Interaction between the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin and food intake and obesity and dyslipidemia

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin and fasted lipid profile, indices of obesity, and environmental parameters. Amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMs-PCR) was used for genotyping 1118 individuals recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) cohort study. The interaction between the presence of the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin and nutritional intake and other major determinants of obesity and lipid profile was examined in the MASHAD study population. Individuals with the TT genotype at the locus had the lowest prevalence of obesity compared to other genotypes among the individuals. No significant relationship was found between the two groups regarding the lipid profile and TT genotype. Furthermore, no significant association was found between dietary intake and the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin in the population under study. Individuals with a TT or GT genotype appear to be at a higher risk of obesity, compared to those with a GG genotype. The results of the current study revealed a significant association between the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin and obesity; however, this gene did not correlate with the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and dyslipidemia in the Iranian population.

Inhibition of Murine Systemic Leishmaniasis by Acetyl Salicylic Acid via Nitric Oxide Immunomodulation

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate antileishmanial effects of ASA via NO pathway in Leishmania major infected Balb/c mice. Moreover, toxicity and pathological consequences of ASA administration were investigated.

METHODS

Balb/c mice were infected with L. major and ASA was inoculated orally after lesion appearance for its ability to modulate NO and to modify Leishmania infection in host, in order to evaluate the effects of NO production on size and lesion macroscopy, delay of lesion formation and proliferation of amastigotes inside macrophages. Liver, spleen, and lymph nodes were also studied as target organs to detect amastigotes. In addition, plasma was investigated for NO induction using Griess microassay.

RESULTS

ASA increased NO production in plasma of both naïve and Leishmania test groups at the ultimate of the experimental period. A decline was observed in proliferation of amastigotes inside macrophages of test group when compared with control one. ASA reduced lesion size, inhibited Leishmania visceralisation in spleen, lymph node, and decreased hepato/splenomegaly in ASA treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Some antileishmanial effects of ASA by NO-modulation were indicated during systemic leishmaniasis in mice. Despite slight effects on lesion size, ASA decreased parasite visceralization in target organs and declined their proliferation inside macrophages. Therefore, ASA may be indicated to inhibit systemic leishmaniasis via NO pathway in mice model.

Synthesis, central nervous system activity and teratogenicity of a homothalidomide

The optical isomers of alpha-phthalimidoadipinimide (1) were synthesized by a route based on D(+)- and L(-)-amino-epsilon-caprolactam (5) as synthon. The isomers of 1 were obtained in high yields by treating D(+)- and L(-)-amino-epsilon-caprolactam (5) with N-carboethoxyphthalimide (4), followed by oxidation with benzeneseleninic anhydride (7). The teratogenic potency of both isomers of 1 was studied by the HET-(Hen's Egg Test); 1 caused distinctly lower teratogenic effects in contrast to thalidomide (2). D(-)-1 and L(+)-1 showed sedative effects with a lower activity than 2. Both are more stable in alkaline solution at the same time with a smaller tendency for racemization.