Many recent studies have demonstrated that most nanoparticles (NPs) have an adverse or toxic action on male germ cells. In present study, protective effect of quercetin (Que) on titanium dioxide nanoparticle (NTiO)-induced spermatogenesis defects in mice was investigated. Thirty-two Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were randomly divided into four groups. Que group received 75 mg/kg of Que for 42 days. NTiO group received 300 mg/kg NTiO for 35 days. NTiO + Que group initially received 75 mg/kg Que for 7 days and was followed by concomitant administration of 300 mg/kg NTiO for 35 days. Control group received only normal saline for 42 days. Sperm parameters, testosterone concentration, histological criteria, and apoptotic index were assessed. Product of lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were also evaluated for oxidative stress in testicular tissue. Administration of NTiO significantly induced histological changes in testicular tissue; increased apoptotic index; and decreased testicular weight, testosterone concentration, and sperm quality (p < 0.01). In the testis, NTiO increased oxidative stress through an increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in SOD and CAT activities (p < 0.05). Que pretreatment could significantly attenuate testicular weight; apoptotic index; and histological criteria including vacuolization, detachment, and sloughing of germ cells in seminiferous tubules. Serum and tissue testosterone levels were significantly increased in Que-pretreated mice (p < 0.01). Sperm parameters including sperm number, motility, and percentage of abnormality were also effectively improved by Que pretreatment (p < 0.01). Pretreatment of Que significantly ameliorated oxidative stress and increased the activities of SOD and CAT in testicular tissue. These results indicate that sperm production can be increased by Que pretreatment in NTiO-intoxicated mice. The improved sperm quality and reverse testis histology by Que pretreatment may be a consequence of elevation testosterone concentration, reduction in germ cell apoptosis, and suppression of oxidative stress in testicular tissue.
Background and purpose: Pomegranate seed extract (PSE) possesses anticancer activities and healing effects. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are being considered a new candidate for cancer treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PSE on the cell cycle and apoptosis of the MCF-7 cell line in the co-culture condition with ADSCs. Experimental approach: MCF-7 and ADSC cells (ratio 1/1) were cultured in a transwell plate with and without PSE (PSE-co-culture and co-culture groups). MCF-7 cells were cultured in monolayer without and with PSE (mono-culture and PSE-mono-culture groups). MCF-7 cell line was harvested on day 5 and cell viability, apoptotic activity, cell cycle, and gene expression were evaluated. Findings / Results: The results of the MTT assay indicated that PSE at 100 μg/mL has the highest cytotoxicity on the MCF-7 in the PSE-co-culture group. The cell cycle analysis revealed that ADSCs in combination with PSE significantly increased the population of MCF-7 cells in the G1 phase, resulting in the arrest of MCF-7 cells cycle in the G0/G1 transition. In addition, the most apoptotic MCF-7 cells (41.5%) were detected in the same group. Expression of BAX and caspase3 genes were upregulated while anti-apoptotic (BCL-2) and angiogenesis inducer (VEGF) genes were downregulated in the PSE-co-culture group compared with the other groups. Conclusion and implications: ADSCs reduced cell viability and proliferation of MCF-7 cells in co-culture conditions and adding PSE to the medium increased the apoptosis of cancer cells. This study suggests that ADSCs with PSE can suppress tumor cells.
The formation of new vessels from pre-existing vessels is known as angiogenesis. The process is controlled by stimuli and inhibitors. Angiogenesis starts as a result of the unbalance of these factors, where balance has a tendency toward the stimulus. One of the most important factors promoting angiogenesis is the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In addition to being involved in vascular regeneration in normal tissues, VEGF also takes part in tumor tissue angiogenesis. These factors affect endothelial cells (ECs) directly as well as differentiate tumor cells from endothelial cells and play an active role in tumor tissue angiogenesis. Angiogenesis partakes in the growth and proliferation of tumor tissue. Because anti-angiogenic treatment is favorable in existing cancer therapies, the potential benefits should be considered. One of these new therapies is cell therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Research on MSCs remains controversial because much of the earlier research on MSCs has shown their effectiveness, but more recent research has identified harmful effects of these cells. This article reviews the role of stem cells and their secretions in the angiogenesis of tumor tissues.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.