Cell Journal (Yakhteh)
Volume:26 Issue: 6, Jun 2024

Among the various manifestations of oral cavity cancer, tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), is themost common form of this condition. TSCC represents a major challenge in the field of cancer treatment.The emergence of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) has opened new avenues for therapeutic intervention inTSCC. This research provides an overview of siRNA-mediated mechanisms and emphasizes their complexinvolvement in modulating key signaling pathways associated with TSCC progression. Relevant articles from2004 to 2023 were conducted by using different keywords, such as "Interfering RNA " and "Small Interfering ".The search was following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA)guidelines based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Gradingof Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. The selected studies (n=17)were subjected to perform comprehensive analysis. We concluded that the PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways, one ofoncogenic signaling cascades in TSCC is notable. siRNAs and their role in targeting specific signaling pathwayshelp us understand the molecular mechanisms underlying TSCC that may lead to the development promisingtherapies for TSCC. These therapies have the advantage of personalization and precision, targeted delivery, andthe potential to overcome drug resistance. Therefore, the study enhances our comprehension of siRNA-basedinterventions' clinical potential in TSCC.

Chronic inflammation is a common feature in diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are poorlycontrolled. This chronic low-grade inflammation can affect various organs, including the kidneys. Podocytedamage play a key role in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of the study was to evaluatethe nephroprotective effect of Boeravinone B (BB) against streptozotocin (STZ) induced DN in rats and explore theunderlying mechanism. In this experimental study, the rats received intraperitoneal injections of STZ (60 mg/kg) toinduce DN. Various doses of BB (2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg/kg) were administered orally. Glucose levels, body weights, andorgan weights (hepatic and renal) were assessed. Renal, histomorphological, antioxidant, hepatic, and cytokine levelswere determined, as were the mRNA expression levels of JAK2 and STAT3. At end of the experimental study, the ratswere sacrificed and their renal tissues were removed for histopathological assessment. BB treatment decreased glucose levels and increased body weights. This treatment suppressed hepaticweights, increased renal tissue weights, and also decreased renal parameters like uric acid, urea, bilirubin, creatinine(Cr) and, albumin. There was a decrease (P<0.001) in histomorphological parameters such as kidney hypertrophyindex (KHI), mean glomerular volume (MGV), foot process fusion ratio (FPFR), and glomerular basement membranethickness (GBMT) after treatment with BB. In addition, this treatment improved the levels of renal podocin, renal CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) and suppressed hepatic parameter levels. BB treatment (P<0.001) altered antioxidantparameters and cytokine levels, and suppressed mRNA expressions of JAK2, STAT3, RAGE, KIM-1, NAGL, andS100A8. Administration of BB showed renal protective effects against STZ-induced DN in rats via the reduction ofoxidative stress and inflammatory reactions.

Bisphenols are a type of phenolic chemical frequently used in producing various consumer products.Owing to their widespread exposure, these compounds can cause multiple toxic effects in humans. This study aimedto assess the protective effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) against bisphenol S (BPS)-induced cytotoxicityin the human testicular embryonic carcinoma cell line (NT2/D1). In this experimental study, cytotoxic concentrations of ZnONPs and BPS on NT2/D1 cellswere optimized using the MTT assay. Thereafter, the effects of ZnONPs (50 and 500 μM), BPS (300 and 600 μM), andpre-treatment with ZnONPs (50 μM) followed by exposure to BPS (600 μM) on the expression of SOX2 and OCT4genes and apoptosis-related proteins (i.e. Bax and Bcl-2) were evaluated, using quantitative reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting, respectively. Both BPS and ZnONPs reduced the viability of NT2/D1 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Pretreatmentwith 50 μM of ZnONPs increased mRNA levels of SOX2 and OCT4 and improved the reduction of cell viabilitycaused by exposure to half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of BPS (P<0.001). In addition, pre-treatment withZnONPs was able to suppress BPS-induced apoptosis, as evidenced by increased Bcl-2 (P<0.05) and decreased Bax(P<0.001) protein levels. Although our findings indicate that short-term treatment with a low concentration of ZnONPs could havebeneficial effects in preventing the cytotoxic effects of BPS by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteinsand pluripotent genes in the NT2/D1 cells, further studies are recommended to confirm these results.

There are ethical and technical challenges in studying human germ cell development. Therefore, the aim ofthe study is in vitro differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), as pluripotent cells, to the germ cells whichis a valuable tool for studying molecular and cellular aspects of gametogenesis and understanding causes of infertility. In this experimental study, two different complete media [Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium(DMEM)+20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and embryoid bodies (EBs) medium; KOSR/HES without basic fibroblastgrowth factor (bFGF)] were used in the both of test groups using testicular cells derived conditioned medium (TCCM)and control groups spontaneously differentiated (SD). Thereby, EBs from hESCs (Yazd2; 46XY) were cultured indifferent conditions EB medium; EB medium and conditioned EB medium; EB medium, DMEM, and FBS withoutconditioning; EB medium, conditioned DMEM, and FBS medium. EBs were collected after 4, 7, and 14 days and theirgene expression profiles were assessed and compared to hESCs, as day 0, using IF and relative reverse transcriptionquantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). An increase in the gametogenesis gene expression level in TCCM groups was showed in comparison withSD groups. Additionally, immunostaining of differentiated cells in all groups showed in vitro gametogenesis (IVG). Our findings showed that human TCCM could be used as a natural niche for in vitro male and femalegerm cell development. However, further studies are needed to define the factors and metabolites within the humanTCCM.

Dysregulation of lipid and carbohydrate/fatty acid (FA) balance in Sertoli and germ cells alters the NADP+/NADPH ratio, resulting in metabolic autophagy in testicles. Tramadol (TRA) adversely affects spermatogenesisdevelopment, and it is not reversed within short periods of time after withdrawal. Therefore, the present study aimedto examine the boosting effect of different exercise training protocols (ETPs) on TRA-induced detrimental effects afterwithdrawal. In this experimental study, 36 mature Wistar rats were separated into control and TRAsole(administered 40 mg/kg of TRA and euthanized 60 days after TRA administration), Con-TRA (stopped TRAadministration after 60 days, and continued for additional 60 days after withdrawal), TRA+low-intensity (TRA+LICT),TRA+ moderate-intensity (TRA+MICT), and TRA+high-intensity continuous (TRA+HICT) ETPs-induced groups (n=6/group, ETPs were initiated for 60 days after stopping TRA administration). Next, the intracytoplasmic carbohydrate andlipids/FAs content, testicular lactate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, relative ratios of NADP+/NADPH, serumtestosterone levels, and the Leydig cells steroidogenic activity, the mRNA levels of Beclin-1, p62, LC3-I, and Atg7 aswell as the LC3-I/II+ germ and somatic cells mean distributions were analyzed. The LICT and MICT could ameliorate the TRA-induced carbohydrates/lipids, FAs imbalance, increase lactate,LDH and testosterone levels, re-balance the NADP+/NADPH ratio, and reregulate the autophagy and steroidogenicactivities in the Leydig and Sertoli cells. Collectively, LICT and MICT can ameliorate the TRA-induced metabolic-oxidative autophagy by rebalancingenergy survey in testicles and down-regulating autophagy reactions in Sertoli cells and rebalancing it in theLeydig cells.

This study delves into Usher syndrome type 2 (USH2), an uncommon genetic disorder characterized by sensorineuralhearing loss (HL) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), often associated with the USH2A gene. Focusing on an Iranian familyexhibiting USH2 symptoms, exome-sequencing was employed for a comprehensive genome analysis in a 30-yearoldpatient. The investigation unveiled a novel variation (NM_206933.4: c.9389G>A; p.Trp3130*) within exon 48 ofthe USH2A gene, a previously unreported variant emphasizing the genetic diversity in USH2. Sanger sequencingwas then utilized to assess variation segregation within the family, offering insights into the inheritance pattern. Thisdiscovery not only advances our understanding of the genetic basis of USH2 but also holds significant implicationsfor genetic counseling, early management, and informed decision-making regarding prenatal options. By adoptingan integrated approach, this study aims to empower affected families, facilitating a nuanced understanding of thedisorder’s complexities and ultimately improving patient outcomes and family well-being through informed decisionmaking and proactive management strategies.

The 24th and 19th International Congresses on Reproduction and Stem Cell Biology in the Islamic Republic of Iran broughttogether experts and researchers worldwide to explore the latest advancements in these fields. Different topics werediscussed, including such as reproductive health, infertility treatments, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine.This report provides a summary of the congress’s key findings by emphasizing pioneer research and technologies thatcan influence the future of reproduction and stem cell biology programs. The presence of keynote speakers such asProfessor Nicolas Rivron, Mohammad Ebrahim Parsanezhad, Ashraf Moini, Abbas Aflatoonian, Hadi Shafiee, AnnaBrini, Omid Camron Farokhzad, and Jeffrey Schweitzer added value to the event, which had over 1100 participantsfrom around the world. While foreign speakers were from various countries Iranian speakers mainly came from Tabriz,Isfahan, Shiraz, Babol, and Tehran that all discussed cutting-edge science and successful disease treatments. Toensure a more comprehensive representation, it is suggested that a wider geographic distribution of national andforeign speakers should be considered in future plan.