Predictive Molecular Blood Biomarkers in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Lung cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the lung tissue. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression of MUC1 mRNA and CK19 mRNA biomarkers in patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).Materials and Methods: In this case-control research, thirty samples of cancer blood, thirty samples of cancer tissue, and the same number of healthy samples were prepared. Samples were collected and RNA was extracted, then cDNA was made and gene expression was measured using Real-Time PCR.Results: Among non-small-cell lung carcinoma patients, the MUC1 mRNA marker was positive for 19 individuals while in the healthy group, it was reported positive in 5 out of 30 individuals. In the patients' group, the CK19 mRNA marker was positive for 16 individuals while in the healthy group, in 6 out of 30 individuals.Conclusion: The MUC1 mRNA and CK19 mRNA as lung cancer tumor markers were reliable and sensitive; however, further studies are recommende

Real-time RT-PCR Detection of HCN4 and ADAM8 genes in ventilator-associated pneumonia patients Hospitalized in intensive care unit

IntroductionVentilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)  is One of the most serious and  prevalence of  complication  among patients in the intensive care unit nosocomial infections, which are often recognized after detecting symptoms. To date, there has been no proper clinical and diagnostic marker for early detection of this disease. In this study, two HCN4 and ADAM8 genes in patients with VAP were assessed to be used as a biomarker to recognize and distinguish the disease.   MethodologyThis study was done in Masih Daneshvari Hospital affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences,Tehran,Iran since 2015-2016 and was case /control study . current study was administered by using peripheral blood samples, including 30 patients with VAP and 30 Healthy person. First, the peripheral blood samples were taken and then RNA was extracted and then synthesis CDNA. Finally, the evaluation of genes was performed by Realtime PCR method.   FindingsIn peripheral blood samples, patients individuals , 10 out of 30 cases had positive HCN4 markers. Among the healthy individuals, 6 out of 30 cases had positive HCN4  biomarkers. Moreover, in ADAM8 marker patients individuals, 13 out of 30 cases had positive ADAM8 marker and 8 out of 30 healthy individuals had positive ADAM8 biomarkers.ConclusionGenes HCN4 and ADAM8  assessment with Real Time-PCR  in this study can be used as promising markers in early detection of VAP disease. More extensive studies on larger sample sizes may yield higher sensitivity for these molecular markers

A new bone adhesive to fix mandible fractures in New Zealand rabbits: cytotoxicity assay and comparison of bone formation with conventional plate and screw method

Statement of the Problem: Using plate and screws as the conventional bone fixation method in maxillofacial fractures leads to many complications as plate exposure, infection or unpleasant feeling on touching. Finding a substitute fixation method has been a far desire for many years. Purpose: This study compared the new bone formation using an experimental bone adhesive containing a functional monomer (benzophenone tetracarboxylic di-methacrylate, BTDMA) and the conventional plate and screw in fractured mandibles of rabbit. Materials and Method: This is an experimental animal study. The artificial fractures were induced at the mandibular angles of three male New Zealand rabbits. Screw and plate were used as control and titanium mesh with the resin-based bone adhesive containing 15 wt. % BTDMA monomer were applied as treatment. The mandible radiography were obtained and the density of the fracture line was compared to the control. The newly formed bone was assessed by a microscope. Results: The results obtained from the MTT cytotoxicity assay showed that 70% of cells were able to grow in the presence of the adhesive. The radiographic density of mesh-adhesive specimens was 119.88±76.29, while conventional plate specimens’ density was 120.38±73.89. The average new bone formation score in the mesh specimens and plate specimens was 3.67±4.62 and 7±4.36, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The application of bone adhesive containing 15% BTDMA monomer in a group of the rabbits showed lamellar bone formation. Conclusion: Using bone adhesives containing BTDMA could lead to a new bone formation with high density in the case of adequate bonding to the fractured area. Keywords: Fractures; Bone; Bone Cements; Osteogenesis

Applications of Propolis in Dentistry: A Review

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a resinous substance obtained from the beehives that has antioxidant, anti-bacteria, anti-virus, antifungal, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to review the studies about the role of propolis in improving dental and oral health.METHODS: This study reviewed the published articles regarding the applications of propolis in dentistry. An electronic search of the literature was carried out in Farsi electronic databases includingGoogle, Medlib.ir, SID, Iranmedex and Magiran as well as English electronic databases such as PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge.These databases were searched for articles published between 1997and October 20, 2017. Non-dental books and journals were also manually searched.RESULTS: This study reviewed published articles on the efficacy of propolis for surgical wound healing, caries prevention, treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, treatment of aphthous ulcers and propolis as a storage medium for avulsed teeth, root canal irrigating solution and mouthwash.CONCLUSION: The result of the reviewed article showed that propolis is effective an agent that is used for multiple purpose in oral health.KEYWORDS: Propolis, Dentistry, Honeybee, Oral healt

Ectopic expression of miRNA-21 and miRNA-205 in non-small cell lung cancer

This research is a part of the efforts of the professors and colleagues of Masih Daneshvari Hospital of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Mashhad Medical Sciences University. All involved are sincerely thanked.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Cytotoxic Effect of Thiabendazole on Hn5 Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line

Statement of the Problem: Evidence shows thiabendazole has the potential to inhibit angiogenesis in melanoma and fibrosarcoma; however, its effect on oral squamous cell carcinoma has not been previously studied. Purpose: This study sought to assess the cytotoxic effects of thiabendazole on HN5 head and neck squamous carcinoma cell line. Materials and Method: HN5 cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of thiabendazole (prepared from 99% pure powder) for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Cell viability was assessed by the methyl thiazol tetrazolium assay, and IC50 of thiabendazole was calculated. Cells were also exposed to different concentrations of thiabendazole for 48 hours to determine its effect on expression and transcription of vascular endothelial growth factor gene. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The vascular endothelial growth factor release was assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Results: In all concentrations of thiabendazole except for 200 and 550μM, cell viability was significantly different at different time points (p< 0.05). At 48 and 72 hours, cell viability at all concentrations of thiabendazole (100-650μM) significantly decreased compared to the control group (zero concentration). In addition, cell viability significantly decreased with an increase in thiabendazole concentration. At 48 hours, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA was significantly lower in presence of 500μM thiabendazole compared to the control group (p< 0.001) and release of vascular endothelial growth factor was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Thiabendazole inhibited the proliferation of HN5 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. It also inhibited the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor gene

Clinical Significance and Different Expression of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV and Procalcitonin in Mild and Severe COVID-19

Background: Coronavirus has become a global concern in 2019-20. The virus belongs to the coronavirus family, which has been able to infect many patients and victims around the world. The virus originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, which eventually spread around the world and became a pandemic. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 Patients with severe (n=30) and mild (n=30) symptoms of COIVD-19 were included in this study. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients. Real-time PCR was used to compare the relative expression levels of Procalcitonin and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) in a patient with severe and mild Covid-19 infection. Results: Procalcitonin and dipeptidyl peptidase IV markers in the peripheral blood of patients with severe symptoms, were positive in 29 (96.60%) and 26 (86.60%), respectively (n=30); however, positive rates in the mild symptoms patients group were 27 (90%) and 25 (83.30%), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between these two groups in terms of DDPIV and Procalcitonin (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Procalcitonin and DPPIV increase in patients with COVID-19 infection, significantly higher in the patients with more severe clinical symptoms than those with milder ones. More studies will be needed to verify the reliability of the current findings. Keywords: Procalcitonin, DPPIV, Severe symptoms, Mild symptoms, COVID-1

Differentiation of human endometrial stem cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel into oocyte-like cells

Introduction: Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (hEnMSCs) are a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with multi-lineage differentiation potential, making them an intriguing tool in regenerative medicine, particularly for the treatment of reproductive and infertility issues. The specific process of germline cell-derived stem cell differentiation remains unknown, the aim is to study novel ways to achieve an effective differentiation method that produces adequate and functioning human gamete cells. Methods: We adjusted the optimum retinoic acid (RA) concentration for enhancement of germ cell-derived hEnSCs generation in 2D cell culture after 7 days in this study. Subsequently, we developed a suitable oocyte-like cell induction media including RA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), and studied their effects on oocyte-like cell differentiation in 2D and 3D cell culture media utilizing cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel. Results: Our results from microscopy analysis, real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence tests revealed that 10 µM RA concentration was the optimal dose for inducing germ-like cells after 7 days. We examined the alginate hydrogel structural characteristics and integrity by rheology analysis and SEM microscope. We also demonstrated encapsulated cell viability and adhesion in the manufactured hydrogel. We propose that in 3D cell cultures in alginate hydrogel, an induction medium containing 10 µM RA and 50 ng/mL BMP4 can enhance hEnSC differentiation into oocyte-like cells. Conclusion: The production of oocyte-like cells using 3D alginate hydrogel may be viable in vitro approach for replacing gonad tissues and cells

mRNA Biomarkers for Detection of Oral Squamous Cell Cancer

Objectives: Cancer is one of the main causes of death in the world. Changes in the expression of CK19 and CEA genes in peripheral blood of OSCC patients were examined for early diagnosis. Methodology: The participants were 36 patients and 36 normal individuals. CK19 and CEA of blood serum were measured through Real-Time PCR. The relationship of the biomarkers with tumor staging and cancer development was examined. Results: Comparison of the two groups of participants using t-test indicated no significant difference in terms of mean age. CK19 marker was positive in 19 participants of the patient’s group (n=36), which meant the sensitivity of the marker was 53%. In addition, the marker was positive in eight participants of the normal group (n=36). CEA marker was positive in 26 participants of the patient’s group (n=36), which meant the sensitivity of the marker was 72%. Moreover, the marker was positive in 11 participants in the normal group (n=36). Conclusion: In general, the study introduced a screening test for early diagnosis of OSCC. To have evidence with more reliability, future studies should be carried out with larger sample groups. Keywords: Oral squamous cells carcinoma- early diagnosis- CK19- CE

Relationship with Lung Carcinoma in the Patients with Anthracosis by Detection of Expression of P16 and MUC1 Genes

Introduction and objective: Anthracosis is a pneumoconiosis caused by coal dust. The term “pneumoconiosis” refers to an occupational lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of dust. To achieve more efficient diagnosis and treatment methods, changes in the expression of MUC1 and P16 genes in the patients with anthracosis and their relationship with none small cells lung carcinoma were examined. Methodology: Thirty anthracosis samples (center of the lesion) and thirty healthy samples (edges of the lesion) were collected from anthracosis patients diagnosed by a specialist. The patients signed a written letter of consent beforehand. The expression of MUC1 and P19 biomarkers was measured through Real-Time PCR. The relationship of the expression of biomarkers with tumor staging and lung carcinoma stage was examined. Results: The two groups in the study were compared using t-test. P16 marker was positive at the center and edges of lesions in seven (out of 30) and 18 (out of 30) cases respectively. There was a significant difference between positive P16 markers at the center and edges of the lesions (p-value<0.001). MUC1 marker was positive at the center of lesions in 21 cases out of 30 (sensitivity = 70%) and it was positive at the edges of lesions in seven cases out of 30. In terms lesions (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated a relationship between anthracosis and lung carcinoma. Clearly, the positive cases of P16 genes at the edges of lesions were higher than that at the center; while the positive cases of MCU1 gene at the center of lesions were higher than that at the edges. Further studies with larger sample groups are needed to provide more evidence. Keywords: Anthracosis disease- lung carcinoma- MUI1 Biomarker- P16 Biomarke