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Intranasal administration of endometrial mesenchymal stem cells as a suitable approach for Parkinson�s disease therapy
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of intranasal administration of human endometrium-derived stem cells (HEDSCs) in the mouse model of Parkinson�s disease (PD). Thirty days after intrastriatal injection of 6-OHDA, HEDSCs were administrated intranasally in three doses (104, 5 � 104 and 105 cells µl�1). During 120 days after stem cell administration, behavioral tests were examined. Then the mice were sacrificed and the fresh section of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) was used for detection of HEDSCs-GFP labeled by fluorescence microscopy method. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to assay GFP, human neural Nestin, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) markers in the fixed brain tissue at the SNpc. Our data revealed that behavioral parameters were significantly improved after cell therapy. Fluorescence microscopy assay in fresh tissue and GFP analysis in fixed tissue were showed that the HEDSCs-GFP labeled migrated to SNpc. The data from immunohistochemistry revealed that the Nestin as a differential neuronal biomarker was expressed in SNpc. Also, TH as a dopaminergic neuron marker significantly increased after HEDSCs therapy in an optimized dose 5 � 104 cells µl�1. Our results suggest that intranasal administration of HEDSCs improve the PD symptoms in the mouse model of PD dose-dependent manner as a noninvasive method. © 2019, Springer Nature B.V
Melatonin as a potential inhibitor of colorectal cancer: Molecular mechanisms
No full textColorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent disease and a major cause of mortality in the world. Several factors including population aging, poor dietary habits, obesity, insufficient physical activity, and smoking can explain its increased prevalence. CRC is a heterogeneous disease both histopathologically and in term of its molecular and genetic aspects. Melatonin a derivative of tryptophan, is synthesized and released from pineal gland but it is also found in numerous extrapineal tissues including retina, testes, lymphocytes, Harderian gland, gastrointestinal tract, etc. This molecule has several tasks which enhance physiological functions such as antioxidant, antiaging, immunomodulatory, and tumor inhibition. Multiple immunocytochemical studies reported melatonin in the intestinal mucosa where its concentration is greater than in the blood. These findings suggest that melatonin may have a potential inhibitory role in CRC progression. The purpose of this review is to examine the effects of melatonin in molecular pathogenesis and signaling pathways of CRC. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Mitigation of radiation-induced lung pneumonitis and fibrosis using metformin and melatonin: A histopathological study
Get PDFBackground and objectives: Pneumonitis and fibrosis are the most common consequences of lung exposure to a high dose of ionizing radiation during an accidental radiological or nuclear event, and may lead to death, after some months to years. So far, some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents have been used for mitigation of lung injury. In the present study, we aimed to detect possible mitigatory effects of melatonin and metformin on radiation-induced pneumonitis and lung fibrosis. Materials and methods: 40 male mice were divided into 4 groups (10 mice in each). For control group, mice did not receive radiation or drugs. In group 2, mice were irradiated to chest area with 18 Gy gamma rays. In groups 3 and 4, mice were first irradiated similar to group 2. After 24 h, treatment with melatonin as well as metformin began. Mice were sacrificed after 100 days for determination of mitigation of lung pneumonitis and fibrosis by melatonin or metformin. Results: Results showed that both melatonin and metformin are able to mitigate pneumonitis and fibrosis markers such as infiltration of inflammatory cells, edema, vascular and alveolar thickening, as well as collagen deposition. Conclusion: Melatonin and metformin may have some interesting properties for mitigation of radiation pneumonitis and fibrosis after an accidental radiation event. © 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland
Effect of sweet almond syrup versus methylphenidate in children with ADHD: A randomized triple-blind clinical trial
Get PDFBackground and purpose: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common health disorders among children. Some patients do not respond to methylphenidate or cannot tolerate its side effects. Sweet almond syrup as a Persian Medicine preparation has been used for many years. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sweet almond for ADHD children. Materials and methods: Fifty children aged 6-14 years with ADHD were recruited to the study. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups to receive either methylphenidate or sweet almond syrup. The outcomes were assessed using the Parent and Teacher ADHD Rating Scale every two weeks for 8 weeks. Results: Results showed that the two treatments had similar effects on symptom reduction in ADHD children. No significant differences were observed between the two groups (F=2.3, df=1, p=0.13, F=0.57, df=1, p=0.47). Conclusion: Sweet almond may be an effective treatment for ADHD children. © 2019 Elsevier Lt
Environmental factors affecting the frequency of traffic accidents leading to death in 22 districts of Tehran during 2014-2016
Get PDFBackground: In many developed and developing countries, a significant proportion of deaths from road traffic accidents occur in the passages within cities. Considering the importance of this issue, this study was conducted to determine the environmental factors affecting the frequency of deaths in 22 areas of Tehran. Materials and Methods: In this study, the statistical population consisted of traumatic traffic incidents during the period of 2014-2016, all of which were studied. The data necessary for conducting the study were extracted from the traffic police databases, Tehran Municipality, and the Statistics Center of Iran. In order to analyze the role of regional and environmental factors in the frequency of traffic accidents related to pedestrians in geographic units (22 districts of Tehran), the Poisson regression and geographically weighted regression models were used. The likelihood ratio test was used to compare the models. The goodness-of-fit of models was evaluated using R2, Bayesian information criterion, and Akaike's information criterion statistics. Results: In this study, 519 incidents were studied, 175 of which (33.7) were related to motorcyclists, 174 (33.5) related to automobile drivers, and 170 (32.8) pedestrians. The frequency distribution of the incidents studied varied in Tehran's 22 districts. The incidence of accidents in the central regions of Tehran was lower, while marginal areas located in the north, south, east, and west of Tehran had the highest frequency of fatal accidents. The both final Bayesian Poisson and GWR models showed that the relationship between the length of highways and educational land used with dependent variable was statistically significant. Conclusion: Various demographic and environmental variables play a role in determining the distribution pattern of these types of events. Through regional planning, proper traffic management, controlling environmental risk factors, and training people the pedestrian safety in Tehran can be improved
A systematic review of radiation-induced testicular toxicities following radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Get PDFBackground: Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men in the world, and radiotherapy is used as a standard treatment modality for this cancer. Although this treatment modality effectively kills prostate cancerous cells, it unavoidably irradiates the organs/tissues that are away from the treatment site. In this regard, radiation-induced testicular toxicities following prostate radiotherapy can affect sexual function, reproduction, and quality of life in cancer survivors. This review summarizes the available data on testicular exposure to radiation during prostate radiotherapy and the consequences on testicular function. Methods: To illuminate the radiation-induced testicular toxicities following prostate radiotherapy, a systematic search was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and clinical trials electronic databases up to September 2018. According to a set of prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 eligible articles providing data on testicular function following radiotherapy in patients with prostate cancer were included in the study. Results: According to the different radiotherapeutic techniques used for prostate cancer treatment, the total tumor dose and scattered testicular dose values were ranging from 36.25 to 78.00 Gy and 0.06 to 6.48 Gy, respectively. Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels after prostate radiotherapy were signi�cantly higher in comparison with the pretreatment levels. Around 60 of the studies showed that testosterone levels after prostate radiotherapy were signi�cantly lower than the pretreatment levels. Furthermore, erectile dysfunction (ED), as an adverse side effect resulting from prostate radiotherapy, was reported and this complication is signi�cantly correlated with lower satisfaction with sexual life. Testicular atrophy following prostate radiotherapy has also been observed and its frequency in patients with prior prostate radiotherapy is 2.5 times more than that in the patients without prior radiotherapy. Conclusion: The data revealed that the scattered dose to testicular tissues during prostate radiotherapy can lead to testicular atrophy, variation of the male sex hormones, and quality of sexual life. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Glioblastoma cancer stem cell biology: Potential theranostic targets
Get PDFGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most incurable cancers. GBMs survival rate has not markedly improved, despite new radical surgery protocols, the introduction of new anticancer drugs, new treatment protocols, and advances in radiation techniques. The low efficacy of therapy, and short interval between remission and recurrence, could be attributed to the resistance of a small fraction of tumorigenic cells to treatment. The existence and importance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is perceived by some as controversial. Experimental evidences suggest that the presence of therapy-resistant glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) could explain tumor recurrence and metastasis. Some scientists, including most of the authors of this review, believe that GSCs are the driving force behind GBM relapses, whereas others however, question the existence of GSCs. Evidence has accumulated indicating that non-tumorigenic cancer cells with high heterogeneity, could undergo reprogramming and become GSCs. Hence, targeting GSCs as the �root cells� initiating malignancy has been proposed to eradicate this devastating disease. Most standard treatments fail to completely eradicate GSCs, which can then cause the recurrence of the disease. To effectively target GSCs, a comprehensive understanding of the biology of GSCs as well as the mechanisms by which these cells survive during treatment and develop into new tumor, is urgently needed. Herein, we provide an overview of the molecular features of GSCs, and elaborate how to facilitate their detection and efficient targeting for therapeutic interventions. We also discuss GBM classifications based on the molecular stem cell subtypes with a focus on potential therapeutic approaches. © 201
Bacterial spectrum and antimicrobial resistance pattern in cancer patients with febrile neutropenia
Get PDFBackground: Bacterial bloodstream infections are one of the most common complications in cancer patients under treatment. Bacteremia in these patients is a medical crisis that needs antibiotic treatment. The aim of this study was to determine bacterial spectrum and antimicrobial resistance pattern in febrile neutropenic cancer patients. Methods: In this prospective study, 212 cancer patients with febrile neutropenia who were referred to Shahid Sadoughi hospital in Yazd from 2012 to 2015 were participated. Bacterial pathogens isolated by the BACTEC media and antimicrobial susceptibility tests performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: The mean age of patients was 43.5 ± 24.98 years old. Out of 212 participants, 62.3 (132/212) were suffering from hematologic malignancies, and 37.7 (80/212) had solid tumors. Gram-negative bacteria were the predominant microorganisms (84.9). E.coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen (38.68 ), followed by Klebsiella (14.15) and Acinetobacter species (11.32). In addition, Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common isolated Gram-positive bacteria (8.5). Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to ciprofloxacin with a response range of 53.7 to 100. The majority of E.coli isolates were sensitive to ceftazidime (87.8) and were resistance to Co-trimoxazole (15.8). Klebsiella isolates were 100 susceptible to cephalosporins, meropenem and imipenem. Conclusion: The majority of bacterial pathogens were resistance to various antibiotics. Judicious use of antibiotic therapy can prevent the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. © 2019, Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
The effects of probiotic Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains on memory and learning behavior, long-term potentiation (LTP), and some biochemical parameters in β-amyloid-induced rat's model of Alzheimer's disease
Get PDFThis study assessed the effects of probiotic supplementation on spatial learning and memory, long-term potentiation (LTP), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) ratios, nitric oxide (NO) concentrations, and lipid profiles in a rat model of amyloid beta (Aβ)(1-42)-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD). Forty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. The sham (control and prevention) group received intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of artificial cerebrospinal fluid, the Alzheimer group received ICV injection of Aβ(1-42), and the probiotic+Alzheimer group received 500 mg probiotics daily (15 �109 colony-forming unit) by gavage for 4 weeks before and 2 weeks after injection of Aβ(1-42). The Morris water maze test was performed for evaluation of spatial learning and memory. LTP and PPF ratios were measured to evaluate long-term synaptic plasticity and pre-synaptic mechanisms, respectively. The results showed that probiotic supplementation significantly improved learning, but not memory impairment, and increased PPF ratios compared to those in the Alzheimer group. Both Aβ(1-42) injection and probiotic supplementation alone did not significantly effect plasma level of NO. Probiotic supplementation of rats in the probiotic (6 weeks)+Alzheimer group decreased serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol significantly compared to the Alzheimer group. The results of this study suggest that probiotic supplementation may positively impact learning capacity and LTP in rats with AD, most likely via the release of neurotransmitters via presynaptic mechanisms or via a protective effect on serum lipid profiles. Copyright © 2019 by The Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition. All rights Reserved
Evaluation of circulating serum 3 types of microRNA as biomarkers of oral squamous cell carcinoma; A pilot study
No full textIntroduction: The microRNAs are molecules which have important biologic role and play key point in cancers. The aim of present study was to determine the miR-21, miR-24, and miR-29a expression in serum of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and methods: Blood samples were obtained from 40 patients (20 in cases and 20 in control group) to determine the miR-21, miR-24, and miR-29a expressions by using real-time PCR and �CT. Results: Mean miR-29a was �2.28 ± 2.15 and 5.61 ± 2.38 in case and control groups, respectively. The miR-21 was 6.90 ± 3.86 and �0.88 ± 2.31 in case and control groups, respectively. According to the results, miR-24 was 2.13 ± 2.89 and �0.35 ± 2.44 in case and control, respectively. A significant difference was observed on miR-21, miR-24, and miR-29a between two groups (P <.05). The results obtained by t test showed miR-21 and miR-24 were higher and miR-29a was lower in plasma of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and this differences were significant (P <.05). Conclusion: These results suggested miR-21, miR-24, and miR-29a in serum of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma comparing with normal group can be used as potent markers for carcinoma detection and also may be a potentially therapeutic approach in the future. More longitudinal studies with larger samples are necessary to confirm these findings. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Lt