Background & Objective: Zataria multiflora is a plant that belongs to Laminaceae family. It is traditionally believed to have several therapeutic effects. Acute promyelocytic leukemia is a distinct subtype of acute myeloid leukemia with dominancy of promyelocytes in bone marrow and blood stream. The aim of this study is to investigate the anticancer effects of Z. multiflora extract on acute promyelocytic leukemia cell lines. Materials & Methods: Viability of NB4 cells was determined by trypane blue test after treatment with 20, 40 and 80µg/mL of Z. multiflora extract for 24 hours. Then, the metabolic activity of cells was determined by MTT assay after 24 hours of treatment with 80 µg/mL Z. multiflora. Finally, Real-time PCR was employed to study the effect of Z. multiflora extract on the expression of hTERT gene. Results: Z. multiflora extract decreased the viability of NB4 cells in a dosedependent manner. Metabolic activity of NB4 cells significantly decreased following treatment with 80 µg/mL Z. multiflora. Gene expression analysis showed 59%±4% decrease in the expression of hTERT gene after treatment with 80 µg/mL of Z. multiflora. Conclusion: Z. multiflora extract significantly decreased the viability and metabolic activity of NB4 cells. It also led to significant downregulation of hTERT gene compared to the control group. Therefore, Z. multiflora methanolic extract potentially has anticancer effect on acute promyelocytic leukemia cells through down regulation of hTERT. Further investigations are needed to explore other mechanisms of actions and the active ingredients.
Introduction: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely studied due to their self- renewal potential and capacity to differentiate into multiple tissues. However, they have a limited life span of several divisions in vitro, which alters various cellular characteristics and reduces their application. Aim: We evaluated the effect of platelet-derived microparticles on gene expression of hTERT, one of the main factors involved in aging and cell longevity. Materials and methods: Umbilical cord MSCs were used for this study. Cells were characterized by evaluating morphology via inverted microscope and identifying associated surface markers using flow cytometry. Platelet-derived microparticles were prepared by centrifuging platelet bags at varying speeds, and their concen- trations were determined by Bradford assay. At 30% confluency, MSCs were treated with 50 μg/mL of microparticles for five days. Then, RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized. Quantitative expression of hTERT was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Fibroblast-like cells were isolated from umbilical cord tissue and MSCs were identified by the presence of mesenchymal surface markers via flow cytometry. Real- time PCR showed that gene expression of hTERT increased by more than three times when treated with platelet-derived microparticles, in comparison to expression of the control group. Conclusion: We concluded that platelet-derived microparticles may be a potentially safe and effective method to increase hTERT gene expression in MSCs, ultimately prolonging their life span in vitro.
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