Prevalencija protutijela za protozoon Neospora caninum u goveda u provinciji Kerman u Jugoistočnom Iranu.

Neospora caninum is an intracellular parasite which causes abortion in cattle worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in cattle in the province of Kerman in South East Iran. Blood samples were collected from 285 cattle in the province of Kerman for determining the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum. A total of 285 serum samples were tested for anti-neospora antibodies. Serum samples were analyzed for antibodies against N. caninum antigen using a commercial N. caninum ISCOM ELISA kit. Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 36 of the 285 (12.6%) sera based on ELISA test results. This study is the first report of Neospora infection in this area. With regard to seropositivity, no significant difference was observed regarding origin, sex and age (P>0.05).Protozoon Neospora caninum je intracelularni parazit koji uzrokuje pobačaje u goveda diljem svijeta. Cilj istraživanja bio je odrediti seroprevalenciju neosporoze u goveda u području Kerman u Jugoistočnom Iranu. Ukupno je sakupljeno i pretraženo 285 uzoraka seruma. Uzorci su bili pretraženi komercijalnim testom N. caninum Iscom ELISA. Protutijela su pronađena u 36 od 285 uzoraka seruma (12,6%). U ovom je istraživanju prvi put dokazana prisutnost invazije vrstom Neospora caninum u pretraživanom području Irana. Seroprevalencija se nije značajno razlikovala s obzirom na podrijetlo pretraženih životinja, njihovu dob i spol (P<0,05)

Prevalencija protutijela za protozoon Neospora caninum u goveda u provinciji Kerman u Jugoistočnom Iranu.

Neospora caninum is an intracellular parasite which causes abortion in cattle worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in cattle in the province of Kerman in South East Iran. Blood samples were collected from 285 cattle in the province of Kerman for determining the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum. A total of 285 serum samples were tested for anti-neospora antibodies. Serum samples were analyzed for antibodies against N. caninum antigen using a commercial N. caninum ISCOM ELISA kit. Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 36 of the 285 (12.6%) sera based on ELISA test results. This study is the first report of Neospora infection in this area. With regard to seropositivity, no significant difference was observed regarding origin, sex and age (P>0.05).Protozoon Neospora caninum je intracelularni parazit koji uzrokuje pobačaje u goveda diljem svijeta. Cilj istraživanja bio je odrediti seroprevalenciju neosporoze u goveda u području Kerman u Jugoistočnom Iranu. Ukupno je sakupljeno i pretraženo 285 uzoraka seruma. Uzorci su bili pretraženi komercijalnim testom N. caninum Iscom ELISA. Protutijela su pronađena u 36 od 285 uzoraka seruma (12,6%). U ovom je istraživanju prvi put dokazana prisutnost invazije vrstom Neospora caninum u pretraživanom području Irana. Seroprevalencija se nije značajno razlikovala s obzirom na podrijetlo pretraženih životinja, njihovu dob i spol (P<0,05)

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Using Niosomal Zinc Sulfate Plus Cryotherapy in Comparison with Placebo Along with Cryotherapy in Treatment of Common Wart

Background: There are different treatment modalities for common warts and all of them have side effects. Niosomal drug delivery systems have increased efficacy by enhanced transport of therapeutic agents through stratum corneum with decreased side effects. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of combined 2% niosomal zinc sulfate cream plus cryotherapy compared with combination of placebo plus cryotherapy. Methods: Sixty patients with verruca vulgaris enrolled in this randomized clinical trial study. Patients were divided in 2 groups. Group A received 2% niosomal zinc sulfate cream and group B received placebo twice a day. Also, patients in both groups were treated with cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) every other week. Treatment protocols continued for a maximum of 3 months or until total clearance of the lesions. Results: Mean number of the sessions for complete remission was 4.5±1.38 in group A and 5.36±0.88 in group B and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. Complete remission was observed in 60% in group A compared with 43.3% in group B that was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Combination therapy with niosomal zinc plus cryotherapy can lead to faster and greater percentage clearance of the lesions without significant increase in adverse effects in comparison with cryotherapy plus placebo

A high-content neuron imaging assay demonstrates inhibition of prion disease-associated neurotoxicity by an anti-prion protein antibody

There is an urgent need to develop disease-modifying therapies to treat neurodegenerative diseases which pose increasing challenges to global healthcare systems. Prion diseases, although rare, provide a paradigm to study neurodegenerative dementias as similar disease mechanisms involving propagation and spread of multichain assemblies of misfolded protein ("prion-like" mechanisms) are increasingly recognised in the commoner conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. However, studies of prion disease pathogenesis in mouse models showed that prion propagation and neurotoxicity can be mechanistically uncoupled and in vitro assays confirmed that highly purified prions are indeed not directly neurotoxic. To aid development of prion disease therapeutics we have therefore developed a cell-based assay for the specific neurotoxicity seen in prion diseases rather than to simply assess inhibition of prion propagation. We applied this assay to examine an anti-prion protein mouse monoclonal antibody (ICSM18) known to potently cure prion-infected cells and to delay onset of prion disease in prion-infected mice. We demonstrate that whilst ICSM18 itself lacks inherent neurotoxicity in this assay, it potently blocks prion disease-associated neurotoxicity

Increased level of Histamine in keloid Tissue

Background: Keloid and hypertrophic scars (HTS) caused by an imbalance between the production and destruction of collagen during wound healing with an unknown underlying pathophysiological mechanism. This study was designed to evaluate the histamine level in the Keloid and HTS and comparison of results with normal skin. Materials and Methods: This pilot study included 36 participants, aged from 18 to 70 years with keloid (n=11), HTS (n=13) and normal (n=12) skin. The level of histamine in the skin samples was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Histamine level in keloid samples was significantly higher than in the normal (p=0.0012) or HTS (p=0.0028) groups. However, there was no significant difference between the normal and HTS samples (p=0.92). Conclusion: The increased histamine level in the keloid tissue may contribute to its pathogenesis and the application of anti-histamines could be of benefit for the prevention and treatment of keloids

Effects of Methadone on Liver Enzymes in Patients Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Background: Methadone is currently the most frequently used substance in the treatment of short-term and particularly long-term opiate dependence. Patients' beliefs about the adverse effects of methadone on function of organs, especially liver, have widely affected the use of this substance. This study aimed to determine the effects of methadone on liver enzyme levels in patients on methadone maintenance treatment. Methods: In a retrospective study, a total of 94 patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy were recruited from Shahid Beheshti Hospital (Kerman, Iran). Liver enzyme levels in all patients were tested every six months from the onset of treatment until 24 months. The relations between test results and age, gender, and methadone dose were then evaluated. Data was analyzed using logistic regression with random data plan. Findings: At the 24th month, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in 4 patients (4.3%) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in 3 patients (3.2%) were above normal. Among 46 patients (50%) who had normal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels after 24 months, 26 subjects were younger than 40 and 20 subjects were over 40 years of age. The mean age of subjects with abnormal ALP levels and the mean methadone dose were 39.9 years and 19.55 cc, respectively.Conclusion: The results of this study indicated the significant effect of methadone on ALP levels. These effects can account for cholestatic pattern liver injury (obstruction). Further prospective studies including greater samples of patients with heart and liver complications and encompassing other drugs are required to confirm our findings.Keywords: Methadone, Substance abuse, Liver, Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatas

Association of P53 (+16ins-Arg) Haplotype with the Increased Susceptibility to Breast Cancer in Iranian-Azeri Women

Background: Many case-control investigations have showed the correlation of TP53 gene polymorphisms with the risk of breast cancer. However, the findings are not consistent. It has been suggested that the investigation of P53 genotype combinations and haplotypes may be more helpful than the detection of single polymorphisms. In the present study, we investigated the association of P53 intron 3 and codon 72 polymorphisms, as well as their Haplotypes and genotype combinations, with the development of breast cancer among Azeri women of Iran. Methods: A total of 143 Iranian-Azeri females suffering from breast cancer and 160 ethnically and age-matched healthy females participated in this study. Intron 3 genotype was indicated by length analysis of PCR amplicon on polyacrylamide gels and allele specific–polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) was applied for genotyping Arg72Pro variation. Data analysis was performed using the JavaStat online statistics package and SHEsis online program. Results: Our findings did not show a significant association of P53 intron 3 and codon 72 polymorphisms with the risk of breast neoplastic tumors among Iranian-Azeri women. However, the (-16ins/+16ins) (Arg/Arg) combined genotype and (+16Ins-Arg) haplotype had a higher frequency in patients in comparison with the control group (OR=3.816; 95%CI: 0.906-18.459; P=0.047 and OR=3.941; 95%CI: 1.583-9.812; P=0.002, respectively). Conclusion: In our study, (-16ins/+16ins) (Arg/Arg) genotype combination and (+16ins-Arg) haplotype showed significant correlation with the increased susceptibility to breast cancer development in Iranian-Azeri females

The association of dietary nitrates/nitrites intake and the gut microbial metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide and kynurenine in adults: a population-based study

BackgroundDietary nitrate and nitrite may affect the gut microbiota and its metabolites, such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and kynurenine (KYN). However, this association and the exact mechanism are still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association between dietary consumption of nitrite and nitrate on TMAO and KYN levels in adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was employed on a subsample baseline phase of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) Employee's Cohort Study (TEC). A total of 250 adults aged 18 years or older were included in the current analysis. Data on the dietary intakes were collected using a validated dish-based food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and dietary intakes of nitrite and nitrate were estimated using the FFQ with 144 items. Serum profiles and TMAO and KYN were measured using a standard protocol.ResultsThe findings of this study demonstrate a significant association between the intake of animal sources of nitrate and nitrite and the likelihood of having elevated levels of TMAO and KYN. Specifically, after adjustment, individuals with the highest intake adherence to nitrates from animal sources exhibited increased odds of having the highest level of TMAO (≥51.02 pg/ml) (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 0.59–3.88, P = 0.03) and KYN (≥417.41 pg/ml) (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 0.73–4.17, P = 0.02). Additionally, subjects with the highest animal intake from nitrite sources have 1.73 and 1.45 times higher odds of having the highest levels of TMAO and KYN. These results emphasize the potential implications of animal-derived nitrate and nitrite consumption on the levels of TMAO and KYN.ConclusionThe present evidence indicates that a high level of nitrate and nitrite intake from animal sources can increase the odds of high levels of TMAO and KYN. Further studies suggest that we should better evaluate and understand this association

Silymarin Administration Attenuates Cirrhotic-induced Cardiac Abnormality in the Rats: A Possible Role of β1-adrenergic Receptors and L-type Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channels

Background: Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a well-recognized cardiac dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. Studies have confirmed the protective effects of silymarin in different types of cardiac injury. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness and molecular mechanism of silymarin against myocardial dysfunction and hypertrophy in a rat model of cirrhosis. Methods: The experiment was performed at Alborz University of Medical Sciences (Karaj, Iran) during 2020-2021. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of Sham-operated (control group for surgical procedures), Bile Duct Ligated (BDL), and two Silymarin extract (SE)-treated groups of 300 and 600 mg/Kg/day. After 28 days, serum levels of AST, ALT, GGT, and ALP, liver histopathological status, as well as cardiac mechanical function, were assessed. Cardiac β1-adrenergic receptors (β1-AR), L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (L-VDCC), and GATA4 mRNA expression were also determined using real-time RT-PCR. Data analysis was performed using the one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. Histological data has been analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test. The analysis was performed at P≤0.05. Results: BDL was associated with a significant elevation in serum AST, ALT, GGT, and ALP, development of necrosis and fibrosis of the liver texture, increased Heart Weight and Heart Weight to Body Weight ratio, enhanced cardiac mechanical function as well as a significant up-regulation of ventricular β1-AR and L-VDCC. Administration of SE600, but not SE300, significantly reduced the serum levels of the enzymes and alleviated signs of liver necrosis and fibrosis. Cirrhotic-induced cardiac dysfunction was also restored by SE600, but not by the lower dose. In addition, cardiac expression of the β1-AR and L-VDCC was down-regulated toward normal values by either higher or lower doses of the SE. Conclusion: Silymarin treatment in higher dose attenuated cirrhosis-associated cardiac remodeling and reduced cardiac mechanical dysfunctions

Potential use of angiotensin receptor blockers in skin pathologies

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components such as angiotensin II, angiotensin receptors (AT1R and AT2R), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) are expressed in different cell types of the skin. Through AT1R, angiotensin II increases proinflammatory cytokines contributing to fibrosis, angiogenesis, proliferation, and migration of immune cells to the skin. In contrast, AT2R suppresses the effects mentioned above. Many studies show that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACEi) reduce the proinflammatory cytokines and fibrogenic factors including transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and IL-6. This review article provides a detailed research study on the implications of ARBs in wound healing, hypertrophic scar, and keloids. We further discuss the therapeutic potentials of ARBs in autoimmune and autoinflammatory skin diseases and cancer, given their anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects