Objective: This study investigates the diagnostic potential of fractional anisotropy (FA), derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), for distinguishing low-grade (grade 1-2) from high-grade (grade 3-4) gliomas by evaluating the tumor core, tumor margin, and peritumoral region. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients with histopathologically confirmed gliomas (grade 1-2, n=30; grade 3-4, n=30) underwent preoperative 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) including DTI. FA was measured in the tumor core (solid component), tumor margin, peritumoral region, and contralateral normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). NAWM-normalized FA ratios were also evaluated. Groups were compared using independent-samples t tests, and diagnostic performance was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis including AUC, optimal cut-off, sensitivity, and specificity. Results: Fractional anisotropy in tumor-related regions was lower than contralateral NAWM in both groups. Grade 3-4 gliomas showed significantly lower raw FA in the tumor core, tumor margin, and peritumoral region, whereas NAWM FA did not differ between groups. NAWM-normalized FA ratios were also significantly reduced in grade 3-4 gliomas (all p < 0.05). Tumor core raw FA showed the highest discrimination (AUC = 0.842, 95% CI: 0.734-0.932, cut-off = 0.150, sensitivity = 0.80, specificity = 0.73). Conclusion: Raw and NAWM-normalized FA metrics, particularly in the tumor core and peritumoral region, differentiated grade 1-2 from grade 3-4 gliomas and may serve as supportive noninvasive markers for preoperative grading.
Objective: Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of age-related dementia. This disease is a progressive, degenerative central nervous system disease. Neuron loss is more pronounced in hippocampal pyramidal cells. Although various agents are known for its treatment, a stronger or definitive treatment has not yet been found. Alzheimer's disease is seen in more than half of diabetes mellitus patients. The main similarities between these two diseases are insulin resistance and inflammatory pathways. Therefore, Alzheimer's disease is also called type 3 diabetes. The antidiabetic effect of Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) extract, commonly known as basil extract are well documented worldwide. However, its behavioral and neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease have not been sufficiently studied yet. Our aim is to demonstrate the anti-apoptotic effect of O. gratissimum on hippocampal pyramidal cells in an experimental rat model of Alzheimer's disease induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and in paralel, to test learning-related behaviors in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three 4-month-old male Wistar rats were used and randomly divided into five groups: control, sham, STZ, O. gratissimum, and O. gratissimum+STZ. The eight-arm radial maze test was taught to all animals that were kept under suitable conditions. Finally, STZ and O. Gratissimum extract were given to rats together intraperitoneally. Blood glucose and the weight of all rats were measured regularly. After the eight-arm radial maze test was performed on the rats in all groups, the rats were decapitated, their brains were sectioned by histological methods, and all apoptotic cells in the hippocampus were counted with TUNEL method. All groups were compared by statistical analysis (ANOVA). Results: In rats whose learning was impaired with STZ, learning behavior improved in a statistically significant way with O. gratissimum extract (p <0.05). In parallel, O. gratissimum significantly reduced neuron loss in CA1, CA2, and CA3 areas of hippocampus when compared to STZ (p <0.05). Behavioral tests show that STZ and O. gratissimum have effects on apoptosis in the brain, especially in the hippocampus. There are also studies in parallel with our study showing that O. gratissimum reduces neuronal atrophy in the CA3 region. In our study, it was observed that the number of apoptotic cells was higher in the STZ group, and there was a corrective effect in the O. gratissimum added group. Conclusion: As a result, O. gratissimum extract showed a neuroprotective effect against the loss of hippocampal neurons caused by STZ, similar to that observed in Alzheimer's disease, and maintained learning behavior accordingly. This study may be an important resource for future molecular and clinical studies on the use of O. gratissimum extract in Alzheimer's disease.
Objective: Lung cancer represents the second most prevalent form of malignancy on a global scale and is associated with the highest mortality rate of all cancers. The objective of this study is to investigate the gene expression profiles of various cell death pathways in healthy lung cells and lung cancer cells. Furthermore, the study seeks to establish how epigenetically associated genes regulate these pathways. Materials and Methods: The MRC-5 and A549 cell lines were cultivated under the optimal conditions for their growth. The isolation of RNA, the subsequent synthesis of cDNA, and the analysis of quantitative real-time PCR were performed in order to measure the expression levels of EZH2, DNMT1, caspase-3, and GPX4 genes in the cells. Results: The findings of this study indicate an upregulation of the epigenetic regulators DNMT1 and EZH2, as well as the ferroptosis inhibitor GPX4, in A549 lung cancer cells. Concurrently, a decrease in caspase-3 gene expression was observed. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the expression levels of the epigenetic regulators DNMT1 and EZH2 are elevated in lung cancer cells, which is associated with reduced apoptotic signaling, as indicated by decreased caspase-3 expression, and suppression of ferroptosis through increased GPX4 expression.
Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of texture analysis in differentiating benign and malignant liver lesions, as well asdistinguishing primary malignant liver tumors from metastases using pre-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 101 liver lesions from 100 patients who underwent upper abdominal MRIfollowed by biopsy or surgical resection. Texture analysis was performed on pre-contrast T1-weighted (T1W), T2-weighted (T2W),and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) sequences using first-order (histogram-based) and second-order (gray level co-occurrencematrix (GLCM)-based) statistical parameters. Group comparisons were conducted using Mann-Whitney U test, with a significancethreshold of p < 0.05. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to demonstrate the success of texture analysisparameters in distinguishing lesion subtypes.Results: Among 101 lesions, 90 were malignant and 11 were benign. Pre-contrast T1W, first-order parameters—mean, 50th, 90th,and 99th percentiles were significantly lower in malignant lesions compared to benign lesions. Primary malignant tumors andhepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibited higher first-order values than metastatic lesions. Certain second-order parameters frompre-contrast T1W images also showed statistical significance, while ADC and T2W sequences revealed fewer differences.Conclusions: Texture analysis of pre-contrast MRI provides quantitative and objective evaluation of liver lesions, aiding differentiationbetween benign and malignant lesions and between primary and metastatic tumors. Pre-contrast T1W sequences were the mostinformative, highlighting the potential utility of texture analysis for patients unable to receive contrast agents.
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy marked by the aberrant proliferation of plasma cells, resulting inhypercalcemia, renal dysfunction, anemia, and bone lesions. This case study describes a 74-year-old female patient with acute kidneyinjury, diabetes mellitus, and an L3-L4 bone fracture, who exhibited elevated creatinine levels (7.01 mg/dL) and was later diagnosedwith stage III MM. Diagnostic evaluations included serum free light chain ratio (FLCR = 209), serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP),serum immunotyping and serum immunofixation electrophoresis (IT and SIFE; LC1-Kappa, HC-IgD-LC2-Kappa, and LC3-Kappa),multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC), and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The patient completed six cycles of VCd(bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone) therapy, attaining a very good partial response (VGPR) and has subsequently beenundergoing maintenance therapy with ixazomib for a period of two years.This report highlights the difficulties in diagnosing and managing a rare subtype of MM and emphasizes the importance of FLC,SPEP, IT, SIFE, and MFC in evaluating prognosis and treatment efficacy. Although the patient presented with several poor prognosticfeatures of MM, the observed response indicates a possible treatment efficacy. Additional research is required to investigate prognosticmarkers and enhance treatment strategies for uncommon MM subtypes.
Glutathione (GSH) is the main thiol antioxidant involved in redox balance, detoxification, immune regulation, and mitochondrial function. Disturbances in GSH metabolism contribute to cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiometabolic, and hepatic/renal diseases. Mechanisms such as ferroptosis, mitochondrial transport, and S-glutathionylation highlight translational relevance of GSH metabolism. Analytical challenges in methodology are present with liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy as the gold standard but limited by accessibility. Future priorities include randomized trials and in vivo imaging, which may pave the way for glutathionecentered personalized medicine. In this review, we have included biosynthesis and metabolism of GSH as well as its biochemical roles related to nutrition, health, and disease. Finally, we have discussed measurement methods and future therapeutic approaches based on GSH metabolism.
Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa), which is relatively new to the literature, is a rare mesenchymal tumor containing perivascular epithelioid cells. The immunohistochemical features of the disease must be considered for diagnosis. The disease contains melanocytic differentiation markers such as HMB45 and MelanA/Mart1, and myogenic markers such as actin, but does not express markers such as epithelial membrane antigen, keratin, or S-100. The disease can be seen in almost every organ. Most PEComas are benign. Malignant PEComa can follow an aggressive course, capable of recurrence and metastasis. The primary treatment approach for localized disease is surgical resection. Adjuvant systemic therapy can be administered to high-risk patients. It is noteworthy that the literature on postoperative radiotherapy in PEComa is limited with studies focusing primarily on gynecological cases. Most of the patients remained disease-free during follow-up, suggesting radiotherapy may be effective for local control. Integration of molecular profiling and mTOR-targeted approaches alongside radiotherapy may further define optimal management strategies.
Objective: Voluntary exercise is frequently used in experimental exercise studies, but it is not known whether isolating animals in this method affects stress. The aim of this study was to compare voluntary physical activity and stress-related factors between single and pair-housed female rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into control single (C-S) and control double (C-D), physically active-single (PA-S), and physically active-double (PA-D) groups, and voluntary physical activity was recorded for eight weeks. Cortisol in serum, interleukin 1 beta (IL-beta), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) in serum and left ventricle were determined to evaluate the stress. Cardiomyocyte morphology was assessed to understand activity-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Results: The mean weekly voluntary activities of the PA-S group were higher than those of the PA-D group from week 3 to week 8 (p<0.05 for all). Cortisol, IL-1, and TNF alpha levels were similar in the PA-S and PA-D groups (p>0.05). Cardiomyocyte diameters were similar in the PA-S and PA-D groups (p>0.05), and the data of both groups were higher than the control group (P<0.001 for all). Conclusion: Female rats subjected to voluntary physical activity under single-housing conditions may exhibit higher activity levels than pair-housing rats, but single-housing and pair-housing conditions were similarly effective in terms of stress and exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy.
Objective: The hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score is an inflammation - and nutrition-based biomarker associated with prognosis in various malignancies. Its role in predicting post-chemotherapy recurrence in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) remains unclear. This study evaluated the prognostic value of the HALP score after cisplatin-based chemotherapy and its additional contribution beyond clinical staging. Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort included 91 TGCT patients treated with orchiectomy and cisplatin-based chemotherapy between 2015 and 2023. Clinical, pathological, and hematologic data were collected. HALP, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated from pre-treatment laboratory values. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined the Results: Recurrence occurred in 14 patients (15.4%). Patients with recurrence had significantly lower baseline HALP scores. The optimal HALP cut-off was 53.615 (AUC=0.699). Higher HALP scores were associated with improved 3 - and 5-year RFS. HALP, NLR, SII, and advanced stage were significant in univariate analyses; however, only stage remained independently predictive in multivariate models. Conclusion: Lower pre-treatment HALP scores were associated with increased recurrence risk and inferior long-term RFS. HALP may provide complementary prognostic information within stage-defined groups.
Objective. Dysmetabolic nephropathies are characterized by disturbances in oxalate, urate and phosphate metabolism and have been suggested as triggering factors for bone and joint pathology. The aim of this study was determine the frequency of dysmetabolic nephropathies in patients with bone and joint pathology and to compare the laboratory parameters between patients with dysmetabolic nephropathy and controls. Patients and Methods: Patients with bone and joint pathology (coxarthrosis, gonarthrosis, ligamentum ruptures, and bone fractures) were enrolled in the study. Dysmetabolic nephropathy (characterized by hyperoxaluria, uraturia or phosphaturia) was revealed in 9% of patients with bone and joint pathology. Sixty-one patients without dysmetabolic nephropathy served as a control group. The patients underwent general clinical and biochemical examinations. Results: The persons with bone and joint pathology and the presence of dysmetabolic nephropathy demonstrated a prevalence of hyperoxaluria (59%) with less frequency of uraturia (25.7%) and phosphaturia (15.1%). Hyperoxaluria was associated with a high incidence of ligamentum ruptures and bone fractures (21.6%). The persons with hyperoxaluria demonstrated higher levels of eosinophils, platelets, white blood cells (WBCs), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), thymol probe, and serun alkaline phosphatase. The persons with dysmetabolic nephropathy showed higher levels of WBCs, ESR, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, thymol probe, and CRP (P<0.05). Patients with bone fractures demonstrated higher serum levels of glucose, creatinine, CRP and thymol probe and lower levels of serum calcium compared to the controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hyperoxaluria was associated with increased frequency of ligamentum ruptures and bone fractures. The physicians should monitor the studied parameters in patients with dysmetabolic nephropathy during the treatment of bone and joint pathology.
Pancreatic cancer (PC) has high morbidity and mortality rates, with a five-year survival rate of less than 10%. Within this spectrum,squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pancreas stands out as a rare and aggressive form, representing between 0.5% and 2% ofdiagnosed cases. This report describes the case of a patient in whom a lesion in the body of the pancreas was incidentally identified,and he underwent a body and tail pancreatectomy. The diagnosis of pancreatic SCC was confirmed through anatomopathologicalexamination, adjuvant treatment with the FOLFIRINOX regimen was carried out and, after eight months of outpatient follow-up,there was no evidence of recurrence or progression of the disease. The rarity of this neoplasm impacts its management, highlightingthe need for more research to improve diagnosis and treatment and, consequently, the prognosis of patients.
Objective: Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is an adipose depot found around blood vessels, and its dysregulation is associated with coronary heart disease and hypertension. This research aimed to investigate the potential of the aqueous extract of Clitoria ternatea extract (CTE), rich in anthocyanins, to improve PVAT dysregulation in rats induced by a high-fat diet. Materials and Methods: Experimental research involved 25 rats (Rattus norvegicus) divided into 5 groups, namely normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD+CTE250, HFD+CTE500, and HFD+CTE750 mg/kgBW. Rats were fed a high-fat diet for 13 weeks, and CTE was administered during the last 3 weeks. The PVAT dysregulation was histologically assessed on abdominal aortic samples. Results: Results of the study demonstrated a reduction in the size of white adipose tissue-like perivascular adipose tissue (WAT-like PVAT) of 235.04 & micro;m (95% CI: 71.83-398.24; p = 0.002) in the group given aqueous CTE. A decrease in the cell density of perivascular adipose tissue-like brown adipose tissue (BAT-like PVAT) was also found (MD: 1.98; 95% CI: - 48.59 to 52.55; p = 0.7) in the HFD+CTE250 group compared with the HFD group. Conclusion: The aqueous CTE can improve the dysregulation of WAT-like PVAT and BAT-like PVAT in rats on a high-fat diet.
Objective: This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of forensic sharp and penetrating injuries andto identify independent predictors of surgical intervention in a tertiary trauma center.Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all patients presenting with forensic-reported sharp and penetratinginjuries to a level 1 trauma center between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Demographic characteristics, injury mechanisms,anatomical injury locations, vital signs, imaging use, and clinical outcomes were extracted from electronic health records. The primaryoutcome was the need for surgical intervention. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identifyindependent predictors of surgery.Results: A total of 1,076 patients were included, of whom 123 (11.4%) required surgical intervention. The cohort waspredominantly male (85.8%) with a median age of 30 years. Upper extremity trauma was the most common anatomical site(73.8%), particularly in self-inflicted cases. Hemodynamic instability at presentation was strongly associated with surgery(OR 10.70). Increasing age was independently associated with surgical intervention, with each additional year increasing theodds by approximately 3%. Male sex (OR 3.45) and foreign nationality (OR 3.69) were also independent predictors. Injuriesinvolving the head, maxillofacial, or neck region were associated with a lower likelihood of surgical management (OR 0.18).Conclusion: In this large, single-center cohort of forensic sharp and penetrating injuries, older age, male sex, foreign nationality, andhemodynamic instability at presentation emerged as key early predictors of surgical intervention, while head, maxillofacial, and neckinjuries were less likely to require operative management. These findings underscore the value of early clinical assessment and regionspecifictrauma data in supporting timely surgical decision-making, injury-prevention strategies, and local trauma system planning.
Objective: Sleep is a fundamental physiological process regulated by complex interactions, with interleukins (ILs) playing a key role in linking the immune system to sleep-wake cycles. Disruptions in this balance, often involving proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1(3 and IL-6, contribute to various sleep and neuroinflammatory disorders. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the effects of REM sleep deprivation (SD) using the multi-platform technique in pregnant rats for 21 days, followed by behavioral and immunological assays. Rats were subjected to 18 hours of deprivation daily but allowed 6 hours of recovery sleep. Results: Behavioral testing showed that SD rats exhibited significantly lower locomotor activity (distance and ambulatory activity) compared to controls, indicating reduced general motor functions. However, the Elevated Plus Maze revealed no significant difference in anxiety-like behavior between the groups. Conclusion: ELISA results demonstrated a statistically significant elevation of both IL-15 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the SD group. The elevated IL-15 level is interpreted as a marker of potential nerve damage. The increase in IL-10 is suggested to be a counter-regulatory response to rising pro-inflammatory markers such as IFN-gamma, which was also found to be higher, though not significantly.
Dandy-Walker malformation is a rare congenital anomaly of the posterior fossa of the skull and cerebellum. The pathology includes hypoplasia or agenesis of the vermis of the cerebellum, cystically dilated fourth ventricle, and an enlarged posterior fossa of the skull. This anomaly of the cerebellum can lead to a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from mild developmental delay to severe hydrocephalus, seizures, and fatality. It is usually diagnosed prenatally using anomaly scans. A detailed study of morphological and microscopic findings is necessary for a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of this anomaly. Autopsy is considered the gold standard for confirmation of findings associated with this anomaly. It can also help to explore other associated anomalies which can further help in genetic studies and patient counseling. Herein, we present an autopsy report of a 20-week-old male fetus with Dandy-Walker malformation diagnosed prenatally and sent for autopsy with informed consent after medical termination of pregnancy. Gross and microscopic findings were studied and compared with those of previous studies done in the past.
Objective: An agarose-based long-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed on patients with a preliminary diagnosis of Friedreich's ataxia (FA). It aimed to determine the repeat number in intron 1 of the FXN gene and to investigate the genotype-phenotype correlation. Patients and Methods: Nineteen cases participated in the study. Long-range PCR was performed under appropriate conditions using two custom-designed primer pairs (F1-R1 and F2-R2). The PCR products were run on an agarose gel, and guanine-adenine-adenine (GAA) repeat numbers were determined. Results: Biallelic GAA repeat expansions were detected in 6 patients. Four patients had typical FA. One had late-onset FA (LOFA). Another had very late-onset FA (VLOFA). All patients diagnosed with FA had ataxia and areflexia. The detected repeat numbers were approximately 190-1120 for F1-R1 and 170-1100 for F2-R2. The patient with LOFA had 190/1000 GAA repeats. The VLOFA patient Conclusion: An earlier clinical onset correlated with higher GAA repeats. An agarose-based long-range PCR assay is a quick, low-cost, and effective way to determine GAA repeats. This study shows it can diagnose the disease and identify carriers.
Objective: 3-Meter Backward Walk Test ( (3MBWT) is a physical performance-based test that assesses balance, proprioception, and fall risk. The present study aimed to reveal the reliability of the test-retest and the concurrent validity of 3MBWT in persons with knee osteoarthritis, which has not been studied yet. Patients and Methods: A total of 37 female patients were involved in the present study. 3MBWT was administered twice (one-week interval between sessions) in two different sessions, and the average score was recorded. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) were applied in the initial assessment to investigate correlations with 3MBWT. Results: The 3MBWT presented high intra-reliability (ICC=0.872). While, a strong correlation was observed between the 3MBWT and TUG (r=0.791), a moderate correlation was revealed between MFES and 3MBWT (r=-0.671). Significant correlations with the 3MBWT and KOOS subscales (ranging from-0.726 to-0.364) were also observed. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC95) were calculated as 2.36 and 6.55 seconds, respectively. Conclusion: 3MBWT is both a valid and reliable measurement tool in persons with knee osteoarthritis. It could be used to monitor the progression of the disease and the functional status of persons with knee osteoarthritis.
Objective: Gynecological cancers represent the fourth most common type of cancer worldwide. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, including catechin, epicatechin, taxifolin and phenolic acids in pine bark. The anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of pine bark extracts on the human ovarian cancer cell line (MDAH-2774) were investigated. Materials and Methods: Gene expression was determined by means of the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. A TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End labelling (TUNEL) test was conducted to ascertain the extent of apoptosis. The IC50 dose in MDAH-2774 cells was determined to be 117.6 mu g/ml by 48 hours. Results: Notable alterations were discerned in the expression of caspase 3, 9, and 10 genes, which are implicated in programmed cell death, as well as in genes such as Bax, Bcl-2, and Bcl-Xl, which play a pivotal role in regulating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. A notable increase in the proportion of apoptotic cells was observed in the dose group. A significant reduction in invasion capacity was also identified. It has been demonstrated that pine bark extract can inhibit the migration capacity of ovarian cancer cells and colony formation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that pine bark extract exerts anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on the ovarian cancer cell line.
Objective: Plerixafor is a highly effective mobilization agent in cases of mobilization failure. We aimed to clarify whether early administration of plerixafor after stem cell collection failure results in outcomes similar to those achieved with later administration. Patients and Methods: Sixty-six autologous stem cell transplantation patients who received plerixafor for mobilization failure were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups; patients receiving early plerixafor [receiving granulocyte-colony stimulation factor (G-CSF) for 2 or 3 days] and standard plerixafor (receiving G-CSF for 4 days). Both groups were evaluated in terms of neutrophil and platelet engraftment time, CD34 stem cell levels, and side effects. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups-early plerixafor and standard plerixafor-in terms of neutrophil and platelet engraftment times, CD34+ stem cell counts, and adverse effects (CD34/p = 0.201; neutrophil/p = 0.415; platelet/p = 0.077; adverse effects/p = 0.439). No differences were observed between the groups regarding age, gender, transplant type, plerixafor preparation, adverse effects, or transplant conditioning regimen. Additionally, there was no difference in transplant conditioning regimen between surviving and deceased patients. Conclusion: While the use of G-CSF alone is routine in stem cell mobilization, the addition of plerixafor is preferred in cases of mobilization failure. Although chemotherapy-based mobilization is included in mobilization schemes, its use is very limited today. It was concluded that plerixafor is a highly effective agent for mobilization, can be used safely in cases of failure in stem cell collection, and that its early use in patients with insufficient reserve may be more cost-effective.
Objective: Angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) exerts protective and anti-inflammatory effects, whereas angiotensin II (AngII) promotes pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative processes. Cellular senescence is an irreversible cell cycle arrest that can be induced in vitro by a variety of cellular stresses, including AngII "stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS)". This study aimed to evaluate the potential inhibitory role of Ang-(1-7) in AngII-induced senescence in telomerase-immortalized human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs-telo1). Materials and Methods: Senescence was induced using AngII at various time points and concentrations. Based on preliminary optimization experiments, cells were treated with AngII (10-6 M) for 48 hours, followed by Ang-(1-7) treatment (10-6 M) for an additional 24 hours. Following treatments, cellular senescence and functional responses were assessed using proliferation analysis based on population doubling levels (PDLs), senescence associated-beta-galactosidase (SA-(3-gal) staining, and colony forming unit (CFU) assays. Results: No marked morphological differences were observed among the experimental groups. However, Ang-(1-7) treatment significantly reduced the proportion of SA-(3-gal-positive cells in AngII-induced senescent hMSCs-telo1, showing a 1.65-fold decrease. In parallel, Ang-(1-7) partially restored cell proliferation capacity. Conclusion: Ang-(1-7) attenuates AngII-induced cellular senescence and improves proliferative potential in hMSCs-telo1 cells, suggesting a modulatory role in stress-induced senescence and potential relevance for stem cell-based therapies.
