Ultrastructural changes on the apical surface of the luminal epithelium of the uterus are known as pinopodes. Their morphology in species and in special species is associated with different results about size, duration, and percentage of surface area covered by pinopodes. The content of pinopodes is different in rodents and humans. In mice and rats pinopodes have many vacuoles and no organelle that extends to the actin stalk above the microvilli. Human pinopodes do not have a large vacuole and contain the golgi complex, a rough endoplasmic reticulum, secretory vesicles, and mitochondria that extend from the entire cell surface. It has been suggested that pinopodes are good markers of endometrial receptivity and implantation window. There are several molecular markers related to the presence of pinopodes, including integrins, leukemia inhibiting factor (LIF), l-selectin, HOXA10, glutaredoxin, glycodelinA, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor, mucins, and microRNAs (miRNAs). Multiple lines of evidence have indicated that miRNAs could affect the expression of LIF and pinopodes in the endometrium and these molecules play key roles in implantation window processes. Here, we have summarized the morphology and function of pinopodes. Moreover, we have highlighted several molecules in relation to pinopodes that could be used as biomarkers.

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The pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created health challenges in all parts of the world. Understanding the entry mechanism of this virus into host cells is essential for effective treatment of COVID-19 disease. This virus can bind to various cell surface molecules or receptors, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), to gain cell entry. Respiratory failure and pulmonary edema are the most important causes of mortality from COVID-19 infections. Cytokines, especially proinflammatory cytokines, are the main mediators of these complications. For normal respiratory function, a healthy air–blood barrier and sufficient blood flow to the lungs are required. In this review, we first discuss airway epithelial cells, airway stem cells, and the expression of COVID-19 receptors in the airway epithelium. Then, we discuss the suggested molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and blood vessel damage in COVID-19. Coagulopathy can be caused by platelet activation leading to clots, which restrict blood flow to the lungs and lead to respiratory failure. Finally, we present an overview of the effects of immune and non-immune cells and cytokines in COVID-19-related respiratory failure.

Background: Adenosine receptor family, especially A1 type is-overexpressed in breast-derived tumor cells and the P53 gene is mutant in some of these cells while the casps gene is of wild type as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the A1 receptor function on cell programmed death or proliferation, as well as the relationship between this receptor stimulation/inhibition and caspase 3 (casp3) expression in T47D cell line that has a mutant and non-functional P53 gene. Materials and Methods: The expression of casps3 was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and then flow cytometery and MTT assay were used to assess the apoptotic and proliferation cell rate after the treatment of T47D cells with specific agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) of this receptor 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment. Result: Our results indicated that DPCPX significantly induces apoptosis in T47D cells and the rate of survival cell after the reduction of this treatment, especially 72 hours after treatment. Finally, the expression of casp3 was up-regulated by DPCPX treatment, especially in 72 hours while CPA treatment had opposite results (P>0.05). Conclusion: In general, DPCPX could up-regulate casp3 gene expression and subsequently increase the apoptosis rate in T47D cells with casp3 expression without the P53 gene interference. Therefore, adenosine A1 receptor antagonists may be introduced as anti-cancer agents.

Background and Aim: Sperm cryopreservation is a common technique used for management of male infertility. But this method has detrimental effects on sperm DNA and chromatin quality. Evaluation of different markers associated with the health of genetic material of sperm is beneficial for determination of the fertility of sperm. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sperm chromatin condensation on frozen-thawed sperm DNA integrity in normozoospermic men. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 semen samples from normozospermia men were cryopreserved for two weeks with a common technique used in most infertility centers, at -196 ° C and then thawed. Samples before and after freezing were evaluated for abnormal chromatin condensation, DNA denaturation and DNA fragmentation by toluidine blue (TB) staining, acridine orange (AO) staining and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test respectively. Results: Before freezing, we found a significant correlation only between abnormal chromatin condensation (evaluated by TB) and DNA denaturation (assessed by AO) (p < 0.05). While after cryopreservation correlation was found between abnormal chromatin condensation and DNA denaturation and fragmentation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Abnormal chromatin condensation can make DNA susceptible to denaturation and fragmentation.

Background: Every year, many people around the world die from cancers. Among all types of cancers, brain cancer has been recognized as one of the most deadly cancers due to the late detection and limitations of current therapies, and thus it remains an unresolved problem. Glioblastoma occurs in different parts of the central nervous system and is one of the most important causes of cancer death in people. In addition, there are many problems for the treatment of cancer cells. One of the limiting factors is the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs. In this regard, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) is an effective method for overcoming this problem. Materials and Methods: In this study, iron oxide-NPs were synthesized and loaded on the folic and lomustine. Further, the size and morphology of NPs were assessed by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Then, the U87-MG cell line was cultured in the Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium and treated with nano, nano-folic, nano-lomustine (LUM), LUM, and complex, followed by evaluating 50% inhibitory concentration, tetrazolium assay, and caspase-6 activity. Results: Our results showed that cell viability decreased in LUM container groups by increasing the incubation time. Based on the caspase-6 activity analysis, the mortality rate increased in LUM container groups after 3 days. These findings indicated that LUM, complex, and nano-LUM increase cell death in U87MG. Conclusion: Finally, the results suggested that LUM in NPs could be applied as a safer form of drug delivery for targeting cancer.