Cell and Tissue Journal

Abstract Aim: Folate, also known as Vitamin B9, is a water-soluble nutrient present in natural food sources. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and repair, as well as in methylation reactions. Folic acid (FA) is the synthetic form of folate found in enriched foods and supplements. The effects of folate deficiency after birth have not been extensively studied. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of non-coding RNAs that play essential roles in regulating gene expression. In recent years, miRNAs have been associated with various aspects of brain development, including neurogenesis, neuronal migration, axon and dendrite formation, and synaptogenesis. Additionally, altered expression and dysregulation of miRNAs have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. Methionine synthase (Mtr) is involved in amino acid metabolism and is responsible for converting the amino acid homocysteine to methionine. Mtr is crucial for brain development and is associated with myelin content. This project aimed to investigate the impact of maternal FA supplementation during pregnancy on the expression of mmu-miR-103-1-5p and Mtr in the cerebral cortex of mouse pups.
Materials and Methods: A total of 45 pregnant mice were divided into three groups, with 15 mice in each group. The first and second groups received FA at doses of 2 and 40 mg/kg of body weight daily by gavage throughout their entire pregnancy, respectively. The third group did not receive FA and served as the control. Subsequently, the cerebral cortex of the offspring was collected immediately after birth for the analysis of mmu-miR-103-1-5p and Mtr expression using real-time PCR. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism software.
Results: In the FA-treated group, the expression of mmu-miR-103-1-5p at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight was 0.46±0.01, and at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight, it was 0.27±0.02, whereas in the control group, it was 1.0007±0.03. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decrease in mmu-miR-103-1-5p expression at both the 2 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg doses compared to the controls (p

Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer is the most important and widespread type of cancer in women's population.
Aim:This study was conducted to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles conjugated with gingerol (ZnO@CPTMS-Gingerol) and evaluate their anticancer effects on breast cancer cells.
Materials and Methods: To synthesize ZnO@CPTMS-Gingerol nanoparticles, one gram of ZnO@CPTMS nanoparticles was dispersed in 30 ml of dry toluene. One gram of gingerol and 10 ml of triethylamine were added to the reaction mixture and refluxed for 24 hours. The product was washed twice with a mixture of distilled water and ethanol (1:1), and the final product was dried at 100°C for 24 hours. Physicochemical properties of ZnO@CPTMS-Gingerol nanoparticles were studied by FT-IR, XRD, DLS, EDS, zeta potential measurement, and electron microscope imaging. The inhibitory effects of different concentrations of ZnO@CPTMS-Gingerol nanoparticles on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and HEK293, as normal cells, were evaluated by the MTT test. To perform this experiment, cells were prepared in 96-well cell culture plates with a density of 104 cells/well, and then were treated with concentrations of 15.625, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 μg/mL of ZnO@CPTMS-Gingerol. After incubating the cells for 24 hours at 37°C, 0.2 ml of MTT solution was added to each well. The wells without nanoparticles treatment were considered as controls. After incubation for 4 hours, the supernatant was removed, and 100 μl of DMSO solution was added to each well. After pipetting, the optical density was read at 570 nm using an ELISA Reader. To determine the percentage of apoptotic and necrotic cells, 5x10⁵ cells were treated with ZnO@CPTMS-Gingerol nanoparticles for 24 hours with half inhibitory concentration (IC50). Then, the treated and control cells were stained with annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) dyes. Finally, cell analysis was done by a flow cytometer. Data analysis was done using device software and dividing the points recorded in the two-dimensional curve into four regions including Q1 to Q4. The experiments were performed in three replicates, and the results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis including t-tests, and one-way ANOVA was performed using SPSS. A p

Abstract Introduction: St. John's Wort, scientifically known as Hypericum perforatum L., belongs to the family Hypericaceae and is an important medicinal plant widely used today for the treatment of depression. It is one of the best-selling herbal products worldwide. Its medicinal properties are attributed to the secondary metabolites present in its extract, including hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids, xanthones, and other valuable compounds. To meet the growing demands of the pharmaceutical industry and to obtain high-quality biomass, it is cultivated in various countries. However, plants grown under field conditions often face challenges that may affect their phytochemical composition. Plant tissue culture under controlled conditions can mitigate these issues and serve as an attractive alternative to field cultivation. Today, one of the key aspects of biotechnology in Hypericum perforatum is the enhancement of bioactive molecule content using various approaches, including elicitation in tissue culture.
Aim:This research aims to investigate the callogenesis optimization and morpho-physiological, phytochemical, and biochemical changes in the callus of Hypericum perforatum L. in response to chitosan elicitor under In Vitro culture conditions.
Materials and Methods: After obtaining Hypericum perforatum seeds, the effect of sterilization methods on seed contamination percentage was evaluated using a completely randomized design. Subsequently, a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted to optimize callus induction using hormonal treatments (E₁ to E₂), explants (E₁, E₂), and different light conditions (L₁, L₂). After preparing the chitosan elicitor at concentrations of 0 (control), 25, 50, and 75 mg, another experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design to apply the elicitor to the seeds. Finally, the effect of the chitosan elicitor on improving morphological, physiological, metabolic, and biochemical traits was examined.
Results: The results of the mean comparison for the effect of sterilization methods showed that treatment C (no sterilization) and S₂ exhibited the lowest and highest levels of contamination percentage, respectively. The mean comparison results for the interaction effect of hormonal treatment explant type, and light conditions indicated that the best hormonal combination for callus induction was H₁E₁L₁. The findings revealed a significant increase in traits such as fresh weight, dry weight, callus volume, flavonoids, phenols, antioxidant activity, anthocyanins, carotenoids, catalase, peroxidase, proline, and chlorophyll a and b at all chitosan concentrations compared to the control. The highest and lowest values for these traits were observed in the 50 mg/L chitosan treatment and the control, respectively. For malondialdehyde content, the highest and lowest levels were associated with the control treatment and the 50 mg/L chitosan treatment, respectively.
Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that the chitosan elicitor improved the growth, physiological, metabolic, and biochemical characteristics of Hypericum perforatum. Among all the concentrations used, the 50 mg/L concentration was the most effective in enhancing these traits.
 

Abstract Introduction: Oxidative stress exerts destructive effects on sperm cells, leading to sperm dysfunction and male infertility. It occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cell's antioxidant defense system. ROS are free radicals and peroxides that can damage cells. They can harm the sperm cell membrane, which is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, through lipid peroxidation, impairing sperm membrane fluidity. This affects motility and the sperm's ability to fuse with the egg. Additionally, ROS can directly damage sperm DNA, leading to DNA fragmentation and other abnormalities. Oxidative stress can also impair sperm motility by disrupting energy production in the mitochondria. Severe oxidative stress may result in sperm cell death (apoptosis or necrosis), reducing sperm viability. These negative effects ultimately decrease the chances of successful fertilization and a healthy pregnancy.
Cadmium, a pervasive environmental and industrial pollutant, induces significant toxic effects on human health, particularly on the male reproductive system. It is both a naturally occurring element and a widespread environmental pollutant generated from various industrial and agricultural activities. Its presence in soil, water, air, and food exert risks on human health. Exposure to cadmium is strongly linked to increased oxidative stress, which damages cellular components such as lipids, proteins, and DNA within sperm cells. This oxidative damage can lead to impairments in critical sperm parameters, including motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity, thereby compromising fertilization potential and contributing to male infertility. The severity of these effects underscores the need for effective strategies to mitigate cadmium-induced sperm damage.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a naturally occurring organosulfur compound, is produced in the body, obtained through dietary sources, and taken as a supplement or medication. ALA is a potent antioxidant with the unique ability to function in both aqueous and lipid environments. This versatility allows ALA to scavenge a wide range of free radicals and ROS, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage. Furthermore, ALA can regenerate other endogenous antioxidants, such as glutathione, further amplifying its protective effects. Given ALA’s well-documented antioxidant properties and its potential to mitigate oxidative stress, this study aims to investigate its protective effects on human sperm exposed to cadmium.
Aim: This research will explore the extent to which ALA can counteract the detrimental effects of cadmium-induced oxidative stress on vital sperm parameters. By evaluating the impact of ALA supplementation on sperm motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity in the presence of cadmium, this study seeks to determine the potential therapeutic role of ALA in preserving sperm function and improving male fertility outcomes. The results of this investigation will provide valuable insights into the efficacy of ALA as a protective agent against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity and contribute to the development of strategies for mitigating the harmful effects of environmental pollutants on male reproductive health.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, human sperm samples were divided into five groups: 1) spermatozoa at 0 hours, 2) spermatozoa at 180 minutes (control group), 3) spermatozoa treated with cadmium chloride (10 μM) for 180 minutes, 4) spermatozoa treated with ALA (50 μM) + cadmium chloride (10 μM) for 180 minutes and 5) spermatozoa treated with ALA (50 μM) for 180 minutes.
Vital sperm parameters, including motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA fragmentation, as well as oxidative stress indices (total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation), were examined in different groups. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means with p

Abstract Introduction: Downstream processes are crucial in pharmaceutical protein manufacturing, bridging drug synthesis and final product formulation. They involve purification strategies to isolate active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from natural or cellular sources, ensuring high purity and potency. Advances in technology and purification methods have significantly impacted the efficiency and quality of pharmaceutical products, particularly for biological drugs like human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH) and VHHs antibodies
Aims: To highlight the importance of downstream processes in pharmaceutical protein production, focusing on the purification techniques employed for proteins like human follicle-stimulating hormone and VHHs antibodies, and to demonstrate how technological innovations improve yield, efficiency, and product quality.
Materials and methods: The study emphasizes the use of strategic purification approaches, including advanced chromatographic methods such as recombinant DNA technology for producing hFSH and affinity chromatography utilizing VHHs antibodies. These methods are tailored to preserve the structural and functional integrity of target proteins and enhance purification efficiency.
Results: Innovative purification strategies, especially affinity chromatography with VHHs antibodies, have led to a significant increase in yield (~60%), reduced processing time, and improved purity. These techniques effectively streamline production, reduce costs, and maintain the biological activity of target proteins like hFSH.
Discussion: The integration of cutting-edge technologies—recombinant DNA, affinity chromatography, and sophisticated purification strategies—has transformed downstream processing. These advancements support the shift from natural sourcing to recombinant production, improving efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness, and fostering progress in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Conclusion: Refinement of downstream processes, driven by technological innovation, advances the production of vital biological drugs such as hFSH. These developments symbolize a move toward higher standards of quality and efficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing, showcasing human ingenuity and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in healthcare and biotechnology

Abstract Introduction: Metal nanoparticles exhibit a broad range of properties and have made substantial contributions to the field of biomedicine, particularly concerning targeted drug delivery systems. These nanoparticles function effectively as carriers for a variety of therapeutic agents, including but not limited to antibodies, nucleic acids, chemotherapeutic agents, and peptides. Metals such as silver, gold, zinc, copper, and cerium display remarkable optical characteristics that augment their functional capabilities. Furthermore, their surfaces can be readily modified via hydrogen bonding, covalent bonding, or electrostatic interactions, facilitating their application with bioactive molecules for specific targeting endeavors. The advancement of numerous nanomedicines aimed at tumor treatment has underscored the potential of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) as a viable therapeutic agent in oncological therapy. Empirical studies suggest that CONPs possess cytotoxic properties against neoplastic cells, inhibit their invasiveness, and enhance their susceptibility to radiation and chemotherapeutic interventions. Additionally, CONPs exhibit minimal toxicity to healthy tissues and contribute to the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Xanthium strumarium, despite its high toxicity, is acknowledged for its medicinal properties. All constituents of the plant contain toxic compounds in varying concentrations and are utilized in the treatment of various ailments, including malaria, cancer, rheumatism, arthritis, tuberculosis, and respiratory allergies, in addition to their analgesic effects. Its roots, fruits, leaves, and other aerial parts possess significant medicinal value. The technique of green synthesis, which employs natural extracts, is utilized for the production of metal or metal oxide nanoparticles.
Aim:The objective of this research is to examine the impact of cerium oxide nanoparticles synthesized through sol-gel and green synthesis techniques utilizing Xanthium strumarium extract on MDA-MB-231 cancer cells.
Materials and Methods: For the green synthesis approach, Zardineh plants, specifically Xanthium classified under the strumarium category with the ALUH 38785 code, were collected from regions adjacent to the Alborz mountains. The leaves of the plant were separated and ground into a fine powder. The resulting powder was extracted and purified using a reflux method. This extract served as a reducing agent for cerium nitrate metal ions. In the sol-gel method, cerium nitrate and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide were used. Characterization of the nanoparticles was conducted using FTIR, EDAX, SEM, and AFM techniques. Furthermore, the MTT assay was used to assess and compare the cytotoxic effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles synthesized on MDA-MB-231 cancerous cells.
Results: AFM analysis indicated that the size of the green synthesized nanoparticles was 10 and Sol-gel method nanoparticles were 13 nm. SEM and EDAX analysis revealed that the synthesized cerium nanoparticles exhibited a nearly spherical shape, with those produced via the sol-gel method showing uniform accumulation and dispersion. The MTT assay results demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles synthesized on MDA-MB-231 cancerous cells increased with both time and concentration. Notably, the lethal effect of nanoparticles synthesized through the green method was found to be more pronounced than nanoparticles produced via the sol-gel method.
Conclusion: Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) exert toxicity in cancerous cells, inhibit invasion, and enhance the sensitivity of cancerous cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The green synthesis method uses biological extracts, such as plant materials, in place of industrial chemical agents to reduce metal ions and generate valuable nanoparticles. This approach offers several advantages over traditional chemical synthesis, including cost-effectiveness, reduced environmental pollution, and improved safety for both the environment and human health.