COVID-19 and acute kidney injury; a case report

Although there is no definitive evidence that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects the kidneys adversely, amongst those who develop severe COVID-19 infection and require hospitalization, acute kidney injury (AKI) was reported. Here, we report the clinical outcome associated with AKI in a 32-year-old man with confirmed COVID-19 infection with no prior history of renal malfunction. The AKI was identified during intensive care unit (ICU) course with the median creatinine and blood urea nitrogen values of 3.1 mg/dL (normal value: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL) and 145 mg/dL (normal value:15-45 mg/dL), respectively. Renal function of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection needs to be monitored regularly to intervene as early as possible and to prevent the development of AKI and further kidney complications

Potential role of saffron and its components on miRNA levels in various disorders, a comprehensive review

The potential therapeutic benefits of saffron and its active constituents have been investigated for the treatment of numerous illnesses. In this review, the impacts of saffron and its essential components on the levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) in different diseases have been delineated. Relevant articles were obtained through databases such as PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to the end of November 2022. miRNA expression has been altered by saffron and its active substances (crocin, crocetin, and safranal) which has been of great advantage in treating diseases such as cardiovascular, type 2 diabetes, cancers, gastrointestinal and liver disorders, central and peripheral nervous system disorders, asthma, osteoarthritis, ischemic-reperfusion induced injury conditions, and renal disorder. This study uncovered the potential restorative advantages of saffron and its derivatives, in miRNA imbalances in a variety of diseases

Highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels in Iranian patients with pulmonary complication of sulfur mustard poisoning and its correlation with severity of airway diseases

Background: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent that can cause serious pulmonary complications. This study was designed to determine serum highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and evaluate its correlation with lung function parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to SM poisoning. Methods: Fifty consecutive SM patients with stable COPD and a mean age 46.3 + 9.18 years were enrolled in this cross sectional study. Thirty healthymen were selected as controls. Lung function parameters were evaluated. Serum hs-CRP by immunoturbidometry assay was measured in both the patients and controls. Results: In the case group, the mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 2.14 + 0.76 L (58.98%+17.51% predicted). The mean serum hs-CRP was 9.4+6.78 SD and 3.9+1.92 SDmg/L in the cases and controls, respectively, with significant statistical differences (p < .001). There was negative correlation between the serum hs-CRP and FEV1 levels (p ¼ .01). The serum hs-CRP levels were also correlated with Global Initiative for ChronicObstructive Lung disease (GOLD) stages (r ¼ .45, p < .001). Conclusions:Our findings suggest that the serum hs-CRP level is increased in SM patients with COPD and may have a direct correlation with disease severity. It may then be used as a marker for the severity of COPD in patients with SM poisoning

Interleukin-6 and airflow limitation in chemical warfare patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the main late complications of sulfur mustard poisoning. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 in war veterans with pulmonary complications of sulfur mustard poisoning and their correlation with severity of airways disease. Methods: Fifty consecutive patients with sulfur mustard poisoning and stable COPD, and of mean age 46.3 ± 9.18 years were enrolled in this study. Thirty healthy men were selected as controls and matched to cases by age and body mass index. Spirometry, arterial blood gas, six-minute walk test, BODE (body mass index, obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity), and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire about quality of life were evaluated. Serum IL-6 was measured in both patient and control groups. Results: Fifty-four percent of patients had moderate COPD. Mean serum IL-6 levels were 15.01 ± standard deviation (SD) 0.61 pg/dL and 4.59 ± 3.40 pg/dL in the case and control groups, respectively (P = 0.03). There was a significant correlation between IL-6 levels and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage (r = 0.25, P = 0.04) and between IL-6 and BODE index (r = 0.38, P = 0.01). There was also a significant negative correlation between serum IL-6 and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1, r = −0.36, P = 0.016). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that serum IL-6 is increased in patients with sulfur mustard poisoning and COPD, and may have a direct association with airflow limitation

A genetic variant in CDKN2A/2B locus was associated with poor prognosis in patients with 1 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is among the leading causes of cancer related death. Despite extensive efforts in identifying valid cancer prognostic biomarkers, only a very small number of markers have been identified. Several genetic variants in the 9p21 region have been identified that are associated with the risk of multiple cancers. Here, we explored the association of two genetic variants in the 9p21 region, CDKN2A/B, rs10811661 and rs1333049 for the first time in 273 subjects with, or without ESCC. We observed that patients with ESCC had a higher frequency of a TT genotype for rs10811661 than individuals in the control group, and this polymorphism was also associated with tumor size. Moreover, a CC genotype for the rs1333049 polymorphism was associated with a reduced OS of patients with ESCC. In particular, patients with a CC (rs1333049) genotype had a significantly shorter OS (CC genotype: 34.5±8.9 months vs. CG+GG: 47.7±5.9 months; p value= 0.03). We have also shown the association of a novel genetic variant in CDKN2B gene with clinical outcome of ESCC patients. Further investigations are warranted in a larger population to explore the value of emerging markers as a risk stratification marker in ESCC. Key word: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, risk marker, CDKN2A/B, polymorphis

Pulmonary Artery Agenesis with Bronchial Asthma

Unilateral Pulmonary Artery Agenesis (UPAA) is a rare congenital anomaly during the 4 th  week of gestational age. It is defined as an absence of pulmonary parenchyma and its supporting artery. A 9-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital because of chronic cough. Chest examination showed a decrement in lung sound of right hemi-thorax with expiratory wheeze. Chest radiography (CXR) revealed a semi-opaque right hemi-thorax. Chest CT with intra-venous contrast demonstrated absence of the right pulmonary artery and lung parenchyma with hyper-inflated left lung and dextro-position of mediastinum. This case emphasizes that in patients with respiratory compliant and chronic cough CXR must be done to rule out similar diagnosis other than asthma.  

Pulmonary Artery Agenesis with Bronchial Asthma

Unilateral Pulmonary Artery Agenesis (UPAA) is a rare congenital anomaly during the 4 th  week of gestational age. It is defined as an absence of pulmonary parenchyma and its supporting artery. A 9-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital because of chronic cough. Chest examination showed a decrement in lung sound of right hemi-thorax with expiratory wheeze. Chest radiography (CXR) revealed a semi-opaque right hemi-thorax. Chest CT with intra-venous contrast demonstrated absence of the right pulmonary artery and lung parenchyma with hyper-inflated left lung and dextro-position of mediastinum. This case emphasizes that in patients with respiratory compliant and chronic cough CXR must be done to rule out similar diagnosis other than asthma.  

The Evidence of Hyperinflation on Chest X Ray and its Correlation with Air Flow Obstruction in COPD Patients

Introduction: According  to  the  latest  statistical  and  epidemiological  studies,  COPD  will  become  the  fourth  leading  cause  of  death  in  2030  worldwide.  Scientists  are  studying  on  methods  to  diagnose  COPD  in  the  patients  in  early  stages,  because  it  is  a  curable  and  preventable  disease  in  early  stages.  In  this  study,  evidences  of  hyperinflation  on  CXR  of  COPD  patients  were  compared  with  pulmonary  function  test  (PFT)  finding.    Materials  and  Methods: This  cross-sectional  study  was  done  on  100  patients  who  were  referred  to  the  pulmonary  clinic  with  symptoms  of  chronic  cough  and  dyspnea.  After  taking  history and  performing  physical  examination,  demographic  information,  history  of  smoking  and  bakery  and  frequency  of  exacerbations  were  recorded.  Standard  spirometry  was  performed  and  the  severity  of  COPD  was  determined  by  GOLD  (Global  initiative  for  chronic Obstructive  Lung  Disease)  staging.  Additionally,  they  underwent  CXR  examination  (PA  and  lateral).  Collected  data  were  analyzed  in  SPSS  ver.  18. Results: In  this  study,  there  were  79  male  and  21  female. .. . .  The  patients,  64%  of  whom  were  urban  and  36%  were  rural  dwellers.  There  was  significant  correlation  between  FEF50%predict  with  sterno-diafragmatic  angle  and  retro-sternal  lucency  (p=0.01,  r=-0.26  and  p=0.01,  r=-0.25  respectively).  Also  there  were  significant  correlations  between  the  FEV1/FVC  with  retro-sternal  lucency  (p=0.006,  r=-0.27)  and  FEV1%predict  with  sterno-diaphragmatic  angle  (p=0.002,  r=-0.31). Conclusion: The  study  showed  some  evidences  of  lung  hyperinflation  on  CXR  which  significantly  associated  with  PFT  parameters.  Sterno-diaphragmatic  angle  and  retro-sternal  lucency  can  be  used  to  predict  the  severity  of  airway  obstruction  in  patients  with  COPD,  although  the  CXR  finding  cannot  be  substituted  for  PFT  and  CT  data.