Epigenetic perturbations in the pathogenesis of mustard toxicity; hypothesis and preliminary results

Among the most readily available chemical warfare agents, sulfur mustard (SM), also known as mustard gas, has been the most widely used chemical weapon. SM causes debilitating effects that can leave an exposed individual incapacitated for days to months; therefore delayed SM toxicity is of much greater importance than its ability to cause lethality. Although not fully understood, acute toxicity of SM is related to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, oxidative stress, DNA damage, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation and energy depletion within the affected cell. Therefore several antioxidants and PARP inhibitors show beneficial effects against acute SM toxicity. The delayed toxicity of SM however, currently has no clear mechanistic explanation. One third of the 100,000 Iranian casualties are still suffering from the detrimental effects of SM in spite of the extensive treatment. We, therefore, made an attempt whether epigenetic aberrations may contribute to pathogenesis of mustard poisoning. Preliminary evidence reveals that mechlorethamine (a nitrogen mustard derivative) exposure may not only cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, but epigenetic perturbations as well. Epigenetic refers to the study of changes that influence the phenotype without causing alteration of the genotype. It involves changes in the properties of a cell that are inherited but do not involve a change in DNA sequence. It is now known that in addition to mutations, epimutations contribute to a variety of human diseases. Under light of preliminary results, the current hypothesis will focus on epigenetic regulations to clarify mustard toxicity and the use of drugs to correct possible epigenetic defects

Prevalence of low vitamin D levels in infertile patients - a single center pilot study

Purpose of investigation: The objective was to evaluate serum levels of vitamin D in patients who presented with infertility. Materials and Methods: For this retrospective study, the authors examined medical records of all infertile patients who visited this clinic between March and August 2017, Results: A total of 579 infertile women are included. The mean serum 25-OH vitamin D concentration was 16.28 +/- 11.58 (range, 1-79.5) ng/mL; 220 patients were severely vitamin D deficient, 192 were vitamin D deficient, 95 were vitamin D insufficient, and only 72 patients were vitamin D sufficient. Vitamin D deficiency was more frequent in the younger patients ( 35 years) and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: This study showed that among persons presenting with infertility, more than three quarters of patients younger than 35 years and more than half of patients older than 35 years are vitamin D deficient and need treatment with vitamin D

Validity and efficacy of office hysteroscopy before in vitro fertilization treatment

Office hysteroscopy (OH) allows assessment of the uterine cavity. The aim of this study is to investigate uterine cavity of infertile patients with OH, to treat pathologies and to measure the impact of OH on live birth rates and IVF treatment costs

Can increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) be treated more effectively with intravesical pressure measurement in high-risk patients?

WOS: 000328883200011PubMed ID: 24347217BACKGROUND: Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) can result in multiorgan failure. Trauma, mechanical bowel obstruction (MBO), abdominal wall defects (AWD) and fluid resuscitation in septic shock are conditions associated with a high risk of increased IAP in children. It may be possible to treat these conditions more effectively using intravesical pressure measurement. MEHTOHDS: This prospective study was performed between December 2009 and October 2010. Intravesical pressure (IVP) measurement was used to determine IAP. The presence of Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAP > 12 mmHg) and abdominal compartment syndrome (IAP > 15 mmHg + new organ dysfunction) was evaluated in all clinical decisions. RESULTS: IVP monitoring was applied in all patients with abdominal trauma (14), AWD (8), fluid resuscitation for septic shock (7), and MBO (6). A diagnosis of ACS was determined in 14% of trauma patients and required surgery. IAH/ACS occurred in 38% of AWD cases, which required closure. IAH occurred in 43% of patients undergoing fluid resuscitation for septic shock, requiring decompressive intervention. IAH/ACS occurred in 50 % of MBO patients, all of whom required surgery. DISCUSSION: IVP measurement is a useful method to identify candidates for surgical treatment in cases of trauma and MBO. Similarly, IVP monitoring can facilitate the closure of abdominal wall defects and the application of fluid resuscitation in septic shock