BackgroundEpidemiological studies propose that obesity increases the risk of several cancers, including melanoma. Obesity increases the expression of leptin, a multifunctional peptide produced predominantly by adipocytes which may promote tumor growth. Several recently experiments have suggested that the tumors growth is in need of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) dependent generation of new blood vessels.Our objectives in the present study were to examine the effects of leptin on melanoma growth, circulating EPCs number and plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx).Methods2 × 106 B16F10 melanoma cells were injected to thirty two C57BL6 mice subcutaneously. The mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8) in 8th day. Two groups were received twice daily intraperitoneal(i.p) injections of either PBS or recombinant murine leptin (1 μg/g initial body weight). Two groups were received i.p. injections of either 9F8 an anti leptin receptor antibody or the control mouse IgG at 50 μg/mouse every 3 consecutive days. By the end of the second week the animals were euthanized and blood samples and tumors were analyzed.ResultsThe tumor weight, EPC numbers and NOx level in leptin, PBS, 9F8, and IgG group were (3.2 ± 0.6, 1.7 ± 0.3, 1.61 ± 0.2,1.7 ± 0.3 g), (222.66 ± 36.5, 133.33 ± 171, 23.33 ± 18, 132.66 ± 27.26/ml of blood), and (22.47 ± 5.5, 12.30 ± 1.5, 6.26 ± 0.84, 15.75 ± 6.3 μmol/L) respectively. Tumors weight and size, circulating EPC numbers and plasma levels of NOx were significantly more in the leptin than 9f8 and both control groups (p < 0.05). The plasma concentration of NOx significantly decreased in 9f8 treated mice compare to control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn conclusion, our observations indicate that leptin causes melanoma growth likely through increased NO production and circulating EPC numbers and consequently vasculogenesis.

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The mucosal immune system in the female reproductive tract (FRT) is well equipped to meet the sexually transmitted pathogens, allogeneic sperm, and the immunologically distinct fetus. Analysis of the FRT indicates that epithelial cells provide a physical barrier against pathogens and microbial infections as well as secretions containing anti-microbial peptides, cytokines, and chemokines which recruit and activate immune cells. Epithelial and immune cells confer protection in part through Toll-like receptors. The aim of this literature is to review the diverse components of the innate immune system, contributing to an exclusive protection system throughout the FRT.

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Expression of CTLA-4 and GITR were significantly down-regulated in the URSAs compared to NNPs at the window of implantation, which shows the essential role of Treg cells in creating an immunological privileged site for fetus as an allograft at the maternal-fetal interface by high expression levels of CTLA-4 and GITR during a normal pregnancy.

Background:Tumor development is angiogenesis dependent. There is evidence that leptin contributes to tumor growth. However, all the mechanisms by which leptin does this has not been clearly established. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that leptin enhances melanoma tumor growth through inducing angiogenesis and cell proliferation.Materials and Methods:We injected 2 × 106 B16F10 melanoma cells subcutaneously to 32 C57BL6 mice. The mice were randomly divided into four groups of eight animals, on day 8. Two groups received twice daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of either phosphate buffered saline or recombinant murine leptin (1 μg/g initial body weight). Two groups received i.p. injections of either 9F8 an anti leptin receptor antibody or the control mouse IgG at 50 μg/injection every 3 consecutive days. By the end of the 2nd week, the animals were euthanized and blood samples and tumors were analyzed. Angiogenesis and proliferation were assessed by immunohistochemical staining for CD31 and Ki-67 respectively.Results:Tumors size, capillary density, plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, and the number of Ki-67-positive stained cells were significantly more in the leptin than 9F8 and both control groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Taken together, our findings reinforce the idea that leptin acts as an angiogenic and mitogenic factor to promote melanoma growth.

Spermatogenesis is a process in which animals generate spermatozoa from spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Successful in vitro differentiation of SSCs towards spermatids holds a significant promise for regeneration of impaired spermatogenesis. The present study aims to evaluate the efficiency of a 3D culture containing naringenin on proliferation and differentiation potentials of mouse SSCs. In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated into poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) fibers via electrospinning technique. The fibrous PLLA/MWCNTs were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), water contact angle measurements, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties. Next, the SSCs were seeded into the PLLA/MWCNTs scaffolds and exhibited preferable survival and differentiation efficiency to subsequent cell lines. To shed more light on this matter, the immunocytochemistry, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and qRT-PCR results showed that the aforementioned cells on the 3D fabrics overexpressed the C-kit and SYCP3 proteins. In addition, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement data demonstrated that naringenin, an effective antioxidant, plays an important role in in vitro spermatogenesis. Taken together, the results of this study revealed the synergistic effects of 3D scaffolds and naringenin for efficient spermatogenesis in laboratories. KEYWORDS antioxidants, in vitro spermatogenesis, naringenin, PLLA/MWCNTs scaffolds, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) Abbreviations: bp, base pairs; C-Kit, proto-oncogene c-Kit or tyrosine-protein kinase Kit; DMEM, Dulbecco's modified eagle medium; DMF, N, N-dimethyl formamide; ECM, natural extra cellular matrix; FTIR, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy; GAPDH, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; ICSI, intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection; Id4, inhibitor of differentiation 4; IVM, in vitro oocyte maturation; m-TESE, testicular sperm extraction; PLLA/MWCNTs, poly (L-lactic acid)/multi-walled carbon nanotube; PLZF, promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger; ROS, reactive oxygen species; ROSI, round spermatid injection; RT-PCR, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction; SEM, scanning electron microscopy; SSCs, spermatogonial stem cells; SYCP3, synaptonemal complex protein 3