Interferon-like sequence of ovine trophoblast protein secreted by embryonic trophectoderm

In most species the length of a pregnancy exceeds that of the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle. The conceptus within the uterus, therefore, is believed to produce a substance or substances which directly or indirectly prolong the lifespan of the corpus luteum and prevent a return to ovarian cyclicity. This phenomenon is known as maternal recognition of pregnancy. The active substance implicated in signalling maternal recognition of pregnancy in the sheep is an embryonic secretory protein, known as ovine trophoblast protein-1 (oTP-1) (refs 2-4), which is targeted in a paracrine manner to the uterine epithelium of the mother. We report here the primary amino-acid sequence of oTP-1 as inferred from a cloned complementary DNA and demonstrate that the protein is most probably an interferon-alpha.

Interferon production by the preimplantation sheep embryo

Ovine trophoblast protein-1 (oTP-1), the major product secreted by the trophectoderm of the sheep conceptus between days 13 and 21 of pregnancy, is considered to mediate maternal recognition of pregnancy by maintaining the function of the corpus luteum. Its amino acid sequence has 40-55% identity with various mammalian interferons-alpha (IFN-alpha), and it has been shown to have antiviral activity. The present results confirm that oTP-1, which at days 15-17 of pregnancy is produced by a single embryo at more than 100 micrograms (greater than 1 million antiviral units) per day, is a functional IFN. A preparation of purified oTP-1 was made. Its amino-terminal sequence suggested that it consisted of a single homogeneous protein, so that its antiviral activity probably was not due to a contaminant. In a cytopathic effect inhibition assay with GBK-2 bovine cells challenged with vesicular stomatitis, its specific activity was 1.3 X 10(7) end point units/mg protein. It also protected GBK-2 cells against four other viruses, and A549 human cells against encephalomyocarditis virus. The antiviral activity was neutralized by an antiserum to human leukocyte IFN. Like human IFN-alpha, oTP-1 at concentrations as low as 10(-9) M inhibited the growth of GBK cells in culture and suppressed mitogen-stimulated incorporation of [3H]thymidine into ovine lymphocytes. Possible roles for oTP-1, functioning as an IFN-alpha during early pregnancy, are discussed.

Creep behavior of the intact and meniscectomy knee joints

The mechanical functions of the menisci may be partially performed through the fluid pressurization in articular cartilages and menisci. This creep behavior has not been investigated in whole knee joint modeling. A three-dimensional finite element knee model was employed in the present study to explore the fluid-flow dependent creep behaviors of normal and meniscectomy knees. The model included distal femur, tibia, fibula, articular cartilages, menisci and four major ligaments. Articular cartilage or meniscus was modeled as a fluid-saturated solid matrix reinforced by a nonlinear orthotropic and site-specific collagen network. A 300 N compressive force, equal to half of body weight, was applied to the knee in full extension followed by creep. The results showed that the fluid pressurization played a substantial role in joint contact mechanics. Menisci bore more loading as creep developed, leading to decreased stresses in cartilages. The removal of menisci not only changed the stresses in the cartilages, which was in agreement with published studies, but also altered the distribution and the rate of dissipation of fluid pressure in the cartilages. The high fluid pressures in the femoral cartilage moved from anterior to more central regions of the condyles after total meniscectomy. For both intact and meniscectomy joints, the fluid pressure level remained considerably high for thousands of seconds during creep, which lasted even longer after meniscectomy. For the femoral cartilage, the maximum principal stress was generally in agreement with the fiber direction, which indicated the essential role of fibers in load support of the tissue.

Locked nucleic acid anti-miR-21 inhibits cell growth and invasive behaviors of a colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line: LNA-anti-miR as a novel approach

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death and has an extremely poor prognosis. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of many malignancies. Recent data suggest that microRNA-21 (miR-21) is significantly elevated in different types of cancer, especially colon adenocarcinoma. Against this background, locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified oligonucleotides have recently been suggested as a novel approach for targeting miRNAs as antisense-based gene silencing. The aim of the current study was to explore the functional role of LNA-anti-miR-21 in a colon adenocarcinoma LS174T cell line. LS174T cells were transfected with LNA-anti-miR-21 for 24, 48 and 72 h. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to assess miR-21 expression by LNA-anti-miR-21. The viability of the cells was evaluated by MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining assay was used to detect apoptosis. Moreover, invasive behavior of the cells was evaluated before and after therapy by transwell assay. LNA-anti-miR-21 was successfully transfected in human LS174T cells and suppressed the endogenous miR-21. LNA-anti-miR-21 inhibited the cells' growth followed by induction of apoptosis. LNA-anti-miR-21 (50 pmol/μl) reduced the invasive behaviors of LS174T cells after 24 h, compared with untreated cells and scrambled LNA-transfected cells. However, this effect was more pronounced after 72 h. Our findings suggest the therapeutic potential of LNA-anti-miR-21 in a colon adenocarcinoma for targeting miR-21 expression. Further studies are warranted to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this novel inhibitor in colorectal cancer to establish its potential value for treatment of CRC patients with high miR-21 expression.

Complex binding of the embryonic interferon, ovine trophoblast protein-1, to endometrial receptors

Ovine embryos produce an interferon (IFN)-alpha II in significant quantities during early pregnancy. This IFN, previously termed ovine trophoblast protein-1 (oTP-1), is a 172-amino-acid polypeptide which has been suggested to be the causal agent in maternal recognition of pregnancy in the ewe. Here we report the binding of oTP-1 and a recombinant bovine IFN-alpha I1 (rBoIFN-alpha I1; 165-166 amino acids long) to membrane preparations from ovine uterine endometrium. Both oTP-1 and rBoIFN-alpha I1 competed with each other for receptor binding. Based on Scatchard analysis, [125I]oTP-1 binding was determined to be complex and resolvable into a high-affinity (Kd = 3.8 x 10(-11) M, 30 fmoles/mg protein) and a low affinity (Kd = 1.7 x 10(-10) M; 96 fmoles/mg protein) component. Conversely [125I]rBoIFN-alpha I1 bound to only a single high-affinity receptor (Kd = 6.1 x 10(-11) M; 174 fmoles/mg protein). Cross-linking experiments using disuccinimidyl suberate revealed that [125I]oTP-1 associated with membrane polypeptides of two molecular weight classes (Mr 100,000 and 70,000), and could be displaced from both with rBoIFN-alpha I1. In contrast, [125I]rBoIFN-alpha I1 cross-linked to only the 100,000 Mr membrane polypeptide. These data provide evidence that the binding parameters of oTP-1 and rBoIFN-alpha I1 to endometrial receptors are different.

Exposure to heavy metals and the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The relationship between heavy metal exposure and risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis has biological plausibility, yet it remains inconclusive; therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the associations between exposure to heavy metals (i.e., cadmium, lead, and mercury) and the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Databases of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched through November 2019, to identify studies that evaluated the relationship between exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury and risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis in adults. Fourteen eligible studies were included. Effect sizes expressed as pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using weighted random-effect models. Exposure to cadmium (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.56; P ≤ 0.001) and lead (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.32; P = 0.05) was associated with an increased risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis, unlike mercury. Subgroup analyses showed cadmium exposure increased the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis in older (> 65 yrs.; OR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.08 to 1.88, P = 0.01) compared with younger (18-65 yrs.; OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.52, P = 0.03) adults. Also, lead exposure increased the risk in men (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.15 to 2.09, P = 0.007) unlike in women. By contrast to urinary levels, blood (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.47, P = 0.003) and dietary (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.28 to 1.67, P < 0.001) levels of cadmium were associated with an increased risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Exposure to cadmium and lead may be associated with an increased risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis, although high heterogeneity was detected.

Inhibition of microRNA miR-92a induces apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation in human acute promyelocytic leukemia through modulation of p63 expression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs, 19-25 nucleotides in length involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression of great majority of the human protein coding genes. Different aspects of cellular activities like cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation are regulated by miRNAs through their interaction with particular RNA species. In many tumors up or down-regulation of different miRNAs has been reported. Human miR-17-92 gene cluster is located on 13q31.3, rooming several miRNAs including miR-17-5p, miR-17-3p, miR-18, miR-19a, miR-20a and miR-92a. Amplification or overexpression of this cluster has been reported in acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and several other cancer types. Here, we performed inhibition of miR-92a in an acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell line (HL-60) using locked nucleic acid (LNA) antagomir. In different time points after LNA-anti-miR92a transfection, MTT assay and annexin/propidium iodide staining were performed. These assessments indicate that miR-92a inhibition can extensively decrease the viability of these cells which is mainly due to induction of apoptosis. Western blot analysis of p63 protein also revealed that miR-92a inhibition resulted in p63 expression, hence activation of cellular pathways which are normally controlled by p63 protein are retrieved. These findings could open up a path to the miRNAs based therapeutic approach for treatment of APL.

Promoting neural cell proliferation and differentiation by incorporating lignin into electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(glycerol sebacate) fibers

Electrospinning of natural and synthetic polymers open a new practical approach to tissue engineering by producing fibers. In this study, aligned electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) fibers with various percentages of lignin (0, 1, 3, and 5%wt) fabricated for nerve tissue engineering. The effect of the different amount of lignin on the morphology and diameter of the fibers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The physicochemical properties of fibers were studied using FTIR, tensile strain, contact angle, water uptake, and degradation test. MTT assay and SEM were employed to evaluate PC12 cell proliferation and adhesion, respectively. Immunocytochemistry and gene expression were utilized to study how the lignin affected on cell differentiation. The results revealed the smooth with a uniform diameter of the fabricated fibers, and the increased amount of lignin reduced the fiber diameter from 530 to 370 nm. The modulus of elasticity increased from 0.1 to 0.4 MPa by increasing the lignin percentage. The PC12 cell culture indicated that the lignin enhanced cell proliferation. The mRNA expression level for Gfap, β-Tub III, and Map2 and immunocytochemistry (Map2) revealed the positive effect of lignin on neural cell differentiation. Finally, the results suggest PVA-PGS/5% lignin as a promising material for nerve tissue engineering.

Effects of FGF-2 on human adipose tissue derived adult stem cells morphology and chondrogenesis enhancement in Transwell culture

Injured cartilage is difficult to repair due to its poor vascularisation. Cell based therapies may serve as tools to more effectively regenerate defective cartilage. Both adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and human adipose derived stem cells (hADSCs) are regarded as potential stem cell sources able to generate functional cartilage for cell transplantation. Growth factors, in particular the TGF-b superfamily, influence many processes during cartilage formation, including cell proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis, maintenance of the differentiated phenotype, and induction of MSCs towards chondrogenesis. In the current study, we investigated the effects of FGF-2 on hADSC morphology and chondrogenesis in Transwell culture. hADSCs were obtained from patients undergoing elective surgery, and then cultured in expansion medium alone or in the presence of FGF-2 (10 ng/ml). mRNA expression levels of SOX-9, aggrecan and collagen type II and type X were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The morphology, doubling time, trypsinization time and chondrogenesis of hADSCs were also studied. Expression levels of SOX-9, collagen type II, and aggrecan were all significantly increased in hADSCs expanded in presence of FGF-2. Furthermore FGF-2 induced a slender morphology, whereas doubling time and trypsinization time decreased. Our results suggest that FGF-2 induces hADSCs chondrogenesis in Transwell culture, which may be beneficial in cartilage tissue engineering.

Novel effects of Rosa damascena extract on memory and neurogenesis in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease

The number of older people who are suffering from memory impairment is increasing among populations throughout the world. Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects about 5% of people over 65 years old. The hippocampus, a brain area critical for learning and memory, is especially vulnerable to damage in the early stages of AD. Emerging evidence suggests that loss of neurons and synapses are correlated with dementia in this devastating disease. Therefore, neurogenesis and synaptogenesis in adulthood could serve as a preventive as well as a therapeutic target for AD. This study investigated the effect of Rosa damascena extract on neurogenesis and synaptogenesis in an animal model of AD. Molecular, cellular, and behavioral experiments revealed that this treatment could induce neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity and improve memory in AD. Our study suggests that R. damascena is a promising treatment for mild memory impairments and AD.

Efficient transdifferentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells into Schwann-like cells: A promise for treatment of demyelinating diseases

BACKGROUND

Schwann cells (SCs) can provide a suitable option for treatment not only diseases of peripheral nervous system (PNS), but also diseases of central nervous system (CNS). It is difficult to obtain sufficient large number of SCs for clinical purpose because of their restricted mitotic activity, and by sacrificing one or more functioning nerves with the consequence of loss of sensation. So, providing an alternative source for transplantation is desired. The aim of this study was isolation, characterization of human adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs), and transdifferentiation into Schwann-cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After isolation of ADSCs by mechanical and enzymatic digestion of adipose samples, characterization human ADSCs using flow cytometry was carried out. Human ADSCs were sequentially treated with various factors for neurosphere formation and terminal differentiation into Schwann-like cells. We used Schwann cell markers, GFAP and S100 to confirm the effectiveness of the differentiation of human ADSCs using Immunostaining and real time RT-PCR techniques.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry analysis of ADSC showed isolated stem cells were positive for CD90 and CD44 markers of mesenchymal stem cells, but for CD45 and CD34 markers were negative. Dual immunofluorescence staining and real time RT-PCR analysis for GFAP and S100 markers were revealed that approximately 90% of differentiated cells expressed co-markers.

CONCLUSION

We indicated that human ADSCs have a suitable option to induce Schwann-like cells for autologous transplantation, offer promise for treatment in demyelinating diseases.

A viscoelastic poromechanical model of the knee joint in large compression

The elastic response of the knee joint in various loading and pathological conditions has been investigated using anatomically accurate geometry. However, it is still challenging to predict the poromechanical response of the knee in realistic loading conditions. In the present study, a viscoelastic, poromechanical model of the knee joint was developed for soft tissues undergoing large deformation. Cartilages and menisci were modeled as fibril-reinforced porous materials and ligaments were considered as fibril-reinforced hyperelastic solids. Quasi-linear viscoelasticty was formulated for the collagen network of these tissues and nearly incompressible Neo-Hookean hyperelasticity was used for the non-fibrillar matrix. The constitutive model was coded with a user defined FORTRAN subroutine, in order to use ABAQUS for the finite element analysis. Creep and stress relaxation were investigated with large compression of the knee in full extension. The contact pressure distributions were found similar in creep and stress relaxation. However, the load transfer in the joint was completely different in these two loading scenarios. During creep, the contact pressure between cartilages decreased but the pressure between cartilage and meniscus increased with time. This led to a gradual transfer of some loading from the central part of cartilages to menisci. During stress relaxation, however, both contact pressures decreased monotonically.

Inhibition of microRNA-21 via locked nucleic acid-anti-miR suppressed metastatic features of colorectal cancer cells through modulation of programmed cell death 4

Colorectal cancer is among the most lethal of malignancies, due to its propensity to metastatic spread and multifactorial-chemoresistance. The latter property supports the need to identify novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of colorectal cancer. MicroRNAs are endogenous non-coding small RNA molecules that function as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Recently, programmed cell death 4 has been identified as a protein that increases during apoptosis. This gene is among the potential targets of miR-21 (OncomiR). Locked nucleic acid-modified oligonucleotides have recently emerged as a potential therapeutic option for targeting microRNAs. The aim of this study was to explore the functional role of locked nucleic acid-anti-miR-21 in the LS174T cell line in vitro and in vivo models. LS174T cells were treated with locked nucleic acid-anti-miR-21 for 24, 48, and 72 h in vitro. The expression of miR-21 and PDCD4 at messenger RNA (mRNA) level was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, while the protein level of PDCD4 was determined by Western blotting. Cell migratory behavior and the cluster-forming ability of cells were assessed before and after therapy. The disseminated tumor cells were assessed in the chick chorioallantoic membrane model by Alu quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Locked nucleic acid-anti-miR-21 was transfected successfully into the LS174T cells and inhibited the expression of miR-21. Locked nucleic acid-anti-miR-21 inhibited the migration and the number of cells forming clusters. Moreover, we found that locked nucleic acid-anti-miR-21 transfection was associated with a significant reduction in metastatic properties as assessed by the in ovo model. Our findings demonstrated the novel therapeutic potential of locked nucleic acid-anti-miR-21 in colon adenocarcinoma with high miR-21 expression.

Effect of leukemia inhibitory factor on the myelinogenic ability of Schwann-like cells induced from human adipose-derived stem cells

The Schwann cells (SCs) may be obtain from nerve biopsies for autologous transplantation. However, it is difficult to obtain sufficient amount of SCs for clinical applications. Human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can be induced to differentiate into Schwann-like cells (S-like cells) and used for autologous transplantation. However, effect of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on the myelinogenic ability of SC-like cells induced from human ADSC is not investigated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate of the effect of exogenous LIF on myelinogenic potential of differentiated cells in vitro. ADSCs were harvested from human fat tissue and characterized using flow cytometry. Human ADSCs were treated for sphere formation and LIF was added to terminal differentiation medium. GFAP/S100β and MBP markers were used to confirm differentiation of human ADSCs, and myelinogenic ability of SC-like cells, respectively, using both immunostaining and real-time RT-PCR analysis. The analysis for GFAP(+)/S100β(+) revealed that LIF can increase both differentiated cells rates and the percentage of myelinating SC-like cells (p < 0.05). Our data showed that SC-like cells induced from human ADSCs were able to generate myelin when exposed to LIF and these cells could be a potential source for the treatment of peripheral and central axonal injuries.

Physical characteristics and lipoprotein distribution of liposomal nystatin in human plasma

The physical characteristics and lipoprotein distribution of free nystatin (NYS) and liposomal NYS (L-NYS) in human plasma were investigated. To determine the percentage of NYS that was lipid associated following incubation in human plasma, C18 reverse-phase extraction columns were used. To assess plasma drug distribution, NYS and L-NYS (20 microg/ml) were incubated in human plasma for 5, 60, and 120 min at 37 degrees C. After each interval, plasma was removed and separated into its lipoprotein and lipoprotein-deficient plasma (LPDP) fractions by ultracentrifugation and assayed for NYS by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Further studies evaluated the liposome structure of L-NYS by filtering through a 0.14-microm-pore-size microfilter before and after the addition of human plasma. When reconstituted L-NYS (mean particle diameter +/- standard deviation, 321 +/- 192 nm) was applied to a C18 column, 67% +/- 4% of the initial NYS concentration was associated with the lipid. When plasma samples containing L-NYS that had been incubated for 5 to 120 min at 37 degrees C were applied to C18 columns, 66 to 76% of the NYS was lipid associated. Incubation of NYS in human plasma for 5 min at 37 degrees C resulted in 3% +/- 1% of the initial NYS concentration incubated in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction, 23% +/- 4% of that in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction, and 66% +/- 10% of that in the LPDP fraction. In contrast, the distribution of NYS following incubation of L-NYS in human plasma for 5 min was 13% +/- 2% in the LDL fraction, 44% +/- 5% in the HDL fraction, and 42% +/- 5% in the LPDP fraction. Similar results were observed following 60 and 120 min of incubation. In addition, the liposome structure of L-NYS was quickly lost when mixed with plasma. These findings suggest that rapid disruption of the L-NYS structure upon incubation in human plasma is consistent with its rapid distribution in plasma. The preferential distribution of NYS into the HDL fraction upon incubation of L-NYS may be a function of its phospholipid composition.

Regeneration of Rat Sciatic Nerve Using PLGA Conduit Containing Rat ADSCs with Controlled Release of BDNF and Gold Nanoparticles

Implantation of a nerve guidance conduit (NGC) carrying neuroprotective factors is promising for repairing peripheral nerve injury. Here, we developed a novel strategy for repairing peripheral nerve injury by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-encapsulated chitosan in laminin-coated nanofiber of Poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) conduit and transplantation of rat adipose-derived stem cells (r-ADSCs) suspended in alginate. Then, the beneficial effect of AuNPs, BDNF, and r-ADSCs on nerve regeneration was evaluated in rat sciatic nerve transection model. In vivo experiments showed that the combination of AuNPs- and BDNF-encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles in laminin-coated nanofiber of PLGA conduit with r-ADSCs could synergistically facilitate nerve regeneration. Furthermore, the in vivo histology, immunohistochemistry, and behavioral results demonstrated that the AuNPs- and BDNF-encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles in NGC could significantly reinforce the repair performance of r-ADSCs, which may also contribute to the therapeutic outcome of the AuNPs, BDNF, and r-ADSCs strategies. In this study, we found that the combination of AuNPs and BDNF releases in NGC with r-ADSCs may represent a new potential strategy for peripheral nerve regeneration.

Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri-derived biosurfactant on the gene expression profile of essential adhesion genes (gtfB, gtfC and ftf) of Streptococcus mutans

Background:

Streptococci are the main causative agents in plaque formation and mutans streptococci are the principle etiological agent of dental plaque and caries. The process of biofilm formation is a step-wise process, starting with adhesion of planktonic cells to the surfaces. It is now a well known fact that expression of glucosyltransferases (gtfs) and fructosyltransferase (ftf) genes play a critical role in the initial adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to the tooth surface, which results in the formation of dental plaques and consequently caries and other periodontal diseases.

Materials and Methods:

In the present study, we have determined the effect of biosurfactants purified from Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM20016) culture on gene expression profile of gftB/C and fft of S. mutans (ATCC35668) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

The application of biosurfactant caused considerable down-regulation of the expression of all three genes under study. The reduction in gene expression was statistically very significant (P > 0.0001 for all three genes).

Conclusions:

Inhibition of these genes by the extracted L. reuteri biosurfactant shows the emergence of a powerful alternative to the presently practicing alternatives. In view of the importance of these gene products for S. mutans attachment to the tooth surface, which is the initial important step in biofilm production and dental caries, we believe that the biosurfactant prepared in this study could be considered as a step ahead in dental caries prevention.

Checkerboard immunoblotting (CBIB): an efficient, rapid, and sensitive method of assaying multiple antigen/antibody cross-reactivities

A simple technique, checkerboard immunoblotting (CBIB), is described, which facilitates the examination of multiple antigen/antibody interactions, conveniently and reproducibly, using minimal amounts of reactants. Antigens, immobilized on a solid-phase membrane in parallel lanes, are allowed to react with primary antibodies, applied in lanes perpendicular to the antigens, and the reactions are developed with appropriately labeled secondary antibody and substrate. Positive reactions, at the intersections of antigen/antibody lanes, are small squares, giving a checkerboard appearance to the blot. The results are easily read visually and presented in the form of a permanent record. CBIB has wide range of applications, including the screening of hybridomas for monoclonal antibody production. With the cholera toxin (CT)-related antigens used, homologous reactions were markedly stronger then heterologous reactions.

Phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activity of Anethum graveolens L. essential oil

This study reports the chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Anethum graveolens essential oil and its main compounds. The essential oil was obtained from the aerial parts of the plant by hydrodistillation and analysed by using GC/MS. α-Phellandrene (19.12%), limonene (26.34%), dill ether (15.23%), sabinene (11.34%), α-pinene (2%), n-tetracosane (1.54%), neophytadiene (1.43%), n-docosane (1.04), n-tricosane (1%), n-nonadecane (1%), n-eicosane (0.78%), n-heneicosane (0.67%), β-myrcene (0.23%) and α-tujene (0.21%) were found to be the major constituents of the oil. A. graveolens oil exhibit a higher activity in each antioxidant system with a special attention for β-carotene bleaching test (IC50: 15.3 μg/mL) and reducing power (EC50: 11.24 μg/mL). The TLC-bioautography screening and fractionation resulted in the separation of the main antioxidant compounds, which were identified as limonene (45%) and sabinene (32%). The essential oil and its main compounds exhibited a potent NO-scavenging effect and inhibited the expression of inducible NO synthase.

The Perspective of Dysregulated LncRNAs in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Scoping Review

LncRNAs act as part of non-coding RNAs at high levels of complex and stimulatory configurations in basic molecular mechanisms. Their extensive regulatory activity in the CNS continues on a small scale, from the functions of synapses to large-scale neurodevelopment and cognitive functions, aging, and can be seen in both health and disease situations. One of the vast consequences of the pathological role of dysregulated lncRNAs in the CNS due to their role in a network of regulatory pathways can be manifested in Alzheimer's as a neurodegenerative disease. The disease is characterized by two main hallmarks: amyloid plaques due to the accumulation of β-amyloid components and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) resulting from the accumulation of phosphorylated tau. Numerous studies in humans, animal models, and various cell lines have revealed the role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. This scoping review was performed with a six-step strategy and based on the Prisma guideline by systematically searching the publications of seven databases. Out of 1,591 records, 69 articles were utterly aligned with the specified inclusion criteria and were summarized in the relevant table. Most of the studies were devoted to BACE1-AS, NEAT1, MALAT1, and SNHG1 lncRNAs, respectively, and about one-third of the studies investigated a unique lncRNA. About 56% of the studies reported up-regulation, and 7% reported down-regulation of lncRNAs expressions. Overall, this study was conducted to investigate the association between lncRNAs and Alzheimer's disease to make a reputable source for further studies and find more molecular therapeutic goals for this disease.