Heart Diseases Associated Genes

Background: Heart diseases are complex pathophysiologic conditions involving biomarkers. Understanding the mechanisms by which a gene selectively triggers intracellular molecular responses provide insight into the complex processes implicated in heart diseases. The aim of this study was to predict heart diseases associated genes. Materials and Methods: A number of computational methods have been developed for human gene prioritization. In this study, we used Beegle and KEGG pathway databases and two online services for gene prioritization and analysis of genes related to heart disease. Results: Over 200 genes and 5 key signaling pathways related to human heart diseases were found. The processes in which gene mutations trigger a response in cells leading to cardiac conditions involve multiple pathways. Conclusion: The genes related to heart diseases could be CRP, NPPB, IL-6, ACE2 and GATA4 with high scores and the researchers should find the diagnostic biomarker between them

Hemifacial Microsomia: A Mini-Review and Case Report

Objectives Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is an asymmetric craniofacial malformation, which results from hypoplasia of the first and second branchial arch components and is characterized by a wide spectrum of phenotypic expressions, varying from the underdevelopment of the temporomandibular joint, mandible, facial and trigeminal nerves, masticatory muscles, ears, and hypoplastic maxillary, temporal, orbital, and zygomatic bones to conductive hearing loss due to external and middle ear deformities. Management of this developmental defect is multidisciplinary and associated with various phenotypic spectra and severities. A wide range of treatment protocols, such as surgical interventions, have been proposed, especially for mandibular hypoplasia, including rib or fibular bone grafting, distraction osteogenesis (DO), orthognathic surgery, and a combination of these procedures. Case In this study, the treatment course and 17-year follow-up of a patient with HFM were described. The treatment included autogenous costochondral grafting, followed by full-time application of an asymmetric hybrid functional appliance, fixed orthodontic therapy, orthognathic surgery, and contour modification surgery to achieve optimal facial aesthetics. Conclusion Patients can benefit from functional jaw orthopedics psychosocially and the consequent enhanced facial symmetry during childhood and adolescence is really advantageous   &nbsp

CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated Capsule Gene Silencing in Escherichia coli

Background: Genomic engineering of Escherichia coli is applied to design and produce recombinant proteins as the new drugs. The aim of this study was to CRISPR-Cas9 mediated capsule gene silencing in E. coli.Materials and Methods: We suppressed genes involved in capsule expression of E.coli by CRISPR cas9 process. The constructed E.coli was confirmed by microscopic smear, transmission electron microscopy and T7 phage influence assay.Results: The results were shown that the inhibition of capsule production was carried out successfully and there was not any capsule layer around the bacteria.Conclusion: E. coli without any capsule around may proper for replacement of it with other molecules in future

مهندسی ژنتیک در محصولات غذایی و دارویی: فواید، نگرانی‌ها و ملاحظات اخلاقی

Background and Aim: In order to sustain the world’s growing population, the production of food must be more than 70% of what it is produced today. A remarkable and stable solution for the eradication of hunger is using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Genetic modifications have contributed to larger yields in agriculture and livestock as well as the development of new biopharmaceuticals, vaccines and proteins. Despite the large benefits that genetic engineering and GMOs can bring for us, they may produce some hazards and concerns in certain areas. Moreover, considering the products to be new and also vast changes that they can make in economical, social, health, and safety matters, ethical issues plays an important role in the application of these technologies. Materials and Methods: This is a review study. Research data were collected by searching databases of Web of science, PubMed, Scopus, google scholar, Magiran (Bank of Iran's Magazines Information), SID (Jahad-e Daneshgahi Scientific Information Center) with keywords of Ethic, Genetic engineering, genetically modified organisms and transgenic. Ethical Considerations: The findings of these articles are stated in all stages of the research without bias and with respect to ethical aspects. Findings: In this study, first some of the beneficial effects of such products on humanity and their contribution to the conservation of available resources are pointed out and then possible concerns about mass production and consumption of transgenic products as well as safety issues are discussed. Finally, the need to observe ethical considerations, the importance of respecting the rights of customers and product labeling are mentioned. Conclusion: Adopting rational and prospective policies by observing ethical aspects, enacting integrated laws to avoid consumer's confusion, observing ethical aspects and providing correct and unbiased informing can prevent the possible dangers of this technology and people will profit its benefits.   Cite this article as: Zahedipour F, Hosseini SA, Jalili A. Genetic Engineering in Food and Pharmaceutical Products: Benefits, Concerns and Ethical Considerations. Faslnamah-i akhlaq-i pizishki. 2021; 15(46): e19.زمینه و هدف: به منظور حفظ جمعیت رو به رشد جهان، بایستی تولید محصولات غذایی 70 درصد بیشتر از آنچه تولید امروز است، رشد داشته باشد. یک راه حل قابل توجه و پایدار برای ریشه‌کن‌کردن گرسنگی استفاده از ارگانیسم‌های اصلاح‌شده ژنتیکی (Genetically Modified Organisms) یا تراریخته است. اصلاحات ژنتیکی منجر به بازده بیشتر در کشاورزی و دامداری و همچنین توسعه داروهای جدید زیستی، واکسن‌ها و پروتئین‌ها شده است. با وجود مزایای بزرگی که مهندسی ژنتیک و تراریخته‌ها می‌توانند داشته باشند، احتمال خطرات و نگرانی‌ها در زمینه‌های خاصی را هم ایجاد می‌کنند، به علاوه با توجه به جدیدبودن این محصولات و همچنین تغییرات وسیعی که در مسائل اقتصادی، اجتماعی، وضعیت سلامت و ایمنی می‌توانند ایجاد نمایند، مسائل مربوط به اخلاق زیستی نیز در مورد آن‌ها اهمیت مضاعف می‌یابد. مواد و روش‌‌ها: این مطالعه به روش مروری انجام شده و داده‌های پژوهش با جستجو در پایگاه‌های اطلاعاتی Web of Science، Pubmed، Scopus، Google Scholar، بانک اطلاعات نشریات ایران (Magiran)، پایگاه مرکز اطلاعات علمی جهاد دانشگاهی (SID) با واژگان کلیدی Ethic، Genetic Engineering، Genetically Modified Organisms و تراریخته گردآوری شد. ملاحظات اخلاقی: یافته‌های حاصل از این مقالات در تمام مراحل پژوهش بدون سوگیری و با رعایت جنبه‌های اخلاقی عنوان شد. یافته‌ها: در این بررسی، ابتدا به برخی از تأثیرات مفید این‌گونه محصولات برای انسان و سهم آن‌ها در حفظ منابع موجود اشاره شده است، سپس نگرانی‌های احتمالی در مورد تولید انبوه و مصرف محصولات ژنتیکی و همچنین مسائل مربوط به ایمنی آن‌ها مورد بحث قرار گرفته است. سرانجام لزوم رعایت ملاحظات اخلاقی، اهمیت رعایت حقوق مشتریان و برچسب‌زنی محصولات عنوان شده است. نتیجه‌گیری: اتخاذ سیاست‌های منطقی و آینده‌نگر با رعایت جنبه‌های اخلاقی، وضع قوانین یکپارچه به منظور جلوگیری از سردرگمی مصرف‌کنندگان، رعایت جنبه‌های اخلاقی و اطلاع‌رسانی صحیح و به دور از موضع‌گیری می‌تواند ضمن جلوگیری از مخاطرات احتمالی این فناوری، مردم را ازمزایای آن بهره‌مند نماید

Investigation of Lethal Poisonings among Dead Bodies Referred to Regional Office of Iranian Legal Medicine Organization in Shiraz

Background:Death due to acute poisoning is of medical, legal and social significance. This study was designed to investigate lethal poisonings among dead bodies referred to a regional office of Iranian Legal Medicine Organization (ILMO). Methods:This was a retrospective descriptive-analytical study on dead bodies referred to Fars province regional office of ILMO in Shiraz, Iran, during April 2013 to the end of March 2014. For data analysis, only subjects with poisoning as the definitive cause of death were included. Results:During the study period, 2,594 autopsies were conducted in Fars province office of ILMO, among which poisoning was found to be the cause of death in 147 autopsies (5.7%). Eighty-eight cases (59.9%) were men. The majority of subjects aged 20 to 30 years (50.3%). The greatest number of subjects (73.5%) was unmarried persons. Regarding the occupation, most subjects were unemployed (49.7%) followed by housewives (19.7%). Over half of the cases (54.42%) had died within less than 6 hours after the poisoning. The majority of cases were found dead at home (73.5%), while the rest had died in outpatient department or hospital wards. Suicide cases were far more common than unintentional cases (75.5% vs. 24.5%). Suicidal intention was significantly higher in subjects with lower educational status (P = 0.033). The most common causes of poisoning were pharmaceutical products (66.7%) followed by aluminum phosphide (10.9%) and other types of pesticides (7.2%). Conclusion:Lethal poisonings is mostly seen in young adults, and those with lower educational level and unemployment. Suicidal intention is the main cause of lethal poisonings

Statins and angiogenesis in non-cardiovascular diseases

Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase by competitively inhibiting the active site of the enzyme, thus preventing cholesterol synthesis and reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Many pleiotropic effects of statins have been demonstrated that can be either related or unrelated to their cholesterol-lowering ability. Among these effects are their proangiogenic and antiangiogenic properties that could offer new therapeutic applications. In this regard, pro- and anti-angiogenic properties of statins have been shown to be dose dependent. Statins also appear to have a variety of non-cardiovascular angiogenic effects in many diseases, some examples being ocular disease, brain disease, cancer, preeclampsia, diabetes and bone disease, which are discussed in this review using reports from in vitro and in vivo investigations

Pleiotropic properties of statins via angiogenesis modulation in cardiovascular disease

Inhibition of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase by statins is affected by inhibiting the active site of the enzyme in a competitive manner. Statins reduce plasma cholesterol by inhibiting its de novo synthesis. In addition, statins impart ‘pleiotropic’ activities that do not directly relate to their ability to decrease cholesterol. The proangiogenic and antiangiogenic characteristics of statins are among these pleiotropic effects. These angiogenic-modifying properties could offer new therapeutic applications. Statins stimulate or suppress angiogenesis in a biphasic manner. Whereas low doses of statin stimulate angiogenesis, high doses reduce protein prenylation and limit cell development and angiogenesis. In this review, we discuss how statins impact angiogenesis, with a particular focus on angiogenesis in stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Pulmonary fibrosis: Therapeutic and mechanistic insights into the role of phytochemicals

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the devastating consequence of various inflammatory diseases of the lung. PF leads to a reduction of lung function, respiratory failure, and death. Several molecular pathways are involved in PF, such as inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), tumor necrosis factor β1 (TNFβ1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 4 (IL-4), reactive oxygen species, matrix metalloproteases, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Targeting these processes involved in the progression of PF is essential for the treatment of this disease. Natural products, including plant extracts and active compound that directly target the processes involved in PF, could be suitable therapeutic options with less adverse effects. In the present study, we reviewed the protective effects and the therapeutic role of various bioactive compounds from plants in PF management

Protective Effects of Auraptene against Free Radical-Induced Erythrocytes Damage

Objectives: Auraptene is the most abundant natural prenyloxycoumarin. Recent studies have shown that it has multiple biological and therapeutic properties, including antioxidant properties. Erythrocytes are constantly subjected to oxidative damage that can affect proteins and lipids within the erythrocyte membrane and lead to some hemoglobinopathies. Due to the lack of sufficient information about the antioxidant effects of auraptene on erythrocytes, this study intended to evaluate the potential of this compound in protecting radical-induced erythrocytes damages. Methods: The antioxidant activity of auraptene was measured based on DPPH and FRAP assays. Notably, oxidative hemolysis of human erythrocytes was used as a model to study the ability of auraptene to protect biological membranes from free radical-induced damage. Also, the effects of auraptene in different concentrations (25-400 μM) on AAPHinduced lipid/protein peroxidation, glutathione (GSH) content and morphological changes of erythrocytes were determined. Results: Oxidative hemolysis and lipid/protein peroxidation of erythrocytes were significantly suppressed by auraptene in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Auraptene prevented the depletion of the cytosolic antioxidant GSH in erythrocytes. Furthermore, it inhibited lipid and protein peroxidation in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Likewise, FESEM results demonstrated that auraptene reduced AAPH-induced morphological changes in erythrocytes. Conclusion: Auraptene efficiently protects human erythrocytes against free radicals. Therefore, it can be a potent candidate for treating oxidative stress-related diseases

Antisense technology as a potential strategy for the treatment of coronaviruses infection: With focus on COVID‐19

Abstract After the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in December 2019 and the increasing number of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections all over the world, researchers are struggling to investigate effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this infection. Targeting viral small molecules that are involved in the process of infection is a promising strategy. Since many host factors are also used by SARS‐CoV‐2 during various stages of infection, down‐regulating or silencing these factors can serve as an effective therapeutic tool. Several nucleic acid‐based technologies including short interfering RNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, DNAzymes, and ribozymes have been suggested for the control of SARS‐CoV‐2 as well as other respiratory viruses. The antisense technology also plays an indispensable role in the treatment of many other diseases including cancer, influenza, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In this review, we summarised the potential applications of antisense technology for the treatment of coronaviruses and specifically COVID‐19 infection