Brain Cancer research Core (BCRC)

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Objective

The objective of BCRC is divided into research and education. In this interest group we try to conduct and guide students to involve in scientific projects such as articles, books, etc. Also, educating students with focus on brain tumors by holding weekly meetings, and workshops is our main goal. Finally, we hope to have an effective role in the treatment of this lethal tumor and achieve promising results to improve life expectancy in these patients.

Definition

Glioblastoma multiform is considered as one of the most lethal brain tumors in adults. Despite all the advances in neuro-oncology research, it remains among the most challenging tumor to treat. Briefly, the problems include high radio-chemo resistance, aggressive nature of the tumor, presence of blood-brain barrier which prevents the accumulation of adequate concentration of drugs in tumor site and glioma stem cells that are introduced as the main cause of tumor recurrence.

Group members

Founder

Banafshe Abadi

Managing Director

Banafshe Abadi

Member

Workshop

How to be a professional researcher

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Gathering

Understanding Brain Tumors

To introduce brain tumors for new members

Healing Fridays

Every Friday, we gather together to discuss about case reports on GBM.

Paper

Antidepressants with Anti‐Tumor Potential in Treating Glioblastoma: A Narrative Review

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Naringenin Nano-Delivery Systems and Their Therapeutic Applications

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Smart biomaterials to enhance the efficiency of immunotherapy in glioblastoma: State of the art and future perspectives

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Cellular Conversations in Glioblastoma Progression, Diagnosis and Treatment

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A review study of Antibiotics with Antiviral and Anti-inflammatory Potential against Covid-19.

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Therapeutic Strategies in the Fight against COVID-19: From Bench to Bedside

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Capping agents for selenium nanoparticles in biomedical applications

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Electrospun hybrid nanofibers: Fabrication, characterization, and biomedical applications

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Chitosan-sialic acid nanoparticles of selenium: Statistical optimization of production, characterization, and assessment of cytotoxic effects against two human glioblastoma cell lines

According to the favorable antitumor properties of selenium, this study aimed to design a novel form of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) functionalized with chitosan (Cs) and sialic acid to assess their antitumor effects on the human glioblastoma cell lines (T98 and A172). Se NPs were synthesized in the presence of chitosan and ascorbic acid (Vc) and the synthesis conditions were optimized using response surface methodology. Se NPs@Cs were obtained with a monoclinic structure with an average diameter of 23 nm under the optimum conditions (reaction time = 30 min, chitosan concentration = 1 % w/v, Vc/Se molar ratio = 5). To modify Se NP@Cs for glioblastoma treatment, sialic acid was used to cover the surface of the NPs. Sialic acid was successfully attached to the surface of Se NPs@Cs, and Se NPs@Cs-sialic acid were formed in the size range of 15–28 nm. Se NPs@Cs-sialic acid were stable for approximately 60 days at 4 ℃. The as-synthesized NPs exerted inhibitory effects on T98 greater than 3 T3 > A172 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, sialic acid ameliorated the blood biocompatibility of Se NPs@Cs. Taken together, sialic acid improved both the stability and biological activity of Se NPs@Cs.

Silibinin improved the function of T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) co-cultured with U-87 MG cell line

Objective: Silibinin has exhibited antitumor activities. However, there are few reports about the immunomodulatory properties of silibinin on T lymphocyte function in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we determined the effects of silibinin on T cells of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), cultivated alone or with a human cell line of glioblastoma (U-87 MG). Materials and Methods: The proliferation of T lymphocytes was assessed by MTT test in the presence of silibinin (15 and 45 µM). Also, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the activity of superoxide dismutase-3 (SOD3), and the levels of two cytokines interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor growth beta (TGF-β) were compared between treated and untreated PBMCs alone or co-cultured with U-87 cells. Results: According to our results, silibinin raised the TAC levels and SOD3 activity in the PBMCs and in the co-culture condition. Moreover, silibinin-treated PBMCs showed higher IFN-γ levels and lower TGF-β levels. Interestingly, silibinin protected PBMCs against the U-87-induced suppression. Conclusion: Altogether, these results proposed the immunomodulatory potential of silibinin on T cells of PBMCs, as well as its partially protective effects on PBMCs against the suppression induced by U-87 MG cells.

The effect of low-and moderate-intensity interval training on cognitive behaviors of male and female rats with VPA-induced autism

Introduction This study was performed to evaluate the effects of low and moderate treadmill exercise for one month on social interaction, anxiety-like behaviors, and spatial learning and memory in male and female autistic rats. Methods Pregnant rats received valproic acid (VPA) (600 mg/kg/i.p) once on gestational day 12.5 to induce autism-like symptoms in the offspring. After delivery, the offspring were divided into six main groups, each with male and female subgroups: Control (CTL, prenatal normal saline), autism (prenatal VPA), low-intensity training (LIT,normal saline + low treadmill exercise), moderate -intensity training (MIT, normal saline + moderate treadmill exercise), VPA + LIT, and VPA + MIT. On the 60th day, the offspring were tested by the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), social interaction test (SIT), and Morris water maze (MWM). Results The results showed that both LIT and MIT could partly alleviate anxiety-like behaviors induced by prenatal VPA exposure in two sexes. Social impairment was observed in the autistic rats and was improved by LIT in both sexes and MIT in females. No significant change was seen in the spatial learning and memory of autistic rats by exercise.

Biomimetic nanotechnology for cancer immunotherapy: State of the art and future perspective

Cancer continues to be a significant worldwide cause of mortality. This underscores the urgent need for novel strategies to complement and overcome the limitations of conventional therapies, such as imprecise targeting and drug resistance. Cancer Immunotherapy utilizes the body's immune system to target malignant cells, reducing harm to healthy tissue. Nevertheless, the efficacy of immunotherapy exhibits variation across individuals and has the potential to induce autoimmune responses. Biomimetic nanoparticles (bNPs) have transformative potential in cancer immunotherapy, promising improved accurate targeting, immune system activation, and resistance mechanisms, while also reducing the occurrence of systemic autoimmune side effects. This integration offers opportunities for personalized medicine and better therapeutic outcomes. Despite considerable potential, bNPs face barriers like insufficient targeting, restricted biological stability, and interactions within the tumor microenvironment. The resolution of these concerns is crucial in order to expedite the integration of bNPs from the research setting into clinical therapeutic uses. In addition, optimizing manufacturing processes and reducing bNP-related costs are essential for practical implementation. The present research introduces comprehensive classifications of bNPs as well as recent achievements in their application in cancer immunotherapies, emphasizing the need to address barriers for swift clinical integration.

Fluorescent carbon dots from cumin seeds: preparation, characterization and in vitro biocompatibility test for cell imaging application

Carbon dots (CDs) are a new type of nanomaterial with great potential in bioimaging, biosensing, and drug delivery. In this study, novel CDs were prepared from cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum L) by pyrolysis. The pyrolysis method and several extraction steps were optimized to fabricate CDs from cumin seed. The size, structure, chemical composition, and photoluminescence properties of the CDs were characterized using size analyzer, zeta sizer, TEM, SEM, EDX, UV-Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and FTIR. The influence of the CDs on cell viability was investigated in A549, 3T3, and MCF-7 cell lines using MTT assay. The cancer cell imaging potential of the CDs was assessed using fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that the CDs with a mean diameter of 13.4 ± 3.7 nm and zeta potential of -23.3 ± 7.5 mv can be obtained by the pyrolysis of cumin seed powder. The obtained CDs exhibited strong and unique fluorescence properties when they were excited at different wavelengths, particularly 350 nm. The CDs were highly stable over time, and their fluorescence properties remained unchanged after three months. Apart from the physicochemical properties of the CDs, cell viability assays showed that these CDs were non-toxic to A549, MCF-7, and 3T3 cells, over 90% of the cells were viable after 24 h, even at the highest concentration (1000 µg/ml). The CDs successfully penetrated the MCF-7 cells as revealed by fluorescent images. Taken together, the fluorescent CDs derived from cumin seeds through the presented facile technique indicated excellent and stable fluorescence properties. In addition, these CDs were highly biocompatible in vitro and could be a potential option for theragnostic applications.

Book

Prevention of COVID-19: Preventive Strategies for General Population, Healthcare Setting, and Various Professions

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Smart bio-encapsulation for immunotherapy

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Introduction on Personalized Immune-Oncology

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Chitosan nanoparticles-hydrogel composites for biomedical applications

Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs)-hydrogel composites have surfaced as a highly favorable and versatile platform in biomedicine. With their unique combination of CSNPs and hydrogels, these composites offer tremendous potential for a multitude of applications. They have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the ability to be altered for precise biomedical needs. The integration of CSNPs within hydrogel matrices not only enhances the stability of the composites but also provides a conducive microenvironment for cellular activities. Therefore, these composites are now considered potential agents in biomedical engineering, offering many applications in various fields. This book chapter offers a widespread overview of the utilization of CSNPs-hydrogel composites in tissue engineering, genetic engineering, neural engineering, pharmaceutical engineering and drug delivery, medical imaging, and implants.