Ramadan Fasting and Risk of Covid-19

Almost all religions recommend periods of fasting. Many adult Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan each year. Ramadan fasting as a type of intermittent fasting is a non-pharmacological intervention refining the overall health. This year, Ramadan is coincided with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak making it one of the most challenging fasting periods for Muslims in the world. There is no solid direct evidence to suggest any adverse effect of Ramadan fasting during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthy individuals. However, there are exemptions in Ramadan Fasting and those at risk of health issues should not fast. COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited studies concerning its risk factors. The purpose of this review was shedding more light on the potential mechanisms involved in influence of practice of fasting in all forms, including Ramadan fasting on the vulnerability to infection.

Activation of PPARγ Inhibits TLR4 Signal Transduction Pathway in Melanoma Cancer In Vitro

Purpose: Although peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is known as a regulator of fatty acid storage, fat cell differentiation, glucose and lipid metabolism, recent studies show that PPARγ has anticancer effects. The mechanisms of PPARγ activation in melanoma cancer remain unclarified. Recently, increased TLR4 expression has been associated with the melanoma cancer progression. We investigated whether the anti-cancer effect of PPARγ is through regulating TLR4 signaling pathway. Methods: Mouse melanoma cells (B16F10) were treated in different groups: control, pioglitazone (1, 10, 100, 300 µmol/L), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 µg/mL) and LPS + pioglitazone. In another experiment, they were treated with CLI-095 (1 μM), and after 1 hour pioglitazone was added and subsequently stimulated with LPS. MTT assay was performed to measure the cell viability in vitro. The expression of Tlr4, Myd88, Nf-κb genes were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in different groups. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha and Interleukin 1 beta in the cell culture medium were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results: We show that activation of PPARγ by its agonist, pioglitazone, reduces cell proliferation, Tlr-4, Myd-88, Nf-kb mRNA expression, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production but not interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) in B16F10 LPS-stimulated cells in vitro. Moreover, treatment of B16F10 cells with TLR4 inhibitor prior treatment with pioglitazone indicate that the anticancer effects of pioglitazone on melanoma cells was dependent on TLR4. Conclusion: The results indicate that pioglitazone has a beneficial protective effect against melanoma by affecting the TLR4 signaling pathway.

The double-edged sword role of fibroblasts in the interaction with cancer cells; an agent-based modeling approach

Fibroblasts as key components of tumor microenvironment show different features in the interaction with cancer cells. Although, Normal fibroblasts demonstrate anti-tumor effects, cancer associated fibroblasts are principal participant in tumor growth and invasion. The ambiguity of fibroblasts function can be regarded as two heads of its behavioral spectrum and can be subjected for mathematical modeling to identify their switching behavior. In this research, an agent-based model of mutual interactions between fibroblast and cancer cell was created. The proposed model is based on nonlinear differential equations which describes biochemical reactions of the main factors involved in fibroblasts and cancer cells communication. Also, most of the model parameters are estimated using hybrid unscented Kalman filter. The interactions between two cell types are illustrated by the dynamic modeling of TGFβ and LIF pathways as well as their crosstalk. Using analytical and computational approaches, reciprocal effects of cancer cells and fibroblasts are constructed and the role of signaling molecules in tumor progression or prevention are determined. Finally, the model is validated using a set of experimental data. The proposed dynamic modeling might be useful for designing more efficient therapies in cancer metastasis treatment and prevention.

Isfahan COvid-19 REgistry (I-CORE): Design and methodology

Health authorities usually exploit after-action reports to collect data on their experience in responding to public health emergencies. To develop an effective approach to manage and learning from health emergencies, we have launched Isfahan COvid-19 REgistry for data collection during routine clinical care as a first “critical incident registry” in Iran. Registries can be employed to explain the natural history of the disease, learn about a particular disease in terms of patient outcomes, the cost-effectiveness of clinical management, monitoring the quality of health-care service, and developing research hypotheses.

Protective effects of doxepin cream on radiation dermatitis in breast cancer: A single arm double-blind randomized clinical trial

AIMS

Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer in women. Lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy is suggested to be as effective as a total mastectomy. Radiation-induced dermatitis often occurs as a result of breast radiotherapy. Recent studies suggest that doxepin has promising anti-inflammatory properties. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of doxepin therapy on radiation dermatitis.

METHODS

A double-blind randomized clinical trial was launched from 2016 to 2017, with a total of 48 patients who had undergone breast-conserving surgery and received postoperative radiation therapy. Radiotherapy was applied 5 days per week for 5 weeks. Adverse dermatological effects were evaluated by a physician at the beginning of the fifth week of radiotherapy and the patients were then randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive either doxepin (5%) or placebo cream for 7 days.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the dermatitis grade between doxepin and placebo groups at baseline (P > .5). The occurrence of acute dermatitis (grade 2 or higher) was significantly lower with the use of doxepin than with placebo (P ≤ .0001, Z_α = 1.96 at 95% confidence interval).

CONCLUSION

Doxepin cream prevents dermatitis grade 2 or higher during post-operative breast irradiation. Doxepin cream is easy to use, affordable and prevents pain and irritation.

A Quantitative Study of the Secondary Acoustic Radiation Force on Biological Cells during Acoustophoresis

We investigate cell-particle secondary acoustic radiation forces in a plain ultrasonic standing wave field inside a microfluidic channel. The effect of secondary acoustic radiation forces on biological cells is measured in a location between a pressure node and a pressure anti-node and the result is compared with theory by considering both compressibility and density dependent effects. The secondary acoustic force between motile red blood cells (RBCs) and MCF-7 cells and fixed 20 µm silica beads is investigated in a half-wavelength wide microchannel actuated at 2 MHz ultrasonic frequency. Our study shows that the secondary acoustic force between cells in acoustofluidic devices could play an important role for cell separation, sorting, and trapping purposes. Our results also demonstrate the possibility to isolate individual cells at trapping positions provided by silica beads immobilized and adhered to the microchannel bottom. We conclude that during certain experimental conditions, the secondary acoustic force acting on biological cells can dominate over the primary acoustic radiation force, which could open up for new microscale acoustofluidic methods.

Evaluation the effect of testosterone on the number of endothelial progenitor cells and amount of SDF-1α, PDGF, bFGF, and NO

Background:

Recent therapeutic advances in cardiovascular disease, thanks to the discovery of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and nitric oxide (NO) play a role in migration, homing, and differentiation of EPCs into mature endothelial cells. The incidence of cardiovascular disease is higher in men than in women. This fact suggests the influence of sex hormones on incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Methods:

Twenty-four female wistar rats weighing 160–180 g were randomly divided into four groups (N = 6): 1. sham-treated by sesame oil, 2. ovariectomized (OVX)-treated by sesame oil, 3. OVX-treated by 10 μg/kg/day testosterone, and 4. OVX-treated by 100 μg/kg/day testosterone. After 21 days, the animals were euthanized and blood samples were saved for determination of EPC count and serum levels of SDF-1α, PDGF, bFGF, and NO production.

Results:

High-dose testosterone induced significant increase in EPC count in OVX rats (P < 0.05). Also 100 μg/kg/day testosterone increased serum level of SDF-1α more than OVX-treated by 10 μg/kg/day testosterone (P < 0.05). But 10 μg/kg/day testosterone increased significantly the serum level of PDGF >100 μg/kg/day testosterone-treated group (P < 0.05). The serum level of bFGF in sham-treated by sesame oil was equal with its concentration in OVX-treated by 100 μg/kg/day testosterone. And the serum concentration of NO production in testosterone-treated groups were significantly less than other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

This study suggests that testosterone might be effective on cardiovascular disease in females by increasing EPC count through SDF-1α and PDGF mechanisms which are some of the vascular healing factors.

In Vitro Assessment of Cytokine Expression Profile of MCF-7 Cells in Response to hWJ-MSCs Secretome

Purpose: Several attempts have been made to identify the mechanisms by which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived secretome exert anti-tumor or tumorigenic effects, but still further investigations are needed to explore this subject. Thus, in this study we want to examine the expression of different cytokines in secretome of hWJ-MSCs and their effects on cytokine expression profile of the MCF-7 tumor cells.

Methods: The hWJ-MSCs were isolated and characterized according to the International Society for Cellular Therapy criteria. Then, secretome of hWJ-MSCs was collected and freeze-dried, and 20 mg/mL of the freeze-dried secretome was used to treat MCF-7 cancer cells for 48 hours. Afterwards, the expression levels of 12 cytokines including IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17A, TNFα, IFNγ and GM-CSF in secretome of hWJ-MSCs alone as well as in supernatant of tumor cells before and after treatment with hWJ-MSCs secretome were evaluated.

Results: Our results indicate that MCF-7 cells express significant amount of IL-6 and IL-8. Moreover, significant amounts of IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-8, IL-6 and GM-CSF were detected in secretome of hWJ-MSCs. Furthermore, IL-1a, IL-2 and IL-4 were expressed significantly by MCF-7 cells after their treatment with hWJ-MSCs-derived secretome.

Conclusion: According to our findings, the hWJ-MSCs derived secretome contains different cytokines which can exert either anti-tumor or tumorigenic effects.

Magnesium intake and lung cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Magnesium may reduce the risk of lung cancer by affecting cell proliferation, inflammation and by preserving lung function; however, the results of epidemiological studies on the potential benefits of magnesium in lung pathology are inconclusive. We conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the association between magnesium intake and the risk of lung cancer. A total of 5 studies were extracted from PubMed, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Review (to May 2018). These studies involved 58,5821 participants with 8,977 lung cancer cases. The pooled relative risk (RR) indicated a significant association between lung cancer incidence and magnesium intake (RR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79 to 0.98; p = 0.018). To investigate the cause of heterogeneity of these studies (I² = 75.8%, p < 0.001), we performed a subgroup analysis which was affected by the mean dose of magnesium intake, where doses of magnesium intake lower than 300 mg/d significantly decreased lung cancer risk (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.70 to 0.99; p = 0.034). Increasing magnesium intake doses to over 300 mg/d did not reduce the incidence of lung cancer (RR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.78 to 1.01; p = 0.076). Our meta-analysis suggests that magnesium intake of less than 300 mg/d may have protective effects in lung cancer.

Acoustic dipole and monopole effects in solid particle interaction dynamics during acoustophoresis

A method is presented for measurements of secondary acoustic radiation forces acting on solid particles in a plain ultrasonic standing wave. The method allows for measurements of acoustic interaction forces between particles located in arbitrary positions such as in between a pressure node and a pressure antinode. By utilizing a model that considers both density- and compressibility-dependent effects, the observed particle-particle interaction dynamics can be well understood. Two differently sized polystyrene micro-particles (4.8 and 25 μm, respectively) were used in order to achieve pronounced interaction effects. The particulate was subjected to a 2-MHz ultrasonic standing wave in a microfluidic channel, such as commonly used for acoustophoresis. Observation of deflections in the particle pathways shows that the particle interaction force is not negligible under this circumstance and has to be considered in accurate particle manipulation applications. The effect is primarily pronounced when the distance between two particles is small, the sizes of the particles are different, and the acoustic properties of the particles are different relative to the media. As predicted by theory, the authors also observe that the interaction forces are affected by the angle between the inter-particle centerline and the axis of the standing wave propagation direction.

Evaluation of rs1982073 polymorphism of transforming growth factor-β1 in glioblastoma

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and invasive form of primary malignant brain tumors, with a survival rate of about 1 year. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays a very important role in tissue homeostasis and cancers. It seems that polymorphism of T29C (L10P, rs1982073, or rs1800470), which has been studied in various cancers such as breast and colon, creates the significant differences plays an important role in GBM prognosis and treatment. In this study, we evaluated the effect of T29C (rs1982073) polymorphism of TGF-β1 gene in GBM.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted on 100 cases of GBM including 47 paraffin-embedded brain tissue samples and 53 blood samples from another 53 GBM patients, who was under therapy, and 150 were controls. The TGF-β rs1982073 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was identified by the NCBI and genotyping was performed by high-resolution melt (HRM) assay. Melt curves from HRM which suspected to SNP were selected and subjected to direct sequencing. Finally, the collected data were entered into the SPSS software (Version. 20) and mean ± standard deviation or n (%) was used to show the data.

Results

The mean age in GBM group was 51.63 ± 13.27 years. Accordingly, the two groups were matched in terms of age and gender (P > 0.05). The frequency of GG genotype was significantly higher in GBM patients. In contrast, although the frequency of AG genotype was higher in GBM group, it was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the presence of G allele was significantly more frequent than A allele in GBM patients.

Conclusion

Findings of the present study supports that the Pro10Leu, rs1982073, or rs1800470 SNP in TGF-β1 is found to be expressed significantly more in GBM patients as it was found in breast cancer.

Evaluation of effects of morphine and ionizing radiation in cancer cell lines

Purpose

Breast and cervical cancers are the two most common cancers among women worldwide. Morphine is a potent analgesic for cancer pain, and radiation therapy is a conventional treatment for cancer. Unfortunately, the combined adjuvant cellular effects of morphine and ionizing radiation in cancer cells are largely unknown.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we examined the effects of morphine and single radiation dose of 2 Gy on viability and survival fraction of human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB 231 and human cervical cancer cell line HeLa, by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and colony formation assays. We were also interested in evaluating these effects in human umbilical vein endothelial cells as well.

Results

We found that morphine did not have a dose- and time-dependent manner in endothelial, breast, and cervical cancer cells in vitro. It seems that pretreatment of breast and cervical cancer cells with morphine at some doses before irradiation reduces the cytotoxic effect of radiation. We also observed that endothelial cells were less sensitive than breast and cervical cancer cells to radiation or morphine + radiation. Based on the results of endothelial cells, morphine or radiation might not have a selective effect on the viability and clonogenic survival of different cell lines.

Conclusions

Our data may suggest that morphine and radiotherapy could not be administered together to breast and cervical cancer patients if additional and in vivo studies confirm our results.

The expression level of hsa-miR-146a-5p in plasma-derived exosomes of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Background:

The standard treatment for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) had been rituximab-based immunochemotherapy. However, the biological and clinical heterogeneity within DLBCL seems to affect treatment outcome. Therefore, the evaluation of miRNA levels might be useful in predicting treatment response and relapse risk. miR-146a is a modulator of innate and acquired immunity and may play an important role in predicting treatment response. The aim of the present study was to compare the expression level of miR-146a in plasma-derived exosomes of responsive DLBCL patients (response to R-CHOP (Rituximab, and Cyclophosphamide, Hydroxydaunorubicin, Oncovine and Prednisone)), refractory DLBCL patients (resistant to R-CHOP), patients receiving R-CHOP, and healthy donors.

Materials and Methods:

After the preparation of plasma and isolation of exosomes, the presence of plasma-derived exosome was confirmed by Zetaseizer, electron microscope, and Western blot. The patients’ medical records were collected and analyzed. The expression level of exosomal miR-146a was evaluated in DLBCL patients and healthy donors using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The −ΔCt values of miR-146a were compared among responsive patients (n = 17), refractory patients (n = 16), patients receiving R-CHOP therapy (n = 15), and healthy donors (n = 6).

Results:

The presence and size of plasma-derived exosomes were confirmed. Our findings did not show any significant difference in the expression level of exosomal miR-146a between DLBCL patients and healthy donors (P = 0.48). As well, the clinical and histopathological parameters were not correlated with the expression level of exosomal miR-146a or plasma miR-146a. The expression level of plasma miR-146 was lower than the expression level of exosomal miR-146 (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Exosomal miR-146a might be useful as a promising “liquid biopsy” biomarker in predicting treatment response and relapse risk; however, we could not find significant differences due to small sample size.

Crosstalk between Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors and Toll-Like Receptors: A Systematic Review

As one of the four major families of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), toll like receptors (TLRs) are crucial and important components of the innate immune system. Peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptors (PPARs) with three isoforms are transcription factors classified as a subfamily of nuclear receptor proteins, and are of significant regulatory activity in cellular differentiation, development, metabolism, and tumorigenesis. It is well established that PPARs agonists display anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, a key regulator of immune and inflammatory responses, in a sense that TLRs signaling pathways are mainly toward activation of NF-κB. Through a systematic review of previous studies, we aimed to address and clarify the reciprocal interaction between TLRs and PPARs in hope to find alternative therapeutic approaches for inflammatory diseases. Among the available scientific database, 31 articles were selected for this review. A comprehensive review of this database confirms the presence of a cross-talk between PPARs and TLRs, indicating that not only PPARs stimulation may affect the expression level of TLRs via several mechanisms leading to modulating TLRs activities, but also TLRs have the potential to moderate the expression of PPARs. We, therefore, conclude that, as a key regulator of the innate immune system, the interaction between PPARs and TLRs is a potential therapeutic target in disease treatment.

Evaluation of rs1957106 Polymorphism of NF-κBI in Glioblastoma Multiforme in Isfahan, Iran

BACKGROUND

The kB family of nuclear factor (NF-κB) is a series of transcription factors that plays a key role in regulation of immunity, cell growth, and apoptosis and is considered as the main downstream component of epidermal growth factor receptor for which there are evidence of excessive activity in most cases of glioblastoma multiform (GBM). Thus, the current information has gained evidence on NF-κBIA tumor suppressor role in GMB. SNP rs1957106 was diagnosed as a new polymorphism which affected the expression of NF-κBI and causes activation of NF-κB in GBM patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 100 cases of GBM including 47 paraffin-embedded brain tissue samples and 53 blood samples from another 53 GBM patients and 150 controls. The NF-κBI rs1957106 SNP was identified by the NCBI, and genotyping was performed by high-resolution melt (HRM) assay. Melt curves from HRM which suspected to single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were selected and subjected to direct sequencing.

RESULTS

The distribution of allele A of NF-κβ gene in patients with GBM with 31% was not significantly different from healthy participants (27.3%) (P = 0.375). Furthermore, the distribution of AG and GG genotypes in comparison with AA genotypes did not show a significant correlation with GBM incidence (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Findings of the present study provide evidence that the rs1957106 SNP in NF-κBIA is found more in GBM patients, but it was not statistically significant. As there are conflicting studies showing significant higher rate of this SNP in GBM, further study is suggested.

Evaluation of the Effect of Antidepressant Drug, Fluvoxamine, on Cyclooxygenase-2 Protein Expression in Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Macrophages

Background:

Fluvoxamine, a well-known selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is used for the management of mental disorders and various types of chronic pain. In our previous study, we found the inhibitory effect of fluvoxamine on inflammatory mediator‘s expression. In the line of the indicated study, we sought to evaluate the effect of fluvoxamine on the expression of some inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

Materials and Methods:

An in vitro model system of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human U937 macrophages was used. The expression of COX-2 protein was measured by flow cytometry.

Results:

The expression of COX-2 significantly decreased by fluvoxamine in U937 macrophages.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study provide further evidence for the anti-inflammatory effect of fluvoxamine. This effect appears to be mediated by the downregulation of inflammatory genes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms of fluvoxamine.

Association between autocrine motility factor receptor gene polymorphism (rs2440472, rs373191257) and glioblastoma multiform in a representative Iranian population

Background:

Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is the most common and most malignant of the glial tumors that begins primarily in brain tissue. Genetic background could be considered as an important predisposing factor in GBM. Autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) is a cytokine receptor that participates in a lot of physiologic and pathologic processes like: Cellular motility and metastasis. So, it seems that this protein has an essential role in pathophysiology of several cancers and could be a potential diagnostic and or therapeutic target in GBM. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of AMFR (rs2440472, rs373191257) gene polymorphism and GBM in a representative Iranian population.

Materials and Methods:

This study includes 81 cases of GBM and 117 control subjects. After DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction - high resolution melting reaction was performed. For each single nucleotide polymorphisms, 12 samples were selected for sequencing. Data was analyzed using Chi-square test and Logistic regression.

Results:

For rs2440472, frequency of GG genotype in the case group was increased compared to the control group (51.9% vs. 34.2% respectively, P = 0.013). After adjusting for sex and age by logistic regression our results were the same (P = 0.017, odds ratio = 2.056). Allelic frequencies for rs2440472 among cases and controls were not significantly different (P = 0.058). For rs373191257, genotypic and allelic frequencies were not significantly different between two groups.

Conclusion:

Our results showed the possible association between the AMFR rs2440472 gene polymorphism with susceptibility to GBM.

Standardized Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract, Suppresses Tumor Proliferation and Angiogenesis in a Mouse Model of Melanoma: Possible Involvement of PPARα and PPARγ Pathways

Melanoma is a challenging disease to treat. Punica granatum L. has a potential anticancer effect. This study determined the antiproliferative and antiangiogenic potential of the extract from pomegranate pericarp (PPE) in melanoma. Melanoma cells (1 × 10⁶) were injected to C57BL6 mice subcutaneously. On 8^th day, mice were randomly divided into 9 groups. Group 1 was considered as control and received distilled water. Groups 2 to 5 received 50, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg of standardized PPE, orally. Group 6 received 400 mg/kg PPE and PPAR-γ antagonist (T0070907, 5 mg/kg/day). Group 7 received 400 mg/kg PPE and PPAR-α antagonist (GW6471, 10 mg/kg/day). Groups 8 and 9 received PPAR antagonists alone. On the 16th day, mice were euthanized and the tumor samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining for Ki-67 and CD31. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plasma level was determined by ELISA. PPE at the doses of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg decreased tumor weight to 1.28, 1.03, 0.82, and 0.58 g, respectively, in comparison with 1.46 g in control group. Tumor volume reduced to 2.1, 1.7, 1.35 and 0.95 cm3 at the mentioned doses, in comparison with 2.4 cm³ in control group (P < 0.05 for all groups). VEGF, Ki-67 and CD31 were decreased dose dependently in the treatment groups (P < 0.05). PPARα and PPARγ antagonists significantly reduced the extract effects (P < 0.05). It was concluded that PPE may have a potential implication in melanoma treatment through activation of PPARα and PPARγ receptors.

miR-30a Inhibits Melanoma Tumor Metastasis by Targeting the E-cadherin and Zinc Finger E-box Binding Homeobox 2

Background:

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is actively involved in tumor invasion. The main hallmark of EMT is downregulation of the adherens junction protein E-cadherin due to transcriptional repression. Candidate E-cadherin transcription repressors are members of ZEB family, ZEB2 belong to the ZEB family transcription factor that is pivotal for embryonic development and tumor progression. ZEB2 (zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2) is most widely known as an inducer of EMT. Growing evidence have shown the involvement of microRNAs in cancer progression. In this study, we demonstrate that miR-30a is a potent suppressor of melanoma metastasis to the lung.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, miR-30a has been transfected into B16-F10 melanoma cells, and then cells were injected intravenously into C57BL/6 mice. Then, the mice were sacrificed and nodules in the lungs were enumerated.

Results:

Ectopic expression of miR-30a in melanoma cell line resulted in the suppression of pulmonary metastasis. We also found that transfected miR-30a into melanoma cells could increase E-cadherin and decrease ZEB2 expression.

Conclusions:

Our findings showed that increased expression of miR-30a in melanoma inhibited metastasis in vivo by targeting ZEB2 and E-cadherin.

Lifetime Improvement of a Multiple Transmitter Local Drug Delivery System Based on Diffusive Molecular Communication

In this paper, a multiple transmitter local drug delivery system associated with encapsulated drug transmitters is investigated. One of the limitations of drug delivery systems is the reservoir capacity. In order to improve the lifetime of drug transmitting nanomachines, and, hence, the longevity of drug delivery scenario, the system is associated with encapsulated drug transmitters. Encapsulated drugs are incapable of reaction with the environment unless they are unpacked in a drug transmitter nanomachine. Therefore, far-reaching transmitters do not have harmful effects on the healthy parts of the body. The advantage of this protocol is to increase the time interval between consecutive administrations without increased toxicity. As a result, it improves the mental health of patients and reduces the costs of treatment. The lifetime of this drug delivery system depends on the distribution and topology of encapsulated drug transmitters rather than their rates. Finally, a lower bound is derived on the expected lifetime of a Poisson distributed random network of nanomachines.

Association of Polymorphism in Fatty Acid Desaturase Gene with the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Iranian Population

Background:

The type 2 diabetes is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. Due to a key role in the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid, one of the most important precursors of immunity mediators, fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes could have an important impact in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods:

This study aimed to determine the relationship between polymorphisms rs174537 in FADS1 gene and rs174575 in FADS2 gene with type 2 diabetes in Iranian population. After extracting genomic DNA, the locations of mutations and allele types were identified with high-resolution melting (HRM)-polymerase chain reaction method. Then, association between these mutations with metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes was investigated using χ² correlation coefficients for variables and logistic regression.

Results:

The results showed that among 50 diabetic participants, 68% of patients have the mutant allele for rs174537 in FADS1 gene. This rate is 26% for rs174575 in FADS2 gene. Based on the results, it seems that participants having rs174537 mutant allele are more prone to become diabetic but it has a beneficial effect on total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and participants having rs174575 mutant are less prone to become diabetic, and also, it leads to higher triglycerides and body mass index (obesity).

Conclusions:

Detecting FADS1 and FADS2, gene polymorphisms using HRM can be an anticipating tool for making decision on initiating lifestyle modifications to prevent type 2 diabetes.

Development of a Rapid and Precise Reversed-phase High-performance Liquid Chromatography Method for Analysis of Docetaxel in Rat Plasma: Application in Single-dose Pharmacokinetic Studies of Folate-targeted Micelles Containing Docetaxel

Background:

A simple and sensitive reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method based on liquid-liquid extraction was established and validated for determination of docetaxel (DTX) in plasma of rat.

Materials and Methods:

Samples were spiked with paclitaxel as the internal standard and the chromatographic separation was carried out using C18 HPLC column. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of acetonitrile/water with the ratio of 60/40 v/v. The ultraviolet detector was operated at 230 nm, and the flow rate of mobile phase was 1 ml/min. The method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, and limit of quantification (LOQ). Then the method was applied to quantify DTX in the rat plasma after intravenous (IV) administration of the self-assembled micelles of folate-targeted Synpronic F127/cholesterol (FA-PF127-Chol) loaded with DTX and Taxotere^® as the reference marketed solution of DTX. The blood samples were taken from the ophthalmic vein at predetermined time intervals after treatment.

Results:

Calibration curve was linear between the concentration ranges of 0.1–7.5 μg/ml with the relative standard deviation % and evaluating error % ranged from 2.263 to 15.53 and −12.75 to 12.7 for intra- and inter-day validity, respectively. The mean recovery of the drug after plasma extraction was 95.67 ± 0.99% for the concentration of 1 μg/ml. The LOQ and the limit of detection for DTX in serum were 100 ng/ml and 30 ng/ml, respectively.

Conclusions:

The results indicated that the developed method could be adopted for pharmacokinetic studies of DTX-loaded FA-PF127-Chol micelles and Taxotere^® in rat.