Showing 19 results for Age
Mohammad Moshiri, Fatemeh Hamid, Leila Etemad,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (5-2016)
Abstract
Seeds of the castor bean plant Ricinuscommunis L (CB) contain ricin toxin (RT), one of the most poisonous naturally-occurring substances known. Ricin toxin, a water-soluble glycoprotein that does not partition into the oil extract, is a ribosome-inactivating toxin composed of two chains, labeled A and B. Severity of the toxicity varies depending on the route of exposure to the toxin. Inhalational is the most toxic route, followed by oral ingestion. Orally-ingested RT accumulates in the liver and spleen but other cells are also affected. The main clinical manifestations are also related to the administration route. Oral ingestion of CB or RT results in abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and various types of gastrointestinal bleeding that leading to volume depletion, hypovolemic shock, and renal failure. Inhalation of the toxin presents with non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, diffuse necrotizing pneumonia, interstitial and alveolar inflammation, and edema. Local injection of RT induces indurations at the injection site, swelling of regional lymph nodes, hypotension, and death. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed to detect RT in animal tissues and fluids. Ricinine, an alkaloid of CB, can be detected in rat urine within 48 h of RT exposure. Supportive care is the basic treatment and standard biowarfare decontamination protocols are used for RT intoxication. Dexamethasone and difluoromethylornithine might be effective treatments. This review examines the clinical and molecular aspects of ricin toxicity.
Armin Mokhtariye, Lida Hagh-Nazari, Abdol-Reza Varasteh, Fatemeh Keyfi,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (1-2019)
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are a class of metabolic disturbance in which manifested by the accumulation of large molecules (complex lipids, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, etc.) in lysosomes. LSDs have a wide range of clinical symptoms that may contain organ dysfunction, neurological and skeletal disorders. The first stage of diagnosis is clinically suspected by a physician. Next stage is enzyme activity assays including Fluorometry and MS/MS methods. These methods usually placed in newborn program screening. The second laboratory diagnostic stage is molecular examination (RFLP-PCR and ARMS-PCR, Mutations Scanning Methods, DNA sequencing, MLPA and NGS methods) that is confirmation of the enzyme assays. In this article, routine diagnostic methods for LSDs were discussed. The gold standard for enzyme activity assay and molecular diagnosis is TMS and NGS, respectively.
Mohammad Javad Aghaei Afshar, Reza Robati, Foroogh Nejatollahi,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (10-2019)
Abstract
Background: Blocking of gp41 of HIV virus, which is involved in the virus entry has been introduced as an effective strategy against HIV infection. In this study we used phage display technology to select specific single chain antibody (scFv) against gp41 HIV for its application in clinical use.
Methods: Single chain antibodies against an epitope located in C- terminal part of gp41 were selected using the panning process which enriched a phage antibody display library of scFv. Following panning, 20 clones were amplified by PCR and fingerprinted. To test the specificity of the selected antibodies phage ELISA was performed.
Results: PCR of the library clones demonstrated the presence of VH-linker-VL inserts. Fingerprinting of the clones showed a diverse library with different patterns. Fingerprinting of selected clones after panning revealed two specific single chain antibodies with frequency of 25% and 20%. These clones were preserved for further investigations. Phage ELISA results showed specificity of the two scFvs against the immunodominant epitope of gp41. The absorbance of the scFv1 and scFv2 were 0.72 and 0.63 while the absorbance of the no peptide were 0.18 and 0.12, respectively.
Conclusions: In this study we successfully selected two specific recombinant antibodies against gp41. These libraries are human antibodies with high affinity and specificity and have the potential to be used for diagnosis and treatment. Further investigations are needed to show the effects of the antibodies in vitro and in vivo.
Samira Eskandarian, Roger Grand, Shiva Irani, Mohsen Saeedi, Reza Mirfakhraie,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (6-2020)
Abstract
Background: The Ccr4-Not protein complex (CNOT complex) is a key regulator of gene expression in eukaryotic cells. Ccr4-Not Complex is composed of at least nine conserved subunits in mammalian cells with two main enzymatic activities. CNOT8 is a subunit of the complex with deadenylase activity that interacts transiently with the CNOT6 or CNOT6L subunits. Here, we focused on the role of the human CNOT8 subunit in the DNA damage response (DDR).
Methods: Cell viability was assessed to measure ATP level using a Cell Titer-Glo Luminescence reagent up to 4 days’ post CNOT8 siRNA transfection. In addition, expression level of phosphorylated proteins in signalling pathways were detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. CNOT8-depleted Hela cells post- 3 Gy ionizing radiation (IR) treatment were considered as a control.
Results: Our results from cell viability assays indicated a significant reduction at 72-hour post CNOT8 siRNA transfection (p= 0.04). Western blot analysis showed slightly alteration in the phosphorylation of DNA damage response (DDR) proteins in CNOT8-depleted HeLa cells following treatment with ionizing radiation (IR). Increased foci formation of gH2AX, RPA, 53BP1, and RAD51 foci was observed after IR in CNOT8-depleted cells compared to the control cells.
Conclusions: We conclude that CNOT8 deadenylase subunit is involved in the cellular response to DNA damage.
Mohammad Ghasem Kashanizadeh, Fariba Rezaei Fakhrnezhad, Saeede Yavari, Homa Alizadeh, Payam Hashemim, Amir Monfaredan,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (4-2021)
Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in Iran. It can be treated in the early stages of the disease; therefore, early diagnosis can be lifesaving. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular expression of some oncogenes and predisposing behaviors contributing to the aggressiveness of prostate cancer.
Methods: In this case-control study, prostate cancer specimens were collected from both patients and healthy volunteers. Several factors such as age, family history, smoking, and stage of the disease, were investigated based on the criteria of this study. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of four oncogenes. Statistical analysis of our data was carried out using SPSS software version 22.
Results: The X2 test showed that there was a difference in the incidence of prostate cancer in different age groups (X2= 9.30; p= 0.026). Although data analysis by the X2 test showed that family history had a significant effect on prostate cancer (X2= 14.43; p= 0.001), smoking did not show a significant effect on the incidence of this disorder (X2= 4.67; p= 0.097). The T2N1M0 stage is the most common form of prostate cancer in patients with family history of prostate cancer and the habit of smoking. Also, the expression of KRAS1P, GLB1L2, SChLAP1 and PACSIN3 oncogenes reduced in prostate cancer samples compared to the control group.
Conclusions: Overall, functional interpretation of gene expression in the prostate tissue can affect tumor progression. Yet, further practical studies are required to reveal the accurate underlying mechanisms.
Saad Shakir Mahdi Al-Amara,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (4-2022)
Abstract
Background: Antibiotics called macrolide, lincosamide and streptogramin B (MLSB) are being used to treat staphylococci infections. Multiple pathways that impart resistance to MLSB antibiotics have been confirmed to cause clinical failure. The present work aimed to determine the frequency of constitutive and inducible clindamycin resistant among coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolates of different clinical samples in Al-Basrah governorate, Iraq.
Methods: The 28 CoNS, traditional techniques and the Vitek®2 system were used to identify the isolates. The disk diffusion technique was used to detect methicillin resistance and antibiotic sensitivity patterns via cefoxitin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, teicoplanin, linezolid, doxycycline and vancomycin disks. Erythromycin and clindamycin antibiotic disks was used to detect the inducible and constitutive clindamycin resistance as well as a D-test according to CLSI guidelines.
Results: Among 28 CoNS isolated, the Staphylococcus aureus 11(39.29%), Staphylococcus epidermidis 7(25 %), Staphylococcus haemolyticus 4(14.29%) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus 3 (10.71%) were predominant isolated species. Out of 28 CoNS isolates, 15(53.57%) were methicillin resistant coagulasenegative staphylococci (MRCoNS) isolates and 13(46.43%) were methicillin sensitive coagulase-negative staphylococci (MSCoNS) isolates. The 15(53.57%) isolates out of 28 CoNS, showed erythromycin resistance while 6(40%) isolates out of 15 CoNS, showed inducible macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (iMLSB) and 2(13.3%) of CONS isolated showed constitutive macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (cMLSB).
Conclusions: In order to achive the best result in choosing the suitable treatment and avoiding the loses the money and time, it is better to use the D-test for inducible clindamycin resistance in the daily routine work of antibiotic susceptibility testing in hospital and private clinical laboratories.
Hawraa Saad Al-Kawaz, Oda Mizil Yasser, Mazin Jaafar Mousa,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (4-2022)
Abstract
Background: Pre-eclampsia is an idiopathic pregnancy disorder characterized by appearance proteinuria and hypertension, with poorly understood etiology. It has been linked to a variety of system abnormalities, including ion transport disorders in neonatal, maternal, and placental cell lines. A new method was described to evaluate the inhibition percentage of endogenous digitalis in plasma of pre-eclampsia patients compared with normal pregnancies, with the estimation of sensitivity and specificity of the proposed test.
Methods: This was a case-control study consisting of 130 cases that were divided into three groups, 55 normal pregnancies (positive control), 30 non-pregnant women (negative control), and 45 preeclampsia (patients). The new method included the estimation of the percentage inhibition of endogenous digitalis by measuring specific enzyme activity of Na-K ATPase for the patient and positive control. The results were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS®) software version 26.0. A p-value of≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: In the pre-eclampsia patient, the specific activity of Na-K ATPase was significantly lower with mean= 0.239 mg/g±0.043 compared to the control group which was 0.397 mg/g±0.021, p<0.001. While the result of inhibition percentage of endogenous digitalis showed significantly higher in the pre-eclampsia patient (mean= 35.852 mg/g %±2.692%) compared to the control group (mean=17.964%±1.784), with a p< 0.001.
Conclusions: Pre-eclampsia is linked with lower erythrocyte sodium pump activity significantly in pre-eclampsia patients than in normal pregnancies. Also, results show the inhibited percentage of endogenous digitalis elevation in patients with pre-eclampsia compared with normal pregnancy.
Peyman Bemani, Setareh Moazen, Elham Nadimi, Foroogh Nejatollahi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (8-2022)
Abstract
Background: Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) is an oncofetal antigen expressed on many types of cancer cells, but not normal adult cells. ROR1 antigen contributes to cancer development and progression by several signaling pathways. ROR1 expression has been associated with tumor growth, survival, and metastasis. In this study specific human recombinant antibodies were selected against ROR1 antigen for their use in cancer immunotherapy.
Methods: Phage display technology was used to produce phage antibody from a human scFv library. Phage concentration was determined to confirm the phage rescue process. Panning procedure was performed to isolate specific scFv clones against ROR1 epitope. Phage ELISA was done to evaluate the reactivity of the selected scFvs.
Results: Two specific human scFvs with frequencies of 20% and 25% were selected against ROR1 peptide. The antibodies showed specific reaction to the corresponding epitopes in phage ELISA.
Conclusions: Cancer targeted therapy using human specific antibodies is a new strategy, which is used in cancer therapy. The selected specific scFvs that target ROR1 epitope are human antibodies that originated from a human library and have the potential to be used in clinic in cancer immunotherapy of ROR1 positive tumors without induction of human anti mouse antibody (HAMA) response.
Ramzi Amin, Tiara Bunga Indiarsih, Prima Maya Sari, Petty Purwanita,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (11-2022)
Abstract
Background: Receptor advanced glycation end products (RAGE) activation plays an essential role in diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression. This study was aimed to explore the role of anti-RAGE antibodies (RAGE antagonists) in inhibiting DR progression through their hypoglycemic and anti inflammatory mechanism in diabetic retinopathy induced rats.
Methods: A total of 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five group. The group was consisted of normal control group, DR group without treatment, DR group with anti-RAGE 1 g/kg BW, 10 g/kg BW, and 100 g/kg BW. To assess the diabetic retinopathy, fundus photographs were taken every week using a camera with 16x magnification placed in front of the rat's eyes. Blood glucose was checked by the glucose oxidase-peroxidase method. Retinal TNF- levels and VEGF were examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.
Results: The finding of this study showed that anti-RAGE treatment at dose of 10 and 100 g/kg BW, HbA1c levels were significantly higher (p< 0.05) compared to the normal control group but significantly lower (p< 0.05) than in the diabetes group. The mean blood vessel diameter in the DR+anti-RAGE 10 and 100 g/kg BW groups was significantly lower than in the diabetic retinopathy group (p< 0.05). The administration of anti-RAGE 10 and 100 g/kg BW showed the ability to significantly reduce VEGF levels compared to the DR group (p< 0.05).
Conclusions:This study revealed at doses of 10 and 100 g/kg BW, anti-RAGE antibodies improved diabetic retinopathy in Wistar rats through hypoglycemic effects and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Abbas Khosravi, Mohammad Reza Deyhim, Fatemeh Yari, Mahin Nikougoftar Zarif,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (2-2023)
Abstract
Background: In the current study we have aimed to find the effects of Resveratrol treatment on platelet concentrates (PCs) at the dose dependent manner. We have also attempted to find the molecular mechanism of the effects.
Methods: The PCs, have received from Iranian blood transfusion organization (IBTO). Totally 10 PCs were studied. The PCs divided into 4 groups including untreated (control) and treated by different dose of Resveratrol; 10, 30 and 50 µM. Platelet aggregation and total reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were evaluated at day 3 of PCs storage. In silico analysis was carried out to find out the potential involved mechanisms.
Results: The aggregation against collagen has fallen dramatically in all studied groups but at the same time, aggregation was significantly higher in the control versus treated groups (p<0.05). The inhibitory effect was dose dependent. The aggregation against Ristocetin did not significantly affect by Resveratrol treatment. The mean of total ROS significantly increased in all studied groups except those PCs treated with 10 µM of Resveratrol (P=0.9). The ROS level significantly increased with increasing Resveratrol concentration even more than control group (slope=11.6, P=0.0034). Resveratrol could potently interact with more than 15 different genes which, 10 of them enrolled in cellular regulation of the oxidative stress.
Conclusions: Our findings indicated that the Resveratrol affect the platelet aggregation at the dose dependent manner. Moreover, we have also found that the Resveratrol play as double-edged sword in the controlling oxidative state of the cells. Therefore, Using the optimal dose of Resveratrol is the great of importance.
Malika Nurtleu, Zhansaya Adish, Kasym Mukanov, Kanat Tursunov, Yerlan Ramankulov, Kanatbek Mukantayev,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (2-2023)
Abstract
Background: Macrophages are essential cellular components in various body tissues and tumor microenvironments. The high infiltration of macrophages into the tumor microenvironment determines the importance of ex vivo treatment of personalized macrophages with recombinant cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (rCTLA-4), programmed death-ligand 1 (rPD-L1), and programmed cell death protein 1 (rPD-1) proteins to block immune checkpoints.
Methods: We investigated the development of humoral immunity against CTLA-4, PD-L1, and PD-1 receptors by introducing macrophages treated ex vivo with the corresponding proteins into mice. Peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice were cultured in medium containing recombinant human CTLA-4, PD-L1, and PD-1 proteins. Macrophages processing recombinant proteins were analyzed via immunofluorescence staining using antibodies against CTLA-4, PD-L1, and PD-1. The treated macrophages were administered intraperitoneally to mice to induce anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-L1, and anti-PD-1 antibodies. The antibody titer in vaccinated mice was determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, followed by statistical analysis of the results.
The specificity of the antibodies was determined via immunofluorescence staining in MCF7 cells.
Results: The ex vivo treatment of macrophages with rCTLA-4, rPD-L1, and rPD-1 induced the formation of specific antibodies in vaccinated mice. The various rPD-L1 and rPD-1 concentrations used to treat macrophages had no significant effect on the specific antibody titers, while the anti-rCTLA-4 titer was dependent on the protein concentration in the culture medium. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that anti-CTLA-4 and PD-L1 antibodies reacted with MCF7 cells.
Conclusions: The ex vivo treatment of macrophages with rCTLA-4, rPD-L1, and rPD-1 can help induce humoral immunity and develop new approaches for cancer immunotherapy.
Jabar Amin Mohedin, Alireza Rezaiemanesh, Sohila Asadi, Maryam Haddadi, Bahroz Abdul Ahmed, Ali Gorgin Karaji, Farhad Salari,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2024)
Abstract
Background: Chronic inflammation is associated with many inflammatory diseases. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are well known for their crucial role in promoting the resolution phase of inflammation and restoring tissue homeostasis. Resolvin D1 (RvD1) is an endogenous omega-3-derived lipid mediator with pro-resolving activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Resolvin D1 (RvD1) on some inflammatory miRNAs (mir-155-5p, miR146a-5p and miR148-3p) and Krüppel-like factors 5 (KLF5) in an LPS-stimulated THP-1 preclinical model of inflammation.
Methods: PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells (macrophages) were pre-incubated with or without various concentrations of RvD1 (10, 50, or 100 nM) for 2 h prior to stimulation by 1 μg/ml LPS. Un-stimulated PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells were as the control group. Then, the expression levels of target genes were evaluated by real-time PCR.
Results: Compared with untreated macrophages, stimulation with 1 µg/ml LPS increased mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, KLF5, miR-155-5p, miR-146-5p, and miR-148a-3p. When the cells were exposed to various concentrations (10, 50 and 100 nM) of RvD1 for 2 h prior to LPS stimulation, the TNF-α, KLF5, miR-155-5p, miR-146-5p, and miR-148a-3p mRNA expression levels were significantly downregulated in a dose-dependent manner, compared to the LPS group.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate that RvD1 can attenuate inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Our data also showed that RvD1 may exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting miR-155-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-148-3p.
Pouya Tofigh, Seyed Mehdi Mirghazanfari, Zahra Hami, Ehsan Nassireslami, Mohsen Ebrahimi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2024)
Abstract
Background: The therapeutic potential of Quercus infectoria (QI) gall, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, is well-known. However, its impact on lung, gastric, and esophageal cancer cells remain unclear. This study aims to explore the effects of QI gall aqueous extract on cell viability, apoptosis, and gene expression in A549, BGC823, and KYSE-30 cell lines.
Methods: A549, BGC823, and KYSE-30 cells were seeded in complete medium and incubated with different concentrations of QI gall extract for 24 hours. Cell viability was measured by an MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. The induction of apoptosis was assessed through flow cytometric analysis after the adding FITC-conjugated Annexin V (Annexin V-FITC) and propidium iodide (PI). The mRNA expression levels of CCND1, TP53, BCL2, and BAX genes were determined using Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis.
Results: The MTT assay demonstrated that treatment with QI gall extract significantly reduced the number of viable cells in the A549, BGC823, and KYSE-30 cell lines at IC50 concentrations of 440.1, 437.1, and 465.2 mg/ml, respectively. Additionally, compared to untreated cell population, the percentages of early apoptosis, late apoptosis, and necrosis in the A549, BGC823, and KYSE-30 cells significantly increased following treatment with QI gall extract (P< 0.05). Also, the treatment with QI gall extract influenced the expression of CCND1, TP53, BCL2, and BAX genes.
Conclusions: The present findings indicated that the gall extract of QI can inhibit the growth of A549, BGC823, and KYSE-30 cells by inducing apoptosis, which may be mediated via mitochondria‑dependent pathway.
Sina Goudarzi Afshar, Pari Tamri, Alireza Nourian, Ayoub Mahmoudi,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Background: Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a cutaneous condition results from abnormal wound healing following deep tissue injury. To date, there is no optimal treatment for this skin disorder. Catechins possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-fibrotic properties. In this study we investigated the effects of catechin hydrate (CH) in rabbit ear model of HS.
Methods: A rabbit ear model of hypertrophic scar was set up. Ten New Zealand white rabbit were divided into 5 equal groups: non-treatment group, vehicle control, treated with intralesional injection of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and test groups, received intralesional injection of CH/DMSO solution at concentration of 0.25, 1.25 and, 2.5 mg/ml, respectively. The treatments were initiated 35 days after wounding once a week for 4 weeks. The scar elevation index (SEI) and the epidermal thickness index (ETI) were measured using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and the amount of collagen deposition were determined after Masson' trichrome staining. In addition, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to determine the levels of type І and ІІІ collagen and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) in scar tissues.
Results: CH improved abnormal scarring at concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 mg/ml and significantly (P<0.001) reduced the SEI and ETI. The levels of collagen type І and type ІІІ, and total collagen deposition were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in scar tissues of CH treated groups and no significant effect on MMP1 levels.
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that CH has the potential for the treatment of HSs.
Faezeh Rezaie, Aboulfazl Ghafouri Khosroshahi, Amir Larki-Harchegani, Alireza Nourian, Hossein Khosravi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2024)
Abstract
Background: X-ray exposure can result in acute or chronic damage to lung tissue, leading to pneumonitis and fibrosis. Given the potent antioxidant properties of sumac, this study investigates the impact of hydroalcoholic sumac extract on X-ray-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 36 rats were randomly divided into six groups of six rats each. The treatment and sham groups received intraperitoneal administration of the extract daily for one week before exposure to X-ray radiation. On the seventh day, all rats except those in group 3 were exposed to 2 Gy of 6 MV X-rays using an electro-linear accelerator. Lung tissue was subsequently removed to assess the subacute effects of the extract. Data analysis involved independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA using SPSS 26.
Results: A single dose of X-rays significantly increased oxidative stress and lung tissue damage in rats. However, rats receiving vitamin C and hydroalcoholic sumac extract at two different doses (100 and 400 mg/kg intraperitoneally) positively improved lung damage and decreased antioxidant parameters.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that hydroalcoholic sumac extract can mitigate oxidative stress and enhance lung repair following X-ray radiation exposure.
Sara Saadi Ahmed, Nada Abbass,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to synthesize copper oxide (CuO) and silver oxide (Ag2O) nanoparticles using a green synthesis method involving moringa extract and incorporate them into polymer nanocomposites with polyacrolein. The objective was to evaluate their cytotoxicity against fibroblasts and glioblastoma cell lines.
Methods: The CuO and Ag2O nanoparticles were synthesized using moringa extract as a reducing agent. Nanocomposites were formed through a condensation reaction with polyacrolein. Characterization techniques included Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Cytotoxicity was evaluated through in vitro assays using human dermal fibroblasts (HdFn) and A172 glioblastoma cells.
Results: AFM analysis showed nanoparticle sizes of 19.36 nm for Ag2O and 66.89 nm for CuO, while TEM images revealed nonhomogeneous spherical nanocomposites. FT-IR and XRD confirmed the successful incorporation of nanoparticles into the polymer matrix. TGA and DSC results demonstrated thermal stability and transitions of the nanocomposites. Cytotoxicity assays indicated significant inhibition of A172 glioblastoma cell proliferation with minimal impact on normal fibroblast cells, suggesting selective cytotoxicity.
Conclusion: The polymer nanocomposites incorporating moringa-extracted CuO and Ag2O nanoparticles exhibited promising selective cytotoxicity against glioblastoma cells, indicating their potential use as anticancer agents. Further studies on in vivo applications and long-term stability are warranted to advance their biomedical use.
Mustafa Diaa Subhi, Shatha Abdul Wadood Al-Shammaree,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune condition that can lead to long-term complications due to oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation. Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), an enzyme associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL), has dual activities: arylesterase and lactonase. These activities protect lipids from oxidative damage. The functional status of PON-1 in children with T1DM may provide insights into the relationship between oxidative stress and the enzyme’s protective role. This study aims to assess the arylesterase and lactonase activities of PON-1 in Iraqi children with T1DM.
Methods: Sixty-seven children with T1DM were enrolled and compared with 57 age-matched healthy controls. The enzymatic activities of arylesterase and lactonase were measured to evaluate PON-1’s functional status. The Paraoxonase-1/HDL (PON/HDL) ratio was calculated to assess lipid protection and antioxidant capacity. Oxidative status was assessed by measuring total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI).
Results: PON-1 activity analysis showed a significant reduction in arylesterase (2.36 ± 1.17) and lactonase (21.9 ± 7.31) in the patients group compared to controls (arylesterase=4.54 ± 1.84, lactonase =29.51 ± 9.92). TOS and OSI were significantly higher, while TAS was significantly lower in the patients group. Pearson correlation revealed a positive correlation between HDL-C and arylesterase (P = 0.002, r = 0.379), and HDL-C and lactonase (P = 0.040, r = 0.366).
Conclusion: Reduced PON-1 activity is associated with T1DM, suggesting that enhancing PON-1 or reducing oxidative stress may help prevent diabetic complications and improve cardiovascular health.
Amir Mohamad Amiri, Ali Asadirad, Alireza Rafati Navaei, Ali Khodadadi,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background: Human second-degree burns can form blisters that allow burn wound microenvironment (WME) fluid to accumulate, which leads to inflammation. Different types of cells are present in burn WME, including macrophages; these innate immune cells are present in tumor microenvironments (TMEs) and burn WMEs. They adapt their phenotypes according to environmental stimuli, which vary from pro-inflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2). It is evident that these microenvironments share some similarities in terms of macrophage plasticity; therefore, this study examines whether burn blister exudate (BBE) can enhance macrophage activity against CT-26 cancer cells by macrophage polarization.
Methods: Real-time PCR and ELISA were used to examine the effects of human BBE on untreated and M2 macrophages. As part of the immune response assessment, yeast phagocytosis was conducted. The impact of BBE-induced macrophages on CT-26 cancer cell survival and migration was assessed using MTT proliferation assay and scratch wound healing assay, respectively.
Results: According to the results, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon regulatory factor 5, induced nitric oxide synthase, and CD86 were upregulated as M1-related markers and cytokines, and M2-associated cytokines and markers, transforming growth factor beta, IL-10, Fizz1, Arginase-1, and CD206, were downregulated in untreated and M2 macrophages treated with BBE. BBE also enhanced the phagocytic capacity of untreated and M2 macrophages. Furthermore, the incubated CT-26 cell line with conditioned medium of BBE treatment groups suppresses proliferation and impedes migration of cancer cells.
Conclusion: we found that BBE-treated macrophages possess an M1-like phenotype and inhibit the proliferation and motility of CT-26 cancer cells.
Afsane Fadaee, Ramiar Kamal Kheder, Roaa Saleem Otaiwe Alrawi, Maedeh Nojoumi, Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili, Atena Mansouri,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) is an aggressive gastrointestinal tumor necessitating novel prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies. It is essential to identify important markers for diagnosing malignancy and predicting outcomes. Understanding gene functions in signaling pathways and early cancer detection are vital for reducing EC mortality. CD44 upregulation is linked to cancer stem cells (CSC), metastasis, poor prognosis, and treatment response. CD44v6, a variant of CD44, plays a pivotal role in tumor invasion and metastasis by influencing the extracellular matrix, promoting cell motility, and suppressing cancer cell apoptosis.
Methods: This study investigated CD44v6 expression in tumor and tumor-free tissues of the esophagus in 50 esophageal squamous cells carcinomas (ESCC) patients using real-time PCR. The aim was to assess its prognostic value and its correlation with tumor invasion.
Results: Significant overexpression of CD44v6 mRNA was detected in 9 out of 50 tumor specimens (18%, p = 0.0001). CD44v6 expression showed an inverse correlation with tumor cell metastasis to lymph nodes (p = 0.047). Among the 21 patients with lymph node metastasis, 5 (23%) exhibited CD44v6 overexpression. Additionally, CD44v6 expression was linked to the tumor stage (p = 0.008). Specifically, 2 out of 9 patients with stage I tumors (22.2%), 4 out of 9 with stage II tumors (44.4%), and 3 out of 9 with stage III tumors (33.3%) showed CD44v6 overexpression.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that lower CD44v6 expression at the RNA level correlates with increased tumor invasion and more advanced stages in ESCC.
