Enzymatic Analysis of Iranian Echis carinatus Venom Using Zymography

Snakebite is a common problem especially in tropical areas all over the world including Iran. Echis carinatus as one of the most dangerous Iranian snakes is spreading in this country excluding central and northwest provinces. In this study gelatinase and fibrinogenolytic properties as two disintegrating matrix metalloproteinase enzymes were evaluated by a strong clear halo between 56-72 kDa in addition to another band located 76-102 kDa for gelatinase and one major band around 38 kDa for fibrinogenolytic enzyme respectively. The electrophorectc profile of our venom demonstrated at least one protein band between 24-31 kDa like previous reports and another two bands between 52-76 kDa and below 17 kDa stemmed probably due to the effect of natural selection in one species. According to our results Razi institute antivenin could neutralize in-vitro effects of gelatinase enzyme comprehensively. The electrophoretic profile of Iranian commercial antivenom as the main intravenous treatment of envenomed patients showed impurities in addition to F (abʹ)2 weighing 96 kDa in SDS-PAGE analysis. It proposes more efforts for refinement to avoid short and long unwanted effects in envenomed patients

Cardiotoxic and Arrhythmogenic Effects of Hemiscorpius lepturus Scorpion Venom in Rats

Background: Envenomation by Hemiscorpius lepturus is not painful and the clinical manifestations include bloody urine due to hemoglobinuria or hematuria, dermonecrotic reactions,cardiac arrhythmia and in minority of cases acute renal failure which may lead to death following disseminated intravascular coagulation in infants. Cardiac effects of envenomation by H. lepturus venom including inotropic, chronotropic and arrhythmogenic properties are not studied as now in rat hearts with Langendorff apparatus. Methods: Rat hearts were allowed to equilibrate in its buffer and cardiotropic plus arrhythmogenic effects induced by injection of different doses of H. lepturus venom were detected and recorded by computer acquisition based data in Langendorff apparatus. The neutralizing effects of Razi Institute antivenom and autonomic drugs were assayed in parallel studies. Results: Hemiscorpius lepturus venom (25 μg/100 l) treatment caused a negative inotropic (65.4 ± 3.2 versus 110.2 ± 3.4) and chronotropic effects (186.3 ± 4.2 versus 302 ± 6.3) in comparison to normal saline. Arrhythmogenic aspects including bradycardia, QRS widening and ST depression were induced by venom injection. Pre venom treatment (20 min) of Razi Institute antivenom (10 μl) neutralized cardiotropic effects but post venom injection (15 min later) had no therapeutic role. Pre (10 min before) and post (15 min after) injection of adrenaline (10 μl) neneutralized cardiotropic effects while pre venom injection (20 min) of propanolol (10 μl) had aggravating effects. Conclusion: Our study paves the way for further in vivo investigation of cardiovascular effects of this venom for finding suitable treatments instead of its ordinary antivenom medication in cardiogenic shock induced by the veno

BMI1 and TWIST1 Downregulated mRNA Expression in Basal Cell Carcinoma

Background: BMI1, TWIST1 and SNAI2/SLUG have been implicated in aggressive behavior of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma and BMI1 expression could identify subtypes of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). However, BMI1, TWIST1 and SNAI2 expression levels in basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) have not been elucidated. We hypothesized BCC could be a good model system to decipher mechanisms which inhibit processes that drive tumor metastasis. The aim of this study was to examine the mRNA expression level of BMI1, TWIST1, and SNAI2 in BCCs. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five fresh non-metastatic BCC tissue samples and seven fresh normal skin tissue samples were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. Results: BMI1 and TWIST1 demonstrated marked down-regulation (p< 0.00l, p= 0.00l respectively), but SNAI2 showed no significant change (p=0.12). Conclusions: Previous literature has clearly demonstrated a positive association between BMI1 and TWIST1 expression and metastatic BCC, aggressive SCC and melanoma. Here, we demonstrated a negative association between BMI1 and TWIST1 mRNA expression level and BCC

Incidence of Incomplete Excision in Surgically Treated Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Identification of the Related Risk Factors

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer with potential risks for metastasis and recurrence if left untreated or incompletely excised. This case series study was designed to determine the frequency of incompletely excised SCCs and the related risk factors. A total of 273 SCCs (253 patients) excised in Razi dermatology hospital of Tehran from 2006-2008, were evaluated and were analyzed by Chi-square or t-test. The incidence of incomplete excision was 17.58 % and deep margin involvement was observed in 73% of lesions. Risk factors associated with incomplete excision of SCCs were being female, location of the tumors (in particular the lesions on lateral canthus, upper lip, foot, forehead, cheek, neck, nose and ear), large lesions and grafting method of repair. There was no statistically significant difference for the age, degree of histological differentiation, childhood history of radiotherapy for tinea capitis and the type of anesthesia. More care should be taken for high risk SCCs as complete excision avoids potential risk of recurrence and metastasis

Effect of oral administration of Fenugreek seeds powdered on lipid profile

Effect of oral administration of Fenugreek seeds powdered on lipid profile Background: Atherosclerosis is the major cause of death in the developed country. Impairment in plasma lipoproteins and the metabolism of fats related in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis more than any other factors. Therefore control and treatment of hyperlipidemia, seems to be necessary. In recent years public tendency of societies to traditional medicine and the use of herbal medicines has been increasing. The role of various herbs in reducing blood lipids and reduce cardiovascular disease have been identified. In this context, can mentioned fenugreek, dill and walnut leaves. In Iran, human studies that indicate the effects of these herbs on blood lipids, has limited. Thus present study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral administration of powdered Fenugreek seed on the lipid profile. Methods: This study was Clinical Trial and conducted on 49 hyperlipidemia patients who were not use lipid-lowering medications. Patients were randomly divided into treatment and control groups (24 treatment group and 25 control group) and both groups received nutritional education regarding diet changes and lifestyle. Also treatment group received 5 g/d of powdered of fenugreek seeds (as a package) for 8 weeks with food. Tchol, TG, LDL, HDL and FBS of patients were measured at the beginning and end of the study and finally data were compared using paired t test. Result: the results indicate significant decrease (p<0.05) among treatment group in LDL, Tchol , TG and FBS . There was no significant change was seen in HDL of patient in neither of the two groups. Conclusion: the results of this study showed that consumption of fenugreek seeds powdered is effective in reduce of blood lipids in hyperlipidemia patients. Keywords: Fenugreek, Hyperlipidemia, lipid Profile

Application of Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris mixture to design self-healing concrete

This study investigated two indigenous micro-organisms that can be isolated from soil. The isolated micro-organisms could precipitate calcium carbonate. These micro-organisms were applied to design self-healing concretes. Concrete is one of the most important materials which is used to build structures. Strength and durability of concrete is very important. Hence, a lot of research in this field is being conducted. Although a few reports can be found on the use of different micro-organism to design self-healing concretes, no research has been carried out to isolate suitable indigenous micro-organisms in Malaysia. In this study two strains of microorganisms were isolated from soil. Broken concrete was treated by a medium culture (MC) containing micro-organisms. Results of this study showed that, cracked concrete could be filled by calcium carbonate after treating by a MC containing micro-organisms. However, this treatment is not very effective on the strength of concrete. Results of this study can be used to have a better grasp of biological self-healing concrete, it is extremely important to have cheap and durable materials to build concrete structures in future

Characterization and Pharmacological Activities of Jellyfish, Chrysaora hysoscella Captured in Bushehr Port, Iran

Background: Cutaneous reactions like pruritus and erythema are common in warm months of the year in Bushehr Port, Persian Gulf, Iran due to jellyfish envenomation. This study reports isolation of the Chrysaora hysoscella nematocysts and evaluating its pharmacological activities during a bloom in 2013. Methods: The venom of C. hysoscella captured in Jofre area in Bushehr port was analyzed. The electrophoretic profile was assessed by SDS-PAGE (12.5%) and the crude sample was analyzed using reverse phase HPLC. Caseinase activity was also determined. Results: After separation of tentacles and isolation of their nematocysts, three different major protein components were revealed at 72-250 kDa with SDS-PAGE, signifying the presence of peptides in its venom. Two major peaks at 8.62 and 11.23 min were observed in reverse phase HPLC of the crude venom denoting protease peptide structural identities. Caseinase activity of C. hysoscella's venom was extremely low as compared with other jellyfish venoms. Conclusion: This was the first report on the structural examination of jellyfish in Persian Gulf and may pave the way for determination and separation of destructive enzymes inducing cutaneous reactions in fishermen and swimmers

Global fertility in 204 countries and territories, 1950–2021, with forecasts to 2100: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background Accurate assessments of current and future fertility—including overall trends and changing population age structures across countries and regions—are essential to help plan for the profound social, economic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges that these changes will bring. Estimates and projections of fertility are necessary to inform policies involving resource and health-care needs, labour supply, education, gender equality, and family planning and support. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 produced up-to-date and comprehensive demographic assessments of key fertility indicators at global, regional, and national levels from 1950 to 2021 and forecast fertility metrics to 2100 based on a reference scenario and key policy-dependent alternative scenarios