Synergistic anticancer effects of co-delivery of linc-RoR siRNA and curcumin using polyamidoamine dendrimers against breast cancer

Breast cancer resistance to chemotherapy necessitates novel combination therapeutic approaches. Linc-RoR is a long intergenic noncoding RNA that regulates stem cell differentiation and promotes metastasis and invasion in breast cancer. Herein, we report a dual delivery system employing polyamidoamine dendrimers to co-administer the natural compound curcumin and linc-RoR siRNA for breast cancer treatment. Polyamidoamine dendrimers efficiently encapsulated curcumin and formed complexes with linc-RoR siRNA at an optimal N/P ratio. In MCF-7 breast cancer cells, the dendriplexes were effectively internalized and the combination treatment synergistically enhanced cytotoxicity, arresting the cell cycle at the G1 phase and inducing apoptosis. Linc-RoR gene expression was also significantly downregulated. Individual treatments showed lower efficacy, indicating synergism between components. Mechanistic studies are warranted to define the molecular underpinnings of this synergistic interaction. Our findings suggest dual delivery of linc-RoR siRNA and curcumin via dendrimers merits further exploration as a personalized therapeutic approach for overcoming breast cancer resistance.

Fascioliasis associated with chronic cholecystitis in a woman from Sistan and Baluchestan province, a non-endemic region in Southeastern Iran

BACKGROUND

Fascioliasis, caused by Fasciola hepatica, is a neglected zoonotic food-borne trematodiasis. The Caspian littoral in northern Iran is endemic for the disease, and human fascioliasis is well-known in that region. In the present study, we report the diagnosis, identification, and clinical management of a human case of fascioliasis associated with common bile duct (CBD) obstruction from a non-endemic remote area in southeastern Iran.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 42-year-old female was admitted to Afzalipour Medical Center hepatobiliary surgery ward in Kerman with abdominal pain for the past three months. Dilated biliary tract and an ill-defined mass in CBD were reported in abdominal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, respectively. During distal CBD operation, nine leaf-like motile flatworms were isolated. A morphological study confirmed all the isolates as Fasciola, and further molecular investigations, identified the flukes as F. hepatica using both pepck multiplex PCR and cox1 sequencing.

CONCLUSION

Molecular and morphological findings of the study indicated the presence of human fascioliasis in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan in Iran. Fascioliasis is among the etiologies of chronic cholecystitis, and physicians should consider chronic cholecystitis associated with fascioliasis in the differential diagnosis. In the present report, endoscopic ultrasound was usefully applied for the accurate diagnosis of biliary fasciolosis.

Upregulation of the c-MYC oncogene and adjacent long noncoding RNAs PVT1 and CCAT1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

All cell types express long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which have the potential to play a role in carcinogenesis by altering the levels of their expression. Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (ESCC) is a deadly disease with a poor prognosis and a high frequency of lymphatic metastases. Understanding the functional role and signaling pathways of two neighboring lncRNAs, CCAT1 and PVT1, in this oncogene's pathogenesis may help us determine ESCC. Furthermore, it is still unclear whether these lncRNAs are linked to the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with ESCC.

METHODS

For this study, we used biopsy from the Imam Khomeini Cancer Institute's tumor bank in Tehran, Iran to obtain 40 ESCC tumor samples and their normal margin counterparts. The expression levels of the CCAT1, PVT1, and c-MYC genes were assessed using quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR. Additionally, demographic data and clinical-pathologic characteristics, such as tumor grade, tumor stage, lymph node, and metastasis, were taken into consideration. Graphpad prism version 8 was used for bioinformatics analyses.

RESULTS

Comparing ESCC tissues to non-tumor tissues, we found significant upregulation of PVT1, CCAT1, and c-MYC. Patients with ESCC who had increased PVT1 expression also had higher rates of advanced stage and lymph node metastasis, whereas increased CCAT1 expression was only linked to advanced stage and wasn't associated with lymph node metastasis. In predicting ESCC, CCAT1 (p < 0.05) was found to be an important factor. Overall survival was reduced by c-MYC and PVT1 overexpression (p < 0.001), according to Kaplan-Meier analysis. PVT1, CCAT1, and c-MYC were found to interact with 23 miRNAs with high and medium score classes, as shown in a bioinformatics study. We summarized the experimentally proven interactions between c-MYC, PVT1, and CCAT1 and other miRNAs, lncRNAs, and proteins.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report that CCAT1, PVT1 and c-MYC have been found to be up-regulated simultaneously in ESCC. It is possible that these genes may be involved in ESCC as a result of these findings. Therefore, as consequence, more research is needed to determine whether or not these lncRNAs play an oncogenic role in ESCC development and progression, as well as the regulatory mechanisms that control them.

Differentiation of Human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Germ-Like Cells; emphasis on evaluation of Germ-long non-coding RNAs

BACKGROUND

The proliferation and differentiation of stem cells into Germ-Like Cells (GLCs) is mediated by several growth factors and specific genes, of which some are related to long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). We have developed a modified differentiation process and identified a panel of GermlncRNAs related to GLCs.

METHODS

Human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells were treated with 25 ng/ml Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-4 and 10^- 5 M all-trans retinoic acid to differentiate them into germ-like cells. To confirm the differentiation, changes in the expression of Oct-4, C-kit, Stella, and Vasa genes were assessed using quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) and immunocytochemistry. QPCR was also used before and after differentiation to evaluate the changes in a lncRNA panel, using a 96-well array. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by SPSS 21.

RESULTS

After 21 days of induction, the HWJ-MSCs derived germ-like cells were formed. Also, qPCR and immunocytochemistry showed that the pluripotent Oct4 marker was expressed in the undifferentiated HWJ-MSCs, but its expression gradually decreased in the differentiated cells. C-kit was expressed on days 7, 14, and 21 of differentiation. Both GLC markers of Stella and Vasa genes/proteins were present only in differentiated cells. Of the 44 lncRNA genes array, 36 of them showed an increase and eight genes showed a decrease.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that BMP4 and RA are effective in inducing HWJ-MSCs differentiation into GLCs. In addition, our study for the first time showed changes in the lncRNAs expression during the differentiation of HWJ-MSCs into GLCs by using BMP4 and RA.

A survey on the effect of adding aspirin to anti-migraine drugs on the severity of headache in patients with chronic migraine headaches with lateral venous sinus stenosis in MRV

Introduction

One of the probable etiologies raised in patients with chronic migraine headaches is stenosis of the lateral venous sinuses of the brain, which is detectable using magnetic resonance venography (MRV). In this study, we decided to observe the effect of adding aspirin to anti-migraine medicines on the severity of headache in patients with chronic migraine headaches with lateral venous sinus stenosis in MRV.

Methods

The study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Patients were included in the study in two groups including 30 people. The first group was treated with propranolol and nortriptyline, and the second group was treated with propranolol, nortriptyline, and aspirin. The severity of headache, number of headaches during one month, and duration of a headache before treatment and one, two, and three months after treatment were examined. Data were analyzed utilizing SPSS software version 19 and statistical tests like t-test, Chi-squared test, Paired t-test, and repeated measure.

Results

The results showed that the mean severity of headache in the second group was significantly lower than the first group two months after treatment (P = 0.003) and three months after treatment (P = 0.002). Additionally, the number of headaches (P = 0.001) and duration of headache (P = 0.043) were significantly lower in the second group than the first group in the first three months after treatment. No statistically significant difference was observed between the frequency distribution of nausea/vomiting in the two groups.

Conclusion

The addition of aspirin to anti-migraine medicines is effective in improving the severity of headache in patients with migraine with lateral venous sinus stenosis of the brain.

Social equity-based distribution networks design for the COVID-19 vaccine

This study aims to investigate the role of social equity in vaccine distribution network design problems. Inspired by the current COVID-19 vaccine allocation in-country context, we capture social equity-based distribution by modeling three theories: Rawls' theory, Sadr's theory, and utilitarianism. We consider various social groups based on degree of urbanization, including inhabitants of cities, towns and suburbs, and rural areas. The distribution problem is subject to, on the one hand, demand-side uncertainty characterized by the daily contamination rate and its space-time propagation that anticipate the in-need population. On the other hand, supply-side uncertainty characterized by the stochastic arrival of vaccine doses for the supply period. To tackle this problem, we propose a novel bi-objective two-stage stochastic programming model using the sample average approximation (SAA) method. We also develop a lexicographic goal programming approach where the social equity objective is prioritized, thereafter reaching an efficiency level. Using publicly available data on COVID-19 in-country propagation and the case of two major provinces in Iran as example of middle-income country, we provide evidence of the benefits of considering social equity in a model-based decision-making approach. The findings suggest that the design solution produced by each social equity theory matches its essence in social science, differing considerably from the cost-based design solution. According to the general results, we can infer that each social equity theory has its own merits. Implementing Rawls' theory brings about a greater coverage percentage in rural areas, while utilitarianism results in a higher allocation of vaccine doses to social groups compared to the Sadr and Rawls theories. Finally, Sadr's theory outperforms Rawls' in terms of both the allocation and cost perspective. These insights would help decision-makers leverage the right equity approach in the COVID-19 vaccine context, and be better prepared for any pandemic crisis that the future may unfold.

A causality analysis of risks to perishable product supply chain networks during the COVID-19 outbreak era: An extended DEMATEL method under Pythagorean fuzzy environment

In nowadays world, firms are encountered with many challenges that can jeopardize business continuity. Recently, the coronavirus has brought some problems for supply chain networks. Remarkably, perishable product supply chain networks, such as pharmaceutical, dairy, blood, and food supply chains deal with more sophisticated situations. Generally, during pandemic outbreaks, the activities of these industries can play an influential role in society. On the one hand, products of these industries are considered to be daily necessities for living. However, on the other hand, there are many new restrictions to control the coronavirus prevalence, such as closing down all official gatherings and lessening the work hours, which subsequently affect the economic growth and gross domestic product. Therefore, risk assessment can be a useful tool to forestall side-effects of the coronavirus outbreaks on supply chain networks. To that aim, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory approach is used to evaluate the risks to perishable product supply chain networks during the coronavirus outbreak era. Feedback from academics was received to identify the most important risks. Then, experts in pharmaceutical, food, and dairy industries were inquired to specify the interrelations among risks. Then, Pythagorean fuzzy sets are employed in order to take the uncertainty of the experts' judgments into account. Finally, analyses demonstrated that the perishability of products, unhealthy working conditions, supply-side risks, and work-hours are highly influential risks that can easily affect other risk factors. Plus, it turned out that competitive risks are the most susceptive risk in the effect category. In other words, competition among perishable product supply chain networks has become even more fierce during the coronavirus outbreak era. The practical outcomes of this study provide a wide range of insights for managers and decision-makers in order to prevent risks to perishable product supply chain networks during the coronavirus outbreak era.

Low expression of LncRNA-CAF attributed to the high expression of HIF1A in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric cancer patients

PURPOSE

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are major components of tumor microenvironment that stimulate ESCC and GC progression. The LncRNA-CAF, FLJ22447, is located in the vicinity of HIF1A, while their association remains unclear. This study aims to assess the FLJ22447 expression in the ESCC and GC patients and evaluate its association with the HIF1A gene.

METHODS

Fresh ESCC and GC tumor samples and their adjacent non-tumor tissues were collected from patients who underwent surgery in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The expression of FLJ22447, HIF1A, and VEGF was evaluated using qRT-PCR test. The association of their expression with tumor clinicopathological features in ESCC patients was assessed. System biology tools were then applied for the possible biological subsequences of the FLJ22447.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in FLJ22447 expression was observed in ESCC and GC tissues than adjacent non-tumor tissues, while, the expression of HIF1A and VEGF were increased. Low expression of FLJ22447 was significantly correlated with HIF1A (P = 2.4e-73, R = 0.63) and VEGF (P = 0.00019, R = 0.15) expression. A significant relationship was detected between the high expression of HIF1A and tumor stages (I-II) and it was related to the reduced survival of ESCC patients. Conversely, increased VEGF expression was linked to the advanced stages (III-IV) and metastasis in ESCC. The analysis of FLJ22447-interacted proteins showed that MYC, JUN, SMRCA4, PPARG, AR, FOS, and CEBPA are the hub genes. These proteins were implicated in the cancer related pathways. Among them, SPI1, E2F1, TCF7L2, and STAT1 were significantly expressed in esophageal and gastric cancers that were functionally involved in the proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis pathways in cancer.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that FLJ22447 may have a regulatory function on the HIF1A expression. We identified the FLJ22447-interacted proteins and their molecular function in cancer pathogenesis. Further research emphasis is to realize the association of FLJ22447 with its protein partners in progression of cancer. These may provide an insight into the FLJ22447 activity that could introduce it as a potential value in tumor gene therapy.

Frequency of Various Causes of Hospitalization and Its Other Related Factors in Patients with Heart Failure

Background: Heart failure has the highest rate of Rehospitalization with 20-33% readmissions within 1 to 3 months of discharge from the hospital. we decided to find out the frequency of different causes of hospitalization in patients with heart failure during 2017 to 2019. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 120 patients with heart failure who were referred to Afshar Hospital of Yazd during 2017 to 2019 were enrolled. The random sampling method was used.The required information was collected from heart failure patients’ registry project. datum were collected and were analyzed by statistical tests and SPSS version 18. Results: The mean age of patients was 53.53±12.36 years. Of the 120 patients under study,41.7% were women and 58.3% were male. The results showed that, 14.2% did not follow the recommended diet,14.2% had not regular use of drugs,14.2% had renal dysfunction,9.2% had miscellaneous causes,8.3% had pulmonary disease and 40% had idiopathic cause(where the cause of the condition is not known). There was no significant difference among the distribution of various causes of hospitalization in terms of the variables in the study. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the most common reason for hospitalization of patients with heart failure is idiopathic cause.

Evaluation of Arylsulfatase D (ARSD) and long noncoding RNA ARSD-AS1 gene expression in breast cancer patients and their association with oncogenic transcription factors

PURPOSE

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are thought as tumorigenic factors in cancer progression. We investigated the clinical significance of arylsulfatase D (ARSD) and ARSD antisense in breast cancer patients.

METHODS

Eighty breast cancer tumors were obtained from the Tumor Bank of Cancer Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital. The expression level of ARSD and ARSD-AS1 were examined in breast tumors in comparison to the margin of normal tissues using quantitative real-time PCR. Demographic information and the clinicopathologic characteristics including tumor grade, presence of cell receptors, lymph node and vascular invasion were also evaluated. Bioinformatics databases were used for identification of ARSD and ARSD-AS1 molecular targets and their association with cancer.

RESULTS

Significant up-regulation of ARSD was observed in tumor tissues in comparison with its antisense (p<0.05). Both ARSD and ARSD-AS1 expression in tumor specimens were notably lower than those in adjacent normal tissue. High expression of ARSD was associated to lower tumor grade (p<0.05). Bioinformatics results revealed the interaction of ARSD with STS and SUMF1 proteins was attributed to the inhibiting of sulfates activity. Also, ARSD co-expressed genes were associated with oncogenic transcription factors, MAF and GATA. TP53 transcription factor site was identified as a target of ARSD-AS1 mRNA. The interaction of this antisense with microRNA (miR-618) could explain its participation in tumor cell proliferation.

CONCLUSION

Low expression of ARSD was associated with higher tumor grade. The evidence from this study enhance our understanding of ARSD and ARSD-AS1 function in cancer gene therapy. Accordingly, they could be introduced as great potential targets for breast cancer treatment.

Impact of Accessory Pathway Location on Electrophysiologic Characteristics and Ablation Success

BACKGROUND

To investigate the relationship between the location of accessory pathways, electrophysiologic characteristics, and ablation success in Wolfe-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.

METHODS

Electrophysiologic study was performed in 178 patients for a pre-excitation syndrome. Accessory pathway location, anterograde or retrograde conduction, ablation success, and recurrence rate were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 178 patients with WPW syndrome, the most frequent location of the accessory pathway was left lateral (39.3%) which had high ablation success rate (97%) and low recurrence rate (1%). A meaningful relationship exists between accessory pathway location and electrophysiologic characteristics. Ablation success rate was 89.7% and was statistically related to accessory pathway location. Recurrent occurred in 2.9% of our patients and was more frequent in right free wall and PJRT.

CONCLUSIONS

The location of accessory pathways has a great impact on conductivity, ablation success, and recurrence rate in WPW syndrome.

WDR7 up-regulation upon knocking down of neighboring non-coding RNA using siRNAs encapsulated in polyamidoamine dendrimers

Objective(s):

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in females. Understanding molecular mechanisms in cancer cells compared with normal cells is crucial for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA, a regulator of reprogramming (lincRNA-RoR) is a noncoding RNA which initially was detected in induced pluripotent stem cells, and it has an important role in cell reprogramming and highly expressed in breast cancer cells. A key point in successful gene silencing is the usage of siRNA delivery system that is safe and efficient.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, the fifth-generation of PAMAM dendrimer is used as a nanocarrier for entering siRNA molecules for gene silencing of lincRNA-RoR. WDR7 is the gene encoding adjacent of lincRNA-RoR, which has an important role in apoptosis and cell cycle. Gel retardation assay was used to find the best Negative/Positive (N/P) molar charge ratio of siRNA- PAMAM transfected into MDA-MB 231 cells. MTT assay was performed 24 hr after transfection revealed the IC50 value (half maximal inhibitory concentrations) about 100 nanomolar for lincRNA-ROR siRNA.

Results:

The lincRNA-RoR and WDR7 gene expression changes were evaluated by real-time PCR after siRNA treatment and showed an increase in the gene expression of WDR7.

Conclusion:

This study showed that PAMAM dendrimer G5/ siRNA could be a useful system delivery for future gene therapy approaches.

Yazd Province of Iran ICD Registry for the Years 2014-2016

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the trends in the care of patients undergoing implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation in our region and to analyze whether the quality of care is the same as the other centers or not?

METHODS

Adult patients with an indication for ICD implants were enrolled in our registry and followed over a 19-43-month period.

RESULTS

The ICD implantation rate was 100/million per year. The mean age of patients treated with ICD was 62.36 (±12.93) years old and the majority of patients were men (77.6%). Most patients had ischemic heart failure (65.2%). Nearly half of the patients had NYHA class III (53.8%) and the mean of ejection fraction was 26.7 (±9.8%). ICDs were frequently implanted for primary prevention (71.9%). Single chamber ICDs (ICD-VR) were chosen in 25.2%, dual-chamber ICDs in 37.1% (ICD-DR) and biventricular ICDs (CRT-D) in 37.6%, respectively. Complications related to ICD implantation occurred in about 7.49% of all procedures. During follow-up period death occurred in 14.8% of our patients. Also, 13.3% of patients received ICD shock which was appropriate in 71% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison between our registry and NCDR registry, baseline patient characteristics and ICD type were almost the same, but the complication rate was higher. There is still a need to perform a large multicenter registry in our community to improve our knowledge in this Era.

Montelukast for Medical Delay in Flap Surgery

BACKGROUND

Delay phenomenon can be used for better blood supply of the flap in plastic surgery. Effects of Montelukast have been observed to reduce ischemia/reperfusion injury in various organs due to angiogenic and anti-oxidant effects. The present study aimed to determine the role of Montelukast as medical delay of the flaps.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 42 Wistar rats were divided into 3 equal groups. These groups were Surgical Delay Group (SDG), Medical Delay Group (MDG) and Control Group (CG). In SDG, 8×3 cm rectangular randomized random skin flap was first surgically delayed at rats' back. The MDG received 10 mg/kg oral Montelukast via orogastric tube for 5 days as medical delay. In MDG and SDG flap, harvesting was undertaken after a delayed period, but there was not any delayed period in CG. After delayed period, a segment of the skin flap was biopsied for assessing angiogenesis. After 14th days, the photos were taken and the size of the necrotic area of the flap was measured.

RESULTS

A significant difference was observed between the mean survival and angiogenesis (p=0.002). The same performance was reported between MDG and SDG, which were alike regarding survival and angiogenesis (p>0.05); while there was a significant difference between the control and surgical groups, as well as control and medical groups (p<0.05). Finally, the inflammation showed no significant difference (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Regarding positive effects of Montelukast on survival and angiogenesis, it is recommended to be used as a medication for larger studies.

Association of dietary patterns and risk of cardiovascular disease events in the MASHAD cohort study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the principal cause of mortality and disability in Iranian adults. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary patterns and CVD incidence in a large sample of adults in northeastern Iran.

METHODS

The present study comprised a prospective study of 5706 CVD-free men and women aged 35-65 years who participated in a cohort study. All of the participants were followed up for a 6-year period. Dietary patterns were derived from a 65-item validated food frequency questionnaire and the factor analysis method was used to determine dietary patterns.

RESULTS

We identified two major dietary patterns: (i) a Balanced dietary pattern (a high intake of green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruits, dairy products, red meats, poultry, seafoods, legumes and nuts, as well as a low intake of sugar) and (ii) a Western dietary pattern (a high intake of sugar, tea, egg, snacks, fast foods, potato, carbonated beverages, pickled foods, organs meat and butter) by factor analysis. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of total CVD in the highest versus lowest tertiles of the Balanced pattern were 1.29 (95% CI = 0.67-2.47; P = 0.44). The HR and 95% CIs of CVD in the highest versus lowest tertiles of Western pattern were 2.21 (95% CI = 1.08-4.45; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

During the 6-year follow-up, we found that adherence to a Balanced dietary pattern was not significantly associated with CVD events. However, adherence to a Western dietary pattern was associated with a significantly increased risk of CVD events and its associated risk.

In silico identification of novel lncRNAs with a potential role in diagnosis of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Due to the shortage of adequate symptoms in the early stages, it is diagnosed when the tumor has spread to distant organs. Early recognition of GC enhances the chance of successful treatment. Molecular mechanisms of GC are still poorly understood. LncRNAs are emerging as new players in cancer in both oncogene and tumor suppressor roles. High-throughput technologies such as RNA-Seq, have revealed thousands of lncRNAs which are dysregulated in GC. In this study, we retrieved lncRNAs obtained by High-throughput technologies from OncoLnc database. Consequently, retrieved lncRNAs were compared in literature-based databases including PubMed. As a result, two lists, including experimentally validated lncRNAs and predicted lncRNAs were provided. We found 43 predicted lncRNAs that had not been experimentally validated in GC, so far. Further Bioinformatics analyses were performed to obtain the expression profile of predicted lncRNAs in tumor and normal tissues. Also, the roles and targets of predicted lncRNAs in GC were identified by related databases. Finally, using the GEPIA database was reviewed the significant relationship of predicted lncRNAs with the survival of GC patients. By recognizing the lncRNAs involved in initiation and progression of GC, they may be considered as potential biomarkers in the GC early diagnosis or targeted treatment and lead to novel therapeutic strategies. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Upregulation of miR-371-373 cluster, a human embryonic stem cell specific microRNA cluster, in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Aims

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common subtype of esophageal cancer in Iran. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs that are found to be involved in different processes and can play a role in tumorigenesis and result in cancer. MiR-371, miR-372, and miR-373 are a gene cluster that is located in the region of the human chromosome of 19q13.4. They are specifically expressed in human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and involved in the maintenance of the stemness features through regulating the expression of certain key genes and signaling pathways. The present study investigated the potential expression of miR-371-373 cluster in tumor and nontumor tissues of ESCC.

Materials and Methods

The expression level of miR-371-373 cluster was analyzed in paraffin-embedded tissues of tumor and tumor margin in 36 patients with ESCC. Total RNA was isolated and the miR-371-373 clusters were quantified with quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction expression analysis. Computed tomography analysis (2^-ΔΔCT) and t-test were used to determine the relationship between the characteristics of the tumor and nontumor tissues. Statistically, P value of <0.05 were considered significant. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 16.

Results

We provided miR-371, miR-372, and miR-373 upregulation evidence significantly with 14.36, 26.9, and 21.1-fold in esophageal cancer cells compared with their adjacent normal cells (P < 0.05), respectively. In addition, evaluation of these genes expression in various grades didn't show a significant difference.

Conclusion

Our findings support the hypothesis that these miRNAs might play a role in tumorigenesis in esophageal cancer.

Liver Transplantation Status in Iran: A Multi-center Report on the Main Transplant Indicators and Survival Rates

BACKGROUND

Iran's experience with liver transplantation (LT) began more than two decades ago. The purpose of this article is to present the status of LT in Iran, review specific characteristics of the programs, their outcomes, and their growth to become one of the largest LT programs in the world.

METHODS

A questionnaire, asking for data on the number of transplants performed and specifics of the recipients and type of donors with focus on indications and outcomes was sent to LT programs.

RESULTS

During a period of 23 years, 4,485 LTs were performed at 6 centers in the country. Of these, 4106 were from deceased donors and 379 were from living donors. There were 3553 adults and 932 pediatric recipients. Hepatitis B and biliary atresia were the most common etiologies in adult and pediatric patients, respectively. Overall survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 85%, 77%, and 71% for adults and 76%, 67% and 56% for pediatric patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Approval of the brain death law in Iran and coordinated efforts by the transplant centers to build comprehensive LT programs has resulted in the ability to procure more than 700 deceased donors per year with acceptable long-term survival.

MicroRNA-196a as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

We observed significant up-regulation of miR-196a in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) as compared with their adjacent normal tissue (p = .002). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis confirmed the suitability of miR-196a as a potential tumor marker for diagnosis of ESCC. Furthermore, analysis of miR-196a levels in saliva samples determined an average of 27-fold up-regulations in ESCC patients compared with healthy group. Our results suggest that salivary miR-196a may be a suitable noninvasive biomarker for diagnosis of ESCC. In addition, molecular pathway enrichment analysis of microRNA (miR)-196a determined focal adhesion, spliceosome and p53 signaling pathways as the most relevant pathways with miR-196a targetome.

Evaluation of miR-146a expression level in macrophages exposed to Candida glabrata

Background and Purpose:

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs with 19-24 nucleotides in length. Up- or down-regulation of many miRNAs has been shown by stimulation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the innate immune system. Up-regulation of miR-146a has been reported by both TLR and heat-killed Candida albicans. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-146a in cultured monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) infected by Candida glabrata at 12, 24, and 48 hours.

Materials and Methods:

miR-146a expression was evaluated by qRT-real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at three time points in C. glabrata-infected MDMs. The data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results:

miR-146a expression was down-regulated in infected MDMs compared to the control group (P<0.018). The expression of miR-146a was at its highest level at 48 h, as compared to 12 and 24 h (P<0.018) .The differences between the experimental group compared to the control group were statistically significant (P<0.018).

Conclusion:

These results suggest that miR-146a can be involved in regulating macrophage function following TLR stimulation in C. glabrata-infected MDMs.

The Effect of MicroRNA-375 Overexpression, an Inhibitor of Helicobacter pylori-Induced Carcinogenesis, on lncRNA SOX2OT

Background

Helicobacter pylori is a major human pathogenic bacterium in gastric mucosa. Although the association between gastric cancer and H. pylori has been well-established, the molecular mechanisms underlying H. pylori-induced carcinogenesis are still under investigation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that modulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Recently, studies have revealed that miRNAs are involved in immune response and host cell response to bacteria. Also, microRNA-375 (miR-375) is a key regulator of epithelial properties that are necessary for securing epithelium-immune system cross-talk. It has been recently reported that miR-375 acts as an inhibitor of H. pylori-induced gastric carcinogenesis. There are few reports on miRNA-mediated targeting long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs).

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the possible effect of miR-375 as an inhibitor of H. pylori-induced carcinogenesis on the expression of lncRNA SOX2 overlapping transcript (SOX2OT) and SOX2, a master regulator of pluripotency of cancer stem cells.

Materials and Methods

In a model cell line, NT-2 was transfected with the constructed expression vector pEGFP-C1 contained miR-375. The RNA isolations and cDNA synthesis were performed after 48 hours of transformation. Expression of miR-375 and SOX2OT and SOX2 were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction and compared with control cells transfected with pEGFP-C1-Mock clone. Cell cycle modification was also compared after transfections using the flow cytometry analysis.

Results

Following ectopic expression of miR-375, SOX2OT and SOX2 expression analysis revealed a significant decrease in their expression level (P < 0.05) in NT-2 cells compared to the control. Cell cycle analysis following ectopic expression of miR-375 in the NT-2 cells using propidium iodine staining revealed significant extension in sub-G1 cell cycle.

Conclusions

This is the first report to show down-regulation of SOX2OT and SOX2 following induced expression of miR-375. This finding may suggest expression regulation potential between different classes of ncRNAs, for example between miR-375 and SOX2OT. This data not only extends our understanding of possible ncRNA interactions in cancers but also may open novel investigation lines towards elucidation of molecular mechanisms controlling H. pylori inflammation and carcinogenesis.

Down-Regulatory Effects of miR-211 on Long Non-Coding RNA SOX2OT and SOX2 Genes in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that tran- scriptionally or post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression through degradation of their mRNA targets and/or translational suppression. However, there are a few reports on miRNA-mediated expression regulation of long ncRNAs (lncRNAs). We have previ- ously reported a significant upregulation of the lncRNA SOX2OT and its intronic cod- ing gene, SOX2, in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissue samples. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of induced overexpression of miR-211 on SOX2OT and SOX2 expression in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, we performed both bioinformatic and experimental analyses to examine whether these transcripts are regulated by miRNAs. From the list of potential candidate miRNAs, miR-211 was found to have complementary sequences to SOX2OT and SOX2 transcripts. To validate our finding experimentally, we transfected the NT-2 pluripotent cell line (an embryonal carcinoma stem cell) with an expression vector overexpressing miR-211. The expression chang- es of miR-211, SOX2OT, and SOX2 were then quantified by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) approach.

RESULTS

Compared with mock-transfected cells, overexpression of miR-211 caused a significant down-regulation of both genes (P<0.05). Furthermore, flow-cytometry analysis revealed a significant elevation in sub-G1 cell population following ectopic expression of miR-211 in NT-2 cells.

CONCLUSION

We report here, for the first time, the down-regulation of SOX2OT and SOX2 genes by an miRNA. Considering the vital role of SOX2OT and SOX2 genes in pluripotency and tumorigenesis, our data suggest an important and inhibitory role for miR-211 in the aforementioned processes.

Analysis of HLA-DQB1*0602 in Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Khuzestan Province, Iran

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, demyelinating, autoimmune and also complex disease of the central nervous system the etiology of which is not completely defined; but both genetic and environmental factors are regarded as main factors in its susceptibility. HLA-DQB1*0602 is considered as one of the most important genetic factors in MS predisposition but contradictory results have been reported in different populations world-wide. Since there are no data with respect to the correlation of HLA-DQB1*0602 and multiple sclerosis in Khuzestan province, and because of ethnic diversity in Khuzestan province, the aim was to examine the association of this allele with multiple sclerosis in Khuzestan.

METHODS

This is a case control study that evaluated 200 MS patients from Khuzestan and 200 healthy individuals from the same geographical region. DNA extraction was performed by salting out method; in addition, HLA typing was carried out by polymerase chain reaction amplification with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) method. The present study also considered probable association among HLA-DQB1*0602 with sex, ethnicity, and type of disease.

RESULTS

Results revealed that distribution of mentioned allele was not statistically different among cases and controls (61.5% vs. 64%, P = 0.605); furthermore, no association was shown between this allele and gender, ethnicity or type of disease.

CONCLUSION

On the whole, our result is consistent with most of the other studies in Iran; but contrasts with most of the studies in European populations.

Genotypic Diversity of Methicillin-Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Isolated from Inpatients and Outpatients

We investigated the prevalence of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) isolated from hospitalized patients and outpatients (OP). Out of 350 staphylococcal isolates collected from three hospitals, 190 were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). These isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests, detection of mecA, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing. Among the 190 isolated CoNS, Staphylococcus epidermidis (47.3%) and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (44.2%) were the most prevalent species. Other CoNS species that were isolated were Staphylococcus saprophyticus (2.1%), Staphylococcus warneri (2.1%), Staphylococcus simulans (1.6%), Staphylococcus capitis (1.1%), Staphylococcus schleiferi (1.1%), and Staphylococcus hominis (0.5%). The rate of resistance to methicillin was 60% with 58 (50%) S. epidermidis and 55 (49%) S. haemolyticus. The rate of resistance to 13 antibiotics tested with the lowest and highest to chloramphenicol and penicillin, respectively. High clonal diversity with different PFGE patterns was obtained for methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus by 32 and 31 types, respectively. Our results indicated that the dissemination of MRCoNS is widespread in Tehran. The majority of these isolates showed distinct genotyping patterns. At the same time, the common patterns were found among the MRCoNS obtained from outpatient and inpatient isolates, suggestive of an epidemiological link.

Effects of N-Acetylcysteine Addition to University of Wisconsin Solution on the Rate of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Adult Orthotopic Liver Transplant

OBJECTIVES

One of the main concerns in liver transplant is the prolonged ischemia time, which may lead to primary graft nonfunction or delayed function. N-acetylcysteine is known as a hepato-protective agent in different studies, which may improve human hepatocyte viability in steatotic donor livers. This study investigated whether N-acetylcysteine can decrease the rate of ischemia-reperfusion syndrome and improve short-term outcome in liver transplant recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a double-blind, randomized, control clinical trial of 115 patients. Between April 2012 and January 2013, patients with orthotopic liver transplant were randomly divided into 2 groups; in 49 cases N-acetylcysteine was added to University of Wisconsin solution as the preservative liquid (experimental group), and in 66 cases standard University of Wisconsin solution was used (control group). We compared postreperfusion hypotension, inotrope requirement before and after portal reperfusion, intermittent arterial blood gas analysis and potassium measurement, pathological review of transplanted liver, in-hospital complications, morbidity, and mortality.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the groups regarding time to hepatic artery reperfusion, hospital stay, vascular complications, inotrope requirement before and after portal declamping, and blood gas analysis. Hypotension after portal reperfusion was significantly more common in experimental group compared with control group (P = .005). Retransplant and in-hospital mortality were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Preservation of the liver inside Univer-sity of Wisconsin solution plus N-acetylcysteine did not change the rate of ischemia reperfusion injury and short-term outcome in liver transplant recipients.

Two novel splice variants of SOX2OT, SOX2OT-S1, and SOX2OT-S2 are coupregulated with SOX2 and OCT4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as new regulators of stem cell pluripotency and tumorigenesis. The SOX2 gene, a master regulator of pluripotency, is embedded within the third intron of a lncRNA known as SOX2 overlapping transcript (SOX2OT). SOX2OT has been suspected to participate in regulation of SOX2 expression and/or other related processes; nevertheless, its potential involvement in tumor initiation and/or progression is unclear. Here, we have evaluated a possible correlation between expression patterns of SOX2OT and those of master regulators of pluripotency, SOX2 and OCT4, in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissue samples. We have also examined its potential function in the human embryonic carcinoma stem cell line, NTERA2 (NT2), which highly expresses SOX2OT, SOX2, and OCT4. Our data revealed a significant coupregulation of SOX2OT along with SOX2 and OCT4 in tumor samples, compared to the non-tumor tissues obtained from the margin of same tumors. We also identified two novel splice variants of SOX2OT (SOX2OT-S1 and SOX2OT-S2) which coupregulated with SOX2 and OCT4 in ESCCs. Suppressing SOX2OT variants caused a profound alteration in cell cycle distribution, including a 5.9 and 6.9 time increase in sub-G1 phase of cell cycle for SOX2OT-S1 and SOX2OT-S2, respectively. The expression of all variants was significantly diminished, upon the induction of neural differentiation in NT2 cells, suggesting their potential functional links to the undifferentiated state of the cells. Our data suggest a part for SOX2OT spliced variants in tumor initiation and/or progression as well as regulating pluripotent state of stem cells.

Gas barrier and mechanical properties of crosslinked ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites

In this research, the effects of crosslinking agent and clay content on the morphology, barrier and mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate-organoclay nanocomposites prepared by solution method were studied. Dicumyl peroxide has been used as crosslinking agent. The morphology of the prepared nanocomposites was investigated using wide-angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopyindicated that the prepared nanocomposites had predominantly intercalated morphologies. The obtained results of permeability tests showed that the permeability of ethylene vinyl acetate films dramatically decreases with addition of organoclay and dicumyl peroxide. Mechanical tests showed that tensile modulus and tensile strength of ethylene vinyl acetate increase with addition of organoclay. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites significantly improved in presence of crosslinking agent (dicumyl peroxide).

Fenugreek seed extract treats peripheral neuropathy in pyridoxine induced neuropathic mice

Trigonella foenum graecum commonly known as Fenugreek exerts normoglycemic and insulinotropic effects in humans by compounds from its seed and leaf extracts. Some studies reported that treating pregnant mice with fenugreek seed could cause toxic effects on the nervous system of its pubs during developmental growth, while in some other studies neuroprotective properties were considered for it. Safety of anti-diabetic drugs for nervous system is very important because peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes and hazardous drugs could worsen it. In this study, the effect of treatment with fenugreek seed extract on the function of sciatic nerves of neuropathic mice was evaluated. Neuropathy was induced in male mice by pyridoxine intoxication. After that, animals were treated with 0.2, 2 and 20 mg/kg of hydro-alcoholic extract of fenugreek seeds for 10 days, tail flick, electrophysiological and histological assays were performed to evaluate the effect of fenugreek seed extract on function of the peripheral nerves. Our data showed that fenugreek has anti neuropathic effect and restores the function of nerve fibers. Results of electrophysiological recordings stated that the highest rate of healing was occurred in 20 mg/kg fenugreek extract treated animals. In conclusion, findings of the present study demonstrate that treatment with fenugreek seed extract can potentially facilitate healing from pyridoxine induced peripheral neuropathy in mice.

Mammography and ultrasonography reports compared with tissue diagnosis--an evidence based study in Iran, 2010

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and the fifth cause of cancer death in Iranian women. Early detection and treatment are important for appropriate management of this disease. Mammography and ultrasonography are used for screening and evaluation of symptomatic cases and the main diagnostic test for breast cancer is pathological. In this study we evaluated mammography and ultrasonography as diagnostic tools.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study 384 mammography and ultrasonography reports for 255 women were assessed, divided into benign and malignant groups. Suspected cases were referred for pathology evaluation. The radiologic and pathologic reports were compared and also comparison was performed based on age groups (more and less than 50 years old), history of breastfeeding and gravidity. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS.

RESULTS

The mean ages of malignant and benign cases were 49±11.6 and 43±11.2 years, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for mammography were 73% and 45%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for ultrasonography were 69% and 49%, respectively. There were statistical differences between specificity of mammography in patients based on factors such as history of gravidity, breastfeeding and sensitivity in patients equal or more than 50 years old and less.

CONCLUSION

Factors affecting different results in mammography and ultrasonography reports were classified into three groups, consisting of skill, experience and training of medical staff, and setting of instruments. It is recommended that health managers in developing countries pay attention the quality of setting and man power more than current status. Policy-makers and managers must establish guidelines regarding breast imaging in Iran.

An integrated Shannon's Entropy-TOPSIS methodology for environmental risk assessment of Helleh protected area in Iran

This study aims to use integrated Shannon's Entropy-TOPSIS methodology for environmental risk assessment of the Helleh protected area in Iran. In this research, first, with regard to field visits, interview with natives of the area, and investigation of the environment of the study area, the risks existing in the region were identified. Then, for final identification of the risks, the Delphi method was applied. Analysis and prioritization of risks of the area of Helleh were performed by multi-criteria decision-making methods of Shannon's Entropy and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). In this research, risks were assessed by three criteria of severity, probability of occurrence, and vulnerability. Twenty six of the risks were identified which were specified in two groups, natural events and environmental risks. The environmental ones were classified into four groups: physicochemical, biological, social-economic, and cultural. Results of the research showed that the construction of the Rayis-Ali-Delvari Dam at the upper part of the study area threatens the wetland. Water supply for the dam 75 km away from the area with concession of 0.9999 holds the first priority of risk-generating factors. Of the managerial workable solutions suggested controlling the risks, the stopping of the pumping of water from the wetland and observation of hunting season length and permissible type and number of hunting in the area can be mentioned.

Effect of opium dependency on burn healing in a rat model: an experimental study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of opium dependency on the healing of third-degree burns in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-four rats were randomly divided to experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, opium was added to the drinking water for 21 days at increasing concentrations. The control group did not receive opium. To prove dependency on opium in the rats, naloxone was injected intraperitoneally. Full-thickness burn wounds were inflicted by applying an iron cuboid preheated to 94°C to the flank of all rats for 20 s. On day 14 after burn injury, full-thickness biopsies were taken. Blind histopathologic evaluation was performed to assess length and thickness of the re-epithelialization area, number of neutrophils, fibroblasts, mononuclear cells and new vessels, and percentage of tissue in repair (neutrophilic exudate, and granulation and fibrous tissue). Findings were analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

The wound surface area was 95 ± 43.35 mm(2) in the control group and 120.4 ± 50.12 mm(2) in the experimental group (p = 0.224). The findings show that opium dependency has no significant effect on the healing of burn wounds in rats except for the number of monocytes on day 14 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Morphine dependency does not seem to be as effective on third-degree burn healing.