Background: Diabetes Mellitus (D.M.) is a major health problem affecting more than 200 million worldwide. The ideal treatment for autoimmune type I diabetes is regeneration of endogenous β-cells which could be achieved by mesenchymal stem cells transplantation. Aim of the work:This work aimed to compare the effect of intravenous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) on Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I diabetes in albino rats. Material and Methods: Fifty albino male rats were divided into 4 groups; control, diabetic, BMSCs treated and AMSCs treated. Treated groups were intravenously given 1 ml PKH26 labeled allogenic BMSCs or AMSCs suspended in phosphate buffered saline, respectively. Animals of all groups were sacrificed 2 weeks after stem cells administration. Sections from control and treated groups were examined by fluorescence microscope. Sections from all groups were immunohistochemically stained to detect insulin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Mean area percent of insulin and number of PCNA positive reactions were measured and statistically analyzed. Results: Diabetic rats showed cell death and congested blood vessels in both exocrine and endocrine pancreas. Treated groups revealed homing of stem cells in pancreas after their transplantation. Moreover, nearly normal histological features were seen in AMSCs treated group. Studying the treated groups immunohistochemically, revealed increase in insulin and PCNA positive reactions when compared to diabetic group with more increase in AMSCs treated group than BMSCs treated group. Conclusion: Intravenous AMSCs could be more effective than BMSCs in treatment of STZ-induced type I diabetes.

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Background: Worldwide, Methotrexate (MTX) is used to treat neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases despite its severe side-effects. One of these adverse effects is salivary dysfunction that can aggravate MTX mucotoxic effects. Such effects interfere with the patients' quality of life and increase morbidities and mortalities. Available treatments for salivary dysfunction have many drawbacks. Mobilization of bone marrow haematopoietic stem cells (BMHSCs) by human Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) used in many diseases showed promising results. Aim of the work: To detect the therapeutic effect of G-CSF on MTX-induced parotid lesion highlighting its possible mechanisms and the role of telocytes. Materials and Methods: Forty-one albino rats were divided into 3 groups; control, MTX and Neupogen-treated groups. All animals were weighed and sacrificed after 6 days. Parotid homogenates of 6 rats from each group were used to measure total protein concentration, amylase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) value. The right parotids of the remaining animals of each group were processed to Paraffin blocks while, the left ones were processed to resin blocks. Paraffin sections stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and immunohistochemical stains for CD34 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFR-α) as well as resin semithin and ultrathin sections were examined. Body weight, biochemical results, number of immune-positive cells, difference between numbers of CD34+ and PDGFR-α+ cells (stem cells number), acini and ducts numbers and diameters were statistically analysed. Results: MTX group revealed diarrhoea, decreased body weight in addition to, degenerated acinar and ductal cells, and telocytes. However, Neupogen-treated group demonstrated almost normal histological features. Immunohistochemically, the treated group showed significant increase in CD34+ cells, PDGFR-α + cells and stem cells number versus MTX group. Conclusions: G-CSF had a therapeutic effect on MTX-induced parotid degeneration through its direct effects, BMHSCs mobilization and telocytes preservation.

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A 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is used for cancer treatment despite its cytotoxic sequelae on healthy cells, especially the rapid proliferating ones. Intestinal mucositis is one of the most frequent chemotherapeutic debilitating sequelae. Rhubarb (Rh), an ancient herb, is known for its curing effect on gastrointestinal complications. This study aims to detect the role of aquaporin-4 (AQP-4), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in 5-FU-induced ileal histological and biochemical changes and the potential therapeutic effect of Rh water extract on these changes in rats. A 45 rats were divided into 3 groups; control, 5-FU (single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg/ rat) and Rh-treated (oral 20 mg/kg/day/rat for 8 days). The change in animals' weight, incidence of diarrhoea and AQP-4 and TNF-α values in ileal homogenates were measured. Ileal sections were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin stain, periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-reaction and MMP-9, NF-κB and AQP-4 immunohistochemical staining. A 5-FU group revealed marked ileal mucosal damage associated with a significant decrease in the mean body weight, AQP-4 level and area percent of PAS and AQP-4 positive reaction. Significant increase in the mean incidence of diarrhoea, TNF-α value and area percent of MMP-9 and NF-κB was detected. These changes were significantly corrected with Rh administration. A 5-FU resulted in severe ileal mucositis through TNF-α, NF-κB, MMP-9, and AQP-4 disturbances. Rh treatment was highly effective in preventing such mucositis.