Research in Molecular Medicine
Volume:2 Issue: 2, Jun 2014

Inflammatory condition is the consequence of defensive mechanism of immune system against viral and bacterial infection, tissue injury, UV radiation, stress and etc. Persistently acute inflammation leads to chronic phase which is characterized by production of pro-inflammatory mediators from T cells. These molecules (e.g. IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-17) are mostly pleiotropic cytokines involved in multiple signaling cascades. NF-κB, STAT3, and HIF-1α are the major engaged pathways directing to several downstream targets associating with tumorigenesis and inflammation. Carcinogenesis processes such as DNA mutation/damage, proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and invasion are implicated to inflammation. Clearly there is a closely association between cancer and inflammation reported as “Seven Hallmark of Cancer”. The elucidation of relationship between inflammation and cancer and their interaction may result in effective therapy and prevention. Gastric cancer is one of the main cancer involved in complex correlation of inflammation and cancer. Inflammation in gastric epithelium could trigger cellular transformation and promote invasion by inducing immune responses and utilizing signaling cascades. Gastric tumor microenvironment has inverse association by providing cytokines and inflammatory mediators. This closely relationship facilitates gastric tumor development and the induction of chronic inflammation in tumor microenvironment. The current review will focus on describing the possible and critical ways in which inflammation and cancer are linked together with specific view to gastric cancer and inflammation. Finally, it introduces some putative treatment generally used in this way in order to direct more attention for further exploration.

As condition and component of culture determine fate map of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), the aim of this study was to evaluate of growth factors GDNF, LIF and RA on proliferation and differentiation of SSC. SSCs were cultured in two groups: The first group GDNF and LIF and the second group RA. The number of clumps and colony formation was monitored during 1 month in culture. To identification of the colony, stained with PLZF using immunostaining. Pluripotency gene Oct 4 and neural markers MAP2, NeuroD and Nestin were analyzed by RT-PCR. In the presence of GDNF and LIF, cells proliferated rapidly and many compact clumps were appeared whereas after exposure to RA cells formed small clumps. The results of immunocytochemistry shows PLZF was detected in the group GDNF & LIF. RT-PCR showed high level expression Oct 4 in the group GDNF and LIF whereas neural markers MAP2, NeuroD and Nestin were expressed in the group RA. GDNF and LIF are essential for self-renewal and colony formation of SSCs that confirm the stem cells activity of these cells but RA inhibits stem cell activity of SSCs and induces neural differentiation of these.

There is evidence that mesangial cell structural changes contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. To gain better insight into the mechanisms responsible for this issue, present study focused on effect of cord blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) derived CD133 positive cells on mesangial cell structure and function. The animals were randomly divided into four groups (each with six rats) and were kept in separate cages as follows: Group I: control group, received only 8.2 mmol/L sodium citrate buffer (pH 5.4). Group II: received only CD133 positive cells. Group III: received alloxan (65mg/kg) only. Group IV: received alloxan, followed by administration of CD133 positive cells, 1 week later. Rats were studied for 16 weeks. Cord blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated by a conventional centrifuge method through a Ficoll-density gradient, CD133 positive isolation was performed by means of magnetic cell separation (MACS) columns according to the manufacturer’s procedure. CD133 positive stem cells analyzed using flow cytometry. The CD133positive cells were centrifuged, re-suspended with PBS, and transplanted to the rats through the tail. At the end of the experiments, blood was collected, and then blood glucose, creatinine, glycated hemoglobin and insulin concentrations were measured by using kits. All of the animals were killed and the kidneys were removed. Tissues were processed for light microscopy. Glomerular features were evaluated quantitatively using Cavalieri and disectory methods and compared with sham and control groups. Our results indicated that treated hyperglycemic rats showed an increase in mesangial volume compared to untreated group. Concerning the mechanisms of these findings both glycemic control and CD133 positive cells regenerative potential are major’s factors to change mesangial structure and function. The present study clearly documents the potential of CD133 positive cells on the renal mesangial cells.

Members of this genus Aureobasidium are ubiquitous microorganisms which can be isolated from wide ranges of substrates such as plant materials (phyllosphere, plant debris, bark, roots, fruits and wood), soil, dead wood, air, and as rare etiologic agent of pheohyphomycosis, keratomycosis, septicemia, peritoneal sepsis, and dermatological infections in human. Very little is known on the identity, substrates and distribution of Aureobasidium spp. in Iran. Fourteen Aureobasidium isolates were recovered from vascular tissues of pome and stone fruit trees displaying decline symptoms in orchards of West and East Azarbaijan provinces, Iran. Pure cultures were established by using a single spore technique. The identity of the isolates was determined using sequence data from ITS-rDNA region. Phylogenetic relationship among isolates was inferred based on sequence data from ITS-rDNA. A megablast search analysis of ITS sequence data at NCBI revealed the identity of Aureobasidium isolates as A. pullulans. A phylogeny inferred using sequence data from ITS region placed our isolates together with the other A. pullulans var. pullulans in GenBank. Morphological and cultural characteristics were in agreement with the description for A. pullulans var. pullulans. Our results represent new report on the occurrence of A. pullulans var. pullulans in Iran. As A. pullulans is known as a rare etiologic agent of pheohyphomycosis, keratomycosis, septicemia, peritoneal sepsis, and dermatological infections in human, possible occurrence and involvement of A. pullulans in human infections should be taken into account.

Diabetes has the most important role in development of tissue damage, and by affecting intercellular matrices, may lead to structural and functional changes that ultimately cause failure of related tissue or organ. Exercise and herbal medicine can be effective in reducing organ failure. This study aims to assess the effect of aerobic training combined with consumption of portulaca oleracea supplements on Metalloproteinase Matrix 2 (MMP2), Metalloproteinase Matrix 9 (MMP9), and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase Matrix (TIMP1) in diabetic women type II. 28 women with type II diabetes and average age of 51 years were divided into 4 groups of control (CG), exercise (EG), exercise-supplement (E-SG), and supplement (SG). A course of exercise was designed to cover 60-minute, 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks, with 50-70% maximum heart rate intensity. A 7.5 grams daily supplement of portulaca oleracea was administered, consisting of 2.5 grams with luncheon and 5 grams at dinner. Blood samples were taken before and after 8 weeks of intake of supplement and exercise following 48 hours of non-consumption of supplement and 12 hours of fasting. Data were analyzed using variance analysis model. After 8 weeks, MMP2, MMP9 levels significantly reduced in all groups (P<0.05). But the difference between groups was insignificant. TIMP1 level significantly increased in all groups but control, and there was a significant difference in TIMP1 level between control and supplement groups (P<0.05). According to the results, aerobic training together with purslane seed intake, did not positively affect matrix metalloproteinase, but its inhibitors were effective. Thus, further study is required for more accurate results.

Bacillus subtilis refers to stretched and sometimes curved, gram-positive, aerobic, and catalase-positive bacilli, which has thermo-resistant endospores. It has been known as a normal flora in the human but can be pathogens In the case of opportunistic. Also, it can be the pathogen of nosocomial infections such as wound among hospitalized patients. Purpose of this study was to identify the type of nosocomial infections in a burn patient suffering from wound infections and septicemia. In November 2012, sampling was made from the burn wound of a 26-year-old woman infected with septicemia using a sterile swab. The wound sample was cultured on a blood agar medium. Various routine biochemical tests were performed for species detection and identification. Eventually, PCR was used to increase the reliability and accuracy in the identification of the isolated bacterium. The PCR product was then sequenced. According to the results of different biochemical tests and molecular identification, the bacteria separated from B. subtilis wound were reported. The mentioned gene was recorded under access number AB894357 in the gene bank. According to the conducted studies, although B. subtilis is known as a commensal bacterium, it can be considered a pathogen of nosocomial infection, which subsequently causes secondary infections. Considering that B. subtilis is known as a nonpathogenic bacterium, it is recommended to pay more attention to its diagnosis and treatment as an opportunistic pathogen among hospitalized patients.

Accumulation or deficiency of trace elements can occur in hemodialysis patients and it increases risk of cardiovascular or other organs disorders. Special ions levels such as sodium and bicarbonate in dialysis fluid are accurately regulated but the remaining elements are not regularly measured. Aluminum and lead belong to the biologic performance free heavy metals. They also has a tendency to accumulate in hemodialysis patients. This study aims to compare serum aluminum and lead levels in hemodialysis patients before and after dialysis during 6 months period. This comparative longitudinal research has been a comparative long- itudinal research conducted to 86 hemodialysis patients in Imam Khomeini and Fatima Zahra in Sari. Sampling was done on patients for three times (two times before dialysis with 6 months interval and one time after dialysis in the sixth month). It has been measured by spectrophotometer method. In order to compare the metal mean and standard deviation, ANOVA analysis method and also evaluating intra group difference with paired test has been used. In the 100 hemodialysis patients, the mean age and duration of hemodialysis were 57.0±7.3 years and 15.28±5.73 months, respectively. Aluminum level in patient’s serum was 30.7± 6.2 and 37.5 ± 6.8 mg/dl before and after dialysis, respectively. The post-dialysis aluminum level became statistically significant (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between pre dialysis aluminum concentrations during 6 months interval. We weren’t finding significant difference in lead level between the three samples taken. Trace elements status in chronic kidney diseases patients is influenced by a renal function residual, size and dialyzer membrane surface. The water nature also is used for dialysis fluid preparation and composition. Trace elements in ESRD patients differed from healthy individuals. So this issue requires accurate studies on trace elements clinical aspects in ESRD patients.