Due to their remarkable structures and properties, three-dimensional hydrogels and nanostructured clay particles have been extensively studied and have shown a high potential for tissue engineering as solutions for tissue defects. In this study, four types of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid/montmorillonite (HEMA/AMPSA/MMT) hydrogels enriched with sericin, and fibroin were prepared and studied in the context of regenerative medicine for soft tissue regenerative medicine. Our aim was to obtain crosslinked hydrogel structures using modified montmorillonite clay as a crosslinking agent. In order to improve the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility, silk proteins were further incorporated within the hydrogel matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) were performed to prove the chemical structures of the modified MMT and nanocomposite hydrogels. Swelling and rheological measurements showed the good elastic behavior of the hydrogels due to this unique network structure in which modified MMT acts as a crosslinking agent. Hydrogel biocompatibility was assessed by MTT, LDH and LIVE/DEAD assays. The hydrogels were evaluated for their potential to support adipogenesis in vitro and human stem cells isolated from adipose tissue were seeded in them and induced to differentiate. The progress was assessed by evaluation of expression of adipogenic markers (ppar-γ2, perilipin) evaluated by qPCR. The potential of the materials to support tissue regeneration was further evaluated on animal models in vivo. All materials proved to be biocompatible, with better results on the 95% HEMA 5% AMPSA enriched with sericin and fibroin material. This composition promoted a better development of adipogenesis compared to the other compositions studied, due the addition of sericin and fibroin. The results were confirmed in vivo as well, with a better progress of soft tissue regeneration after implantation in mice. Therefore, hydrogel 95% HEMA 5% AMPSA enriched with sericin as well as fibroin showed the best results that recommend it for future soft tissue engineering application.

The escalating incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly the alarming rise in early-onset cases, necessitates a paradigm shift from a purely genetic perspective to a broader investigation of promising pathways. This review explores the “nutri-epigenetic” interface, positioning liquid biopsy as a critical technology for translating dietary impacts into actionable clinical biomarkers. We contrast the molecular consequences of the Western dietary pattern, characterized by methyl-donor deficiency and pro-inflammatory metabolites, with the protective mechanisms of the Mediterranean diet. Mechanistically, we detail how Western-style diets drive a specific “epigenetic double-hit”: promoting global DNA hypomethylation (destabilizing LINE-1) while paradoxically inducing promoter hypermethylation of critical tumour suppressors (MLH1, APC, MGMT) and silencing tumour-suppressive microRNAs (miR-34b/c, miR-137) via methylation of their encoding genes. Conversely, we highlight the capacity of Mediterranean bioactive compounds (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin, butyrate) to inhibit DNA methyltransferases and restore epigenetic homeostasis. Bridging molecular biology and clinical utility, we demonstrate how these diet-sensitive signatures, specifically circulating methylated DNA and dysregulated microRNAs, can be captured via liquid biopsy. We propose that these circulating analytes serve as dynamic, accessible biomarkers for monitoring the molecular progression toward a carcinogenic state, thereby establishing a novel framework for personalized risk stratification and validating the efficacy of preventive nutritional strategies.