BackgroundBecause of expanding presence of nanomaterials, there has been an increase in the exposure of humans to nanoparticles that is why nanotoxicology studies are important. A number of studies on the effects of nanomatrials in in vitro and in vivo systems have been published. Currently cytotoxicity of different nanoparticles is assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on different cell lines to determine cell viability, a tedious and expensive method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Artemia salina test in comparison with the MTT assay in the assessment of cytotoxicity of nanostructures because the former method is more rapid and convenient and less expensive.MethodsAt the first stage, toxicity of different nanoparticles with different concentrations (1.56–400 μg/mL) was measured by means of the brine shrimp lethality test. At the second stage, the effect of nanoparticles on the viability of the L929 cell line was assessed using the MTT assay. Experiments were conducted with each concentration in triplicate.ResultsThe results obtained from both tests (A. salina test and MTT assay) did not have statistically significant differences (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the A. salina test may expedite toxicity experiments and decrease costs, and therefore, may be considered an alternative to the in vitro cell culture assay.

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PPARγ and ERK1/2 signaling pathway affect differentially and may have inhibitory crosstalk effects on the genes expression of ∆6D and SCD1, and subsequently on their enzymatic activities.

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Wharton's jelly derived-mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) have a same developmental origin with primordial germ cells. WJ-MSCs perhaps differentiate into oocyte and germ like-cells (OLCs/GLCs) in the presence of appropriate inducers. Human follicular fluid (FF) and cumulus cells conditioned medium (CCM) are naturally rich sources for oocyte development. The aim of this study was to evaluate WJ-MSCs potential for differentiating into OLCs and GLCs exposed to FF and CCM. WJ-MSCs were cultured in two different induction media (10% FF, 10% CCM) for 21 days. Morphological changes and expression of developmental genes were evaluated on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 of culture. Also, on 21 st day of culture, the expression of oocyte and germ cell proteins investigated using immunofluorescence staining. Appearance of round shaped cells from 7 th day onwards indicated that WJ-MSCs can differentiate into OLCs when exposed to FF and CCM. The size of produced OLCs and expression of oocyte specific genes and proteins were increased more positively in FF group rather than CCM group. Although, WJ-MSCs could differentiate into OLCs by FF and CCM, however, the induction potential of FF for producing OLCs was better than CCM.