Repository of Research and Investigative Information Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
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Zingerone based green synthesized sodium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles eliminate U87 glioblastoma cells by inducing apoptosis
No full textGrade IV astrocytoma, also referred to as glioblastoma (GBM), is the most common type of glioma, accounting for over 60 of all brain tumors. It is still a fatal illness in spite of years of investigation and does not currently have a treatment. Thus, scientists and medical professionals are constantly trying to understand the molecular processes and heterogeneity of GBM as well as looking for new ways to improve treatment results. Numerous studies have indicated that nanomaterials, and more especially nanoparticles, offer a great deal of potential for killing cancer cells; as a result, they are being considered as a potential alternative cancer treatment. Several studies have demonstrated that ZnO NPs have shown specific cytotoxicity against cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. In this study we aim to synthesize sodium doped zinc oxide NPs using zingerone in an environmentally friendly manner to evaluate their cytotoxic effects on U87 GBM cell line and normal HEK cell line and investigate the occurrence of apoptosis via apoptosis assay by flowcytometry and gene expression study of TP53 and related genes to apoptosis and cell cycle regulation pathways. It was demonstrated that Na-doped ZnO NPs had a significant cytotoxic effect on U87 cells while having significantly less effect on normal HEK cells. Na-doped ZnO NPs eliminated cancerous cells through apoptosis induction and possibly cell cycle regulation via up-regulation of TP53, PTEN, BAX, P21 and down-regulation of Bcl2. The unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles turn them into fascinating agents to treat GBM. Hence, the necessity of exploring the vast, yet unknown field of nanoparticles potentials cannot be over looked
Association between dietary inflammatory index and risk of chronic kidney disease and low glomerular filtration rate; a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
No full textOBJECTIVE: Earlier studies on the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (low-eGFR) have provided uncertain findings. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize the existing literature on the association between DII and CKD and low-eGFR. METHODS: In April 2024, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for observational studies, along with manual inclusion of Google Scholar and Embase. The review was submitted to PROSPERO (CRD42024536756) and conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Studies which reported risk for CKD or low-eGFR were included. RESULTS: The random-effects model was used for statistical analysis and pooled effect sizes were reported as odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95 confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 13 studies, all with a cross-sectional design, were identified eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The results revealed that higher DII scores were associated with significantly higher odds of CKD (OR: 1.36, 95 CI: 1.20-1.56, p < 0.001) and low-eGFR (OR: 1.58, 95 CI: 1.26-2.00, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study found a significant positive association between the DII and the odds of CKD and low-eGFR, suggesting a higher likelihood of CKD in individuals who adhere to a pro-inflammatory diet. Large-scale prospective cohort studies are required to confirm these findings, particularly by assessing different indicators of kidney function
The role of trunk region body composition in lumbar spine bone mineral content and density
No full textBACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the differential effects of trunk region body composition-specifically fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM)-on lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), with a focus on variations by gender and menopausal status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 331 adult patients (69 men, 161 premenopausal women, and 101 postmenopausal women) who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to simultaneously measure trunk body composition and lumbar spine BMD (L(2)-L(4)). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the linear relationships between body composition components and lumbar spine BMD and BMC, stratified by gender and menopausal status. Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis with the forward stepwise elimination procedure was applied to find a reasonable subset of predictor variables. RESULT: The highest correlation coefficients between body composition and BMD were seen for men and post- and premenopausal individuals in the following areas: pelvic fat mass (r = 0.325; P < 0.01), chest lean mass (r = 0.260; P < 0.01), and total lean mass (r = 0.312; P < 0.01), respectively. Additionally, total lean mass (r = 0.477; P < 0.01), chest lean mass (r = 0.360; P < 0.01), and total lean mass (r = 0.459; P < 0.01) had the strongest correlation coefficients between body composition and BMC. Forward stepwise regression identified age, chest lean mass, and midriff fat mass as predictors of BMC in postmenopausal women; BMI and total lean mass in premenopausal women; and total lean mass in men. For BMD, chest lean mass (postmenopausal), total lean mass (premenopausal), and BMI (men) were significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Fat mass does not affect BMD or BMC, while lean mass, strongly predicts bone health. Trunk body composition showed varying relationships with BMD and BMC, making it challenging to pinpoint how lean mass distribution in the chest and midriff specifically impacts bone health
Primary central nervous system tumors in patients with multiple sclerosis
No full textBACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disorder that can present with clinical and radiological features indistinguishable from a central nervous system (CNS) tumor. Previous studies suggest that whilepatients with MS have a reduced overall risk of cancer, they may have an increased risk of developing CNS malignancies. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, we investigated the prevalence of CNS tumors in patients with MS using data from the Isfahan MS clinic registry between 2020 and 2023 who had been diagnosed with primary CNS tumors following their diagnosis of MS. RESULTS: Among the 2,280 registered patients, 36 individuals were diagnosed with CNS tumors, yielding a prevalence of 1.58. The distribution of primary CNS tumors among these patients was as follows: 41.7 had pituitary adenomas, 30.6 had meningiomas, 13.9 had primary CNS lymphoma, 5.6 had acoustic neuroma, and the remaining cases included epidermoid cysts (2.8), neurofibromas (2.8), and glioblastoma multiforme (2.8). The mean age at tumor diagnosis was approximately 45 years, while the mean age at MS diagnosis among those who subsequently developed a CNS tumor was 31.5 years. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of primary CNS tumors in our MS population was 1.58. Meningiomas and pituitary adenomas were the most common types of CNS tumors observed in these patients. Given potential symptom overlap, new or unusual symptoms not typical of MS should be closely monitored or assessed for possible CNS malignancies
Interferon alpha-2b addition to intravitreal bevacizumab for diabetic macular edema: a randomized controlled trial
No full textBACKGROUND: Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents are the standard of care in DME, a sight-threatening complication of diabetic retinopathy. However, many patients show suboptimal response to anti-VEGF agents alone. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding interferon alpha 2b eye drops to intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in treating patients with DME. METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial, eligible eyes of DME patients were randomized into two treatment arms: (1) three monthly doses of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) (2) three monthly doses of IVB plus interferon alpha 2b eye drops (IVB + IFN). Outcome measures were changes in central macular thickness (CMT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over four months. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and possible adverse events were also documented. RESULTS: A total of 87 eyes of 87 patients with DME were included (mean age: 64.1, female-to-male ratio ~ 1:1). Anatomical and visual improvements were significant in both groups (p-value 0.05). No serious side effects associated with IFN alpha 2b were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunction of topical IFN alpha 2b to standard IVB therapy may result in superior functional and structural improvements in eyes with DME in short-term follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (irct.behdasht.gov.ir), IRCT20230103057035N1, March 18th, 2023
Clinical outcomes of dental implants placed in the augmented maxillary sinus: A 5-year retrospective study
No full textBACKGROUND: Factors influencing the success of an implant placed in augmented maxillary sinus need to be recognized. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various oral health conditions and treatment plan details on the clinical and radiographical outcomes of implants placed in the augmented sinus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical retrospective study, 39 participants (81 implants) that received dental implants after sinus lifting between January 2005 and July 2016 were evaluated. All the participants were examined by an operator clinically and radiographically in a blinded manner. A checklist including oral health and host condition, implant and prosthesis characteristics, and surgical approach variables was completed for each participant. The effect of these variables on probing depth (PD), marginal bone loss, bone formation in sinus, and patient satisfaction was analyzed using analysis of covariance models. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Survival rates after surgery and restoration placement were 93 and 100, respectively. PD was found to be significantly higher in restorations with infragingival finish lines over 1.5 mm and in implants with score "2" for gingival index. Moreover, more bone formation was observed in implants with score "0" compared with score "2" for gingival index. In addition, the participants with plaque score "0" reported significantly more satisfaction than the participants with score "2" for plaque index. CONCLUSION: Inflamed gingiva was associated with more PD and less peri-implant bone formation in maxillary sinus. In addition, more patient satisfaction was reported by participants that had better plaque control
The complex interplay: How lifestyle and psychosocial factors contribute to hypertension in myocardial infarction patients-An integrated model
No full textINTRODUCTION: A significant proportion of acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients also suffer from hypertension (HTN), underscoring the need for effective HTN prevention and management strategies in this group. This study aims to elucidate the complex web of direct and indirect factors contributing to HTN in the context of MI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study utilized longitudinal data from patients aged 18-75 experiencing their first ST-segment elevation MI from five major provinces of Iran, including Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, Gilan, and Hormozgan. HTN was the primary endpoint, with contributing factors including lifestyle, psychological factors, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities. We applied Bayesian structural equation modeling to analyze the interplay among 14 key variables influencing HTN in MI patients. RESULTS: Among the 1699 participants, 424 men (69.9) and 181 women (30.1) were identified as having HTN. Our multi-dimensional analysis revealed that increased comorbidities directly escalate blood pressure levels. Furthermore, the adoption of a healthier lifestyle characterized by sufficient physical activity, quality sleep, sexual satisfaction, non-smoking status, and a favorable dietary score, along with the enhancement of psychosocial factors such as stress management and the modification of type D personality traits and socioeconomic status can curb HTN directly and indirectly. CONCLUSION: This study integrates diverse factors into a multi-dimensional model and offers insights into new preventive avenues for HTN in MI patients. Our findings can inform strategies to mitigate HTN risk in this vulnerable population by pinpointing both direct and indirect predictors and intervention points
The Role of DeltaFosB in the Pathogenesis of Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies
No full textLevodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) represents a significant complication associated with the long-term administration of levodopa (L-DOPA) for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). This review examines the critical role of DeltaFosB, a transcription factor, in the pathogenesis of LID and explores potential therapeutic interventions. DeltaFosB accumulates within the striatum in response to chronic dopaminergic stimulation, thereby driving maladaptive changes that culminate in dyskinesia. Its persistent expression modifies gene transcription, influencing neuronal plasticity and contributing to the sustained presence of dyskinetic movements. This study explains how DeltaFosB functions at the molecular level, focusing on its connections with dopamine D1 receptors, the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, and its regulatory effects on downstream targets such as DARPP-32 and GluA1 AMPA receptor subunits. Additionally, it examines how neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) affects DeltaFosB levels and the development of LID. This review also considers the interactions between DeltaFosB and other signaling pathways, such as ERK and mTOR, in the context of LID and striatal plasticity. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting DeltaFosB and its associated pathways include pharmacological interventions like ranitidine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, and carnosic acid. Furthermore, this study addresses the role of JunD, another component of the AP-1 transcription factor complex, in the pathogenesis of LID. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which DeltaFosB contributes to LID offers promising avenues for developing novel treatments that could mitigate dyskinesia and improve the quality of life for PD patients undergoing long-term L-DOPA therapy
Exosomes and non-coding RNAs: Exploring their roles in human myocardial dysfunction
No full textMyocardial dysfunction, characterized by impaired cardiac muscle function, arises from diverse etiologies, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathies, hypertension, and valvular heart disease. Recent advancements have highlighted the roles of exosomes and non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiology of myocardial dysfunction. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles released by cardiac and other cells that facilitate intercellular communication through their molecular cargo, including ncRNAs. ncRNAs are known to play critical roles in gene regulation through diverse mechanisms, impacting oxidative stress, fibrosis, and other factors associated with myocardial dysfunction. Dysregulation of these molecules correlates with disease progression, presenting opportunities for therapeutic interventions. This review explores the mechanistic interplay between exosomes and ncRNAs, underscoring their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic agents in myocardial dysfunction. Emerging evidence supports the use of engineered exosomes and modified ncRNAs to enhance cardiac repair by targeting signaling pathways associated with fibrosis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Despite promising preclinical results, delivery, stability, and immunogenicity challenges remain. Further research is needed to optimize clinical translation. Understanding these intricate mechanisms may drive the development of innovative strategies for diagnosing and treating myocardial dysfunction, ultimately improving patient outcomes
Evaluation of the exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) through drinking water and human risk assessment
No full textIn the present study, two most commonly used Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), namely perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), were determined in 45 tap water samples from the city of Isfahan (Iran) by dispersive liquid-liquid extraction (DLLME) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS) analysis. Risk assessment was also performed to determine the risk to human health. The mean concentration of PFOA was 38.1 +/- 26.4ng/L (min = 5.1 and max = 1056ng/L). The mean concentration of PFOS was 33.7 +/- 25.09ng/L (min = 4.3 and max = 99.2ng/L). The combined concentrations of PFOA and PFOS were above the US-EPA advisory levels (70ng/L) in 48.8 of the samples. The distance between the sampling locations and the water treatment plant showed no significant correlation (p > 0.05). The results of the risk assessment showed that all calculated hazard quotients (HQ) and hazard indices (HI) are below 1, indicating that the risk to human health from exposure to PFOA and PFOS via drinking water in the city of Isfahan was not high for adults and children. These results indicate a significant contamination of Isfahan tap water by PFOA and PFOS of unknown origin. Further studies are needed on the Zayande-Roud River water as a supplier of Isfahan tap water and the efficiency of the water treatment plant and the role of the water distribution network in PFASs contamination of tap water