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Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating respiratory condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic inflammation. Microbial infections and dysregulated microribonucleic acid (miRNA) expression have been implicated in COPD pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the molecular detection of three respiratory pathogens, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, in the respiratory secretions of COPD patients. In addition, it evaluated the expression levels of miR-146, miR-16, and miR-221 in the peripheral blood of COPD patients. Methods: Peripheral blood and respiratory secretions were collected from 40 healthy individuals and 40 COPD patients. The messenger ribonucleic acid expression levels of miR-146, miR-16, and miR-221 were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analyses, including t-test, binomial test, and Pearson correlation, were performed. Results: H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, and C. pneumoniae were detected in the sputum of 12.5%, 17.5%, and 7.5% of COPD patients, respectively. The expression of miR-146, miR-221, and miR-16 was observed in 65%, 15%, and 85% of COPD patients, respectively, compared to 13%, 80%, and 15% of healthy subjects. While miR-221 was downregulated in COPD patients, miR-16 and miR-146 were upregulated. No significant differences were found in the expression of these miRNAs between infected and noninfected COPD patients. Conclusion: The molecular detection of respiratory pathogens and the expression profiles of miR-146, miR-16, and miR-221 in COPD patients may have potential diagnostic value. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of these markers in COPD pathogenesis.

Introduction: Mucormycosis, an infection, with a high death rate, requires understanding its symptoms, diagnosis methods and treatment options due, to its growing occurrence. The research employs a molecular method to evaluate the diagnosis of the mucormycosis. Materials and Methods: In this study, we obtained 30 samples from patients undergoing diagnosis and conducted DNA extraction. Additionally, DNA extraction was carried out on 30 tissue samples suspected of infection in paraffin blocks. Subsequently, PCR and Real-time PCR were performed using targeted primers, for mucormycosis followed by analysis of the results. Results: In the research findings among 30 liquid samples 8 tested positive, for mucor using the PCR method. 10 using the Real-time PCR method. Similarly, out of 30 tissue samples, 9 cases showed mucor presence with the PCR method and 11 cases, with the Realtime PCR method. Conclusion: In this study, real-time PCR and PCR techniques showed promising and faster results in detecting Mucor than the culture approach. The molecular methods provided results that could be of great use for scenarios. Keywords: Mucormycosis; Diagnosis; Real-time PCR.

Background: Dental tissue engineering (DTE) is an inspiring biological approach to replacing lost teeth. The strength of the differentiation of basic endometrial cells to ameloblasts is yet to be fully understood. Moreover, the construction of a scaffold, upon which ameloblasts can both grow and replicate, has been a challenge in DTE. Methods: This is an experimental study. Basic endometrial cells were first isolated and cultured before induction of differentiation to ameloblast cells by adjacency to mesenchymal rat cells and application of fibroblast growth factor 8. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were synthesized by freeze-drying method. The nanocomposite collagen and hydroxyapatite scaffold were synthesized by the solvent casting method. Finally, the amyloblast cells were implanted into the hydroxyapatite and collagen nanocomposite scaffold. Results: The success of cell differentiation was confirmed through staining using specific antibodies against ameloblastin and amelogenin markers. Expression of ameloblast-specific mRNAs, such as ameloblastins, amelogenins, and cytokeratin 14 was detected in the differentiated cells. Alizarin red staining clearly illustrates mineralization nodules in the differentiated cells. Staining against specific ameloblast markers showed that the differentiated ameloblast cells are expressed on the scaffold, unlike the control group. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, basic endometrial cells are capable of expressing the traits of ameloblast cells. The scaffold used in the present study conforms to most criteria used for dental tissue reconstruction and can be applied in DTE.

Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a multifactorial disease that is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. MicroRNAs have been confirmed to play a role in oral squamous cell carcinoma, acting as either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. This study examined the expression level and role of microR-148 and microR-375 in oral cancer. Materials and Methods: In this study, we used 30 cancer samples with infection and 30 cancer samples without infection. To analyze the expression of microRNA 375 and microRNA 148, we used real-time PCR. First, we extracted total RNA from the samples. Then, we generated cDNA from it. Finally, the obtained cDNA was used in the real-time PCR technique. Results: In cancer patients with oral infection, there was an increase in microRNA-148 expression and a decrease in microRNA-375 compared to cancer patients without oral infection. Conclusion: The downregulation of microRNA-375 and upregulation of microRNA-148 can be utilized as diagnostic biomarkers and prognostic factors in oral cancer. Keywords: Oral cancer; OSCC; Realtime pcr; MiR-148; MiR-375.

Introduction: OSCC (Oral squamous cell carcinoma) accounts for approximately 90% of all oral malignancies and is usually diagnosed at advanced stages. This study investigates changes in miR-125 and miR-30 expression in relation to the clinical findings of oral cavity cancer and their possible use as an early diagnostic tool. Method and Material: A population of 30 individuals with oral squamous cell carcinoma and 30 healthy individuals was studied, and the mean age of two groups were compared using a t-test, with no significant difference found in terms of age so age will not be an interfering factor in this study. The levels of these two biomarkers (miR-125 and miR-30) were measured and evaluated using real-time PCR technique. Results: After evaluating the results of real-time PCR technique, it was found that miR-125 was positive in 25 out of 30 patients, while it was positive in 5 out of 30 healthy individuals (p-value ≤0.001). miR-30 was a positive biomarker in 10 out of 30 patients. The amount of this biomarker in the group of healthy individuals was 26 out of 30 (p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The miR-125 profile is upregulated in the saliva of OSCC cases, whereas the miR-30 profile is downregulated in the aforementioned patients compared with the healthy group. Therefore, measurement of miR-125 and miR-30 may be a protentional diagnostic test to identify OSCC. We suggest more extensive studies with a larger sample size to support this claim. Keywords: oral squamous cell carcinoma, miR-125, miR-30, biomarker

Introduction: Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (hEnMSCs) are a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with multi-lineage differentiation potential, making them an intriguing tool in regenerative medicine, particularly for the treatment of reproductive and infertility issues. The specific process of germline cell-derived stem cell differentiation remains unknown, the aim is to study novel ways to achieve an effective differentiation method that produces adequate and functioning human gamete cells. Methods: We adjusted the optimum retinoic acid (RA) concentration for enhancement of germ cell-derived hEnSCs generation in 2D cell culture after 7 days in this study. Subsequently, we developed a suitable oocyte-like cell induction media including RA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), and studied their effects on oocyte-like cell differentiation in 2D and 3D cell culture media utilizing cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel. Results: Our results from microscopy analysis, real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence tests revealed that 10 µM RA concentration was the optimal dose for inducing germ-like cells after 7 days. We examined the alginate hydrogel structural characteristics and integrity by rheology analysis and SEM microscope. We also demonstrated encapsulated cell viability and adhesion in the manufactured hydrogel. We propose that in 3D cell cultures in alginate hydrogel, an induction medium containing 10 µM RA and 50 ng/mL BMP4 can enhance hEnSC differentiation into oocyte-like cells. Conclusion: The production of oocyte-like cells using 3D alginate hydrogel may be viable in vitro approach for replacing gonad tissues and cells.

Introduction: Loss of tissue and dysfunction of body organs due to injuries and diseases have caused serious health problems despite the vast advances in Medicien. Bone repair through tissue engineering is one of the most important areas of attention for specialists in a wide range of departments, including orthopedics and maxillofacial surgeries. Materials and Methods: This case-series describes efficient clinical applications of adipose- derived stem cells (AdSCs) in combination with conventional guided bone regeneration as protected healing space for reconstruction of large alveolar defects after hemi-mandibulectomy. Results: As the result, this approach represented a considerable amount of three-dimensional bone formation in presented cases. Regenerating this amount of resected bone tissue rehabilitates the patients and gives clinicians a sufficient amount of bone and opportunity to insert dental implants to retrieve patients’ function and aesthetic. Conclusion: The application of AdSCs can be considered as an efficient treatment for bone regeneration in large alveolar bone defects. Keywords: Alveolar bone reconstruction; Mesenchymal stem cell; Adipose-derived stem cells; Natural bovine bone mineral.

Introduction: Head and neck cancer is the sixth common cancer in the world, of which the oral cavity is the most frequent type. It was diagnosed on more than 377,700 cases worldwide in 2020. Access to high-quality care leading to a more specific and earlier diagnosis of this cancer is crucial. Therefore, researchers attempt to investigate and detect efficient biological tumor marker. The present study aimed to investigate the changes in the expressions of miR-182, miR-221, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the peripheral blood of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and compare them with healthy individuals to detect early OSCC. Materials and Methods: 30 peripheral blood samples from patients with OSCC (19 male and 11 female), aged 25-70, were obtained from the cancer institute of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and 30 peripheral blood samples from healthy individuals (20 male and 10 female) aged 26-70 were collected. Real-time PCR was carried out to investigate the differences in the expressions of miR-182, miR-221, and ELISA was used to measure CEA protein expression. Results: Among the subjects with OSCC 83% showed miR-182 expression, 93% revealed miR- 221 expression and 96% demonstrated CEA expression. Whereas, these expressions were 26%, 20% and 13%, respectively, for the healthy group. The simultaneous detection of miR-182 and miR-221 was 73% in the individuals with OSCC. The simultaneous observation of miR-182, miR-221, and CEA in the group with OSCC was 60%. The expression level of miR-221 in the group with OSCC was 2.63 times that of the healthy subjects, and the expression level of miR-182 in the individuals with OSCC was 2.29 times that of the healthy group. Conclusion: The results of this study nominated miR-182, miR-221, and CEA as biomarkers for early diagnosis and consequently improvement of survival rate of patients suffering from OSCC. Keywords: OSCC; MiR-182; MiR-221; CEA; Biomarker.