), inactivated NDV/tmFliC (AgT), inactivated NDV/N (AgN), commercial vaccine containing Montanide (Vac) and Vac/N (VacN), with a two-week interval. Blood was collected weekly and spleens were harvested after chickens were sacrificed. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed by Real-Time PCR. Antibody response was assessed by haemagglutination inhibition (HI). Cellular activity was quantified by MTT assay. Results showed that the most IL-6 and TNF-α gene expression was observed in AgF group (P < 0.01). The lowest gene expression among vaccinated groups was observed in Ag group for IL-6 and Ag and Vac group for TNF-α. The highest HI titer was observed in Vac, VacN, AgF and AgT groups. The AgF group showed the highest cellular activity (P < 0.01). In conclusion, flagellin-adjuvanted groups showed a pro-inflammatory effect and acted similarly to or better than the Vac group. Hence, flagellin can be proposed as a potential adjuvant for ND vaccine.

Differential adaptation strategies to different levels of soil water deficit in two upland and lowland genotypes of rice: a physiological and metabolic approach

BACKGROUND

Upland genotypes of rice are less sensitive to soil water deficit (SWD), making them suitable candidates for revealing the strategies underlying plant tolerance. The physiological factors, the biochemical traits needed to withstand oxidative stress, and the metabolite fluctuations of an upland genotype (Azucena) and an intolerant lowland genotype (IR64) genotype were measured under two levels of SWD (withholding water for 7- or 14 days) to identify SWD-responsive strategies associated with tolerance.

RESULTS

After withholding water for 7 days, no significant changes in physiological and biochemical traits of Azucena were observed, whereas in IR64, significant decreases in physiological factors were recorded along with increases in oxidative-stress indicators. However, the root length of Azucena increased significantly, showing a clear stress avoidance strategy. Under a prolonged treatment (14 days), IR64 entered an oxidative-damage stage, whereas Azucena exhibited a highly efficient antioxidant system. Our metabolite analysis also revealed two different enriched pathways. After a 7-day SWD, the sugar levels were decreased in the leaves of Azucena but increased in IR64. The reduction in the sugar levels (up to 1.79-log2FC) in the Azucena leaves may be indicative of their transport to the roots, supplying the carbon source needed for root elongation. Under a 14-day treatment, proline and aspartate family members accumulated to the highest levels in Azucena, whereas an increase in the levels of aromatic amino acids with key roles in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites was detected in IR64.

CONCLUSION

The adaptation strategies identified in two types of rice genotypes in confronting SWD may assist researchers in finding the proper indicators for screening more tolerant genotypes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Two Novel Tri-Aryl Derivatives Attenuate the Invasion-Promoting Effects of Stromal Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Breast Cancer

Background:

The concept of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) to promote carcinoma progression has been recognized as a venue for research on novel anticancer drugs. Triaryl template-based structures are one of the pivotal structural features found in a number of compounds with a wide variety of biological properties including anti-breast cancer. Among the various factors triggering EMT program, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), NF-κB as well as the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) have been widely investigated.

Objective:

Here, we aim to investigate the effect of two novel compounds A and B possessing triaryl structures, which interact with both COX-2 and TGF-β active sites and suppress NF-κB activation, on EMT in a co-culture system with breast cancer and stromal cells.

Methods:

MDA-MB-231 and bone-marrow mesenchymal stem (BM-MS) cells were co-cultured in a trans-well plate. Migration, matrigel-based invasion and colony formation in soft agar assays along with Real- time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to examine the effect of compounds A and B on the invasive properties of MDA-MB-231 cells after 72 hours of co-culturing with BM-MSCs. In addition, TGF-beta interaction was investigated by Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR).

Results:

BM-MSCs enhanced migration, invasion and anchorage-independent growth of the co-cultured MDAMB- 231 cells. A reduction in E-cadherin level concomitant with an increase in vimentin and N-cadherin levels following the co-culture implied EMT as the underlying process. Compounds A and B inhibited invasion and anchorage-independent growth of breast cancer cells co-cultured with BM-MSCs at 10µM. The observed inhibitory effects along with an increase in E-cadherin and a reduction in vimentin and ZEB2 levels suggest that the anti-invasive properties of compounds A and B might proceed through the blockade of stromal cell-induced EMT, mediated by their interaction with TGF-beta.

Conclusion:

These findings introduce compounds A and B as novel promising agents, which prevent EMT in invasive breast cancer cells.

Potent antitumor property of Allium bakhtiaricum extracts

BACKGROUND

Allium species are magnificently nutritious and are commonly used as a part of the diet in Iran. They have health enhancing benefits including anticancer properties due to the presence of numerous bioactive compounds. Herein, we investigated in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties of Allium bakhtiaricum extracts.

METHODS

Anti-growth activity of different fractions was explored in vitro on different cancerous cells using MTT assay, Annexin V/PI and SA-β-gal staining, Western blotting, flowcytometric and immunofluorescence microscopic evaluations. In vivo antitumor activity was investigated in BALB/c mice bearing 4 T1 mammary carcinoma cells.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that chloroformic and ethyl acetate fractions exert cytotoxic activity toward MDA-MB-231 cells, the most sensitive cell line, after 72 h of treatment with IC₅₀ values of 0.005 and 0.006 mg/ml, respectively. Incubation of MDA-MB-231 cells with ¼ and ½ IC_50-72h concentrations of each fraction resulted in a significant G2/M cell cycle arrest. ¼ IC_50-72h concentration of the chloroform fraction led to the disruption of polymerization in mitotic microtubules. Exposure of human breast cancer cells to different concentrations of the extracts at different incubation times did not induce apoptosis, autophagy or senescence. Our in vivo study revealed that administration of the chloroform extract at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day strongly suppressed mammary tumor progression and decreased the number of proliferative cells in the lung tissues indicating its anti-metastatic effect.

CONCLUSION

Our findings imply that the chloroform fraction of Allium bakhtiaricum possesses the suppressive action on breast cancer through mitotic cell cycle arrest suggesting a mechanism associated with disturbing microtubule polymerization.

Agroinfiltration: a rapid and reliable method to select suitable rose cultivars for blue flower production

Rose cultivars with blue flower color are among the most attractive breeding targets in floriculture. However, they are difficult to produce due to the low efficiency of transformation systems, interactive effects of hosts and vectors, and lengthy processes. In this study, agroinfiltration-mediated transient expression was investigated as a tool to assess the function of flower color genes and to determine appropriate host cultivars for stable transformation in Rosa hybrida. To induce delphinidin accumulation and consequently to produce blue hue, the petals of 30 rose cultivars were infiltrated with three different expression vectors namely pBIH-35S-CcF3'5'H, pBIH-35S-Del2 and pBIH-35S-Del8, harbouring different sets of flower color genes. The results obtained showed that the ectopic expression of the genes was only detected in three cultivars with dark pink petals (i.e. 'Purple power', 'High & Mora' and 'Marina') after 6-8 days. The high performance liquid chromatography analyses confirmed delphinidin accumulation in the infiltrated petals caused by transient expression of CcF3'5'H gene. Moreover, there were significant differences in the amounts of delphinidin among the three cultivars infiltrated with the three different expression vectors. More specifically, the highest delphinidin content was detected in the cultivar 'Purple power' (4.67 µg g^-1 FW), infiltrated with the pBIH-35S-Del2 vector. The expression of CcF3'5'H gene in the infiltrated petals was also confirmed by real time PCR. In conclusion and based on the findings of the present study, the agroinfiltration could be regarded as a reliable method to identify suitable rose cultivars in blue rose flower production programs.

In Vitro Effects of Wistar Rat Prenatal and Postnatal Cerebrospinal Fluid on Neural Differentiation and P roliferation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived from Bone Marrow

Objective

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays an important role in cortical development during the fetal stages. Embryonic CSF (E-CSF) consists of numerous neurotrophic and growth factors that regulate neurogenesis, differentiation, and proliferation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multi-potential stem cells that can differentiate into mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal cells, including neural cells. This study evaluates the prenatal and postnatal effects of CSF on proliferation and neural differentiation of bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) at gestational ages E19, E20, and the first day after birth (P1).

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, we confirmed the mesenchymal nature of BM-MSCs according to their adherence properties and surface markers (CD44, CD73 and CD45). The multi-potential characteristics of BM- MSCs were verified by assessments of the osteogenic and adipogenic potentials of these cells. Under appropriate in vitro conditions, the BM-MSCs cultures were incubated with and without additional pre- and postnatal CSF. The MTT assay was used to quantify cellular proliferation and viability. Immunocytochemistry was used to study the expression of MAP-2 and β-III tubulin in the BM-MSCs. We used ImageJ software to measure the length of the neurites in the cultured cells.

Results

BM-MSCs differentiated into neuronal cell types when exposed to basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF). Viability and proliferation of the BM-MSCs conditioned with E19, E20, and P1 CSF increased compared to the control group. We observed significantly elevated neural differentiation of the BM-MSCS cultured in the CSF-supplemented medium from E19 compared to cultures conditioned with E20 and P1 CSF group.

Conclusion

The results have confirmed that E19, E20, and P1 CSF could induce proliferation and differentiation of BM-MSCs though they are age dependent factors. The presented data support a significant, conductive role of CSF components in neuronal survival, proliferation, and differentiation.

Comparison of silicon nanoparticles and silicate treatments in fenugreek

Silicon (Si) fertilization improves crop cultivation and is commonly added in the form of soluble silicates. However, most natural plant-available Si originates from plant formed amorphous SiO₂ particles, phytoliths, similar to SiO₂-nanoparticles (SiNP). In this work we, therefore, compared the effect by sodium silicate and that of SiNP on Si accumulation, activity of antioxidative stress enzymes catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, lignification of xylem cell walls and activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) as well as expression of genes for the putative silicon transporter (PST), defensive (Tfgd 1) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and protein in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) grown in hydroponics. The results showed that Si was taken up from both silicate and SiNP treatments and increasing sodium silicate addition increased the translocation of Si to the shoot, while this was not shown with increasing SiNP addition. The silicon transporter PST was upregulated at a greater level when sodium silicate was added compared with SiNP addition. There were no differences in effects between sodium silicate and SiNP treatments on the other parameters measured. Both treatments increased the uptake and accumulation of Si, xylem cell wall lignification, cell wall thickness, PAL activity and protein concentration in seedlings, while there was no effect on antioxidative enzyme activity. Tfgd 1 expression was strongly downregulated in leaves at Si addition. The similarity in effects by silicate and SiNP would be due to that SiNP releases silicate, which may be taken up, shown by a decrease in SiNP particle size with time in the medium.

NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms and cutaneous leishmaniasis: An evaluation on host susceptibility and treatment outcome

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Association between polymorphisms in the natural resistance associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene and susceptibility to cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been demonstrated worldwide; however, the reported results were inconsistent. This study aimed to determine the association of NRAMP1 variants with susceptibility to CL infection and patients' response to treatment in Isfahan province of Iran.

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples were collected from 150 patients with CL and 136 healthy controls. The CL patients were treated with intralesional injection of meglumine antimoniate. The polymorphic variants at NRAMP1 (A318V and D543N) were analyzed using PCR-RFLP. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare frequencies of alleles and genotypes of polymorphisms between patient and healthy control populations.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in the D543N (rs17235409) polymorphism between the CL patients and healthy controls (p=0.008). However, no significant association was detected for A318V (rs201565523) polymorphism between groups (p=0.26). In addition, there was a lack of association between D543N and A318V genotypes with response to treatment (p=0.54 and p=0.31, respectively).

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The results indicated that genetic variations of D543N (rs17235409) might be associated with susceptibility to CL infection. These data may be used for detection of sensitive individuals and prevention of CL in endemic areas.

Apoptotic effects of two COX-2 inhibitors on breast adenocarcinoma cells through COX-2 independent pathway

Recently, much effort has been directed toward the search for compounds that influence apoptosis and to understand their mechanisms of action. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors may induce apoptosis through the COX-2-independent mechanism via a mitochondrial pathway. In view of the reported antiproliferative activities of two COX-2 inhibitor derivatives (1, 2) in breast cancer cells (MCF-7), the present study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of these compounds to induce apoptosis and unravel the associated mechanisms. The apoptotic activities of the two compounds were assessed using flow cytometry, fluorescence microscope, and Western blot analysis. Compounds 1 and 2-treated MCF-7 cells revealed the apoptotic cell death, as confirmed by the changes in nuclear morphology and the increased annexin-V/PI staining. Elevation of Bax to Bcl-2 ratio and activation of caspase-3 were found to be associated with the initiation of apoptosis induced by compound 1. Further investigation showed that compounds 1 and 2 inhibited NF-κB, FHC, and ERK activation, while no dramatic change was revealed in c-Myc and EGR-1 levels. Our data suggest that induction of apoptosis by compounds 1 and 2 is not associated with COX-2 expression and occurs through the NF-κB pathway, which sequentially inhibits P-ERK and FHC expression.

Two COX-2 inhibitors induce apoptosis in human erythroleukemia K562cells by modulating NF-κB and FHC pathways

Background

Leukemia is distinguished by abnormal proliferation of leukocytes. Although there has been some progress in developing novel cancer therapies, no significant improvement was observed in the overall survival rate over the last decade. Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are known to inhibit tumor growth by exerting antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects through inhibition of COX –dependent and independent pathways. The ability of two new triaryl-oxadiazole derivatives, compounds A (3-(4-chlorophenyl) -5-(4-flurophenyl)-4-Phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole) and B (3,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-4-Phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole), to induce apoptosis in human erythroleukemia K562 cells was evaluated and the upstream mechanism was investigated.

Methods

K562 cells were treated with compounds A and B at their IC₅₀ concentrations and analyzed by DAPI staining and Annexin-V-FLUOS labelling solution. Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation was evaluated by TransAM kit. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, ferritin heavy chain (FHC), extra cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p-ERK and early growth response protein-1 (Egr1) levels were determined using Western blotting, while c-Myc mRNA level was investigated by RT-PCR.

Results

Changes in nuclear morphology and the increased annexin-V/PI staining revealed the apoptotic cell death in compounds A- and B-treated K562 cells. A significant reduction in NF-κB activity as well as FHC and p-ERK levels were detected in these cells. No change was observed in the levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, COX-2, c-Myc and Egr1, following treatment with the two compounds. Collectively, compounds A and B potentiate apoptosis as shown by DAPI staining, flowcytometry, FHC and p-ERK downregulation and NF-κB inactivation.

Conclusion

Two compounds induce apoptosis in a COX-2-independent manner which also appears to be independent from mitochondria, caspase and c-Myc/Egr1 pathways.

Morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization of twelve nitrogen-fixing bacteria and their response to various zinc concentration

BACKGROUND

Zinc is an essential micronutrient used in the form of zinc sulfate in fertilizers in the agriculture production system. Nitrogen-fixing microorganisms are also of considerable value in promoting soil fertility.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the degree of sensitivity to varying concentrations of zinc, in the form of ZnSO4, in different strains of Azotobacter chroococcum in a laboratory environment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To isolate A. chroococcum strains, soil samples were collected from wheat, corn and asparagus rhizospheres and cultured in media lacking nitrogen at 30˚C for 48 hours. Strains were identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. The presence of the nitrogenase enzyme system was confirmed by testing for the presence of the nifH gene using PCR analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and optimal zinc concentration for the growth of each strain was determined.

RESULTS

A total of 12 bacterial strains were isolated from six different soil samples. A. chroococcum strains were morphologically and biochemically characterized. The presence of the nifH gene was confirmed in all the strains. MIC and the optimal zinc concentration for bacterial growth were 50 ppm and 20 ppm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that increasing the concentration of zinc in the agricultural soil is harmful to beneficial microorganisms and reduces the soil fertility. A 20-ppm zinc concentration in soil is suggested to be optimal.

Ethanolic extract of Ferula gummosa is cytotoxic against cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest

Ferula gummosa Boiss. has medicinal applications in treating a wide range of diseases including cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activities of the seed and gum extracts of F. gummosa as well as to study the effect of the potent extract on the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Our results demonstrated that the ethanolic extract had the lowest IC50 value at 72 h (0.001 ± 1.2 mg/mL) in BHY cells. Moreover, flowcytometry and annexin-V analysis revealed that the ethanolic extract induced apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in BHY cells at G1/S phase. In addition, colorimetric methods exhibited the highest amount of total phenolics and flavonoids in the aqueous and gum extracts (0.12 ± 0.037, 0.01 ± 2.51 mg/g of dry powder). Generally, the results obtained indicate that F. gummosa ethanol extract may contain effective compounds which can be used as a chemotherapeutic agent.

Antimicrobial and Genotoxicity Effects of Zero-valent Iron Nanoparticles

Background:

In a world of nanotechnology, the first concern is the potential environmental impact of nanoparticles. An efficient way to estimate nanotoxicity is to monitor the responses of bacteria exposed to these particles.

Objectives:

The current study explored the antimicrobial properties of nZVI (zero-valent Iron nanoparticles) on the Gram-negative bacterial systems Erwinia amylovora, Xanthomonas oryzae and the Gram-positive bacterial systems Bacillus cereus and Streptomyces spp. The genotoxicity potential of nZVI was also assayed.

Materials and Methods:

The toxicity of nZVI was tested by two different methods: Growing bacteria in liquid (broth dilution) and agar media (challenge test) containing different nZVI concentrations for 24-72 hours. The genotoxicity of nZVI was assessed using the preincubation version of the Ames test.

Results:

The lowest concentrations of nZVI that inhibited the visible growth (MIC) of E. amylovora, X. oryzae, B. cereus and Streptomyces spp. were 625, 550, 1250 and 1280 ppm, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for E. amylovora and X. oryzae were 10,000 and 5,000 ppm of nZVI, respectively. MBC was not observed for the Gram positive bacteria. No bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects were observed for oxidized nZVI. Mutant frequency did not increase according to the vehicle control at the concentrations assayed, indicating a lack of mutagenicity associated with nZVI.

Conclusions:

nZVI nanoparticles are not mutagenic at low concentrations, therefore they can be used without detrimental effects on soil bacteria.

Cytotoxicity effects of various Juglans regia (walnut) leaf extracts in human cancer cell lines

CONTEXT

Currently, natural products have been shown to present interesting biological and pharmacological activities and are used as chemotherapeutic agents. Plants have historically been used in treating cancer and are recognized for their ability to produce secondary metabolites. Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae) has medicinal applications to treat a wide range of diseases such as cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was designed to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of total extract as well as several fractions from the leaves of J. regia.The total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins content of these extracts were also determined to obtain further information on the correlation between the contents of phenolic compounds and antiproliferative effects as well as the leaf developmental stages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antiproliferative activity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry methods against human oral cancer, breast adenocarcinoma and colon adenocarcinoma cell lines. The total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride and butanol-HCl colorimetric methods.

RESULTS

Our present study has shown that chloroform fraction has the lowest IC(50) values (0.36-0.81 mg/mL) and also induces cell cycle arrest (G0\G1 phase) after a 24 h treatment. The colorimetric methods showed the highest amount of total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in the methanol fraction (120.28 ± 2.32, 59.44 ± 0.87, 227.00 ± 4.91 mg/g of dry weight of extract).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results obtained herein indicate that walnut chloroform fraction may contain effective compounds which can be used as a chemotherapeutic agent.

The synergistic cytotoxic effect of cisplatin and honey bee venom on human ovarian cancer cell line A2780cp

Ovarian cancer is considered to be one of the most important causes of death among women. Cisplatin is one of the oldest chemotherapeutical compounds used for treating ovarian cancer. Previous studies have shown the inhibitory effects of bee venom on certain types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of bee venom alone and its synergistic cytological effects in combination with cisplatin on ovarian cancerous cisplatin resistant A2780cp cells. To investigate the cytotoxic effect of bee venom on A2780cp cells and its synergetic effect with cisplatin, MTT assay, morphological examination, DNA fragmentation assay, flowcytometric and immunocytochemical analysis were performed. MTT assay revealed that 8µg/ml bee venom, 25mg/ml cisplatin and 4µg/ml bee venom/10mg/ml cisplatin cause an approximately 50% A2780cp cell death after 24hr. Morphological and biochemical analysis indicated an apoptotic type of cell death induced by bee venom and cisplatin, separately and in combination. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated a reduction in the levels of the Bcl2 protein. Overall, our findings suggest that components of bee venom may exert an anti-tumor effect on human ovarian cancer and that has the potential for enhancing the cytotoxic effect of the antitumor agent cisplatin.

Effect of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Heracleum persicum (Golpar) on Folliculogenesis in Female Wistar Rats

OBJECTIVE

Medicinal plants are widely used throughout the world. Since these plants are known to have minimal side effects, many people embrace them. The golpar plant, scientifically known as Heracleum persicum (H. persicum), is a common Asian and Iranian medicinal plant. The use of golpar is recommended in traditional medicine as a contraceptive medication for females; however, no scientifically documented evidence has been reported. This study investigates the effects of the golpar plant on ovarian tissue and folliculogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, H. persicum hydroalcoholic extract (HPHE) was used at 400 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg doses. Adult female rats were divided into three groups: control, sham, and experimental(I, II). The control group did not receive any injection, the sham group received saline solution, and the experimental group received IP injections of HPHE for 21 days, once every other day, during the sexual cycle. At the end of the injection period, ovarian samples were harvested for histological studies. The FSH assay was performed according to the chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) method. Data were statistically analyzed by the Instat3 program and one-way ANOVA. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

In the experimental group the numbers of primordial and primary follicles increased (p <0.001), while the number of preantral and antral follicles decreased (p <0.01). The atretic follicles decreased in the experimental group, but this decrease was not significant. There was no statistical difference in FSH concentration when compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

This report gives primary information on the in vivo effects of the HPHE on the ovarian follicles of the female Wistar rat. The results suggest that administration of HPHE may have inhibitory effects on folliculogenesis and cause infertility in females.

Regulation of a virus-induced lethal disease in tomato revealed by LongSAGE analysis

Infection of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and D satellite RNA (satRNA) in tomato plants induces rapid plant death, which has caused catastrophic crop losses. We conducted long serial analysis of gene expression (LongSAGE) in control and virus-infected plants to identify the genes that may be involved in the development of this lethal tomato disease. The transcriptomes were compared between mock-inoculated plants and plants infected with CMV, CMV/D satRNA, or CMV/Dm satRNA (a nonnecrogenic mutant of D satRNA with three mutated nucleotides). The analysis revealed both general and specific changes in the tomato transcriptome after infection with these viruses. A massive transcriptional difference of approximately 400 genes was found between the transcriptomes of CMV/D and CMV/Dm satRNA-infected plants. Particularly, the Long-SAGE data indicated the activation of ethylene synthesis and signaling by CMV/D satRNA infection. Results from inoculation tests with an ethylene-insensitive mutant and treatments with an ethylene action inhibitor further confirmed the role of ethylene in mediating the epinastic leaf symptoms and the secondary cell death in the stem. Results from Northern blot analysis demonstrated the partial contribution of ethylene in the induced defense responses in CMV/D satRNA-infected plants.