De novo KAT6B mutation causes Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Simpson variant of Ohdo syndrome in an Iranian boy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Simpson (SBBYS) (OMIM #603736, Ohdo syndrome variant) is a rare type of severe blepharophimosis intellectual disability syndrome, which is generally characterized by a global developmental delay, distinctive facial features, and intellectual disability with multiple congenital anomalies, including skeletal involvement, missing, or underdeveloped kneecaps, and genital anomalies, in affected males. It has been shown that mutations in the KAT6B gene, which is a lysine acetyltransferase-encoding gene, have been associated with SBBYS syndrome. All the known variants are dominant de novo mutations that result in protein truncation.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 14-year-old Iranian Azeri boy with an intellectual disability, distinct dysmorphic facial features such as open-mouth expression, sparse medial eyebrows, widely spaced upward-slanted eyes, epicanthal folds, broad nasal bridge, low-set ears, anteverted ears, short philtrum, hypertelorism, microphthalmia is presented in this case study. Cryptorchidism was reported. Neurologically, the patient presented with poor eye contact, hypotonia, and speech difficulties. In the skeletal X-ray, underdeveloped kneecaps with some new features were observed.

CONCLUSION

We present the first case of SBBYS syndrome in association with some new anomaly features in the Iranian population. Based on this diagnosis, we could provide the patient with a suitable plan of management as well as appropriate genetic counseling for his family.

Combined dandelion extract and all-trans retinoic acid induces cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers among women worldwide. Recently, natural compounds have been widely used for the treatment of breast cancer. Present study evaluated antiproliferative and anti-metastasis activities of two natural compounds of dandelion and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) in human MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells. We also evaluated the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, IL-1β, p53, NM23 and KAI1 genes. Data showed a clear additive cytotoxic effect in concentrations of 40 μM ATRA with 1.5 and 4 mg/ml of dandelion extract in MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells, respectively. In both cell lines, compared with the untreated cells, the expression levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β were significantly decreased while p53 and KAI1 expression levels were increased. Besides, MMP-2 and NM23 had different expressions in the two studied cell lines. In conclusion, dandelion/ATRA co-treatment, in addition to having strong cytotoxic effects, has putative effects on the expression of anti-metastatic genes in both breast cancer cells.

Cytotoxicity of curcumin against CD44± prostate cancer cells: Roles of miR-383 and miR-708

Objective

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) remaining in the tumor tissues after applying treatments may cause recurrence or metastasis of prostate cancer (PC). Curcumin has the promising potential to target CSCs. Here, we aim to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of curcumin on the expression of miR-383-5p and miR-708-5p and their target genes in CD44+ CSCs and CD44- non-CSCs isolated from the PC3 prostate cancer cell line.

Materials and Methods

We used MTT assay to determine the optimal cytotoxic dose of curcumin on CD44± PC cells. Then, we assessed nuclear morphological changes using DAPi staining. We used Annexin V-FITC/PI to quantify apoptotic cell death. qRT-PCR was also used to detect miRNA and gene expression levels after curcumin treatment.

Results

Curcumin significantly enhanced the apoptosis in both CD44- and CD44+ PC cells in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The cytotoxicity of curcumin against CD44- cells (IC50 40.30±2.32 μM) was found to be greater than that against CD44+ cells (IC50 83.31±2.91 μM). Also, curcumin promoted miR-383-5p and miR-708-5p overexpression while downregulating their target genes LDHA, PRDX3, and RAP1B, LSD1, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that curcumin, by promoting the expression of tumor suppressors, miR-383-5p and miR-708-5p, and inhibiting their target genes, induced its cytotoxicity against CD44± PC cells. We trust that curcumin could be established as a promising adjuvant therapy to current PC treatment options following more research in clinical settings.

SARS-CoV-2 in municipal wastewater treatment plant, collection network, and hospital wastewater

The current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to creating a public health emergency conditions since 2019. COVID-19, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2, is spread via human-to-human transmission by direct contact or droplets. Through conducting this study, we were looking for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater produced in Iran country (Ardabil, Nir, Khalkhal, and Kowsar) (wastewater collection network, wastewater treatment plant, and hospital wastewater). In this research, samples (n=76) were collected from influent and effluent of municipal and hospital wastewater treatment plants, and some samples were also collected from Ardabil municipal wastewater manholes. The sampling duration included the white (lower risk of COVID-19) and red (high risk of COVID-19) conditions. Samples were stored at -20 °C for further diagnostic tests. The specific primer and probe real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) targeting ORF1ab and N genes (nucleoprotein gene) were applied to detect viral genomes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the wastewater samples. Out of 76 samples, a total of 15 samples (19.73%) collected from wastewater in Ardabil province (Ardabil, Nir, Khalkhal, and Kowsar), were positive in terms of SARS-CoV-2. Wastewater epidemiology can facilitate detection of the incidence of pathogens through metropolises, measurement of population prevalence without direct testing, and provision of information to the public health system about the efficiency of intervening efforts. Graphical abstract.

Investigating SARS-CoV-2 RNA in five municipal wastewater treatment plants, hospital wastewater and wastewater collection networks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ardabil Province, Iran

Since 2019, the outbreak of coronavirus with acute respiratory symptoms has caused an epidemic worldwide. Transmission of the disease through respiratory droplets was announced as the main mode of transmission in 2020. But in this study, we discussed the method of indirect transmission of the virus through sewage. In this study, effluents related to urban and hospital wastewater treatment plants in 5 regions of Ardabil Province (northwest of Iran) were investigated. In this research, 120 samples were kept in pre-test conditions (temperature -20 degrees Celsius). To identify the viral genome, special primer and chain reaction probe targeting ORF1ab and N (nucleoprotein gene) genes were used. Out of a total of 120 samples, a total of 3 samples were positive. Wastewater epidemiology (WBE) can be considered as a cost-effective method in the diagnosis and prediction of pathogenic agents. And be considered an effective method for decision-making in order to protect the health of citizens.

Effect of hydroalcoholic seed extract of Nigella sativa on hepatic and pancreatic factors of Nrf2 and FGF21 in the regulation of insulin transcription factors of MafA and PDX-1 in streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats

Introduction

Nigella sativa (N. sativa), one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs with antioxidant properties, increases blood insulin levels and lowers fasting blood sugar. Nuclear Erythroid Factor-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) are two antioxidant factors that are increased by oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. The present study investigated how hydroalcoholic extract of N. sativa seed (HENS) increases blood insulin levels, taking into account changes in antioxidant factors and expression of insulin transcription factors.

Materials and methods

Two groups of male diabetic wistar rats were treated orally with HESN at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg-body weight for one month. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and insulin were measured using standard kits by photometric and ELISA methods, respectively. The expression levels of the Nrf2, FGF21 and β-Klotho genes as well as the insulin gene-stimulating transcription factors of MafA and PDX-1 were evaluated using real-time PCR. Oxidative stress was assessed by assessing serum total oxidation status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Results

HSEN showed a significant reducing effect on FBS and oxidative biomarkers and an increasing effect on serum insulin levels in treated diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetics (P < 0.05). The elevated levels of NRF2 and FGF21 in the liver and pancreas of the diabetic control group were significantly reduced after treatment with both HESN doses (P < 0.05). Following the ameliorative effects of HENS on pancreatic tissue and the reduction of oxidative stress, the expression level of MafA and PDX1 genes approached the level of these factors in healthy rats (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed the therapeutic effects of HENS on diabetic pancreas by reducing oxidative stress and tissue damage, modifying the expression levels of PDX-1 and MafA genes, and regulating insulin secretion and blood glucose levels.    

An update of Nrf2 activators and inhibitors in cancer prevention/promotion

NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein is a basic-region leucine zipper transcription factor that defends against endogenous or exogenous stressors. By inducing several cytoprotective and detoxifying gene expressions, Nrf2 can increase the sensitivity of the cells to oxidants and electrophiles. Transient Nrf2 activation, by its specific activators, has protective roles against carcinogenesis and cancer development. However, permanent activation of Nrf2 promotes various cancer properties, comprising malignant progression, chemo/radio resistance, and poor patient prognosis. Taken together, these findings suggest that reaching an optimal balance between paradoxical functions of Nrf2 in malignancy may render a selective improvement to identify therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment. In this review, we describe lately discovered Nrf2 inducers and inhibitors, and their chemopreventive and/or anticancer activities.

The Nrf2 pathway signifies one of the most significant cell defense procedures against exogenous or endogenous stressors. Certainly, by increasing the expression of several cytoprotective genes, the transcription factor Nrf2 can shelter cells and tissues from multiple sources of damage including electrophilic, xenobiotic, metabolic, and oxidative stress. Notably, the aberrant activation or accumulation of Nrf2, a common event in many tumors, confers a selective advantage to cancer cells and is connected to malignant progression, therapy resistance, and poor prognosis. Therefore, lately, Nrf2 has arisen as a hopeful target in treatment of cancer, and many struggles have been made to detect therapeutic strategies intended at disrupting its pro-oncogenic role. By summarizing the outcomes from past and recent studies, this review provided an overview concerning the Nrf2 pathway and the molecular mechanisms causing Nrf2 hyperactivation in cancer cells. Finally, this paper also described some of the most promising therapeutic approaches that have been successfully employed to counteract Nrf2 activity in tumors, with a particular emphasis on the development of natural compounds and the adoption of drug repurposing strategies.

Identification coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and physicochemical qualities in various water sources and the efficiency of water treatment plants in their removal- case study: Northwest region of Iran

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in water resources and the transmission of diseases caused by it is one of the factors threatening the quality of water resources. This study for the first time concentrates on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in water resources an urban location. In the present study, the samples were collected from known depth (30–50 cm) of rivers, dams and lakes. In each sample of water collected, different parameters such as residual chlorine, pH (phenol red), turbidity, total dissolved solids and temperature were also measured. Out of 267 samples, two samples were detected to be positive which their Ct values were 34.2 and 35.67. The existence of viable form of this virus in water and wastewater may be associated with issues for providing public health and difficulties in implementation of pandemic control strategies, and this situation can be exacerbated in developing countries that do not have adequate access to sanitation and safe water.

Infectious rate of ocular discharges in patients with approved COVID-19 respiratory infection

Background:

Since the relation between ocular manifestation and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been not elucidated well, thus this study was performed to assess the transmission to patients and healthcare providers via ocular secretions, and to decide if there is a link between ocular symptoms and COVID-19.

Methods:

A total of 101 patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 based on the clinical symptoms, radiological studies and confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and hospitalized in Corona ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardabil from April 15, 2020 to September 15, 2020. Ocular examination was done and patients’ demographical data and ocular symptoms were recorded. Also, ocular secretion specimens were obtained to evaluate the COVID-19 RT-PCR test to detect the virus in ocular secretion specimen.

Results:

In this study, we observed that 15.8% of patients had positive RT-PCR test for COVID-19 in their ocular secretion specimens. In addition, we showed that there is no difference between male and female as well as age in patients with positive RT-PCR and negative tests obtained from ocular secretion. In addition, we observed that 27 patients (26.7%) were symptomatic patients for ocular manifestations including conjunctivitis, epiphora, injection, discharge, etc., but only 2 patients (1.98%) had follicular conjunctivitis during examination. Besides, nonsymptomatic patients (for ocular manifestations) had significant lower rate of positive RT-PCR test from their ocular secretion.

Conclusion:

This study showed that ocular secretion might be a source of COVID-19 infection even in nonsymptomatic patients. Thus, self-protection from ocular secretion should be observed by ophthalmologists from all patients (even nonsymptomatic patients).

SARS-CoV-2: Current trends in emerging variants, pathogenesis, immune responses, potential therapeutic, and vaccine development strategies

More than a year after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is still a major global challenge for scientists to understand the different dimensions of infection and find ways to prevent, treat, and develop a vaccine. On January 30, 2020, the world health organization (WHO) officially announced this new virus as an international health emergency. While many biological and mechanisms of pathogenicity of this virus are still unclear, it seems that cytokine storm resulting from an immune response against the virus is considered the main culprit of the severity of the disease. Despite many global efforts to control the SARS-CoV-2, several problems and challenges have been posed in controlling the COVID-19 infection. These problems include the various mutations, the emergence of variants with high transmissibility, the short period of immunity against the virus, the possibility of reinfection in people improved, lack of specific drugs, and problems in the development of highly sensitive and specific vaccines. In this review, we summarized the results of the current trend and the latest research studies on the characteristics of the structure and genome of the SARS-CoV- 2, new mutations and variants of SARS-CoV-2, pathogenicity, immune response, virus diagnostic tests, potential treatment, and vaccine candidate.

Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in hospital indoor air of COVID-19 patients' ward with impinger method

In December 2019, all nations learnt about the emergence of a pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), induced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is a member of the β-coronavirus group. As SARS-CoV-2 has the potentiality of leading to life-threatening respiratory failure, its transmission routes need to be characterized. Yet, the possibility of airborne transmission is still debated. This study was performed to evaluate potential hospital indoor air viral quality in order to detect SARS-COV-2. For this purpose, an impinger method was used to monitor the SARS-COV-2 virus in the air. Thus, 33 samples were collected from 8 different hospital locations. The sampling time was between 50 and 60 min with a sampling flow rate of 28 L/min. Air samples were taken from 2 to 5 m away from the patients' beds. Temperature, relative humidity, and CO₂ concentration were 28, 37, and 438 ppm, respectively. The results indicated that air samples which were 2 to 5 m away from the patients' beds were negative for the presence of the virus. According to the obtained results, it is suggested that airborne transmission may not have much effect on this pandemic. However, as the patients with SARS-CoV-2 were hospitalized in rooms with negative air pressure, the results might have been negatively affected. Graphical abstract.

Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 virus on nozzle surfaces of fuel supply stations in North West of Iran

There are several ways for transmitting the SARS-CoV-2 virus to humans, and one of these ways is the contact with infected surfaces. Fuel stations have been a major concern for people and health experts due to the frequent use of common nozzles. This study was performed to identify the COVID-19 virus in the nozzles of fuel supply stations. In the current research, 25 fuel supply stations along the main street ways were investigated to recognize Coronavirus infection on the surfaces of the nozzles. For each fuel supply station, 4 nozzles were chosen (a total of 100 samples). The sampling was carried out at two periods of time, that is, before and after quarantine restrictions. Swapping was used for surface sampling, and Real-time PCR was used to determine the positive and negative results. The results showed that out of nine fuel supply stations (36 samples of nozzle surfaces), five were positive for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on the nozzle surfaces before the corona restriction. The results showed that in the conditions after corona restriction, all samples were negative in terms of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on the surfaces of the nozzles. In spite of the fact that gas stations can be one of the foremost inclined places for the transmission and spread of coronavirus due to the nearness and visit of individuals, but through the observance of health behaviors and implementing some procedures, cutting the transmission chain in gas stations can be facilitated.

Evaluation of masks' internal and external surfaces used by health care workers and patients in coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) wards

One of the simplest and most effective individual measures is to wear a mask to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets from carriers to healthy people and patients admitted to corona wards and their staff. This research aimed to investigate the contamination of internal and external surfaces of various masks used by patients and staff with SARS coronavirus, as well as the possibility of airborne transmission in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardabil. For this purpose, twenty-five staff members and ten patients participated voluntarily in this cross-sectional study. Sampling was performed using swaps on both sides (inside and outside) of various surgical masks, N-95, and filtering face piece FFP2 through standard methods in compliance with the relevant conditions and from a surface of at least 5 cm². Next, the collected samples were immediately transferred to a laboratory and analyzed by real-time PCR method to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus after viral genome extraction. Based on the obtained results, from a total of 30 collected samples (25 of personnel masks plus 5 samples of hospitalized patients' masks). A total of 60 masks were sampled. For every collected sample, the researchers studied both inside and outside of the mask. Upon analyzing the data, it was showed that 6 mask samples were positive for the presence of coronavirus. Nonetheless, all samples taken from both inside and outside of the personnel masks (N-95 and FFP2 types of masks) were negative. Among the 6 positive samples, four cases were related to the internal part, one case to the outer part of the three-layer surgical masks, and one to the outer part of the N-95 masks in hospitalized patients. As masks reduce the concentration of virus particles, they can play an important role in creating immunity.

SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Iran: The dynamics of the epidemic and evidence on two independent introductions

The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus has been rapidly spreading globally since December 2019, triggering a pandemic, soon after its emergence. While Iran was among the first countries confronted with rapid spread of virus in February 2020, no real‐time SARS‐CoV‐2 whole‐genome tracking in early phase of outbreak was performed in the country. To address this issue, we provided 50 whole‐genome sequences of viral isolates ascertained from different geographical locations in Iran during March–July 2020. The corresponding analysis on origins, transmission dynamics and genetic diversity of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, represented at least two introductions of the virus into the country, constructing two major clusters defined as B.4 and B.1*. The first entry of the virus might have occurred around very late 2019/early 2020, as suggested by the time to the most recent common ancestor, followed by a rapid community transmission that led to dominancy of B.4 lineage in early epidemic till the end of June. Gradually, reduction in dominancy of B.4 occurred possibly as a result of other entries of the virus, followed by surge of B.1* lineages, as of mid‐May. Remarkably, variation tracking of the virus indicated the increase in frequency of D614G mutation, along with B.1* lineages, which showed continuity till October 2020. The increase in frequency of D614G mutation and B.1* lineages from mid‐May onwards predicts a rapid viral transmission that may push the country into a critical health situation followed by a considerable change in composition of viral lineages circulating in the country.

Investigation of SARS CoV-2 virus in environmental surface

The prevalent respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 probably persist for a long time on fomites and environmental surfaces. Some recent studies have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA on the surface of cell phones, door handles and other items in the inhabited sites of confirmed cases. For the aim of this study, a total of 50 environmental surface samples of SARS-CoV-2 was collected from Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardabil. Forty-one environmental surface samples were proved negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA while nine surface samples were positive. Our findings regarding surfaces contaminated with the virus are consistent with the results of recent similar researches as it was revealed that a number of different samples taken from hospital surfaces such as handles, cupboards, light switches, and door handles were positive for the presence of SARS-Cov-2.

Efficacy of Metformin and Chemotherapeutic Agents on the Inhibition of Colony Formation and Shh/Gli1 Pathway: Metformin/Docetaxel Versus Metformin/5-Fluorouracil

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is a common gastrointestinal cancer characterized by poor prognosis and chemoresistance. Docetaxel and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are frequently used for the treatment of gastric cancer. Despite their potent anti-cancer effects, chemoresistance occurs in metastatic gastric cancer. Metformin, a popular anti-diabetic drug, has been proven to have potent anticancer effects on gastrointestinal cancers. Here, we aim to improve this chemotherapy agents' efficacy by pretreatment with metformin.

METHODS

The AGS gastric cancer cell line were pretreated with three different sub-toxic concentration of metformin and then treated with various concentrations of 5-FU and docetaxel.The anticancer effects of the combination of metformin with the chemotherapy agents were determined using clonogenic assay and DAPi staining. We used real-time PCR to evaluate Gli1, Gli2, and TWIST1 mRNA expression levels in the gastric cancer cells. Also, the expression of the Shh protein was assessed using immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

Here, we found that metformin sensitized the gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy. The combination treatments were more effective in reducing the number of cancer colonies compared to 5-FU or docetaxel alone. The combination of metformin with 5-FU or docetaxel significantly reduced the number of cells expressing the Shh protein compared to the 5-FU alone or docetaxel alone. Interestingly, we found that the combination of metformin with docetaxel significantly down-regulated the mRNA levels of Gli1, Gli2, and TWIST1 in the AGS gastric cancer cell line compared to docetaxel alone.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our data strongly support an important role for metformin as an enhancer of the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents against gastric cancer.

Evaluating the efficiency of TaqMan real-time PCR and serological methods in the detection of Brucella spp. in clinical specimens collected from suspected patients in Ardabil, Iran

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of the TaqMan real-time PCR and serological methods in detecting Brucella spp. in clinical specimens that have been collected from suspected patients in Ardabil, Iran.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 113 consecutive patients suspected of brucellosis who were referred to the three hospitals in Ardabil province were selected. In the first step, the diagnosis of brucellosis was performed by serological methods including the Rose Bengal slide agglutination test, Wright test, 2-ME test, and BrucellaCapt test. In the next step, TaqMan real-time PCR with primer and probe targeting the bcsp31 gene was used for the detection of Brucella spp. Specificity, sensitivity, and positive and negative predictive values of the TaqMan real-time PCR assay were calculated.

RESULTS

Among 113 suspected patients with different clinical manifestations, the Rose Bengal slide agglutination test, Wright test, and 2-ME test were positive in 60 cases; however, the BrucellaCapt test titer was 1:160 for one patient. Six patients had high initial serum antibody titers; 2-ME titers of ≥1:640; STA titers of ≥1:1280; BrucellaCapt titers of ≥ 1:2560. Among positive cases, no correlation was observed among gender, age, and life (residence) in urban or rural areas. The TaqMan real-time PCR was positive in 35% of all 60 positive cases. The comparison of the results of the BrucellaCapt and TaqMan real-time PCR methods revealed that 19 out of 54 (35.2%) and 2 out of 6 (33.4%) BrucellaCapt positive cases with titers of >1:320 and ≤ 1:320 were positive, respectively. The sensitivities and specificities of the TaqMan real-time PCR assay were 49.1% and 100% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity of the TaqMan real-time PCR assay was low in the diagnosis of brucellosis, while the BrucellaCapt test turned out to be a very valuable, sensitive, and specific test for the diagnosis of brucellosis in suspected patients and, thus, can provide reliable results in medical laboratories.

Azelaic acid stimulates catalase activation and promotes hair growth through upregulation of Gli1 and Gli2 mRNA and Shh protein

OBJECTIVE

Although azelaic acid is effective for treatment of acne and rosacea, the biological activity of azelaic acid and the effect of its combination therapy with minoxidil were not elucidated with regard to hair growth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, mouse vibrissae follicles were dissected on day 10 after depilation. Then, the bulb and bulge cells of the hair follicle were treated with minoxidil and azelaic acid for 10 days to evaluate Sonic hedgehog (Shh) protein expression. Moreover, bulge and bulb cells of the hair follicles were cultivated and the expression of Gli1, Gli2, and Axin2 mRNA levels was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. We further investigated the protective effects of azelaic acid against ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation in cultured bulb and bulge cells by determining catalase activity. An irradiation dose of 20 mJ/cm² UVB for 4 sec was chosen.

RESULTS

The results showed that catalase activity significantly (p<0.05) increased in the bulge cells after exposure to 2.5 mM and 25 mM azelaic acid. Meanwhile, treatment of the bulb cells with azelaic acid (2.5 and 25 mM) did not cause significant changes in catalase activity. We also found that azelaic acid (25 mM) alone upregulated Gli1 and Gli2 expression in the bulge cells and 100 µ minoxidil caused Gli1 and Axin2 overexpression in the bulb region of the hair follicle. Moreover, minoxidil (100 µM) alone and in combination with azelaic acid (25 mM) led to Shh protein overexpression in the hair follicles in vitro and in organ culture.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated a potential role for azelaic acid in the protection of bulge cells from UVB damage and its combination with minoxidil may activate hair growth through overexpression of Shh protein.

Reduced Levels of miR-28 and miR-200a Act as Predictor Biomarkers of Aggressive Clinicopathological Characteristics in Gastric Cancer Patients

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in different pathological processes including cancer development and progression. To find novel molecular diagnostic and prognostic markers and promising therapeutic tools for gastric cancer (GC), we aimed to investigate the relationship of the expression levels of miR–28–5p or miR–200a–3p with the clinicopathological criteria and to explore their impacts on the progression of human GC.

Materials and Methods:

Quantitative RT–PCR was performed to analyze miR–28 and miR–200a expression in 60 GC and 60 non–GC tissue samples.

Result:

Our results revealed that the expressions of miR–200a and miR–28 were significantly downregulated in GC in comparison with non– GC tissues. Tumors with low miR–28 expression had larger tumor size, more advanced histological grade, and a higher incidence of lymph node and distal metastasis than the tumors with high miR–28 expressions. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses demonstrate that the expression of miR–28 is a predictive biomarker allows predicting the histological grade, tumor size, and occurrence of nodal and distal metastases. We also found a significant inverse association between miR–200a expression and the rate of lymph node metastasis (p = 0.010, r = –0.334).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that the miR–28 and miR–200a have tumor–suppressor functions and may be considered as potential biomarkers for gastric cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Biomimetic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Matricaria chamomilla extract and their potential anticancer activity against human lung cancer cells

Herbs having various natural substances can be utilized for the biosynthesis of Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and act as a stable, reliable and biocompatible alternative instead of the current physical and chemical approaches. It has been reported that Matricaria chamomilla possesses unique properties, especially anti-cancerous effects. The objective of the current work was to assess the chemical characteristics and anticancer effects of biosynthesized AgNPs applying aqueous extracts of M. chamomilla against A549 lung cancer cells. UV-visible spectrum showed the maximum absorption of the biosynthesized AgNPs at 430 nm. The crystalline structure of biosynthesized AgNPs in optimal conditions was confirmed by XRD. Moreover, the presence of Ag as the ingredient element was exhibited via EDX analysis. FT-IR results also verified the AgNPs synthesis using a plant extract. The spherical shapes of the AgNPs with an average diameter size around 45.12 nm and a zeta potential value of -34 mV were characterized using DLS, and confirmed through FE-SEM and TEM. In vitro cytotoxicity assay using MTT revealed that the biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited a dose- and time- dependent cytotoxic effect against A549 lung cancer cells. Moreover, the apoptotic effects of the AgNPs were demonstrated using DAPI staining, real-time PCR and flow cytometry. According to these findings, using M. chamomilla in combination with AgNPs via green-synthesis approach may be an efficient strategy for effective treatment of lung cancer.

Nrf2 overexpression is associated with P-glycoprotein upregulation in gastric cancer

The efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents remains very poor in gastric cancer (GC) patients due to the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), is a pivotal transcriptional factor that regulates phase II detoxifying enzymes, antioxidants and efflux transporters including P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of Nrf2 and P-gp and their correlations with clinicopathological criteria in GC patients.Nrf2 and MDR1/P-gp expressions in both mRNA and protein levels were examined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining (IHC) respectively, in endoscopic biopsy samples from60 GC patients compared with those expressions in non-GC individuals. Our results from IHC examinations revealed that Nrf2 expression in GC patients (46.7%) is markedly higher than that in non-GC individuals (11.7%) (p<0.001, Mann-Whitney test) which was confirmed by real-time PCR in mRNA levels. Induction of P-gp as a drug efflux pump, was associated with Nrf2 overexpression in these samples (r=0.55, p<0.001). There was also a strong correlation between Nrf2 overexpression and tumor size, histological grade, lymph node and distant metastasis while P-gp upregulation was shown to be associated only with the histological grade and tumor size (Chi-square, all p<0.05). Our results suggest that therapeutic inhibition of Nrf2 expression can improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents for GC patients by down regulation of P-gp expression.

The role of Nrf2-Keap1 axis in colorectal cancer, progression, and chemoresistance

Colorectal cancer is the third common cancer after lung and genital cancers worldwide with more than 1.2 million new cases diagnosed annually. Although extensive progress has been made in the treatment of colorectal cancer, finding novel targets for early diagnosis and effective treatment of these patients is an urgent need. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 signaling pathway plays a key role in protecting cells from the damage of intracellular oxidative stress and extracellular oxidizing agents. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 is a transcription factor that creates intracellular redox homeostasis via transcriptional activity and interaction with kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1. Furthermore, it contributes to survival and chemoresistance of colorectal cancer cells which is mediated by overexpression of cytoprotective and multidrug resistance genes. In this review, the dual role of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 signaling in induction of colorectal cancer cell survival and death as well as the possibility of targeting nuclear factor-erythroid 2-kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 axis as an advanced strategy in prevention and effective treatment of colorectal cancer patients have been discussed.