New Approaches to Use Nanoparticles for Treatment of Colorectal Cancer; a Brief Review

Nanoparticles have been at the center of research focus as a new promising material for the treatment of cancer in recent years. Although many chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment are available, their potential toxicity is the main point of concern. On the other hand, the conventional chemotherapeutic approach has not been found to be very efficient in colorectal cancer (CRC) as the drug molecule does not reach the target site with an effective concentration. A major challenge in cancer therapy is to destroy tumor cells without harming the normal tissue. To overcome this problem scientists are trying to use nanoparticles to directly target cancer cells for a more effective treatment and reduced toxicity. Different nanoparticles such as: liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and silica have been developed to carry a variety of anticancer agents including: cytotoxic drugs, chemo modulators, siRNA and antiangiogenic agents. This review discusses various treatments for colon cancer and the potential use of nanoparticles which facilitate targeting of cancer cells. The outlook for new treatment strategies in CRC management is also underlined

Evidence for an increase in cannabis use in Iran – A systematic review and trend analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance globally. In this systematic review, we examined the prevalence and trends of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder in Iran. METHODS: We searched International and Iranian databases up to March 2021. Pooled prevalence of use among sex subgroups of the general population, university and high school students, combined youth groups, and high-risk groups was estimated through random-effects model. Trends of various use indicators and national seizures were examined. RESULTS: Ninety studies were included. The prevalence estimates of last 12-month cannabis use were 1.3% (95%CI: 0.1–3.6) and 0.2% (95%CI: 0.1–0.3) among the male and female Iranian general population, respectively. The prevalence of cannabis use disorder among general population in national studies rose from 0% in 2001 to 0.5% in 2011. In the 2016–2020 period, the pooled prevalence estimates of last 12-month cannabis use were 4.9% (95% CI: 3.4–6.7) and 0.3% (95% CI: 0.0–1.3) among males and females of “combined youth groups”, respectively. The linear trend of last 12-month cannabis use among males of "combined youth groups" and among female university students increased significantly from 2000 to 2020. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of cannabis use in Iran is low compared to many countries. However, there is strong evidence of an increase in cannabis use among the youth and some evidence for an increase in cannabis use disorder

Association of SMAD7 genetic markers and haplotypes with colorectal cancer risk

Funding Information: This work was based on the Master of Science thesis of Ms. Maryam Alidoust and was financially supported by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (Grant No: 951659).Peer reviewedPublisher PD