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The Effect of bisphenol A and Photobiomodulation Therapy on Autophagy-Related Genes Induction in Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells
No full textIntroduction: As adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can divide rapidly and be prepared non-invasively, they have extensively been used in regenerative medicine. On the other hand, a new method of therapy, known as photobiomodulation (PHT), has been used to treat many diseases, such as inflammatory conditions, wound healing and pain. Besides, exposure to chemical substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), at low levels, can lead to autophagy. This study investigated the effects of BPA and PHT on the expression of autophagy-related genes, including LC3, NRF2, P62, in rat ADSCs as a model. Methods: ADSCs isolation and purification were confirmed by immunocytochemistry (ICC). The cells were then treated with different concentrations of BPA and also subjected to PHT. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for the evaluation of LC3, NRF2 and P62 gene expressions. Oil red O staining was used for adipogenic vacuole formation. Result: ICC showed that the isolated cells were CD 49-positive but CD 31 and CD 34-negative. The viability test indicated that the number of live cells after 24 hours in the BPA groups at concentrations of 0, 1, 50, 100 and 200 muM was 100, 93, 81, 72, and 43 respectively. The difference in cell viability between groups 50, 100 and 200 muM was significant as compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, in the group with 1 muM concentration of BPA, the expressions of LC3, NRF2 and P62 genes were upregulated. However, in the treatment group at the concentration of 200 muM of BPA, the LC3 gene was expressed, but NRF2 and P62 genes were downregulated. Conclusion: BPA and PHT induce autophagy and adiposeness in ADSCs in a dose-dependent manner
Association of body composition in early pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis
No full textINTRODUCTION: Body composition as dynamic indices constantly changes in pregnancy. The use of body composition indices in the early stages of pregnancy has recently been considered. Therefore, the current meta-analysis study was conducted to investigate the relationship between body composition in the early stages of pregnancy and gestational diabetes. METHOD: Valid databases searched for papers published from 2010 to December 2021 were based on PRISMA guideline. Newcastle Ottawa was used to assess the quality of the studies. For all analyses, STATA 14.0 was used. Mean difference (MD) of anthropometric indices was calculated between the GDM and Non-GDM groups. Pooled MD was estimated by "Metan" command, and heterogeneity was defined using Cochran's Q test of heterogeneity, and I 2 index was used to quantify heterogeneity. RESULTS: Finally, 29 studies with a sample size of 56438 met the criteria for entering the meta-analysis. Pooled MD of neck circumference, hip circumference, waist hip ratio, and visceral adipose tissue depth were, respectively, 1.00 cm (95 CI: 0.79 to 1.20) N = 5; I^2: 0%; p: 0.709, 7.79 cm (95% CI: 2.27 to 13.31) N = 5; I2: 84.3%; P<0.001, 0.03 (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.04) N = 9; I2: 89.2%; P<0.001, and 7.74 cm (95% CI: 0.11 to 1.36) N = 4; I^2: 95.8%; P<0.001. CONCLUSION: Increased neck circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, arm circumference, waist to hip ratio, visceral fat depth, subcutaneous fat depth, and short stature increased the possibility of developing gestational diabetes. These indices can accurately, cost-effectively, and affordably assess the occurrence of gestational diabetes, thus preventing many consequences with early detection of gestational diabetes
A Comprehensive Review of the Protein Subunit Vaccines Against COVID-19
No full textTwo years after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), in December 2019, the first infections were identified in Wuhan city of China. SARS-CoV-2 infection caused a global pandemic and accordingly, 5.41 million deaths worldwide. Hence, developing a safe and efficient vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) seems to be an urgent need. Attempts to produce efficient vaccines inexhaustibly are ongoing. At present time, according to the COVID-19 vaccine tracker and landscape provided by World Health Organization (WHO), there are 161 vaccine candidates in different clinical phases all over the world. In between, protein subunit vaccines are types of vaccines that contain a viral protein like spike protein or its segment as the antigen assumed to elicit humoral and cellular immunity and good protective effects. Previously, this technology of vaccine manufacturing was used in a recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV4). In the present work, we review protein subunit vaccines passing their phase 3 and 4 clinical trials, population participated in these trials, vaccines manufactures, vaccines efficiency and their side effects, and other features of these vaccines
Therapeutic Strategies for COVID-19 Patients: An Update
No full textThe novel coronavirus SARS-coV-2, which emerged in Wuhan in November 2019, has increasingly spread, causing a global pandemic that infected more than 444 million people, resulting in severe social and economic ramifications, and claimed more than 6,010,000 lives by March 5, 2022. The pandemic attracted global attention with consequential multiple economic, social, and clinical studies. Among causes of poor clinical outcomes of the disease are therapeutic challenges, leading to spirals of studies in search of better therapeutic alternatives. Despite the worsening circumstances of the pandemic, no drug has yet shown remarkable efficacy in the clinical management of COVID-19 patients in large-scale trials. Many potential therapeutic strategies, including the use of nucleotide analogs, chloroquine phosphate, arbidol, protease inhibitors (lopinavir/ritonavir), plasma, monoclonal antibodies, plastic antibodies based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), nanomaterials, vaccine, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have emerged with various degrees of successes. Remdesivir and dexamethasone have now been licensed based on the results of randomized controlled trials. Baricitinib, the Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor, is also an attractive candidate due to its properties as a potent anti-inflammatory agent and its hypothesized offtarget antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2. Besides, human plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients is theoretically expected to be safe and effective for both therapy and post-exposure prophylaxis. In light of the literature, the correlation between the reduction of C5aR1/C5aR2 and the IL6-IL6R axis, using the available anti-IL6R mAb would be crucial. Moreover, MSCs are a potential therapeutic choice for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The coronavirus spike (S) protein that mediates the process of the infection via binding of host cells to the virus receptor is an essential focus for vaccine development. Importantly, with the number of patients increasing daily, there is an urgent need for effective therapeutic intervention. In this review, we expatiated on several strategies deployed for the treatment of COVID-19 infection
The effect of pomegranate seed oil on human health, especially epidemiology of polycystic ovary syndrome; a systematic review
No full textPolycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in women. Today, medicinal plants have been considered by women, especially in the reproductive and pregnancy ages. Multiple drug treatments and the length of the treatment period often lead to incomplete treatment by patients. Therefore, due to the side effects of chemical drugs, this study was conducted to assess investigate the effect of pomegranate seed oil on polycystic ovary syndrome. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome is increasing by 15 to 20 and clinically includes oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, hirsutism, and often infertility. Databases such as Cochran library, Medline, PubMed, SID, and Science Direct were used to access the related articles. To collect the required information, first, the articles that had one of the keywords of medicinal plants, polycystic ovary syndrome, plant, pomegranate extract, and menstrual irregularities in their text were searched in databases. All studies from 1985 to 2021 are included in the study. Conjugated linolenic acid (CLN) is a group of geometric and positional isomers of linolenic acid in which double bonds are conjugated. CLN has been reported to have a very strong cytotoxic effect on tissue tumor cells in the body, preventing cancer, reducing the accumulation of triacylglycerol in the liver, polycystic ovary syndrome, and LDL cholesterol in the blood. So far, seven CLN isomers have been identified, including ponic acid in pomegranate seed oil. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of situational and geometric isomers of linoleic acid in which double bonds are conjugated. The positive effects of the two main CLA isomers (cis-9, trans-11, and trans-10, cis-12) include inhibiting the growth of cancer, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, and reducing body fat
MicroRNAs-mediated regulation pathways in rheumatic diseases
No full textRheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are two common rheumatic disorders marked by persistent inflammatory joint disease. Patients with RA have osteodestructive symptoms, but those with AS have osteoproliferative manifestations. Ligaments, joints, tendons, bones, and muscles are all affected by rheumatic disorders. In recent years, many epigenetic factors contributing to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid disorders have been studied. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules implicated as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers in rheumatic diseases. MiRNAs play a critical role in the modulation of bone homeostasis and joint remodeling by controlling fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), chondrocytes, and osteocytes. Several miRNAs have been shown to be dysregulated in rheumatic diseases, including miR-10a, 16, 17, 18a, 19, 20a, 21, 27a, 29a, 34a, 103a, 125b, 132, 137, 143, 145, 146a, 155, 192, 203, 221, 222, 301a, 346, and 548a.The major molecular pathways governed by miRNAs in these cells are Wnt, bone-morphogenic protein (BMP), nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B, receptor activator of NF-kappa B (RANK)-RANK ligand (RANKL), and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) receptor pathway. This review aimed to provide an overview of the most important signaling pathways controlled by miRNAs in rheumatic diseases
Social Capital of Parents of Children and Adolescents and Its Relation to Psychiatric Disorders; A Population-Based Study
No full textSocial capital is a complex concept that is considered an effective factor in the development of societies. Considering the importance of burdens of psychiatric disorders in Iran, we studied the relationship between various dimensions of social capital of parents of children and adolescents and psychiatric disorders among them. In this cross-sectional study, 18,940 parents of children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years old were randomly selected from all provinces of Iran and were evaluated by the Millon clinical multiaxial inventory-III (MCMI-III) and a modified version of Nahapiet and Ghoshal questionnaire. MCMI-III was designed as a self-report tool for investigating psychiatric clinical disorders and personality traits in the general population. Modified Nahapiet and ghoshal questionnaire has 20 items and measures four components of social capital included trust, values, communication, and collaboration. Validity and reliability of both questionnaires have been approved in Iran. In the regression model, the relationship between social capital components and clinical and sever clinical syndromes, in the form of regression weight and standard weight for trust was - 0.558 and - 0.062 with p value less than 0.0001, and for values was - 0.466 and - 0.057, respectively, with p value less than 0.0001. There was a reverse correlation between social capital components of parents of children and adolescents and psychiatric disorders in Iran. In regression statistical models, the two components of values and trust were negative predictors of psychiatric disorders. Considering the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Iran, it seems that the strengthening of cognitive and structural aspects of social capital of parents of children and adolescents is one of the effective factors in reducing the prevalence of these disorders among them
The Synergistic Effects of Ultrasound Waves and Ethanol Exposure on Intracellular Calcium and Reactive Oxygen Species Rates of Hippocampal Cells During the Embryonic Course in Rats
No full textObjective: Ultrasound (US) is an imaging procedure with various applications, such as checking the fetus during pregnancy. To the best of our knowledge no study have investigated the simultaneous effect of diagnostic US waves and ethanol exposure on intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) processes and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, in the current study, we first aimed to investigate the impacts of diagnostic US during fetal life on Ca2+i and ROS in rats’ hippocampal cells; then whether the diagnostic US has intensified ethanol effects on these two variables. Materials and Methods: After mating, adult female Wistar rats were divided into six groups as follows: Control group, ethanol group (5 g/kg), groups that were exposed to diagnostic US at frequencies of 3 and 5 MHz for 10 minutes on the 11-13 days of pregnancy, and groups that underwent US waves accompanied with ethanol on the same term of pregnancy. Fourteen days after delivery, the offspring were anesthetized, the hippocampus was isolated, and Ca2+i was measured using the Flou 3-AM and fluorimetry instrument after cell culture. Results: The results showed that the diagnostic US with 3 and 5 MHz frequencies significantly increased Ca2+i levels up to 17.8% and 21.8 %, as well as ROS levels by 81.18% and 128.51% compared to the control group. In addition, Ca2+i levels in the groups with simultaneous exposure to ethanol and US with frequencies 3 and 5 MHz were 19.19% and 23.33% higher than the ethanol group. Besides, the amount of ROS in the groups with simultaneous exposure to ethanol and US with frequencies 3 and 5 MHz were 77.5% and 172.5% higher than the ethanol group, respectively. However, ethanol alone did not alter intracellular Ca2+i and ROS levels. Conclusion: It is concluded that diagnostic US with 3 and 5 MHz frequencies increase the Ca2+i and ROS rate, and it also intensifies the effects of ethanol on the Ca2+i and ROS levels. © 2022, Turkish Neurosurgical Society. All rights reserved
Immobilization of Clostridium perfringens type D in calcium alginate beads: toxin production mimics free cell culture
No full textBackground and Objectives: Cell-immobilization is used to maintain microbial culture to produce metabolites in repeat-ed-batch or continuous fermentations, thereby reducing the time and resources spent on delivering mass production of microbe. The technique also enables shortening of the detoxification phase and the amount of formaldehyde required due to low incidence of viable bacteria in the extract. Materials and Methods: A solution of sodium alginate containing Clostridium perfringens cells was dropped into stirring CaCl solution via a sterile syringe needle. Optimizations resulted in reasonably uniform beads containing C. perfringens. 2 Beads were externally stabilized by poly L-lysine, followed by immersion in a solution of Na-alginate to coat them with a new layer of alginate forming an alginate-PLL-alginate cortex. Results: This study proved successful in immobilizing C. perfringens cells inside uniform alginate microspheres. Cell load-ing and cell propagation inside the beads were measured. The cell loaded beads were cultivable in liquid media producing 550 minimum lethal doses per milliliter (MLD/ml) in a 72 h. Conclusion: The research paved the way for further investigations to optimize and establish an efficient bacterial encapsulation method. Thus, it seems possible to produce toxins from beads engulfing C. perfringens on larger scales via repeat-ed-batch or continuous fermentation processes. © 2022 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Palladium nanoparticles decorated Chitosan-Pectin modified Kaolin: It's catalytic activity for Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction, reduction of the 4-nitrophenol, and treatment of lung cancer
No full textA mild and efficient green protocol has been disclosed for tiny Pd NPs fabricated chitosan-pectin composite functionalized Kaolin (Kaolin@CS-Pectine/Pd). The post-synthetically modified biogenic material was characterized over a number of physicochemical methods like, FE-SEM, TEM, EDX, elemental mapping, XRD and ICP-OES. Catalytic efficiency of the material was investigated in the ultrasound assisted classical Suzuki-Miyaura coupling towards the synthesis of diverse range of biaryls and in the catalytic reduction of 4-Nitrophenol towards the wastewater treatment. In both the protocols the catalyst exhibited excellent performances. Due to super-paramagnetism, the catalyst was easily magnetically isolable and reused in 10 cycles without considerable leaching and change in reactivity. The IC50 of the Kaolin@CS-Pectine/Pd were 66, 72, and 85 µg/mL against NCI-H661, NCI-H1563, and NCI-H1299 lung cancer cell lines. The Kaolin@CS-Pectine/Pd showed the high antioxidant activity according to the IC50 value. It seems that the of recent nanoparticles is due to their significant antioxidant effects. © 2022 Elsevier B.V