Qom University of Medical Sciences

Most cells have the ability to secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are nanoscale membrane-bound vesicles. EVs carry a diverse array of biomolecule, that play key roles in immunological modulation, intercellular communication, and the regulation of pathological and physiological processes. For EV-based diagnosis of ocular diseases, eye-derived biofluids serve as important sources. EVs found in these biofluids have emerged as promising biomarkers for the early detection of ocular diseases, as their molecular cargo can reflect the biology of their parent cells. Furthermore, due to their high biocompatibility and low immunogenicity, EVs have been explored as therapeutic agents and targeted drug delivery nanocarriers in various ocular diseases. In this review, we summarize the advancements in EV-based research focused on the detection and treatment of ocular diseases. We provide an overview of the origin of EV applications in ophthalmology, review techniques for isolating EVs from ocular biofluids, highlight EV bioengineering strategies for drug delivery, and present recent developments in EV-based diagnostics and therapeutics. Finally, we discuss ongoing clinical trials and conclude with an overview of the current challenges and future considerations for the clinical translation of EV-based approaches in ocular disease.

Recent advances in regenerative medicine have highlighted the pivotal role of stem cell-derived exosomes (SC-Exos) as promising acellular therapeutics for joint regeneration. These nanosized extracellular vesicles, which are secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and other progenitor cells, encapsulate bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which can modulate inflammation, promote chondrogenesis, and enhance cartilage and bone repair. Unlike their cellular counterparts, SC-Exos offer advantages including lower immunogenicity, improved safety profiles, and easier storage and handling. PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched through 2025 for preclinical and clinical studies on stem cell-derived exosomes in joint regeneration, with reference screening and independent reviewer selection by consensus. Emerging preclinical studies have demonstrated their potential in treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and traumatic joint injuries by promoting matrix synthesis, reducing apoptosis, and modulating immune responses. Innovations in bioengineering, including exosome modification and targeted delivery systems, further enhance therapeutic efficacy. However, challenges such as standardization of isolation methods, optimization of dosing strategies, and long-term safety evaluations remain. This review discusses the biological mechanisms underlying SC-Exo-mediated joint regeneration; recent advances in their application for cartilage, bone, and synovial tissue repair; and the integration of nanotechnology and biomaterials to increase regenerative capacity. Moreover, ongoing clinical trials, current hurdles in clinical translation, and future perspectives aimed at refining SC-Exo-based therapies for joint diseases are highlighted. Overcoming these barriers will be critical for advancing exosome-based regenerative strategies toward clinical practice and minimally invasive treatments for joint disorders.

Myocardial infarction (MI) induces brain injury. Myrtenol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of myrtenol following myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol (ISO) in male rats. This experimental study involved 36 male Wistar rats. They were divided into six groups. Rats received ISO (85 mg/kg) for two days. Subsequently, they were treated with vehicle or myrtenol (5, 25, or 50 mg/kg) once daily, one hour after the last ISO injection, for seven days. Behavioral tests (spontaneous alternation and passive avoidance) were conducted post-treatment. Hemodynamic parameters and serum troponin were assessed. Tissue samples (heart/brain tissue) underwent histopathological examination via H E and Nissl staining methods. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), along with malondialdehyde (MDA) content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in heart and brain tissue. Western blot analysis was used for the assessment of inflammatory (TNF and NF-κB), cell death (Bax, Bcl2, and Cleaved caspase-3), and nuclear factor erythroid-related factor-2 (Nrf2) markers in brain tissue. ISO significantly reduced latency time and spontaneous alternation compared to control (p < 0.001). Myrtenol improved these parameters at 25 mg/kg (p < 0.01) and 50 mg/kg (p < 0.001). Myrtenol also reduced MDA content, Bax, Cleaved caspase-3, TNF, and NF-κB protein expression and also increased Bcl2, and Nrf2 proteins, TAC level, SOD, GPx, and catalase enzyme activity in heart/brain tissues when compared to ISO group (p < 0.05). Myrtenol improved memory function and hemodynamic parameters. It decreases brain oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death markers, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) imposes a substantial global health burden, contributing significantly to chronic disability and escalating healthcare costs. Accurate, long-term prevalence forecasts are essential to inform strategic planning for rheumatology services and health resource allocation. Hence, we developed and calibrated a sex-specific illness-death model (IDM) at global, regional, and national scales using GBD data (1990–2021). To uncover underlying epidemiological patterns, we augmented our projections with a frontier analysis that evaluates the efficiency of RA burden relative to sociodemographic index (SDI). We project the global age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) will rise by 6.3

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have emerged as promising cell-free therapeutic strategies for musculoskeletal regeneration. MSC-EVs, which are enriched with diverse cargos, exert multifaceted biological effects, including the modulation of inflammation, the promotion of angiogenesis, and the regulation of immune responses. They also activate key regenerative signaling pathways, such as the PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β/Smad, and NF-κB pathways, thereby promoting osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, tenogenesis, and muscle repair to support the repair of bone, cartilage, tendon, and muscle tissues. In addition to their intrinsic activity, advances in bioengineering, including surface modification, cargo engineering, and integration with biomaterial scaffolds, have further increased their therapeutic potential and delivery. Preclinical studies consistently demonstrate efficacy across diverse musculoskeletal tissues, and early clinical trials highlight their translational promise. Nevertheless, clinical application remains constrained by challenges in large-scale production, standardization, and long-term safety evaluation. This review summarizes current knowledge on the mechanisms, therapeutic applications, engineering strategies, delivery systems, and clinical progress of the use of MSC-EVs in musculoskeletal regeneration while highlighting critical obstacles and future directions for their clinical implementation.