Scopus İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14627/7
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Article Fully Synthetic, Nature-Inspired Exosome-Mimetics for Melanoma Therapy(Elsevier B.V., 2026) Arda Ozturk N.Z.; Majchrzak O.B.; Ulivi G.; Kirmizibayrak P.B.; Borchard G.; Patrulea V.; Ozer O.; Ozturk, Nahide Zeren Arda; Borchard, Gerrit; Ozer, Ozgen; Patrulea, Viorica; Majchrzak, Oliwia Barbara; Arda Ozturk, Nahide Zeren; Kirmizibayrak, Petek Ballar; Ulivi, GianlucaFully synthetic exosome-mimetics (FSEMs) represent a nature-inspired drug delivery system designed to replicate the key physicochemical and biological properties of natural exosomes, while offering the potential to address limitations in scalability and reproducibility associated with natural exosomes. In this study, we prepared FSEMs at the laboratory scale. We loaded them with (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and microRNA-23a (miR-23a), aiming to co-deliver therapeutic small molecules and nucleic acids for the treatment of melanoma. FSEMs were fabricated using three methods: thin-film hydration, ethanol injection, and microfluidics. They were surface-functionalized with either CD9, a tetraspanin involved in membrane fusion, or TSP-1, an adhesion protein promoting cellular interactions. Through physicochemical characterization via dynamic light scattering, we found that FSEMs were ∼ 100 nm in size, of low polydispersity (∼0.2) and showed a negative zeta potential (∼–55 mV). Both EGCG and miR-23a were efficiently encapsulated. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed successful protein incorporation and correct positioning. In vitro release studies showed minimal premature leakage, supporting their suitability for cellular uptake-mediated delivery. When tested on melanoma cells (MDA-MB-435) and progenitor human dermal fibroblasts (FE002-SK2), FSEMs selectively killed melanoma cells while sparing fibroblasts. Importantly, EGCG within FSEMs was more effective than the free compound. Compared to conventional DOTAP-based liposomes, FSEMs were more selective and induced less off-target cytotoxicity. This study presents a proof-of-concept for fully synthetic, protein-functionalized FSEMs as dual carriers for both chemical and gene-based agents, offering a safer and potentially more effective alternative to traditional cationic liposomes. These results lay the groundwork for future in vivo validation and translational cancer research. © 2026 The Author(s)Article Exploring the Role of Adipose Tissue-Derived Hormones Asprosin and Leptin in the Onset of Depressive Symptoms in Newly Diagnosed Prediabetic Individuals(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Bahadir, F.E.; Demirel, O.U.; Yavuz, M.; Firat, O.; Yogurtcu, I.; Govdeli, Y.; Furuncuoglu, Y.Background: Type 2 diabetes and depression are common chronic conditions that often co-occur, likely driven by complex mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Chronic low-grade inflammation may serve as a shared underlying factor in both conditions. This study aimed to determine whether adipose tissue-derived hormones asprosin and leptin, particularly asprosin, which is associated with inflammatory cytokines in glucose metabolism dysregulation and has not been studied in this context—might influence the onset of depressive symptoms. Methods: 112 participants were recruited from drug-naïve individuals. Blood samples were collected, anthropometric data recorded, the Beck Depression/Anxiety Inventories administered. Adapted questions assessed physical and social activity, as well as sleep habits, to account for environmental factors. After applying the exclusion criteria, participants were divided into prediabetic (n = 32) and normoglycemic groups (n = 30). Results: In the prediabetic group CRP was elevated (p < 0.001), with a positive correlation between asprosin and leptin (p < 0.001). Asprosin was positively correlated with TNF-α (p = 0.004), IL-6 (p = 0.002), and ESR (p < 0.001), and leptin with TNF-α (p = 0.008) and ESR (p = 0.018) but not with depressive symptoms or anxiety. Depressive symptoms were higher in prediabetic individuals with poor sleep quality. Conclusion: In groups with similar social and physical activity levels, poor sleep quality was associated with increased depressive symptoms. While asprosin and leptin correlated with higher inflammatory cytokines, they showed no significant association with depression, possibly due to the small sample size and early-stage evaluation. Larger studies are needed to confirm any potential link between these hormones and depression. © 2025 The AuthorsArticle Citation - Scopus: 14Survival in Rhino-Orbito Mucormycosis: an International, Multicenter Id-Iri Study(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Cag, Y.; Erdem, H.; Gunduz, M.; Komur, S.; Ankarali, H.; Ural, S.; Vahaboglu, H.Background: Mucormycosis is an emerging aggressive mold infection. This study aimed to assess the outcome of hospitalized adults with rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). The secondary objective was to identify prognostic factors in this setting. Methods: This study was an international, retrospective, multicenter study. Patients’ data were collected from 29 referral centers in 6 countries. All qualified as “proven cases” according to the EORTC/MSGERC criteria. Results: We included 74 consecutive adult patients hospitalized with ROCM. Rhino-orbito-cerebral type infection was the most common presentation (n = 43; 58.1%) followed by rhino-orbital type (n = 31; 41.9%). Twenty (27%) had acquired nosocomial bacterial infections. A total of 59 (79.7%) patients (16 in combination) received appropriate antifungal treatment with high-doses of liposomal amphotericin B. Fifty-six patients (75.7%) underwent curative surgery. Thirty-five (47.3%) required intensive care unit admission (27; 36.5% under mechanical ventilation). Hospital survival was 56.8%, being reduced to 7.4% in patients with invasive mechanical ventilation. A multivariate binary backward logistic regression model identified confusion at admission (OR 11.48), overlapping hospital-acquired infection (OR 10.27), use of antifungal treatment before diagnosis (OR 10.20), no surgical debridement (OR 5.92), and the absence of prior sinusitis (OR 6.32) were independently associated with increased risk for death. Conclusion: Today, ROCM still has high mortality rate. Improving source control, rational therpy, and preventing nosocomial infections may improve survival in this severe infection. © 2022